Classic writing remains "classic" only insofar as people want to read it. Angling historians may study the evolution of tackle or tying techniques, or perhaps the methods of fishing used hundreds of years ago, but the wonderful stories about fishing are read and reread only because they give pleasure today; because they give us insights into why we fish and the nature of our passion; and because they are well written. This book offers more than twenty of the best classic fishing stories that have stood the inescapable test of time.

Witty, shrewd, and always a joy to read, John Gierach, "America's best fishing writer" (Houston Chronicle) and favorite streamside philosopher, has earned the following of "legions of readers who may not even fish but are drawn to his musings on community, culture, the natural world, and the seasons of life" (Kirkus Reviews). "After five decades, twenty books, and countless columns, [John Gierach] is still a master" (Forbes). Now, in his latest original collection, Gierach shows us why fly-fishing is the perfect antidote to everything that is wrong with the world. "Gierach's deceptively laconic prose masks an accomplished storyteller...His alert and slightly off-kilter observations place him in the general neighborhood of Mark Twain and James Thurber" (Publishers Weekly). In Dumb Luck and the Kindness of Strangers, Gierach looks back to the long-ago day when he bought his first resident fishing license in Colorado, where the fishing season never ends, and just knew he was in the right place. And he succinctly sums up part of the appeal of his sport when he writes that it is "an acquired taste that reintroduces the chaos of uncertainty back into our well-regulated lives." Lifelong fisherman though he is, Gierach can write with self-deprecating humor about his own fishing misadventures, confessing that despite all his experience, he is still capable of blowing a strike by a fish "in the usual amateur way." "Arguably the best fishing writer working" (The Wall Street Journal), Gierach offers witty, trenchant observations not just about fly-fishing itself but also about how one's love of fly-fishing shapes the world that we choose to make for ourselves.

The Ultimate Fly-Fishing Guide to the Smoky Mountains does more than any other book in print to bring success to a fishing trip. This newly updated landmark volume is an essential guide for anyone planning to fish the rivers, streams, and lakes in the Smokies -- these fisheries are some of the greatest in the nation. For successful fly-fishing, this guide is as important as the right tackle. The first half of this guide offers advice and history. The second half examines each of the 13 watersheds found within the park. Don Kirk and Greg Ward provide information about trail access, fishing pressure and quality, species, fly hatch information, and campsite availability.

The single most important factor that determines a fly angler's approach to a stretch of water isn't the time of day, nor is it a hatch of insects or even the character of the water itself. It's the season. From spring and summer through fall and winter, changes in weather dictate changes in strategy. This can be intimidating. If fish were biting here a month ago, why are things so different now? Where to go where they might be better? The seasonal variation of fishing strategy is necessary knowledge for any fly angler, and "Fly Fishing the Seasons: Colorado" is the first-ever guidebook to address this subject. Focusing on the world-class waters of the Centennial State, and with full-color photos throughout, this book comprises four equal sections--summer, fall, winter, and spring--each with a general locator map and each covering five to ten primary locations. The best waters to fish in this particular month or span of months? What flies and techniques to use? Look no further than "Fly Fishing the Seasons: Colorado."

L.L.Bean, Inc. has been a trusted source for quality apparel, reliable outdoor equipment and expert advice since 1912. To celebrate its hundredth anniversary, the Freeport-, Maine-based company has updated Hunting, Fishing and Camping, Leon Leonwood Bean's no-nonsense guide to enjoying the great outdoors. Originally published in 1942, this Maine classic offers instruction on everything from packing a canoe to stalking a bear. The new edition pairs the original text and nostalgic photographs with twenty-first-century perspective from L.L's great-grandson and Outdoor Channel television host, Bill Gorman. This entertaining and instructive book is not only a commemorative celebration of L.L.Bean's legacy and his commitment to conservation - it is a must-have manual for the modern sportsman.

Wearing a suit, spending more time behind a desk than he ever intended, life is brought back into perspective by the memories of growing up on a Midwestern family farm. The adventures of a boy and his dog Yogi discovering life on the family's small farm will give your soul reason for feeling the same joys and fears as those experienced by the two explorers as they met life head on in an era when people didn't lock their houses. This Midwestern families farm didn't just raise cows, chickens and pigs, it raised adventure and mischief in the form of a boy and his dog, adventure supplemented by the one room country school, the fields and the river that flowed near the families 180 acres of life. The important role that each family member played on the farm adds to this adventure as the boy recalls the sage wisdom of adults as well as that which can only come from a relationship between brothers and sisters. Annual trips to the state fair, vacations to neighboring states, and fishing trips with dad will generate in you the warmth of a family farm in times far different than those we live in today.

WINNER OF THE JOHN AVERY AWARD AT THE ANDRE SIMON AWARDS If we can save the salmon, we can save the world Over the centuries, salmon have been a vital resource, a dietary staple and an irresistible catch. But there is so much more to this extraordinary fish. As international bestseller Mark Kurlansky reveals, salmon persist as a barometer for the health of our planet. Centuries of our greatest assaults on nature can be seen in their harrowing yet awe-inspiring life cycle. Full of all Kurlansky's characteristic curiosity and insight, Salmon is a magisterial history of a wondrous creature. 'An epic, environmental tragedy' Spectator 'These creatures have nurtured our imagination as surely as our bodies. This book does them justice!' Bill McKibben

The result of more than thirty years' experience, Bass Fishing on Shore and Sea is a comprehensive guide to catching this beautiful yet challenging gamefish. The bass is wily and powerful, awesomely fast and fights with unparalleled aggression when hooked. Add to the the fact that the fish can be found along some of the wildest, most unspoilt shorelines or out on the lonely sea, and it is clear why bass fishing holds such allure for sport anglers. Topics covered include: where to look for bass and how to fish for them; tackle and techniques for shore fishing; what baits to use and how to obtain them; the equipment and techniques for boat fishing, both inshore and further out and fishing with lures. Illustrated throughout with superb photographs, this book is essential reading for all sea anglers.

Sam Cottle grew up in a fishing family and, thanks to the inspiration of his grandfather, "Cap," who nearly single-handedly created the port of Point Judith in southern Rhode Island, he became a successful captain in his own right. Here are Sam's first-hand accounts of his life at sea, from the terror of a vessel sinking in the middle of the night, to the excitement of dragging up unexploded depth charges and great white sharks in the nets, to the grueling toil and ultimate satisfaction that comes with an honest day's haul. Captain Sam introduces a whole host of colorful characters-from loving grandmothers to eccentric neighbors-all of whom played a role in shaping Sam's life and seafaring career.

Catskill Rivers is the story of the "birthplace of the American fly fishing." Readers will discover this birthplace in such hallowed trout streams as the Beaverkill, the Willowemoc, the Neversink, the Delaware, the Esopus, and the Schoharie. While originally published in 1983, Catskill Rivers remains the definitive study of these fabled waters and the remarkable people who created the American fly-fishing tradition. Painstakingly researched and imaginatively told, readers will also get an unforgettable survey of the early river industries, including rafting, sawmills, tanneries, and wood-acid factories, as well as at the early days on these classic trout waters, where George LaBranche, in Sparse Gray Hackle's words, "adapted the dry fly to fast water and started an angling revolution." Along with numerous historical glimpses into the many sociological forces surrounding the Catskill Rivers, readers will see many early, famous flyfishers take to these waters, including "Uncle Thad" Norris, Seth Green, Theodore Gordon, Herman Christian, Roy Steenrod, Sparse Gray Hackle, and many more. This historically accurate and beautifully written glance back into the early days of the Catskill Rivers will have both fishermen and nonfishermen wanting even more. Skyhorse Publishing is proud to publish a broad range of books for fishermen. Our books for anglers include titles that focus on fly fishing, bait fishing, fly-casting, spin casting, deep sea fishing, and surf fishing. Our books offer both practical advice on tackle, techniques, knots, and more, as well as lyrical prose on fishing for bass, trout, salmon, crappie, baitfish, catfish, and more. While not every title we publish becomes a New York Times bestseller or a national bestseller, we are committed to publishing books on subjects that are sometimes overlooked by other publishers and to authors whose work might not otherwise find a home.

The Magic of Fishing features twenty-two short chapters about family, friendship, love, death, ghosts and, of course, fishing. It is a charming celebration of a personal passion and one of the UK’s most popular pastimes, but it’s not a typical fishing book. John Moorwood began writing during a rare break from the office when, after spending more time on the bank than he’d managed for years, he was reminded of the joy of fishing and the ‘magical’ element that first captured his imagination. He realised just how much angling had enriched his life, and the lives of all those under its spell. Having lived in Surrey for nearly two decades, John was inspired to recount his close relationship with Joe Moorwood, his paternal granddad and a retired steelworker, who taught him about fishing whilst growing up in Sheffield. He takes a nostalgic, moving and humorous look back at an era before social media, smartphones or carbon fishing rods – relating how his hobby and life have evolved over four decades. Written in a simple, evocative and touching style, it’s primarily aimed at the masses of anglers who, like himself, won’t ever catch a record fish or appear on the cover of an angling magazine, but can still appreciate what it’s like to dream about ‘the one that got away’. Yet it should also appeal to nature lovers, the ‘fishing-curious’ and indeed all sentimental types who still believe in the existence of magic. The book features delightful pencil drawings by John’s father and a section of photography.

Everything you need to be a better saltwater angler. JACKET PRICE 6.99, RETAIL PRICE 2.99.

More than fish tales in this delightful book, readers will discover stories about the special relationships that develop through fishing-between parents and children, between friends and lovers, between fisherman, nature, and the elusive fish.

The Northern Gulf Coast region of Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana is home to some of the best coastal fishing in the world. From redfish, speckled trout, and flounder inshore to big game fish such as mackerel, tarpon, and even billfish off the beaches, kayak anglers have a fishing paradise on these sunny waters. Use this guide to learn where to fish, how to fish, and where to eat and stay to plan the perfect fishing adventure. Best of all, it's all based on real personal experience from the editor of Southern Kayak Magazine.

Enjoy a thoughtful, rural, and down-to-earth portrait of Maryland's Chesapeake Bay as seen by an avid fly fisherman. From isolated tidal rivers to unexpected spots beneath highway overpasses, each of the 12 stories, organized by the month of the year, offers a unique view of this diverse fishery with the straightforward sensitivity of an old country song. Along with a thorough examination of the fishery, read about struggles with the economic difficulty of creating a home on Maryland's Eastern Shore; consider an elegy for a faithful truck; and find an unexpected winter redemption in a pawnshop. Each chapter includes wood cut prints by Danielle Spradley and the vintage photography of A. Aubrey Bodine. The stories are punctuated with old wives' tales and family recipes. All good fishing yarns provide anglers with insight and useful information, but these stories extend past the fishery of the Chesapeake Bay and into our daily lives.

Australia brings to mind images of the Great Barrier Reef, great white sharks, huge crocodiles and friendly people. Zane Grey fished everywhere, but he often found himself lured back to the Pacific especially around Australia and New Zealand. Most of the fish caught in An American Angler in Australia are sharks (great white, tiger, even a few carpet ) but you can't go big game fishing in Australia and not expect to be teased by marlins.

Your Informative (and Entertaining!) Guide to Fly Fishing Fly fishing is a wonderful way to catch fish, and it is much simpler than you might think. More and more people are using this thrilling technique to catch trout, bluegill, sailfish, and more. You can count yourself among them. It just takes the right equipment, a little bit of know-how, and some practice. If you've never tried because you heard it's "too hard," then you are missing out! In Thrasher's Fly Fishing Guide, professional fly fisher Susan Thrasher provides an all-in-one resource to get you on the water and fly fishing with success. Inside You'll Find: Introduction to the basics, including terminology and equipment Discussion of various methods, from dry fly fishing to Euro nymphing Personal stories and anecdotes to entertain and encourage Advanced tips, such as fly fishing from a kayak and understanding various fly line designs Recommendations on lodging, guides, and nearby activities for destination trips Whether you've never hooked a fish or have spent your whole life casting a fly to that elusive brown trout, you'll enjoy Thrasher's engaging writing style, and you'll appreciate her step-by-step approach that can take you from "never tried" to "let's go again tomorrow!"

Fishing is one the most popular outdoor activities in Florida. This comprehensive regional guidebook provides anglers with the information they need to find the best places to fish in the Sunshine State. The book covers places to fish from the land or by boat along with plenty of insider information that will help any angler look like a pro wherever they decide to drop a line in the water. Filled with plenty of tips, maps, and month-by-month regional summaries of the species anglers can find in a specific region.