Up Front With Sara Parker Pauley

My dearest friend since high school days loves a good garage sale. Nothing makes her happier than finding hidden treasures in what others would see as castaway clutter. Walking the seashore with her is the same. She has the eye to spot just a sliver of a perfect seashell peeking through layers of sand. She proves that treasure is all around for those who take the time to venture out and keep a watchful eye.

Last June as the summer temperatures began to make their ascent, my husband and I took our fifth wheel travel trailer and bass boat in search of hidden treasure — largemouth bass. We hadn’t yet explored northwest Missouri’s flat-water areas, so we decided it was well past time to do so. Anchoring out of Crowder State Park, our treasure map included Lake Paho Conservation Area, and city lakes in Hamilton, Bethany, and Unionville. We lured in our treasure trove of fish with topwater poppers, frogs, and shaky head worms, among others.

I even took a break from the heat one afternoon and ventured into the quaint community of Jamesport, finding treasures there of a different kind.

Summer is the ideal time to go in search of Missouri’s hidden jewels — especially those of the fin variety, be they walleye, crappie, bass, or catfish. In nature, treasure is everywhere, if we can find the eye to see and the willingness to behold.

Sara Parker Pauley, Director

SARA.PAULEY@MDC.MO.GOV