It was way back in 1961 when Jack and Mary Hale Hinkle established Jack’s Fishing Resort. Nestled against the White River just outside Mountain View, this legendary Ozark Mountains retreat draws anglers from throughout the country who come to experience the river’s world-class trout fishing. Visitors can rent a boat, hire a fishing guide or stay in one of the river view rooms. Jack and Mary’s daughters Pam and Jo, and son-in-law Mike, own and operate everything now, carrying on the traditions of quality expected after more than 60 years in business.
Whether you’re into trout fishing or not, you should drop into the resort restaurant, JoJo’s Catfish Wharf, for some of the best catfish in the state. They serve great ribeyes, chicken, chicken-fried steaks, seafood (including JoJo’s Famous Crab Cakes), burgers and desserts, too (the chocolate possum pie is to die for). But as the name suggests, catfish is their specialty, and it shows. The farm-raised fillets come perfectly cooked (deep-fried or grilled) in portions of two (Hook & Sinker) to 10 (Hungry Fisherman).
Don’t order too many, however, because each meal is served with enough delicious sides to feed an army of hungry anglers: creamy cole slaw, slow-cooked pinto beans, perfect hushpuppies, green tomato relish, homemade tartar sauce and your choice of fries or baked potato.
You’ll feel like a glutton but order a basket of their fried dill pickle chips, too. No one makes them better. And don’t forget to try some of their blue-ribbon pie or cake, even if you have to take a slice home. They’re good!
JoJo’s summer hours (April-October) are 11 a.m.-8 p.m., except Saturdays when they stay open an extra hour to 9 p.m.
