Discover the spiritual potential hidden in every cast of the fly rod. "For us, fly-fishing is about more than catching fish. We have been skunked on the stream too many times to count, and stood shivering in our waders in 45-degree water long after sundown. Yet, every chance we get, we head back to the river in search of trout and something more." —from Rabbi Eric's Introduction "Early in my fly-fishing career I remember telling a friend that there is so much to learn! Some forty years later, that is still true. Every trip I learn something new about rivers, fish and the natural world. Most importantly, I learn something new about myself. Every encounter with the waters of our planet draws me deeper into who I am and who I want to become." —from Reverend Mike's Introduction In this unique exploration of fly-fishing as a spiritual practice, an Episcopal priest and a rabbi share what fly-fishing has to teach us about reflection, awe and the wonder of the natural world, the benefits of solitude, the blessing of community and the search for the Divine. Tapping the wisdom in the Christian and Jewish traditions and their own geographically diverse experiences on the water, they show how time spent on the stream can help you navigate the currents and eddies of your own inner journey.

This is the first and only book available on the tier whose techniques with epoxy and silicone revolutionized saltwater fly tying. The family of flies Bob Popovics developed over the last three decades (dubbed "Pop Fleyes," a spelling that incorporates part of his last name with the fact that eyes are a prominent feature in their design) have proven devastatingly effective for stripers, bluefish, false albacore, and many more species. This book goes beyond the basic recipe format to provide the thinking behind Popovics's pattern development, a guide to key tying techniques, and detailed notes on how to fish Pop Fleyes most effectively.

"The most innovative fly tier I have ever known." --Lefty Kreh on Bob Popovics

"Bob Popovics has brought more creative ideas to the table in the last two decades than any other tier out there." --Dan Blanton

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.

Field & Stream Magazine called this essential book: 'The longtime bible of knots and knot tying.' It has now sold 150,000 copies. A second edition included new lines and leaders, new knots, and new nomenclature. Now, in this latest edition, we have added colour to the exceptionally clear line illustrations by Rod Walinchis, making this book a must for all fishermen - fresh and saltwater, fly, bait, and spinning - who want the clearest possible instructions on how to tie all the essential knots that hold.

Record your fishing successes-for data or for fun!Every great angler has a story or two, but do you remember all the details? When did you catch it? Where were you fishing? How big was it . . . really? Those answers and more can be recorded forever in the Fishing Journal. Keep track of the "what," where," and "how many," and create a personalized keepsake to look back upon year after year. As an added bonus, this logbook included callouts and sidebars of information: trivia, famous fishing quotes, and more. Anglers of all ages will enjoy putting this journal to use.

’I can’t recall us ever talking about anything other than eels and how to best catch them, down there by the stream. Actually, I can’t remember us speaking at all. Maybe because we never did.’

The European eel, Anguilla anguilla, is one of the strangest creatures nature ever created. Remarkably little is known about the eel, even today. What we do know is that it’s born as a tiny willow-leaf shaped larva in the Sargasso Sea, travels on the ocean currents toward the coasts of Europe – a journey of about four thousand miles that takes at least two years. Upon arrival, it transforms itself into a glass eel and then into a yellow eel before it wanders up into fresh water. It lives a solitary life, hiding from both light and science, for ten, twenty, fifty years, before migrating back to the sea in the autumn, morphing into a silver eel and swimming all the way back to the Sargasso Sea, where it breeds and dies.

And yet . . . There is still so much we don’t know about eels. No human has ever seen eels reproduce; no one can give a complete account of the eel’s metamorphoses or say why they are born and die in the Sargasso Sea; no human has even seen a mature eel in the Sargasso Sea. Ever. And now the eel is disappearing, and we don’t know exactly why.

What we do know is that eels and their mysterious lives captivate us.

This is the basis for The Gospel of the Eels, Patrik Svensson’s quite unique natural science memoir; his ongoing fascination with this secretive fish, but also the equally perplexing and often murky relationship he shared with his father, whose only passion in life was fishing for this obscure creature.

Through the exploration of eels in literature (Günter Grass and Graham Swift feature, amongst others) and the history of science (we learn about Aristotle’s and Sigmund Freud’s complicated relationships with eels) as well as modern marine biology (Rachel Carson and others) we get to know this peculiar animal. In this exploration, we also learn about the human condition, life and death, through natural science and nature writing at its very best.

As Patrik Svensson concludes: 'by writing about eels, I have in some ways found my way home again.'

It is with passion and clarity that Dave Whitlock describes trout, salmon, char, and how to fly fish for them. Artful Profiles of Trout, Char, and Salmon and the Flies That Catch Them is a collection of articles spanning Whitlock's career, all of which are essential reading for any fly-fisher. Over the past fifty years, he has amassed an incredible amount of knowledge and written a large number of articles, many of which appeared in Trout magazine and are featured within. Here, Whitlock deftly, accessibly, and thoroughly goes through a vast range of topics, including Insights into the many subspecies of trout, char, and salmon Casting methods for every scenario Drawing out shy fish Types of flies for different waters and situations Accurately imitating food sources And much more! Discover a wealth of information consolidated by an experienced and devoted angler. Artful Profiles of Trout, Char, and Salmon and the Flies That Catch Them is absolutely packed with tried-and-true tips, tactics, and techniques that are presented concisely alongside colorful illustrations by Whitlock himself. This book is a must have for anyone with an interest in angling, whether they are an absolute beginner, or an experienced angler with years under their belts.

Fishing For Dummies, UK Edition, provides you with a thorough introduction to all types of fishing - sea fishing, game fishing, and coarse fishing. This authoritative covers everything you need to know about this fantastic sport, including instruction on: * Identifying the key species of fish found within and off the coasts of the British Isles * Selecting the right rods, reels, line, and tackle * Mastering casting techniques * Tying knots like a seasoned angler * Hooking and landing fish with ease

Go Fishing with Minnesota's Famous Identification Guide! Fishing is a perfect outdoors activity for all ages and skill levels, and the Land of 10,000 Lakes is an angler's paradise. Reel in fish, and make identifying your catches a snap. Now in its second edition, the Fish of Minnesota Field Guide by Dave Bosanko features detailed information about 81 species of Minnesota fish. When you're not sure what you caught, grab the handy guide and narrow your choices by family. Then identify your prize with the intricately detailed fish illustrations. Further verify the type of fish using the "Similar Species" comparisons. Book Features: Detailed information about 81 species Professional-quality illustrations-perfect for fish identification Fascinating facts on spawning behavior, feeding habits, and more Fishing tips and inside information for easily locating fishing hotspots Bonus resources such as state fishing records and answers to frequently asked questions This new edition includes updated information about everything from range to state records, as well as the inclusion of six new species. A new section on fishing tips offers pointers to help you catch more fish, and more information on invasive species can help prevent their spread. The Fish of Minnesota Field Guide is essential for every tackle box, beach bag, RV, and cabin. Plus, its convenient size makes it perfect for the dock or boat.

Now an established classic on the subject, this new 2021 paperback edition of Hooked on Bass shows anglers how to catch bass, particularly the bigger fish, from the shore. With excellent photography and clear, detailed diagrams to help illustrate the advice, any angler, beginner or expert, who has caught or would like to catch bass will find endless value in the pages of this book.

Whether you're an experienced angler or have only just picked up a rod, this is an indispensable reference guide to fishing. The Complete Fishing Manual is your definitive guide to all things fishing, covering everything from strategies and techniques to bait, tackle, and kit. This manual will assist you every step of the way. Within the pages of this manual you'll find: - Fully illustrated with high-quality photography and illustrations - Information covering fishing techniques in all types of conditions and waters, from freshwater to saltwater - Essential advice on anatomy, behaviour, and habitats - Assistance from the very beginning all the way to the final catch, including getting your licence and reeling in your line - Step by step diagrams on how to prepare your rod for different types of fish - Includes how to fit and use different types of accessories to enhance your chances of catching fish - Diagnostic spreads go from symptom to solution - the manual will answer all of your fishing questions - The world's best fishing locations and the species you can find there Whether you're a pro, fly-fishing in the rivers of the UK or a novice figuring out the reel, this manual has all the information you need to plan your next fishing adventure. Vivid illustrations and detailed photographs draw you in, offer essential advice on anatomy, habitat and behaviour. Details of every fishing strategy and technique can be found within these pages, ensuring you are ever-ready. Casting your net further to the north of Italy and beautiful Spain, this book also takes you on a journey through the world's best fishing destinations, acquainting you with once-in-a-lifetime species found in this region. Complete the series: The Complete Manual series is an exciting, informative and vividly illustrated series of books. With titles such as The Complete Bike Owners Manual, The Complete Sailors Manual, and The Complete Gardener's Manual, this series offers a beautiful cross-section of titles for keen hobbyists.

In its first edition, published in 1993, "The Complete Book of Tackle Making" became the reference of choice for builders of fine tackle and casual craftsmen alike. It saved countless anglers thousands of dollars, and now, with this new edition--revised, updated, and expanded to accommodate the many developments in tackle making methods, equipment, and materials made since then--it can continue to do so for years to come.

Twenty-seven chapters and helpful appendixes include everything readers need to know about tools, spinners, bucktails, jigs, sinkers, plastic lures and plugs, wire leaders, painting and finishing methods, basic and advanced rod building, basic and decorative wraps, necessary knots and splices, tackle care and repair, suppliers and manufacturers, and much more. With more than eight hundred photographs and clear, step-by-step instruction throughout, this book is the ultimate reference for the tackle tinkerer.

The entrancing new work by Harry Middleton, the author of the popular The Earth Is Enough. This is a fisherman's appreciation of the wonderfully wild Great Smoky Mountains which straddle the Tennessee-North Carolina border, and includes lyrical accounts of eccentric people, evanescent landscapes and unexpected climates among the permanence of the mountains.

This collection, first published in 1925, describes Grey's fishing adventures in exotic locales throughout the Pacific Region. It was one of Grey's boyhood dreams to own a beautiful white ship and to sail her into lonely tropic seas. The pieces in this book are the result of those happy sailing and fishing days.

In the twelve years since his landmark book Pop Fleyes, Bob Popovics has continued to develop new fly patterns and improve old favourites. His new book includes 36 step-by-step tying and technique tutorials, over 12 new patterns, and numerous variations for every situation, plus contributions from a new generation of fly tiers who have been influenced by his signature style. Important fly design insights from one the sport's most innovative and influential fly tiers. Detailed tying steps for over 14 new patterns for salt and fresh water, including the Hollow Fleye, BULKhead, Beast, and Flex Fleye. In-depth tutorials on fundamental techniques essential for many saltwater fly patterns, large freshwater patterns for toothy critters, and working with the new light-cured acrylics. Fly patterns and tying tips from the next generation of leading fly designers: Jonny King, David Nelson, Dave Skok, Steve Farrar, and Blane Chocklett.

The village of Shimae is thrown into turmoil when master carp-catcher Katsuro suddenly drowns in the murky waters of the Kusagawa river. Who now will carry the precious cargo of carp to the imperial palace and preserve the crucial patronage that everyone in the village depends upon? Step forward Miyuki, Katsuro's grief-struck widow and the only remaining person in the village who knows anything about carp. She alone can undertake the long, perilous journey to the imperial palace, balancing the heavy baskets of fish on a pole across her shoulders, and ensure her village's future. So Miyuki sets off. Along her way she will encounter a host of remarkable characters, from prostitutes and innkeepers, to warlords and priests with evil in mind. She will endure ambushes and disaster, for the villagers are not the only people fixated on the fate of the eight magnificent carp. But when she reaches the Office of Gardens and Ponds, Miyuki discovers that the trials of her journey are far from over. For in the Office of Gardens and Ponds, nothing is quite as it seems, and beneath its veneer of refinement and ritual, there is an impenetrable barrier of politics and snobbery that Miyuki must overcome if she is to return to Shimae.

The Kenai is a world-class salmon river that attracts fishermen from all over the world, but is also the "everyman" river of the great fishing paradise of Alaska because of its accessibility. The Kenai River is special not only because world-record salmon are caught in its stunning green waters, but because it is on the road system and thus can be accessed by the average fisherman, not merely the well-to-do who pay huge sums to fish in remote Alaskan areas controlled by private lodges and that are approachable only by small planes.
In a state that takes at least a share of its identity from its image as The Last Frontier and concurrently as a fishing haven, the Kenai River is the lifeblood of a sporting world and industry that offers an incomparable fishing experience to the resident, the tourist, the hardcore fisherman, the beginner, and the expert. Fishermen in the Lower 48 states, seduced by images of gigantic fighting salmon, dream of some day fishing the picturesque waters of the Kenai River. Fishermen who live in Southcentral Alaska, including Alaska's largest city of Anchorage, plot their fishing seasons around the arrival of king salmon, red salmon, and silver salmon. To all of them, the Kenai is a magical river.
Not only is it the place of dreams, where an angler might catch a world record or world-class fish, it is, despite its nearness to the small cities of Kenai and Soldotna, still a wilderness. At one bend in the river there might be a hotel, a private summer home, or a forest since the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge also swallows the Kenai River.
The eighty-file-mile-long Kenai River is, more or less, two rivers. The upper river prohibits motorized boats altogether. The lower river features them. The upper river invites rafters and fly-fishermen. The lower river offers savvy guides who know each turn of the river, each rock's placement, and the opportunity to fish for 70-, 80-, or 90-pound salmon through specially developed styles appropriate to the area and the species. The upper river allows for Dolly Varden and rainbow trout fishing. The lower river emphasizes big salmon.
Each summer thousands of anglers fish the Kenai River. They bring millions of dollars worth of business to the Kenai Peninsula while following their dreams and bringing home stories of wilderness fishing adventures.

Originally published in 1950, this book presents a comprehensive anthropological discussion of fishing written by the renowned British ethnographer and zoologist James Hornell (1865-1949). The text begins with an account of methods and tools used in fishing, before moving on to the processes of fishing in different parts of the world, including, but not limited to, India, Sri Lanka, the Far East and Polynesia. Numerous illustrative figures and a bibliography are also incorporated. This book will be of value to anyone with an interest in anthropology, ethnography and the history of fishing.

Championed as one of the gentlest and most calming of field sports, angling has had its notable votaries throughout its history, from Isaak Walton to Horatio Nelson. In this charming book on the pleasures of fly fishing, the eminent chemist Sir Humphry Davy (1778-1829) adds his name to the list. He assigns his often poetic arguments to an imaginary cast of four friends, some of whom adore the sport while others question its morality as they embark on a series of angling trips. As their conversations progress, the friends discuss entomology and biology, the finer techniques of landing trout, and the use of peacock feathers and yellow monkey fur in the making of artificial flies. Originally published in 1828, Davy's book offers a glimpse of the sportsman behind the chemist and remains both accessible and instructive for modern enthusiasts.