My grandpa loved to fish, and I never quite understood why. He’d spend hours on his pond in the quiet, watching the tiny bobber for any sign of movement. I thought it was so boring…until it wasn’t. Once that float moved, it was game on, a flurry of activity, thrashing about in the water, Papa muscling the line in closer and closer until he was finally pulling a fish up over the edge of the pond. I came to understand then that fishing can be both one of the most relaxing and most exciting hobbies at the same time. And I came to develop a new appreciation for those who love the peace of the wait and the thrill of the catch. Check out these books that’ll delight the beginner or expert angler in your life!
1. Basic Fishing: A Beginner’s Guide by Wade Bourne
Bourne offers a great manual for someone looking to begin the sport; he explains the gear, best bait choices, boat details, and how to clean and cook your catch.
Source: Amazon
2. Freshwater Fishing for Kids by Melanie A. Howard
Want to encourage your child to have the same love of fishing that you do? This book covers the basics at kid-level; it also includes a solid section on safety to establish good habits early.
Source: Amazon
3. Hemingway on Fishing by Ernest Hemingway and Nick Lyons (editor)
Do you know a fisherman who also loves great literature? Ernest Hemingway was also an angling enthusiast; this collection of his writings about his favorite hobby are sure to please on a whole new level!
Source: Amazon
4. The Complete Book of Fishing Knots, Leaders, and Lines by Lindsey Philpott
Any experienced fisherman will tell you that your knot can make or (quite literally) break your catch. Philpott’s guide includes step-by-step photographic instructions for how to tie fifty different fishing knots, sure to help you keep your hook on your line and your fish on your hook.
Source: Amazon
5. A Look at Life from the Riverbank: Stories About Fishing and the Meaning of Life by Steve Chapman
Chapman intertwines the joys and trials of fishing with truths and insights from the Bible in this book of devotional studies. It’s a great way for Christian anglers to combine their hobby with their spirituality.
Source: Amazon
6. All Fisherman Are Liars by John Gierach
Gierach shares tales of his travels all over North America for the best fishing experiences. His humor makes for an engaging read with some good information dropped in along the way.
Source: Amazon
7. River Monsters: True Stories of the Ones that Didn’t Get Away by Jeremy Wade
It only takes an episode or two of his highly acclaimed Animal Planet series River Monsters to see just why Wade is considered to be one of the greatest anglers of all time. In this book, he shares his methods for catching the big ones and many stories of his life spent on rivers chasing them.
Source: Amazon
With choices for the beginner, child, bibliophile, philosopher, and angling expert, you’ll be sure to please the fisherman/woman in your life (or yourself)!
YouTube Channel: Take Me Fishing
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