It seems I have been conditioned to the level of service we get at the large big box sporting goods stores. You know its a lot like Walmart on a Friday night, in other words it just sucks. I have often missed the privately owned “Johns Sport and Marine” type tackle shops, and even more often I have missed that personal experience.

Well let me tell you about Bryant’s Osage Outdoors in Laurie Missouri. This place is the real deal folks. They have been in business for 21 years here at Lake of the Ozarks, and their tackle selection is very lake specific.

There is a 100+ member Bass club that fishes out of the shop as well. That tells me that they really know the lake. Even though Bass are a popular species here the crappie fishing is also very good. In fact, its so good the American Crappie Trail held their national championship here just last week.

Customer Service is where they really excel. Last week I saw professional anglers calling in their bait orders and the bait being ready when they arrived for the boat check! I also saw an angler who had some tire trouble one morning during the tournament. The owner of the shop took the tire and had it repaired while the angler fished! That right there is some of that “next level service”.

They also offer reel repair and service in house. There is a great selection of used reels for sale as well. If you get in the Laurie Missouri area this is the tackle shop to visit. Their coffee is always hot and the service is out of this world.

We stayed at the Hawks Landing resort while working the American Crappie trail Classic this month. I must say the resort is definitely built for comfort. The staff are great and accommodating, the cabins are very nice, and the amenities are very well maintained.

Very nice covered and powered boat slips are available to guests.

A very clean and heated pool is always a nice plus when mother nature does not cooperate with your outdoor plans.

They even have a heated and enclosed fishing pier for guests. I will bet this is a hit for people who visit during the winter here at lake of the Ozarks.

If you plans include a trip to the Lake of the Ozarks you will want to look into staying here.

Hawks Landing Resort