There are few fish that inspire as much awe and admiration as salmon. Whether it be their qualities as a sport fish or food source, salmon have been at the pinnacle of many cultures and communities. Mark Kurlansky’s 2020 book is a biography of sorts. It traces the various species, their natural state, their past …
Although it is not the oldest work on fishing in the English language, Izaak Walton’s The Compleat Angler is undoubtedly the most prominent. From both a literary and cultural perspective it is well known and widely celebrated. For these merits and those intrinsic to the nearly 400 year-old book, you should read a passage or two. …
In this “one minute review” I share three reasons why Travers Corners needs to be on your fly fishing book stack. Scott Waldie’s first book in the series is a great read on its own. The people of this remote Montana town are endearing, the exploits of the protagonist interesting, and the fly fishing exciting. …
Just because they’re “no see ‘ums” to you, it doesn’t mean the fish can’t see and eat ‘um. Midges are a staple of trout diets. Imitations of these tiny insects and their cohorts deserve a place in your fly box. And, assuming you have the eyesight or gadgets to tie them on without too much …
Something that contemporary fly fishing culture has latched onto is the wonderful distribution of anglers: very different people from very different backgrounds are in very different places fly fishing. This is true throughout this present space. This is also true throughout time. If you fly fish, you’re connected to people who did what you do …
In one minute, I share why you should absolutely own Sheridan Anderson’s 1978 book, The Curtis Creek Manifesto. No other book shares all the necessary information about fly fishing in such an entertaining manner. Not only are the illustrations great fun, they are incredibly helpful. Additionally, the “necessary information” isn’t just what a fly rod …
Barry and Cathy Beck’s Fly Fishing the Flats is a modern classic in the instructional genre of fly fishing literature. It isn’t groundbreaking or breathtaking. It is simply the perfect solution to a legitimate problem: How do I make the transition from fly fishing in freshwater to saltwater? Although there are many similarities, countless trout …
I obviously advocate for the reading of fly fishing books. Hopefully it is understood that this is in no way to the exclusion of other books in general, or outdoors books in particular. One title that is in the same section as fly fishing books, albeit not on the same shelf, is Steven Rinella’s Meat …
Among many fly fishers, there is a positive – albeit somewhat nebulous – perspective on Trout Unlimited. They know that the conservation work and the cold water resource advocacy happens, but that might be the extent of it unless there has been a personal connection or proactive involvement in a local chapter. John Ross’ Rivers …
It would be easy to say that I regret not reading Christopher Camuto’s A Fly Fisherman’s Blue Ridge years ago. Not only is it well written, but the author’s experiences overlap with my own in a remarkable way. It is good enough that I can simply embrace that it was providentially saved for me today. …
