FOR YEARS I HAVE HEARD THE stories about the Bass Pro Shop in Springfield, Missouri, but never had the opportunity to visit. This fall on a trip through the Ozarks country, I made the time to visit this icon for outdoorsmen. When something is built up with stories of "you would not believe," there is often a letdown when the time comes to see it--not this time. I was in huntin' and fishin' heaven!

My travel schedule only allowed for about five hours to visit, and when I saw the enormous size of the facility I knew I must make every moment count.

 When I walked in, I had that same feeling I got when I was 6 and let loose in a toy story. I wanted to look at and experience everything there. Fortunately, maturity took hold and I realized I could not have or buy everything I wanted. I knew I had to stop after taking my second load of goodies to the truck.

As I traveled the departments I would unconsciously take the path by the tremendous black bass tank. I had heard about this monstrosity and now I was mesmerized. Although the size of the bass inside was an awesome sight, it was the opportunity to study and take reference photos that drew me .....