One of the things I like most about fly fishing is its strong literary tradition. I truly cannot think of another outdoor sport that’s had as many books and stories written about it.
I covered many pursuits when I was at Field & Stream and elsewhere—from bass tournaments to hog hunting, goose calling and public land deer hunts—but it was pretty clear that trout fishing punches above its weight when it comes to literature. (And to let you in on a little secret, if you told writers and editors in the outdoor world they could do any one thing for a day, most I know would choose fly fishing, hands down.)
You’ll be happy to know the next issue of TROUT magazine centers on a theme of “storytellers.” I just finished proofing the pages, which include the last essay by the late, great John Gierach, and I’m pretty sure you’re going to like it.
We also review several books in that issue.
It seems like there’s a bumper crop of new titles coming out this year (or have come out within the past year). I’ve come to think of late winter and early spring as book season, since that’s when many of the new titles get released. That coincides perfectly in my mind with the season when many of us start dusting off our fishing gear, spinning up flies and making ready to hit the water.
Here are a few snippets on books I recommend:
The Best Fly Fishing is Everywhere by Jesse Robbins (Hatherleigh Press, $17.95). This book is coming soon, and Jesse Robbins is, thankfully, a member of the Trout Unlimited national staff. Who in the world could credibly argue with the title of this book? I deeply love the premise, because I firmly believe that the true value of any fishing adventure is what you put into it and what you see and appreciate along the way. Jesse is very talented as a writer with a conversational style, and his words flow like bubbles in a babbling brook. His veteran insights are hard-earned and genuine, but the writing avoids the trap of ego that befalls so many. The bar for writing a book that reflects the “why” of fishing is getting set higher, but this one really clears the mark. You can and should expect to read much more from Jesse, and this book is a great place to start.
Bamboo Days by Jerry Kustich (West River Media, $26.95)You might know Jerry Kustich for his fly rod building work (Sweetgrass Rods). You might also know him for the books he’s written. In Bamboo Days, those worlds meld together. I feel downright lucky, emboldened and grateful that Jerry wrote this book. For anyone who truly cares about the “why” of fly fishing, it offers a grasp on the realities and good aspects of the sport we hold dear. Jerry is not only a master bamboo craftsman, but he is also a gifted wordsmith. Moreover, he has a conscience all of us should endeavor to emulate. This is one of the best, most relevant and influential books I’ve read in years.
Rolling Back the River by Paul Guernsey (Stackpole Books, $24.95)This novel is so interesting, so creative, it’s almost like I needed to lean over the railing and take a deep breath or two between chapters before reading on. Paul Guersey was the editor of Fly Rod & Reel for years, and he’s the one who was largely responsible for making that magazine the literary conscience of fly fishing. This, Guernsey’s fourth novel, takes place in Maine and South America involving an outdoor writer, a billionaire environmentalist and his twin nieces. I’ve never read anything quite like it. It grabbed me, compelled me and made me assess all the reasons why I care so much about fly-fishing. The writing is nothing short of masterful and laden with legitimate substance. It is so deeply honest and imaginative, it left me speechless.
There’s more… stay tuned for the next issue of TROUT and enjoy a good book or two in the meantime.