(Returning From A Successful Gigging Trip on Current or Jacks Fork River)

Ozark National Scenic Riverways was established in 1964 as the country's first National Riverway ''for the purpose of conserving and interpreting unique scenic and other natural values and objects of historic interest..." This image from around 1920 perfectly illustrates that portion of the enabling legislation. The unidentified man stands on the end of a wooden johnboat beached on a gravel bar. Johnboats were hand made by local craftsmen, and were built specifically to maneuver on the Current and Jacks Fork Rivers. The man has returned from a gigging trip, his gig resting against his shoulder as he shows off his catch- two good size bass that are likely headed to the plates of his family and friends.

Although today gigging and fish fries on these crystal clear rivers are usually considered recreation, earlier in Ozark's history fishing and gigging was often a good way to feed a family.