NEW BOOKS

March/April 2004

Alexander Schwab, Merlin Unwin Books (U.K.), 011-44-1584-877456, fax: 011-44-1584-877457, www.merlinunwin.co.uk or www.about-flyfishing.com, 224 pp., illustrated, £17.99, hardcover.

Susan West and Barbara J. Garrity-Blake, Mystic Seaport Bookstore (Mystic, CT), (800)331-2665 or (860)572-0711, fax: (860)572-5324, www.mysticseaport.org, 2003, 140 pp., illustrated, $16.95 plus $4.95 S/H, softcover.

Thomas C. Grubb, Jr., University of Wisconsin Press (Madison), (773)702-7000, fax: (800)621-8476 or (773)702-7212, www.wisc.edu/wisconsinpress, 2003, 196 pp., illustrated, $21.95, softcover.

National Wildlife Federation, Island Press (Washington, DC), (800)828-1302 or (707)983-6432, fax: (707)983-6414, www.islandpress.org, 2003, 793 pp., $75, softcover.

Anglers, hunters, and non-sportsmen who aren’t quite sure where they stand on animal rights issues will find Hook, Line and Thinker thought-provoking. Alexander Schwab explains the basic beliefs and assumptions underlying all anti-angling thought, tackles these issues from a philosophical viewpoint, and examines the ethics of animal rights groups. Taking place in 16 "acts" on the waters of North Carolina, Fish House Opera offers eloquent testimony on the issues and challenges facing commercial fishing families today. Here they share their delight in living by the values considered truly American – independence, risk-taking, and honest hard work -- and their despair at seeing that way of life changed beyond their control. Co-authors Susan West and Barbara Garrity-Blake, both involved in fisheries management, present an interesting and timely look at politics and personalities, written with the comic and tragic elements of a classic opera,. How and why do trout think? How do they decide where to eat and which food to eat? Why do they refuse to behave as predicted? Why can trout smell better than humans but not remember as well? Citing the most recent scientific findings in a readily understandable form, Thomas Grubb addresses these questions and more in The Mind of the Trout, a book that brings together many varied concepts of cognitive ecology as applied to trout and their salmonid relatives (char, salmon, grayling, and whitefish). The Conservation Directory, the preeminent guide to the conservation community, is always an essential resource. For 2004, the National Wildlife Federation has put together the most comprehensive listing of conservation and environmental organizations yet published, with detailed information on nearly 4,000 government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and colleges and universities, as well as more than 18,000 officials concerned with environmental conservation, education, and natural resource use and management.

Michael L. Farrior, The Tuna Club Foundation (P.O. Box 526, Avalon, CA 90704), fax: (310)510-1782, tunaclub@catalinas.net, 2003, 210 pp., illustrated, $100 plus $6 S/H, hardcover.

Kevin C. Shelly, The Derrydale Press (Lanham, MD), (800)462-6420 or (717)794-3800, fax: (800)338-4550 or (717)794-3803, www.derrydalepress.com, 2003, 93 pp., illustrated, $60 plus $4 S/H, hardcover.

The Flyfishers Club of Oregon, Frank Amato Publications (Portland, OR), (800)541-9498 or (503)653-8108, fax: (503)653-2766, www.amatobooks.com, 2003, 167 pp., illustrated, $24.95, softcover.

Al Soczka, Tall Pines Publishing (P.O. Box 630, Land O Lakes, WI 54540), (715)547-3290, tallpines@nnex.net, 2003, 276 pp., illustrated, $30 plus $5 S/H, softcover.

The History of the Tuna Club 1898-1998 is a fascinating look at this birthplace of modern big-game angling. Tuna Club historian and IGFA Trustee Michael Farrior has captured the essence of the storied institution where the first tuna, marlin and broadbill were caught on rod and reel. Additional chapters cover the origins of sport fishing, evolution of tackle and Catalina’s early days, and the archival photographs and images, many never before published, are a visual treat. This beautifully-produced book is required reading for any angler, historian, and collector; you will acquire a deep appreciation of the Tuna Club’s heritage, the vision of its founders, and the spirit of its members who continue to follow rules and regulations, designed more than 100 years ago, that give fish a sporting chance. Lynn Bogue Hunt, one of the most talented and productive illustrators of the Great Depression and post-war eras, produced more than 100 covers for Field & Stream magazine in a career that spanned 56 years. His classic art also appeared on stamps, cards, prints, glassware, tile, as covers for the L.L. Bean catalog and in books. Lynn Bogue Hunt: A Sporting Life, with Kevin Shelly’s intimate biographical essay and 100 color images of Hunt’s illustrations and paintings, is a celebration of the life and work of this artist and sportsman. In 1941 Roderick Haig-Brown stated "Oregon’s McKenzie is a perfect type of Pacific Northwest trout stream." The McKenzie has played host to the finest and some of the best-known anglers from around the world, and it spawned the McKenzie-style drift boat, which has become a national craft with a legendary history. The Federation of Fly Fishers was born along its banks, and scores of guides and thousands of anglers have plied its waters and worked tirelessly to protect it. These stories and more, including black-and-white photographs and tips for anglers, can be found in The Creel: McKenzie River. Al Soczka is a dedicated muskie angler and collector of muskie fishing books. He shares his passion with us in Muskie: The Written Word 1892-2003, a bibliography of muskie literature (i.e., a reference book about muskie books) that includes more than 200 titles. With fishing tips, historic information, anecdotes, etc., it is a perfect choice for every muskellunge fan.

Richard A. Henderson, Jr., Atlantic Angler (18 Algonquin Road, Holmdel, NJ 07733), 2003 (2^nd ed.), 205 pp., illustrated, $19.95, softcover.

Jeff Carlson, et al. Order from Artificial Reef Association (P.O. Box 16, Oceanville, NJ 08231), 2003, 153 pp., illustrated, $15 (includes S/H), softcover spiralbound.

Cecilia "Pudge" Kleinkauf, Epicenter Press/Graphic Arts Center Publishing Company (Anchorage, AK), (800)452-3032 or (907)278-8838, fax: (800)355-9685 or (907)278-8839, www.gacpc.com, 2003, 112 pp., illustrated, $19.95 plus $5.95 S/H, softcover.

Mike Savage, Old Bakehouse Publications (Gwent, UK), 011-44-1495-212600, fax: 011-44-1495-216222, e-mail: oldbakehouseprint@btopenworld.com, 2003, 217 pp., illustrated, £55 plus S/H (contact for amount), hardcover.

John G. Motoviloff, Wilderness Adventures Press (Belgrade, MT), (800)925-3339 or (406)388-0112, fax: (800)390-7558 or (406)388-0112, www.wildadv.com, 2003, 493 pp., illustrated, $28.95, softcover.

Tom Stienstra, Avalon Travel Publishing (Emeryville, CA), (510)595-3664, fax: (510)595-4228, www.travelmatters.com, 2003 (6^th ed.), 669 pp., illustrated, $19.95, softcover.

Barnegat Bay Fisheries is an in-depth look at the fishing and crabbing available in New Jersey’s Barnegat Bay. The book covers 14 species (bluefish, fluke, striped bass, weakfish, blackfish, sea bass, and more); general information, effective baits and lures, proven techniques, and when-to and where-to fishing tips are supplied for each species. Well-illustrated with numerous photos, diagrams and maps. Over the past 30 years 108 ships and barges have been sunk on New Jersey’s 14 reef sites, providing habitat for fish, fishing grounds for anglers and attractions for scuba divers. The Shipwrecks of New Jersey’s Reefs is filled with information about these vessels, including how they are prepared for use as reefs, how they are sunk, reasons for building reefs, LORAN and GPS coordinates, how the public can sponsor and name a shipwreck, and more. Fly Fishing Women is a combination of adventure story, pictorial essay, and how-to guide with fishing techniques, 20 of Alaska’s best flies, and practical information for planning the fishing trip of a lifetime. You will join Cecilia "Pudge" Kleinkauf as she guides adventuresome women going for salmon, trout, and other species at some of Alaska’s best fly fishing destinations, including Kodiak Island, Talachulitna River, Tangle Lakes, Brooks River and Aniak River. Mike Savage’s Fishing in Iceland is sure to entice people to come to this country to fish. He describes his own early visits and introduces us to the geography, history, wildlife and people, how the fishing is organized (some of the best is not necessarily the most expensive), the rivers, the species, and even includes a short section on Greenland. Flyfisher’s Guide to Wisconsin by John Motoviloff provides comprehensive coverage of over 250 of the best fly-fishing waters for trout, steelhead and salmon, smallmouth bass, muskie, northern pike, and other warmwater species in the state. With more than 100 maps and 30 hatch charts, detailed travel information, and a listing of every fly shop in the state, this is one essential reference for all Wisconsin fishermen. Tom Stienstra provides invaluable advice on the best places to fish in the Golden State in Foghorn Outdoors: California Fishing -The Complete Guide to More Than 1,200 Fishing Spots. Perfect for anglers of all abilities, this 6^th edition has been completely updated with details on more than 850 lakes and reservoirs, 175 major streams, and 1,200 miles of coastline. Included are ratings of each area’s quality and quantity of fish; facilities, fees and regulations; fishing tips; profiles of California’s top sport fish; 52 regional maps, and more.

Deke Meyer, Frank Amato Publications, (contact information above), 2003, 134 pp., illustrated, $24.95, softcover.

Mark Romanack, Krause Publications (Iola, WI), (800)258-0929 or (715)445-2214, fax: (715)445-4087, www.krausebooks.com, 2001, 231 pp., illustrated, $19.95, softcover.

Monte Burch, Stoeger Publishing Company (Accokeek, MD), (877)486-2665 or (301)283-6300, fax: (301)283-6300, www.stoegerpublishing.com, 2002, 128 pp., illustrated, $24.95, hardcover.

John M. Likakis, Countryman Press (Woodstock, VT), (800)245-4151 or (802)457-4826, fax: (802)457-1678, www.countrymanpress.com, 2003, 86 pp., illustrated, $12.95, softcover.

Bass thrive from Mexico to Canada, from the East Coast to the West Coast, in ponds, lakes, creeks, reservoirs, and streams. In Hot Bass Flies, experts provide flies and techniques that will vastly improve your bass fishing. Deke Meyer includes more than 200 patterns -- proven bass-catchers plus unique flies from known and unknown tyers --each with a photo, recipe and instructions (from the innovator) on use. Mark Romanack’s Bassin’ with the Pros goes right to the source, as professional anglers like Kevin VanDam, Penny Berryman, Charlie Campbell, and Babe Winkelman discuss the techniques they use for taking bass with all types of tackle. Tips on using spinnerbaits, topwater lures, tubes, jigs, crankbaits and more, from the people who use these lures to make a living, will have you landing trophy bass under any fishing conditions. Ultimate Bass Boats is a comprehensive guidebook to bass boats and bass boating, from choosing a bass boat that best fits your fishing style to boat rigging tips for top performance. Author Monte Burch covers the history of the bass boat, design and construction, motors, electronics, maintenance, trailers, financing and insuring your investment, batteries and chargers, boat plumbing and livewells, safety, do-it-yourself bass boats, and more. Most tyers consider deer hair one of the most difficult materials with which to work. John Likakis insists that with a copy of Bass Bug Basics and an hour or two of practice, anyone can make deer-hair bass bugs. Through the clear and easy-to-follow instructions and step-by-step photographs, readers will easily progress from the Powder Puff (the most basic of bass bugs) to advanced patterns as the Floundering Pinfish.

Robert Lyn Nelson, NorthWord Press (Chanhassen, MN), (800)328-0590 or (952)936-4700, fax: (952)932-0386, www.northwordpress.com, 2003, 32 pp., illustrated, $15.95, hardcover.

Marjory Stoneman Douglas, Milkweed Editions (Minneapolis, MN), (800)520-6455 or (612)332-3192, fax: (612)215-2550, www.milkweed.org, 1959 (2003 printing), 190 pp., illustrated, $6.95, softcover.

Little Red Snapperhood, Neal Gilbertsen and Evon Zerbert

The Girl Who Swam with the Fish: An Athabascan Legend, Michelle Renner and Christine Cox

Graphic Arts Center Publishing Company (contact information above), 2003/1999, 32 pp., illustrated, $8.95 each, softcover.

Glenn Dakin, DK Publishing (New York), (877)884-1600 or (212)213-4800, fax: (212)213-5240, www.dk.com, 2003, 48 pp., illustrated, $12.99, hardcover.

Cathryn Sill and John Sill, Peachtree Publishers (Atlanta, GA), (800)241-0113 or (404)876-8761, fax: (800)875-8909 or (404)875-2578, www.peachtree-online.com, 2002, 40 pp., illustrated, $14.95, hardcover.

Cindy A. Littlefield, Williamson Publishing Company (Charlotte, VT), (800)234-8791 or (802)425-2102, fax: (800)304-7224 or (802)425-2199, www.williamsonbooks.com, 2003, 120 pp., illustrated, $12.95 plus $4 S/H, softcover.

Seven titles for young readers: Robert Lyn Nelson’s fine illustrations in Ocean Friends take us under the sea to explore the beauty of ocean creatures and their environment. Ages 5-8 will meet Naia, a bottlenose dolphin, sea turtles, manta rays and whales, and explore coral reefs and sunken ships. Alligator Crossing is a classic adventure story that includes alligators, secret hideouts and wonderful characters. The book chronicles the story of thirteen-year-old Henry Banks as he encounters the diverse wildlife that makes the Everglades unique. As fresh and meaningful as it was when first published in 1959, this children’s novel is an important piece of Marjory Stoneman Douglas’ lifelong commitment to the River of Grass. Neal Gilbertsen’s Little Red Snapperhood is a whimsical new look at the classic tale (with a slightly different ending). When Little Red, a lovely snapper, heads to grandmother’s with a freshly-baked octopus, she finds a big surprise. The big bad wolf eel has tucked himself into Grandma’s clam bed! Evon Zerbetz’s vibrant artwork reflects the humor in this "fish poetry for kids." In The Girl Who Swam with the Fish, a retelling of a classic Athabascan legend by Michelle Renner, readers meet a young girl and her family setting up their traditional seasonal fishing camp along the banks of a river. As they prepare for the return of the salmon, the girl wonders what it would be like to be a fish, and finds herself on a startling odyssey to the sea where she learns the ways of the salmon. Woodcuts by illustrator Christine Cox are perfect complements to the story. Disney/Pixar Studios, the vanguard film production company responsible for the revolution in computer-generated animation, is responsible for the hit family film Finding Nemo. DK Publishing and Pixar have teamed up to bring animation fans Finding Nemo: The Essential Guide, which details the creative process behind the scenes and shows readers everything they might want to know about the characters, story, imagery and magic seen on the big screen. The team of Cathryn and John Sill are responsible for About Fish, a book that teaches children, ages 3-8, in simple, easy-to-understand language, the basic characteristics of what fish are; how they swim, breathe and reproduce; and the different ways they protect themselves from predators. The full-color illustrations reflect the diversity of the fish population – from an arctic char to a porcupinefish – and present each in its natural underwater habitat. Cindy Littlefield’s Awesome Ocean Science! is a learn-by-doing book, where young readers get a hands-on introduction to ocean science. Children (ages 7-14) dive into the underwater world, learn about ocean issues and meet many fascinating creatures as they shrinkwrap their hand with water pressure; demonstrate bioluminescence; investigate questionable fishing practices, coral reefs and oil spills; and learn more about the ocean’s inhabitants and its untapped potential.

Jerry Kustich, West River Publishing (P.O. Box 15, Grand Island, NY 14072), www.westriverpub.com, 2001, 215 pp., $22.95, hardcover.

David Lampton McKinsey, 1^st Books Library (Bloomington, IN), (800)839-8640, www.amazon.com, 2003, 298 pp., $19.95, softcover.

Fisherman’s Folly, BB

The Wild Rover: The Best of The Western Morning News Articles, Tom O’Reilly

The Little Egret Press (Cornwall, UK), 011-44-1503-230811, www.l-e-p.com, 2003/2002, 165/172 pp., illustrated, £18.95 plus £2 S/H each, hardcover.

Three decades ago, Jerry Kustich embarked upon a journey that would lead to a lifetime of fishing. And along the way he found much more. His collection of stories in At the River’s Edge define the meaning of passionate pursuit and describe what it’s like to live the life of a full-time fisherman. They have touches of heart, soul and humor, and they may very well change the way you look at the sport. Fishing with Dad, though biographical, will appeal to any fisherman, young or old, who has ever wetted a line hoping to catch "the big one." David Lampton McKinsey fills his book with fish stories – all true – from the time period 1880 to 1990. In Fisherman’s Folly, BB writes for all those anglers who relish the solitude of summer days spent at the water’s edge. He conjures up the joys of sunlit pools, the bronze and silver beauty of the fish, and the excitement of the waiting and the battle. He also talks about catching big fish in special places and describes the birds, beasts and wild things he has met with in his solitary vigils. In September 2001 Tom O’Reilly was appointed angling writer of The Western Morning News, a newspaper which covers the Cornwall, Devon, Somerset and Dorset areas of the U.K. The assignment required that he supply a thousand words a week, plus photographs and illustrations, on all types of coarse, game and sea angling in the region. These stories -- about his first salmon on a fly, his joy of carp fishing, and his addiction to sea fishing -- are compiled in The Wild Rover.

Susan Cerulean, Milkweed Editions (contact information above), 2002, 257 pp., $18.95, softcover.

David McCally, University Press of Florida (Gainesville), (800)226-3822 or (352)392-1351, fax: (352)392-7302, www.upf.com, 215 pp., illustrated, $19.95, softcover.

Dale Sanders and Diane Swanson, Graphic Arts Center Publishing Company (contact information above), 1993, 147 pp., illustrated, $34.95, hardcover.

Richard C. Murphy, The Darwin Press (Princeton, NJ), (609)737-1349, fax: (609)737-0929, www.darwinpress.com, 2002, 177 pp., illustrated, $45 plus $3 S/H, hardcover.

The Book of the Everglades, edited by Susan Cerulean, is the story of the most endangered ecosystem in North America, told with wit, an appreciation for both beauty and the absurd, and hope for the future. The book describes the natural features of the five areas of the Everglades ecosystem and, drawing on the talents of southern storytellers, recounts the often outlandish attempts to tame the "river of grass" and reveals how much is invested – and risked – in the ambitious Everglades Recovery Plan. The Everglades: An Environmental History is a comprehensive discussion of the formation, development and history of the area. From South Florida’s geologic origins through the first human inhabitants to the implications of modern development practices and threats by agriculture, David McCally provides an informative, thought-provoking account of this unique – and fragile -- natural wonder. The cold, mysterious waters of the Pacific Northwest and Alaska coast attract thousands of visitors each year, but few have the opportunity to explore the underwater wilderness beneath the surface. In The Emerald Sea, photographer Dale Sanders’ color images bring the breathtaking beauty of this world out of the depths for all to experience. The text by Diane Swanson describes these rich habitats, their geologic origins, and their unique inhabitants. Dr. Richard Murphy is a marine biologist who has been associated with Jacques and Jean-Michel Cousteau for more than three decades. An expert on coral reef ecology, he is devoted to educating the public about how nature works in the undersea world of the coral reefs. His lavishly illustrated Coral Reefs: Cities Under the Sea focuses on how a coral reef functions and how reef communities exist in a dynamic equilibrium where forces of competition, destruction, and decay are balanced by cooperation, repair and rejuvenation.

Geoffrey Budworth, Stackpole Books (Mechanicsburg, PA), (800)732-3669 or (717)796-0411, fax: (717)796-0412, www.stackpolebooks.com, 2003, 160 pp., illustrated, $19.95, softcover.

Jack Gartside (10 Sachem Street, Boston, MA 02120), www.jackgartside.com, 1999, 67 pp., illustrated, $14.95, softcover.

A.K. Best, Pruett Publishing Company (Boulder, CO), (800)247-8224 or (303)449-4919, fax: (800)592-9727 or (303)443-9019, www.pruettpublishing.com, 2003, 148 pp., illustrated, $39.95, softcover.

Peter Gathercole, Barron’s Educational Series (Happauge, NY), (631)434-3311, fax: (631)434-3723, www.barronseduc.com, 2003, 256 pp., illustrated, $24.95, spiralbound hardcover.

Written by Geoffrey Budworth, an international expert in knotting matters, The Book of Practical Fishing Knots provides easy-to-follow, step-by-step diagrams and instructions for tying more than 75 knots. Sections of the book include knots for arbors, connectors, hooks and lures; fixed loops for leader systems; knots for joining lines; and knots designed to be tied with specific materials. An introduction defines the termin-ology, describes the types of line, and provides general tying tips. Scratching the Surface contains stories from Jack Gartside’s life as a fly fisherman, particularly about fishing with some of his favorite surface (and slightly sudsurface) flies in some favorite locations (Montana, Massachusetts, Florida Keys, Mexico). The book also contains the dressings and unusual techniques used in creating the patterns along with illustrated, detailed instructions and thoughts on fly tying. The expanded second edition of Production Fly Tying, by master tyer A. K. Best, is subtitled A Collection of Ideas, Notions, Hints & Variations On the Techniques of Fly Tying. Not a recipe book, it’s a must-have reference to tools, materials and techniques, filled with time-saving tips, invaluable ideas, tricks of the trade, and suggestions that will make your flies look better, last longer, and a lot easier and quicker to tie. With hundreds of color photos. The Fly-Tying Bible contains 100 proven trout and salmon patterns with clear illustrations and textual descriptions of every stage of the fly’s construction. Examples vary in complexity, with patterns to fit every skill level from novice to expert fly tyer. In addition, author Peter Gathercole includes information on tools and materials, plus general instructions for getting started. A highly prized fisherman’s craft, fly tying is also an art form, wonderfully captured in the more than 600 photos.