Editorial Review

When the author discovers suspicious lumps on his 11-year-old golden retriever Nellie, rather than wait for a biopsy and the possibility of further decline, he decides it's time for one last great road trip. "I knew, lying next to her, that I was frightened for myself at least as much as for Nellie. I needed the steadiness of her demands, the consistency she brought to my life. I couldn't imagine days without her. So that night in bed I stayed close to her and whispered in her ear that she was a good girl, a Frisbee catcher, a lake swimmer." Whether or not the lumps are cancerous, the dog that saw him through a marriage and a divorce has gotten old. So they pack up the truck and make for points west. What transpires next is part elegy, part meditation on interspecies companionship, and part fishing memoir. Monninger writes lyrically about his bond with an animal and the landscape while staying true to the picaresque form in a casual manner that allows minor surprises along the way to gain cumulative power. Here he is describing the gift bestowed by a bend in the river after following Nellie's lead: Read more

Reviews (15)

Sad that it's out of print
What a shame that books this worthwhile have to go out of print.In its quiet, unassuming way, I found this to be a classic work of animal-lover's literature.Like at least one other reviewer, I wondered whether I could get through the entire book after reading the first paragraph, which seems to be foretelling a tragedy.But I did, and instead shared something more like a triumph.I will never give up my copy of this book.I hope the used copies available here will be enjoyed by many more people.

A charming story about a fly fisherman and his dog
"Home Waters" is a charming story about a fly fisherman and his dog. It is Monninger's memoir and tribute to his dog, Nellie, an eleven-year-old Golden Retriever, who he has recently learned has cancer. He decides to take a road trip from his home in New Hampshire to visit some of his favorite fishing spots in Wyoming, Idaho, and Montana. Monninger takes the reader along for the ride, describing the details of his fishing trips -- where he sets up, which type of bait he uses, how he adjusts his technique to the circumstances -- and how Nellie accompanies him in all he does -- how she sniffs at each stick and stone as she explores a new area, how she snuggles into his sleeping bag on cold nights, how she taught herself to dive under water after him. As he makes his way through the trip, he reminisces about earlier fishing trips and other experiences he and Nellie have shared. Beautiful story of man, dog, life...
In this memoir, author Joseph Monninger recounts a very special fly-fishing trip with his best friend, eleven-year-old Golden Retriever, Nellie.Nellie has been diagnosed with cancer and Monninger decides to let the illness run its course- but not without one last grand encounter with nature.The pair traverse the country by pickup truck- camping, fishing and otherwise enjoying nature and the company of each other.This is a great book for those who fish because there are lots of references to the techniques and joys of fly-fishing.But the touching glimpses of the bond between man and dog, and of dealing with the curves life throws at us, add memorable depth and make this wonderful story of interest to everyone, fisher-person or not. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Anecdotes    2. Biography & Autobiography    3. Biography/Autobiography    4. Dogs    5. Dogs - Breeds - Sporting Dogs    6. Fishing - Flyfishing    7. Fly fishing    8. General    9. Monninger, Joseph    10. Pets    11. West (U.S.)    12. Pets / Dogs / General   

Reviews (3)

Excellent starter book
I purchased this book right after I started fly fishing, and found it to be a gentle yet surprisingly complete "starter pack" for somebody wanting an introduction to the sport.Basics of almost all aspects of the sport are covered, along with important terminology and concepts.I would *highly* recommend this to a person considering getting involved with this wonderful and relaxing pastime.

Just What I Needed
I checked this book out of our public library and now I am buying it.The photography is sharp and clear worthy of a coffee table book.The information is complete without being to wordy.This book is a great start to fly fishing and I know my copy will be well used as I glean the information from it over and over again.

My instructors love this book!
I coordinate outdoor workshops for women, and I'm always looking for guides, books, and supplements for our participants.I found this book about a year ago, and my Fly Fishing Instructors just love it!It's a good reference for those who have seen or practiced casting techniques and they want to refresh their memory. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Fishing - Flyfishing    2. Fishing - General    3. Fly fishing    4. Sports    5. Sports & Recreation    6. Fishing, angling   

Subjects:  1. General    2. Sports & Recreation   

Subjects:  1. Estuarine fishes    2. Fishing - General    3. Northwest, Pacific    4. Saltwater fly fishing    5. Sports    6. Sports & Recreation   

Reviews (2)

A Wonderful Last Book From a Gentleman & Fisherman
If you are looking to catch big fish and get inspired about fishing streamers, this is the book for you.As the author states, when big fish stop eating little fish, a steamer might not work.An excellent history of streamer patterns, methods of tying and methods of fishing.A must for both the present fisherman and the angling historian.A classic!!!!Far better than any streamer book currently on the market.

Great Teaching Style, Comprehensive Reference!
Bates has an enjoyable teaching style.He teaches how streamers work, how to select them, and the techniques for fishing them through fictionalized accounts of anglers interacting over a several day period.Read more

Subjects:  1. Fishing - General    2. Fishing Sports    3. Flies, Artificial    4. Fly casting    5. Sports    6. Sports & Recreation    7. Streamer fly fishing    8. Streamers (Fly fishing)    9. Fishing, angling   

Reviews (2)

Spey - nicely done
Mr. Veverka has a direct writing style that is immediately accessible. This is a very, very nice treatment of a niche within a niche. A Great Book for Spey Fly Enthusiasts and Anglers in General
This is a beautiful book.Part history book, part fly recipes and tying instructions.The book is worth buying for the tremendous photographs alone.These pictures highlight these elegant flies and show them as the works of art that they are. The step by step instructions are very helpful and the chapter on materials is excellent.All in all, well researched, written and published.A tremendous reference for any salmon/steelhead junkie! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Fishing - Flytying/Lures    2. Fishing - General    3. Flies, Artificial    4. Fly tying    5. History    6. Salmon fishing    7. Sports    8. Sports & Recreation    9. Steelhead fishing    10. Fishing, angling   

Reviews (3)

Innovación
Simplemente eso es este libro ... innovaci�n.Si necesitan un libro para aprender a atar, esto es no la mejor opci�n.Si desean un libro que abra la puerta en forma clara, concisa y novedosa, recomiendo 110% que adquieran este t�tulo. Lo brillante es todo aquello relativo a foam y su mezcla con materialestradicionales. Gran libro de Steeves.

Kreinik Fly Tying Materials
I am submitting this review to let others know where to find the materials listed in Mr. Steeves' book.The Kreinik Fly Tying Materials listed in this book can be purchased from http://www.kreinik.com/HTML/treasures/treas_fly_kits.html. Great patterns, great book
Harry Steeves is one of the best of the modern innovators in fly tying, and this collection of his best patterns, largely terrestrials, and all involving foam in one way or another, is even better than his first book, because the instructions are much clearer. His firefly is one of my favorite patterns. Now, if it were just easier to buy the Kreinek braids he recommends... ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Fishing - Flyfishing    2. Fishing - Flytying/Lures    3. Fishing - General    4. Flies, Artificial    5. Fly tying    6. Sports    7. Sports & Recreation    8. Fishing, angling   

Reviews (1)

This is the book that hooked me on John Gierach
It all started with this book as a gift -- John's stories are addictiveand now I own all of John's works (save, "Signs of Life").Ifyou enjoy well-crafted short stories, you will not be disapointed with thiswork. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1946-    2. Fishing - General    3. Fly fishing    4. Gierach, John,    5. Outdoor Skills    6. Sports    7. Sports & Recreation    8. Trout fishing    9. United States    10. Gierach, John    11. Sports & Outdoor Recreation    12. Sports & Recreation / Fishing   

Reviews (2)

A GREAT book for those who love the flat or the Bahamas.
This is both a beautiful (the art of Reneson) and a thoughtful (the writing of Gray) book.It is not a "how to" book, but rather a book to set your mind for a good trip, or to reflect on a past trip.Ifyou can't be there, this is the next best thing.

Wonderful book!
Most fly fishermen are artists at heart. This wonderful book does not disappoint. Reneson's watercolors are among the best out there and a perfect complement to Gray's essays. This book will nourish the soul of afly fisherman on a cold night. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Bahamas    2. Fishing - Flyfishing    3. Fishing - General    4. Fishing Sports    5. Individual Artist    6. Individual Painters - Contemporary    7. Pictorial works    8. Saltwater fly fishing    9. Sports    10. Sports & Recreation   

Subjects:  1. Fishing - General    2. Fishing Sports    3. Sports    4. Sports & Recreation   

Reviews (13)

The best I've used thus far!
I am fairly new at tying my own flys.I own a couple of fly tying references and I am so much more impressed with Skip Morris' book "Fly Tying Made Clear And Simple."This is an outstanding choice for the novice. The biggest help, for me, has been Skip's methodical way of going through the process as he instructs on building each fly.He also describes solutions for the most common problems a novice will face and, best of all, the book lays flat on your fly tying bench due to it's spiral bound binding!I wish I would have started with this book!!

Excellent help for the beginning fly tyer
This an excellent book to use when you're starting out. Directions are clear, illustrations are helpful-everything is designed to help you build your success along the way, moving from relatively simple to relatively complex. It introduces the materials, tools, and skills that will continue to be helpful as you develop expertise.

From basics to advanced
5 years ago I was mentored by a friend who taught me to tie basic flies... unfortunately life got in the way and I didn't tie flies for two years. A year ago, I pulled out my vise and materials, which inlcluded this book. By starting from the beginning, this books takes you through all the basics and gives you a foundation to tie ANY fly you want - the only limiting factor is the price of materials.If you're new to tying, this book de-mystifies topics such as the whip finish and palmering hackle to name just a couple. As a bonus, it is spiral bound to lay flat so you can tie along with step-by-step instructions and troubleshooting. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Fishing - Flytying/Lures    2. Fishing - General    3. Flies, Artificial    4. Fly tying    5. Sports    6. Sports & Recreation   

Reviews (2)

Twenty Years have passed
I was given a paper back version of this book by a young lady who knew Iwas into fly fishing. She was going to throw the book out but I was luckyenough to be the recipient of her kind deed. This was the only book I everread about trout fishing. The way he described his youth in developing hisskills in becoming a fly fisherman made me feel comfortable in the start oflong journey to enjoy catching trout with flies. The description on how tofish streams helped me in my effort to hunt for trout. If it was not forthis book I probably would not have pursued this sport with the enjoyment Ihave for the last 20 years. I have a deep regret that this book magicallydisappeared from my house a few years ago but I can still see the pages inmy mind when I am on a stream searching for trout. For me this was my textbook for learning about fly fishing for trout.

A classic of American trout fishing literature
Mention the name of Ray Bergman to any group of grey-haired flyfishermen, and they will nod knowingly. Even today, Trout is looked upon as a must in any fisherman's, and especially a flyfisherman's, library.Read more

Subjects:  1. Fishing - Flyfishing    2. Flies, Artificial    3. Fly fishing    4. General    5. Sports    6. Sports & Recreation    7. Trout fishing    8. Fishing, angling    9. Sports & Recreation / General    10. Outdoors   

Reviews (2)

Reference on Estuaries, but a bit redundant with prior works
A fine refrence text on the topic and written in Mitchell's typical style (Trout fisherman transitioning to Salt - as most of us are/were).If, however, you own his other works, it will be somewhat redundant, but worth owning.

Fly Rodding Estuaries
Fly Rodding Estuaries is Ed Mitchell's third book and represents a more detailed extension of some of the same topics from his previous work.Thus, if you own either or both of these other fine volumes, ESTUARIES will probably not tell you a lot you do not already know.However, if you are a flyrodder who strives to constantly push your level of expertise, this is not a bad place to go.Read more

Subjects:  1. Atlantic Coast (U.S.)    2. Fishing - Flyfishing    3. Fishing - General    4. Saltwater fly fishing    5. Sports    6. Sports & Recreation    7. Fishing, angling   

Reviews (5)

Excellent book but pictures need to be updated
I found this book very helpful.I am new to fly tying and had to learn the basics.The author dose a great job of doing that.There is also a very good selection of flies.You can tie almost any major pattern fortrout, fresh water or salt water fishing. Lots and lots of little tyingsecrets that are great for the beginner. "You can't judge a book byit's cover".The only major problem with this book is it'sillustrations.Don't judge them by the excellent graphics on the cover. It is the last one you will see.All pictures are black and white and musthave been taken when the book was originally published.They are not evengood black and white illustrations.With new color detailed pictures, thisbook would be unbeatable. In spite of the poor illustrations, this book isdefinitely worth buying. I hope the author reads this and updates them.

Excellent Instructional Book
Have recently moved from the Texas coast to western Pennsylvania, this book was particularly helpful learning how to tie a variety of trout flies.This book is extremely helpful learning a variety of techniques andpatterns.If you are a beginner this is the book for you as it willinstruct you in the various techniques and tricks necessary to become anaccomplished tier.Book isset up well with respect to the fact that itteaches youhow to tie one fly and then gives the recipe how to tie anyothers.Good Stuff.

The Art of Fly Tying
This book is an excellent tool for a beginning fly tyer.All the techniques for a variety of flies is walked through step by step.From small trout dry flies to salt water flies and tandem hook streamers, theprocedure for each fly is demonstrated.These techniques can then be usedfor a number of flies listed at the end of each section.The only drawbackto the book that I found, is that you need a lot of material to tie theflies.I found myself going back and forth from the fly supplier in myarea to get the materials needed to finish a fly.This is probablyunavoidable if one is going to tie flies,though.Overall, an excellentbook. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Fishing - Flytying/Lures    2. Fishing - General    3. Flies, Artificial    4. Fly tying    5. Sports    6. Sports & Recreation    7. Fishing, angling    8. Sports & Recreation / Fishing   

Reviews (2)

A Good Day's Reading
Another Day in Paradise was the first of John Gierach's books that I read.After putting it down, I could hardly wait to order another.Having waded through quite a few flyfishing books in which authors try to create highly sophisticated reasons for the sport of flyfishing, it is good to read a book by a man who believes that many people simply fish because it is fun! Gierach writes with the fireside wit of outdoor writer Gene Hill combined with the irreverance of Mark Twain.I have read all of his books of humor, yet I keep a copy of Another Day in Paradise in my car to suffice during those many periods of waiting that occur.

Being part of a great fishing adventure without leaving home
I found "Another lousy day in Paradise" to be an enjoyable read. The author's command of the English langauge is probably as good as his ability to cast a fly (although I must admit I don't know how good that is, but I assume it to be above average). I found the humour used to my liking and not hindered by the current trend of being politically correct at the expense of a good read. At the same time the book offends no-one but is quite suble at poking fun at the wealthy in general and the rat race in particular.The book is a collection of John's outdoor adventures, undertaken both alone and with a few friends. The book covers a broad range of topics from fly fishing to hunting and many things in between. It is the type of book that can be read more than once as the mood takes one.For any other fans of this style of writing may I recommend two books by the South African Author Tom Sutcliffe ; My way with a Trout, and Reflections on fly fishing. (I hope I have spelt the author's name correctly)I look forward to reading more books by John in the near future. Kind regards,Jeff Hume ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1946-    2. Anecdotes    3. Essays    4. Fishing - General    5. Fly casting    6. Fly fishing    7. Gierach, John,    8. Sports    9. Sports & Recreation    10. Other prose: from c 1900 -    11. Sports & Outdoor Recreation    12. Sports & Recreation / Fishing   

Reviews (1)

A must-have!
From the novice to the veteran fly fisher this books makes it all clear. Not only does the author give clear instructions on how to tie flies, he's included detailed drawings & excellent up close photographs of numerous flies.The added stories make for an interesting read too. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Fishing - Flyfishing    2. Fishing - Flytying/Lures    3. Fishing - General    4. Flies, Artificial    5. Fly tying    6. Sports    7. Sports & Recreation    8. Fishing, angling    9. Sports & Recreation / Fishing   

Subjects:  1. Fishing - General    2. Fishing Sports    3. Fly casting    4. Fly fishing    5. Sports    6. Sports & Recreation    7. Sale Books   

Subjects:  1. Fishing - General    2. Fly fishing    3. Sports    4. Sports & Recreation    5. Trout fishing   

Reviews (2)

An execlllent publication for any angler.
The perfect compliment to Peters series. The author is excellent inhis field. A true professional.

The only guide needed to sport fish in Ireland...nearly.
A fine book, flies beautifully tied , often by the originator and excellently photographed. In the trout and salmon sections Peter O'Reilly mixes the traditional with the thoroughly modern in terms of materials usedand variations on traditional patterns. The title is a bit of a misnomouras some of the pattern's links to Ireland are tenuous to say the least ,("the originator drank Irish Whiskey once and his sister owned anIrish Wolfhound"type of connection), but there is no doubt that themajority of the patterns are crackers on their day in waters well beyondthese shores.Each of the mayfly patterns is , in particular, a killer onthe particular lake/river for which each is recommended. Peter writes hisnotes on the various patterns with the knowledge of one of those fortunateones lucky enough to have fishing as a full-time profession...(detect myenvy!), and with the enthuasism of one who is cracked about his job. Thisenthusiasm is infectious, and would convince one that having pulled thepreen feathers off the cul of every canard in Ireland,and having tied upthose wonderful patterns listed, that all one then had to do was to placethe flies in a frying pan over a camp-fire by the edge of a lake and waitfor the fish to obligingly hop from water to pan! Such is his unbridledenthusiasm for each fly that, with many of the patterns, I found myselfcrucifying myself with guilt, angling ego in tatters when I realised thatthese were the self-same patterns with which I had flogged lakes and rivers fruitlessly for days!! In conclusion, a wonderful book, if a littleover-the-top in the boundless praise heaped upon some flies, particularlysome dastardly salmon flies, which I know not to be worth a tinker's cursein hell....(It's certainly not my lack of angling ability that's to blameanyway!!!!!!) John O'Neill (summerhill.ias@tinet.ie) ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Fishing - Flytying/Lures    2. Fishing - General    3. Fishing Sports    4. Sports    5. Sports & Recreation   

Subjects:  1. Canada    2. Fisheries & Aquaculture    3. Fishing - Flyfishing    4. Science/Mathematics    5. Technology    6. Travel - Foreign