NEW BOOKS

January/February 2006

Rod Crafting: A Full-Color Pictorial & Written History from 1843-1960
Jeffrey L. Hatton, Frank Amato Publications ( Portland, OR), (800)541-9498 or (503)653-8108, fax: (503)653-2766, www.amatobooks.com, 2005, 304 pp., illustrated, $45, softcover.
Catskill Rivers: Birthplace of American Fly Fishing
Austin M. Francis, The Lyons Press ( Guilford, CT), (888)249-7568 or (203)458-4500, fax: (800)820-2329 or (203)458-4603, www.globe-pequot.com, 2005, 257 pp., illustrated, $21.95, softcover.
Warman’s Fishing Lures Field Guide: Values and Identification,
Clyde F. Luckey and Clyde Harbin Sr., 2003
Heddon Catalogs 1902-1953 , Clyde A. Harbin Sr. and Russell E. Lewis, 2004
Heddon Plastic Lures: Identification and Price Guide , Russell E. Lewis, 2005
Classic Fishing Lures: Identification and Price Guide , Russell E. Lewis, 2005
Krause Publications ( Iola, WI), (888)457-2873 or (715)445-2214, fax: (715)445-4087, www.krause.com, 512/254/255/367 pp., illustrated, $12.99/$24.99/$24.99/$27.99, softcover.
    Rod Crafting is a look at the history of fishing rods from the early 1800s to 1960. Through text and hundreds of color photographs, Jeffrey Hatton covers the three ages of rod building: the Smith Age (1870 and earlier), the Expansion Era (1870-1900), and the Classical Era (1900-1960). More than 150 rods – with descriptions, history and notable features -- from over 50 makers are featured in 900 color photographs. The hallowed trout streams of the Catskills have been hailed for generations as “the birthplace of American fly fishing.” Originally published in 1983, Austin Francis’ Catskill Rivers remains the definitive study of these fabled waters and the remarkable people (great anglers, fly tiers, rod makers, entomologists, publicists) who created the American fly-fishing tradition. Warman’s Fishing Lures Field Guide is a handy, take-it-with-you (4¼” x 5¼”) resource, a guide you can carry along to flea markets and antique stores. Carl Luckey and Clyde Harbin have included hundreds of listings with prices, 400+ photos and illustrations, and descriptions. Heddon lures are indeed the top of the line in the eyes of many collectors. Heddon Catalogs 1902-1953 by Clyde Harbin and Russell Lewis contains a sampling of the most significant catalogs of this era. The color chart and lure listings provided will help you build and identify your own collection, you’ll observe the evolution of Heddon’s lures and marketing, and you’ll definitely enjoy the nostalgia. Lewis continues his coverage of Heddon products with a look at the glory years of Heddon Plastic Lures. From the first innovative lure in 1924 through the company’s sale in 1984, Heddon made millions of colorful, fish-attracting lures from that material. Anglers loved them and collectors can’t find enough of the now-rare models – from the first Heddon-Stanley Pork Rind Minnow to the last Zara. Includes 1,500 color photos and current pricing. In Classic Fishing Lures, Russell Lewis features the big six lure makers (Heddon, Paw Paw, Creek Chub, Pflueger, Shakespeare, and South Bend) but includes the top lures by leading regional manufacturers, too. In addition, Lewis provides history and facts about lure makers and tips on collecting and dating lures. And, once again, lots of great photos.

A Field Guide to North Atlantic Wildlife: Marine Mammals, Seabirds, Fish, and Other Sea Life
Noble S. Proctor and Patrick J. Lynch, Yale University Press ( New Haven), (800)405-1619 or (203)432-0163, fax: (800)406-9145 or (203)432-0964, www.yalebooks.com, 2005, 221 pp., illustrated, $19.95, softcover.
The Anatomy of the Sea
David Ponsonby and Georges Dussart, Chronicle Books ( San Francisco), (800)722-6657 or (415)537-4257, fax: (415)537-4470, www.chroniclebooks.com, 2005, 288 pp., illustrated, $16.95, softcover.
Ancient Fishing and Fish Processing in the Black Sea Region
Tønnes Bekker-Nielsen, ed., Aarhus University Press ( Aarhus, Denmark), www.unipress.dk, 2005, 222 pp., illustrated, US$46.95, hardcover.
Marine Conservation Biology: The Science of Maintaining the Sea’s BiodiversityElliott A. Norse and Larry B. Crowder, eds., Island Press ( Washington, DC), ordering ( California): (800)828-1302 or (707)983-6432, fax: (707)983-6414, www.islandpress.org, 2005, 470 pp., $49.95, softcover.
    A Field Guide to North Atlantic Wildlife is a pocket-size reference to the unprecedented range of species found in this area. Noble Proctor’s concise text and Patrick Lynch’s detailed illustrations help you identify the invertebrates, mammals, birds, turtles, fish, sharks and rays, and even floating seaweeds and common algae that live along the Atlantic coast and offshore from North Carolina to Canada. Over 600 specimens – from sharks and starfish to penguins and plankton – can be found in the charming compendium, The Anatomy of the Sea. Page after page of intricate engravings, woodcuts and drawings from the Victorian era are paired with observations by early naturalists describing each particular species. Authors David Ponsonby and Georges Dussart are responsible for this lovely little book. Ancient Fishing and Fish Processing in the Black Sea Region challenges the common view that fishing and fish played only a marginal role in the economy of the ancient world. In fact, there is archaeological evidence for ancient fish processing on a commercial scale not only in the Mediterranean, but also on the Atlantic coast and in the Black Sea region. In this book, the authors assess the present state of research on ancient fishing and discuss its implications for the history of the region. Marine Conservation Biology creates the conceptual framework for the new field of marine conservation biology – the science of protecting, recovering, and sustainably using the living sea. It synthesizes the latest knowledge and ideas, and examines the key issues facing environmental managers, policymakers, and others concerned with the health of our oceans.

Fit to Fish: How to Tackle Angling Injuries
Stephen L. Hisey and Keith R. Berend, Frank Amato Publications (contact information above), 2005, 158 pp., illustrated, $19.95, softcover.
The Master Angler: Using Color Technology to Catch More Fish
Phil Rabideau, Hancock House Publishers ( Blaine, WA), (800)938-1114 or (604)538-1114, fax: (800)983-2262 or (604)538-2262, www.hancockhouse.com, 2004, 94 pp., illustrated, $14.95, softcover.
Beating the Odds on Northern Waters: A Guide to Fishing Safety
Susan Clark Jensen and Jerry Dzugan, eds., Alaska Sea Grant College Program ( University of Alaska Fairbanks), (888)789-0090, www.uaf.edu/seagrant, 2002, 244 pp., illustrated, $15, spiralbound softcover.
    If you find yourself suffering for your sport, Fit to Fish is your solution. Authors Stephen Hisey (a physical therapist) and Keith Berend (an orthopedic surgeon) are two avid fishermen. With easy-to-understand text and helpful photographs and illustrations, they discuss common fishing-related overuse injuries and include treatment information: self-care advice, fishing and casting modifications, bracing suggestions, equipment modifications, and appropriate exercises. The Master Angler is a guide to better fishing no matter what your present skill level. Phil Rabideau has captured much of the science of the sport and condensed it to a practical level. He starts with understanding the physiology of fish and why they behave the way they do; examines a lure’s attributes and helps you select the right one; discusses structure, weather and the moon; plus more. For more than a decade hundreds of safety trainers, including the U.S. Coast Guard, have relied on Beating the Odds on Northern Waters: A Guide to Fishing Safety as their primary reference and teaching tool. Originally written for use in the North Pacific commercial fishery, it applies equally well to the northern waters of the Atlantic Ocean, including the New England region. For those working at sea this is an excellent and readable resource on safety and survival.

Gone Fishin’…The 50 Best Waters in Pennsylvania
Gone Fishin’…The 75 Best Waters in Connecticut
Manny Luftglass, Gone Fishin’ Enterprises ( Annandale, NJ), (908)996-2145, www.gonefishinbooks.com, 2000/2001, 110/114 pp., illustrated, $13.95 each, softcover. Fishing Saskatchewan: An Angler’s Guide to Provincial Waters
Michael Snook, University of Regina ( Saskatchewan, Canada), (306)585-4758, fax: (306)585-4699, www.cprc.ca, 2004, 240 pp., illustrated, $15.95, softcover. Floating Alaska! Planning Self-Guided Fishing Expeditions , Don Crane
Fly Fishing the Florida Keys: The Guides’ Guide , Skip Clement and Andrew Derr
Frank Amato Publications (contact information above), 2004/2005, 79/168 pp., illustrated, $15.95/$25, softcover.
    Manny Luftglass’ Gone Fishin’… series now includes 14 excellent guides. In these two additions he takes a look at 50 locations in Pennsylvania and 75 in Connecticut -- the best lakes, rivers, streams and even hot spots in the Long Island Sound. With in-depth details from the author and area experts, you’ll have everything you need to know about fishing these waters at your fingertips, plus maps, stocking info, regulations, and laws. Floating Alaska will help any fisherman plan a productive and organized self-guided float trip in this dream destination -- for an extremely reasonable price. Don Crane covers preparation, gear, camping, food, fishing, wildlife, resources and services, and much more. Fishing Saskatchewan covers all the seasons, from summer walleye and pike fishing to fly fishing in the province’s streams, northern fly-in trips, and ice fishing. Sections on techniques and tackle are geared to species found here, and Michael Snook devotes chapters to fish stocking, commercial and competitive fishing, and fisheries management. The Florida Keys are a fisherman’s paradise, with great weather, abundant fish species, plenty of services and accommodations, and fascinating history. Fly Fishing the Florida Keys, by Skip Clement and Andrew Derr, is a combination how-to and travel guide to this destination. Beginning with a fascinating chapter on the history of the Keys, the authors move on to the environment, the fishing guides, the tackle, the fish, the fly patterns, the best times to fish, and 25 pages of very useful “practical information” and maps. A special treat: the wonderful artwork of Diane Rome Peebles and Don Ray.

In the Gray: A Private Boaters Guide to Fishing Island Waters
Mark Wisch, Pacific Edge Press ( Huntington Beach, CA), (800)339-3922, fax: (714)846-1592, www.pacificedgetackle.com, 2005, 494 pp., illustrated, $29.95 plus $5.44 S/H, softcover
Lefty’s Favorite Fly-Fishing Waters , Lefty Kreh and Harry Middleton
Trout Unlimited’s Guide to America’s 100 Best Trout Streams , John Ross
The Lyons Press (contact information above), 2004/2005, 175/366 pp., illustrated, $14.95/$18.95, softcover.
    In Capt. Mark Wisch’s second book, In the Gray, he shares his 40 years of experience fishing Catalina Island with private boaters. You’ll learn about the habits and habitats of the Island’s primary species; when and where to fish (based on the forces of nature); boat handling tips; bait catching; and the tackle, tools and knots you’ll need to pull it all together. Nearly 500 fishing spots, ranging from shallow bays and beaches to deep ledges, comprise the largest portion of the book. Lefty Kreh is convinced that the U.S. contains the best and most diverse fishing in the world. Working together with co-author Harry Middleton, he compiled his favorite trout, bass, shad, salmon, and steelhead spots – and an incredible variety of fishing holes found in Alaska and Florida. In the wide-ranging travel book, Lefty’s Favorite Fly-Fishing Waters, he shares these 40 carefully-chosen locations. John Ross has revised Trout Unlimited’s Guide to America’s 100 Best Trout Streams, originally published in 1999. With more than 30 new streams and updated maps, the book remains the source of information about the best trout fishing in the U.S. Where to fish, when to go, which fly or lure to use – anglers will find it all in each profile, along with maps and lists of tackle shops, relevant books, and accommodations.

The Book of Lures
Ron Calcutt and Tim Simpson, Simon & Schuster Australia (Pymble, NSW), 011-61-2-9983-6600, fax: 011-61-2-9988-4232, www.simonsays.com, 2005, 321 pp., illustrated, AU$49.95, hardcover.
Mayflies
Ted Fauceglia, Stackpole Books ( Mechanicsburg, PA), (800)732-3669 or (717)796-0411, fax: (717)796-0412, www.stackpolebooks.com, 2005, 196 pp., illustrated, $49.95, hardcover.
Go-To Flies: 101 Patterns the Pros Use When All Else Fails
Tony Lolli, Wilderness Adventures Press ( Belgrade, MT), (800)925-3339 or (406)388-0112, fax: (800)390-7558 or (406)388-0120, www.wildadv.com, 2004, 213 pp., illustrated, $24.95 plus $4.99 S/H, softcover with lay-flat binding.
    Since selecting the best lure from the vast array available can be bewildering, Ron Calcutt and Tim Simpson have compiled a definitive guide. The Book of Lures distills the many thousand of lures into 12 fundamental lure styles and their unique features. The authors explain how fish feel, see, hear and hunt underwater and what triggers them to attack And you’ll learn about size, color, speed, sound and design, as well as knots, leaders, new super lines, fish-finding techniques and the critical strike zone. In Mayflies, Ted Fauceglia combines his two passions – fly fishing and photography – to create a fascinating look at these remarkable insects for fly fishers and naturalists. For over 15 years he has stalked these tiniest of subjects; he knows their habits and habitats, the stages of their life cycles from nymph to dun to spinner, and which artificial flies best match each species. Tony Lolli has assembled the best original patterns from working fly-fishing guides around the country and the world in Go-To Flies. These 101 patterns were created by pros who had to get their clients into fish under the toughest of circumstances. Each of these durable, quick, and easy-to-tie flies is featured in color with a list of materials and tying instructions, how and why it was created, and how the guide uses it to catch fish.

Books Archive

March/April 2004
May/June 2004
July/August 2004
September/October 2004
November/December 2004
January/February 2005
March/April 2005
May/June 2005
July/August 2005
September/October 2005
November/December 2005