By Gary McBride
Photographs by Gary 
Earlier this year I had the pleasure to fish with Jim Brentlinger of Linger’s Riverview Fishing Lodge www.lingersguideservice.com and have lunch at the lodge. It was so memorable that I filed it away for a fall trip with my wife Marilyn. After hearing the good things I had to say about the experience she was eager to join me.
I contacted Jim and set a date for an over night stay in the late stages of October so we could capitalize on seeing the fall colors. As we left our home last Tuesday morning it was cool, cloudy and a light rain was falling. I just knew things would improve given we had 250 miles south to travel. Unfortunately as the trip progressed so did the rain. Mar was a little disappointed because she wanted the sun to show off Mother Natures colors. Being the optimist she is, she focused on looking forward to our stay with the Brentlinger’s.
As we neared Mountain Home Arkansas, I called Jim and found out that the rain had lightened but it was still cloudy and a little cool. Since he had fished almost the exact same conditions the day before with great success he thought our chances were good. Well 127 fish were caught and released in a little over three hours the day before so it appears that Jim knows his stuff.
When we arrived we were welcomed at the front door of the lodge by the Brentlinger’s, Jim and his wife Nancy. I could tell immediately that Marilyn was impressed. As we entered the lodge she was blown away by the warmth and beauty of the décor and the outstanding view of the river and surroundings. Later she told me that she had no idea that it was going to be so nice.
I grabbed our bags and headed for our room just off the main room of the lodge. Marilyn was roaming around looking at the mounts of wildlife that added to the beauty of the lodge. After she had viewed all of the various and unusual mounts she came to our room to help me get settled in. She wanted to make sure that I had seen everything especially the moose, the coyote, the caribou and all the birds and fish. Of course I had because I had been there before. Since Mar is not much of a fisherman she didn’t join Jim and me. Instead she decides to relax in the great room with its comfortable furniture and spectacular view of the woods and the White river. She also took the opportunity to finish the book she was reading and visit with Nancy. To her surprise she discovered that Nancy was from the St. Louis area so they had plenty to talk about.
Meanwhile Jim asked if I wanted to hit the river and of course I said yes. I grabbed my rain suit and camera and off we went. Knowing Marilyn was happy with new surroundings and the prospect of curling up with her book it made it easy to leave her and do some Trout fishing on the World famous White River.
We drove a short distance and launched the boat. Jim said the river color and conditions were exactly like the day before so I was excited and ready to fish. We used light open faced tackle with a small Ginger White River Zig Jig. Jim then proceeded to instruct me on the technique to use and in no time we were catching fish. The rain had stopped and the conditions were excellent. For the next two hours we caught and released many fish. Jim asked if I knew what number the next fish was and I guessed 50 and was right. Then I told him that was the “kiss of death” and that we would probably have trouble from that point on. Us old fisherman can be pretty superstitious! We did struggle for the next 3 or 4 minutes until Jim caught number 50. Then we decided to call it a day and head for the lodge and a cocktail with our wives. Well as I was retrieving my line I caught number 51. It just doesn’t get any better than this. Jim works hard and skillfully at putting his clients in a position to catch a lot of fish. The fact that his clients had caught 127 the day before and we caught 51 is a true testament.
When we returned we were welcomed back by Marilyn and Nancy. Mar had finished her book and was looking forward to a cocktail and dinner. When we arrived earlier in the day we couldn’t help but notice the table was already set and there were caps and pens and other items on the table for us. Now Marilyn is not the biggest cap person in the world but the fact that her hat was pink made it special. In fact it’s now displayed on the coat tree at home.
Jim and I then grabbed ourselves a drink and headed for the new hot tub. The temp outside was in the high 40’s but the hot tub was 102. We relaxed for 20 minutes or so and shared stories. Like I said before, it just doesn’t get any better than this.
We joined our wives back in the lodge for a cocktail as Jim and Nancy prepared dinner. Earlier when we were getting settled in our bedroom Marilyn had noticed a red card on our bed. It welcomed us to the lodge and listed what dinner consisted of as well as breakfast the next morning. What a touch of class!
Dinner was excellent. We started with home made chicken soup made by Jim followed by a great salad and a rib eye steak cooked to our liking, with sautéed shrimp, broccoli, baked potatoes and a wonderful apple cake for dessert.
During dinner we really enjoyed being with Jim and Nancy and had many questions for them and many good laughs and stories. After dinner we sat in the main seating area on large soft leather couches and chairs and had some more quality time with the Brentlinger’s. I could tell Marilyn was really enjoying herself which was a real plus. After a full day of travelling, fishing and relaxing “the sleepies” got us, so we said our good nights and headed for bed. But before we could Jim wanted to know exactly what time we wanted breakfast. Jim will get up as early as necessary to be sure breakfast is ready the minute you want it.
We had a good night’s rest. The queen size bed was very comfortable and Mar wanted me to mention how nice and clean the bathroom was. The shower stall and bathroom vanity were granite and as with the rest of the house the décor was in keeping with the lodge theme.
The next morning found a light fog hovering over the river but the skies were clearing and it looked like it was going to be a nice fall day. The lodge is situated high on a bluff overlooking the White River and has many floor-to-ceiling windows from which to view.
Coffee was brewed and breakfast well under way when I entered the kitchen area. Jim had already completed his daily four mile walk, cleaned up and was busy with breakfast. Not long after Marilyn and Nancy joined us. The day was shaping up to be nice so Marilyn grabbed our camera and headed out on the porch to capture pictures of the river and the fog as well as many shots of the lodge to share with family and friends. Breakfast consisted of scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, juice and toast. As good as the food was and it really was good, it was truly surpassed by the warmth and hospitality of Jim and Nancy. They really make you feel welcome and as if you were at home.
When the time came to get ready to go, I had a hard time getting Marilyn to leave. Since I did have another assignment we needed to hit the road soon. “Just a little more conversation and another cup of coffee” she said. Actually it turned out to be a cup and a half.
Once the car was packed I went back inside to get Marilyn. After thanking Jim and Nancy for their hospitality they walked us out and we said our good byes.
Normally my travelling buddy Don and I go on these types of trips so it was interesting to have the “feminine” perspective. Well needless to say Marilyn had a great time and couldn’t have been more pleased.
You might want to think about taking your wife with you for a great time at the Linger’s Riverview Fishing Lodge. Is there a special occasion coming up? Just think you can do something special for her while you catch a lot of fish. Give Jim a call 870-499-5185 or 417-839-0556 and book a trip soon you won’t be sorry.
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