COLUMN: Outdoor Type: Wonders of wildlife, part II

In the middle of winter, it's always inspirational for us outdoorsmen to attend the various sport shows around the area. Here's a list of some upcoming area shows: Louisville Boat, RV, and Sport show, Jan. 28 to Feb.1, Kentucky Exposition Center, Fairgrounds; Indianapolis Boat, Sport, and Travel Show, Feb 15 to 24, Indiana State Fairgrounds; Indianapolis Deer, Turkey, and Waterfowl Expo, Feb 27 to March 1, Indiana State Fairgrounds.

Interesting seminars on fishing and hunting, a tremendous variety of outdoor products and willing vendors who actually make time to chat with you make these expos a fun time.

I recall once walking by a White River (Indianapolis) smallmouth guide's booth. He had a high visibility line on all his sample reels, and I inquired about that. His reasoning was that his clients often were not aware they had a strike, and the hi-vis line helped a lot. The fish don't see it, but the fisherman does. I've since used this type of line, which especially helps fishing soft plastics and crappie jigs.

Last time I talked about the appropriately named Wonders of Wildlife Museum and Aquarium in Springfield, Missouri. My wife has family there, and we go out once a year or so. I get to spend time at the outdoorsman's playground, the original Bass Pro Shop, called the "Granddaddy of Outdoor Stores." Now right next to the store, finally opening after 10 years of construction, is the Wonders of Wildlife Museum and Aquarium.

If you read the last column, you know the first part of the mile and a half walk-through experience is the wildlife, and it's truly amazing. The reproductions and mounts are artistic achievements. Great art and a variety of displays are everywhere. Don't be in a rush; take it all in (with kids this could be a problem but be patient).

You'll appreciate the stop at a conveniently located restaurant after the wildlife experience. Then it's on to the aquarium. Sure, you've been to aquariums, but this one's special.

Something like 35,000 live fish, mammals and reptiles are showcased in super-clear glass environs and scenes. There's an amazing 300,000-gallon "open ocean."

One sight I hadn't seen in previous aquariums was a giant ball of small ocean baitfish spinning around in a cone-shaped ball, pretty much like they do in their natural home. Small children are allowed to crawl inside tubes that get them extra close to the penguins and fish. The incredible variety of fishes on this planet, from small organisms to sharks, just boggles the mind. There's one knockout display of a full-size ocean fishing boat fighting a marlin or swordfish, complete with realistic-looking waves.

At the very end, there's the International Fishing and the Bass Fishing Halls of Fame. Good stuff, but my wife and grandson were done for the day. I could've spent another two hours checking out the two Halls, especially the Bass Hall. The old guys like Roland Martin and Bill Dance along with the newer pros like Kevin Van Dam and many others are featured, together with interesting stories about how far professional bass fishing has come. Next time I'll allow time and energy for those displays. Johnny Morris has come a long way since he started selling bass lures out of the back of his dad's Springfield liquor store.

Hope you get a chance to check out the Wonders (wondersofwildlife.org) and next door the original Bass Pro Shop, which in itself is a half day or more worth of looking and shopping. On the second floor is a replica of the first Bass Pro shop, a humble affair, along with lots of historical displays depicting BP's rise. Check out the other attractions Springfield has to offer by going online. There's a Civil War battlefield with interesting displays, excellent shopping, and nice parks. In season you could sample the golf courses. Branson with its boatload of year-round entertainment options and Table Rock and Tanneycomo lakes lie 45 minutes south. My personal Branson favorite is Sight and Sound Theatre's biblical shows. You won't believe the stage and the visual effects.

A fine fisherman and human, former President George H. W. Bush passed at 94 years young. He was also a good friend and fishing buddy of Johnny Morris. He once said: "The days a man spends fishing or hunting should not be deducted from the time he's on earth. In other words, if I fish today, that should be added to the amount of time I get to live."

Remember to conserve, protect and enjoy our great outdoors.