Shoalnook Cabins on the James River

Link: https://shoalnook.com/

About a month ago, I got to do something that I haven’t got to do in a long time.  I got to go on a fishing trip with my one of my best friends Corey.  We headed to Southwest Missouri to do some smallmouth fishing with Ryan Walker of Ozarks Smallmouth Alliance.  We decided to make the drive down from Kansas City the day before with the hopes of having an easier morning on the day of our float with Ryan.  We also wanted to find a spot to fish the evening before our trip in order to maximize our fishing opportunities.

My plan was to get on the road around noon, arrive around four.  I also planned for us to find a place to crash on the way as we drove towards the Springfield area.  I'm not really picky where I stay and I was more concerned about finding a place that was located near a river as well as a public access point.  I was even fine with camping if that was what it took to get a little more fishing.  I've done this type of thing before and I was fine with the plan.  

What I didn't count on was the fact that Corey doesn't roll that way.  He prefers to have a plan.  Corey likes to have a plan that is comfortable as well as convenient.  I don't mean Corey needs luxury.  I simply mean that Corey likes to find the best case scenario.  This is one of the many reasons I like Corey and consider him to be one of my best friends. 

In true Corey fashion, the day before we left he got to work on finding us a place to stay.  He called me that evening full of excitement and enthusiasm.  He told me that he had found a small cabin in Galena, Missouri, that was located within walking distance of the James River.  It was also located about 10 minutes from where we were going to meet up with Ryan the next morning.  The place owned waterfront property so access to the river was simple.  He sent me a link and it didn't take long to figure out that Corey had stumbled on something special.

From the moment we checked in, we were equally impressed.  The place had everything we needed and nothing that we didn't.  It had an air conditioner, a small kitchen, a loft and a living area.  It was lacking a television, which I actually liked.  There was a shower with warm water, a refrigerator, and a futon.  It was an extremely comfortable stay and we even cooked a simple meal that evening as well.  By simple, I mean microwaved items that we bought at the local Dollar General.  Two cans of Chef Boyardee ravioli filled me up!

While we were unpacking, I called Ryan to tell him that we had made it to Galena.  He asked where we were staying.  When I told him, he knew exactly where it was and told us exactly where to fish.  I have always had faith in Ryan's ability to find fish and yet again, he didn't let us down.  Corey and I both caught a few fish.  Most of them were longear sunfish but I did end up with one smallmouth bass as well to kick off the trip.  More importantly, Corey landed his first AND second smallmouth bass of his life.  I cannot communicate how happy I was for him. 

Corey and I don't get to fish together as much as we used to.  Having young families coincides with bush schedules and we both have kids of varying ages.  This little slice of heaven that we found at Shoalnook Cabins and this stretch of river were enjoyed as much as they were appreciated.  It was nice to spend some time with my good friend, catch a few fish, and stay in a much better place than I would have picked out.  We both mentioned, on more than one occasion, that we will be going back to Shoalnook Cabins.  If you're interested in something like what I have described and what is shown in the pictures, check out the link.  If you like comfortable yet rustic accommodations, you might even consider visiting this little oasis!

Link: https://shoalnook.com/