Like throwing out the first baseball, turning on the siren at dawn of the first day of trout season is a "cool thing" few experience.
In his 50th year of fishing at Bennett Springs State Park, Milt Barr will do the honor at his favorite fishing hole Saturday.
Unlike years past, Barr won't be wearing his waders in the Niangua River as the sun comes up. But that's OK, he said.
Nearly 3,000 fishermen are expected to line the river's banks for the traditional opening day. A similar scene will play out at Missouri's other trout-stocked state parks, including Roaring River, Montauk and Maramec.
From March 1-Oct. 31, fishermen may take a limit of four fish per day from the river.
Opening Day draws some for its nostalgia, others because the trout have been hook-free for weeks.
But what likely may be the biggest motivator is cabin fever. Fishermen have been making flies and planning trips, and now the time has come to get back in the water.
With picnic areas, camping space and a general store, Bennett Springs is a crown jewel for the state, Barr said.
Since retiring in 2012 - Barr from public service and his wife, Cherie, from teaching - their trips to the park near Lebanon have increased to more than weekly.
They even go during the catch and release season, Nov. 1 to mid-February.
Cherie does not fish, but she appreciates nature's beauty and the peaceful setting with a book or her embroidery.
Because the underground spring feeds the area, the water temperature remains fairly constant, pleasant for both the hottest and coolest conditions above water.
Catching the trout takes some know-how. They're aggressive but not stupid, Barr said.
For him, that adds fun to the sport.
"You have to be stealthy in how you cast your line," Barr said.
He makes his own lures based on the critters he sees around his favorite spots.
At his home, he has some of his best catches mounted, including a brown trout rare to Missouri and the largest rainbow trout he ever has caught, which happened this winter.
The Barrs enjoy the lightly seasoned, nutty flavor of the trout he catches. But he's just as content during the catch and release season.
"It's the passion of the sport more than the food on the table," Barr said.
That motive is what brings fishermen together for the Capital City Fly Fishers and the Columbia Trout Unlimited organizations.
"It's fun to share stories and pictures," he said. "We have kindred minds."
Barr had been fishing many times in farm ponds around Marshall as a child. But at age 12, a friend invited him along to his first trout-fishing adventure at Bennett Springs.
Growing up on a farm, Barr said he grew up with an enjoyment of the outdoors. Trout fishing became an extension.
On a typical fishing trip, he will spend time in each of Bennett Springs' three zones - live bait, artificial bait and fly only.
Many trout anglers prefer the fly-fishing method. But not only is that a long-term skill to develop, but a different lifestyle, Barr said.
He takes waders and wading shoes with cleats, a fly rod and a spinning rod and a spare for each. His fishing tag and license are always handy, along with his creel for his catch.
And depending on the weather, he'll wear a weighted ball cap or his "Indiana Jones" hat.
He might leave as early as 3:30 a.m. in his four-wheel drive "Old Sport."
But when he returns, he is not exhausted but rather rejuvenated.
"It's restful, to leave your cares at home," Cherie agreed. "You come back ready to go again the next week."
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