Best fishing books according to redditors
We found 197 Reddit comments discussing the best fishing books. We ranked the 123 resulting products by number of redditors who mentioned them. Here are the top 20.
We found 197 Reddit comments discussing the best fishing books. We ranked the 123 resulting products by number of redditors who mentioned them. Here are the top 20.
Learn to read water. It's the most critical, fundamental skill in trout fishing. If you don't know how to find trout, you won't catch them. My favorite book on the topic; there is also tons of solid free material online. https://www.amazon.com/Reading-Trout-Water-Dave-Hughes/dp/081173644X
Where in Wisconsin are you? The driftless region is south west and south Wisconsin, southeast Minnesota, and a little bit of Iowa and Illinois. Just about every river and stream settled in the bluffs of southern Wisconsin hold trout.
If you're near the Viroqua area, head in to Driftless Anglers and ask some questions. If you're full on trying to DYI it's tough to just give out spots, especially since most of the spots I know are closer to Minneapolis. I'd suggest checking out the DNR website. They have a lot of info on trout holding streams in Wisconsin. I also really like this book when I'm trying new water: https://www.amazon.com/Trout-Streams-Wisconsin-Minnesota-Anglers/dp/0881504971/ref=pd_lpo_sbs_14_t_0?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=VSAE87TJYT46SHGYKW55
Finding spots and flies that work will fall primarily on you getting out there though. I think someone came out with an App that pulls all the DNR trout streams and access points for MN and WI but I will need to see if I can find it.
The best thing about Wisconsin is the access laws. Any bridge crossing is an access point and as long as your feet stay wet (or as long as you stay below the high water line) you're in the clear!
I would start with this book.
You can get a copy in almost any place that sells fishing supplies.
Great introduction to a lot of different techniques and types of fishing. The other books in the series are good, too.
I think you're wasting your time (w the 10' 5wt, w a nymph specific weight forward line).
A quick back story--I got into tight line ('euro') style nymphing quite a bit ago, as w a crazy job and kids, my time on the water was short and I wanted it to produce. Sure, you'll catch fish with your 4wt in all kinds of scenarios and water types. But once you get a handle on tight line nymphing, you'll land more fish in most all situations.
Rods I've used/own/like that won't break the bank?
Cabelas CZN: $199
Echo Shadow II: $249
Cortland Competition: ~$249
Syndicate: $299
Redington Hydrogen: $299
(Got some extra tax money? Check out Orvis Recon, Maxia, Hends, or Douglas)
I recommend a 10 (maybe 10'6") 3wt in all of the above.
As for line, you can't go wrong with a nymph specific level line. Check out Competitive Angler for their bargain Hends line or the Cortland mono core (which I love). I also run Airflo Euro Nymph line and really like it. And yes, line is important. Much more important than your reel.
I'll stop here, as the rabbit hole can get deep (although I completely think it's worth diving in to). Feel free to respond or PM for any further tips.
And if you're serious, I can't recommend Dynamic Nymphing enough..
I have a book called Trout Streams of Wisconsin and Minnesota that I look into occasionally, but you can also look on the DNR website for streams that hold trout.
When nymphing my presentation is almost always the same -- get the fly to the bottom and have a drag-free drift. I'm hoping to do a video on beginner nymphing tactics within the next couple weeks too.
When fish are rising I'll try to catch a fly in my hat to better identify it and it's size. Insect hatches change throughout the season. A drag free drift is probably even more important when dry fly fishing.
I have a blog that I update after pretty much every outing. I discuss stream conditions, hatches, flies used, etc. It's also beneficial to visit your local fly shop to get good intel on the area streams.
Hope this helps!
Buy this book, it's worth every penny.
http://www.amazon.com/Dynamic-Nymphing-Tactics-Techniques-Around/dp/0811707415
Check out the books Fishing Hawaii Style. I think there are four in the series. Start there and then try to find someone who fishes regularly and hang out with them. Chat up the fishermen you see and offer them a beer or a bowl. You should know how to tie your own lines and you should have your own basic gear before asking for help. Good luck.
Depending on where you live, try this, this or this.
Then this is the perfect time to learn alternative rigging for your soft baits.
I can't recommend this book enough for learning knots, rigging, methods, etc... https://www.amazon.com/Complete-Book-Baits-Rigs-Tackle/dp/0936240245/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8
Not sure your location but this may cover more than New England. This is my go to book for bug identification and what flies will imitate them. https://www.amazon.com/Hatch-Guide-New-England-Streams/dp/1571882103/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1500243946&sr=8-1&keywords=new+england+hatches
Where do you live? CT?
Fly fishing has a pretty serious learning curve, from my experience. I assume being avid fisherman, you are pretty comfortable working a lure such as a Rapala? The very fist type of fly I would suggest you try is streamers. It's very straight forward and you can work the streamer like a standard lure. Buy some wooly buggers in various colors and stick to them for a while.
Secondly, catching fish in february isn't easy. If we're simply discussing chance of success, I would suggest you focus your fishing efforts in April/May/June when the water temps help fish activity.
After catching some things on buggers, I would try nymphing and dry flies. A great book on nymphing is Dynamic Nymphing by George Daniel
Lastly, if you are still struggling, find someone to bring you out and work with you. I'm too far from CT to assist, but you can hire a guide or maybe someone on this board lives up there and would take you out and help.
Best of luck! Would love to see an update to this when you finally do land some fish!
If you're in the St. Louis area, the Meramec river is where it's at. A great book that you might look into is the Flyfisher's Guide to Missouri and Arkansas it has a lot of great detail broken into zones within Missouri.
Welcome to the fellowship! Just as a note, this sub is pretty quiet lately, so if you don't get what you need here, head over to /r/Fishing and ask again. I throw plugs rather than bait, but let me recommend a couple of books: Fly Rodding Estuaries, by Ed Mitchell, and Fly Fishing the Striper Surf, by Frank Daignault. Yeah, they're fly books, but I think they do a better job of explaining shore fishing tactics than any other sources I've found. Also, StripersOnline is an excellent resource, and can help you connect with people down in your area. Have fun!
Edit: Also, check out this pdf.. You may not be as far from the fish as you think.
I don't have any recommenation on guides, but I was in Yellowstone in August of 2017. I had never fly fished before and had 1.5 months before the trip to teach myself.
Some pointers in case you want to venture out on your own and fish.
Figure out where you will be in the park, buy the appropriate flies, profit.
A few pictures from my day there:
https://imgur.com/a/3Xte1?
Happy to share more details if you are interested.
Get a copy of George Daniel's book Dynamic Nymphing
Welcome to a lifelong addiction! I agree with a lot of people on here that buying a good book will help you out a lot. Likewise, spending some time casting before you hit the water will make for a lot less frustration. A good book will help you know how to cast right and what it feels like. I don't own it myself, but I've heard good things personally about this book:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1592288189
Now as to your equipment, whatever works best for you is what you should fish with, regardless of how cheap it is. That being said, there is a big difference between a professionally designed rod and a generic fly rod. If you can possibly afford to step it up a bit in your price range, you will set yourself up with equipment that will easily keep you both happy and challenged for 5-10 years. Here's my recommendation (just a recommendation, nothing more, nothing less):
Temple Fork Outfitters make professionally designed rods that, like most major brands, have a lifetime guarantee and you can always return it (or a piece of it) for a repair. They are able to offer a seriously nice rod for less because the manufacturing is done in China. The company and design is in the US. Basically, it's a great rod for a lot less because of where it's made. http://www.templeforkflyrods.com/
Ross reels are like the GMC of fly reels. Nothing fancy, but super dependable and you get everything you need to do the job. My first reel was a Ross (anyone remember the Cimarron?) and I keep it around because it's every bit as usable as when I bought it 12 years ago. They're seriously good reels.
http://www.rossreels.com/
As to the length, I strongly suggest something near a 9'. It gives you enough flex to "feel" a backcast so that you can establish a good cast early on. This way, you won't have to break bad habits later in your life. The standard weight for a beginner is 5. However, don't feel intimidated by a 3 or 4. If you're fishing for trout, these are all acceptable.
This was a bit longer than I expected, but I hope it is useful. PM if you have any questions that I can help with.
EDIT: Sorry, one last thing!
The less fished the water, the more likely you are to be successful on it. Spend a bit of time looking around your area on google maps or topos and find water that may be smaller, but is further from a road. Any time water is visible from a road, you can almost guarantee it has been fished earlier in the day before you. Finding somewhere remote will give you some positive feedback on fishing and keep you from getting frustrated early on.
Ok, I'll shut up now.
If I were you'd I'd get a book on fishing In northern California. It would have way more info than what a few redditors could give you. This one costs nothing: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0934061432/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_rJVuxb3GDVWH1
Very Informative book and excellent for entry level. I'd recommend the hatch guide for western streams too. It's great a field resource when you're out exploring new waters.
http://www.amazon.com/Hatch-Guide-Western-Streams-Schollmeyer/dp/1571881093
this is an excellent book to read when you are trying to get into flyfishing http://www.amazon.com/Fly-Fishing-Completely-Revised-Updated-Illustrations/dp/1592288189
This book helped me out a lot when I first started. Covers a broad range of topics, a good primer.
https://www.amazon.com/L-L-Bean-Ultimate-Book-Fishing/dp/159228891X
If you haven't fished with a fly rod before then going with a guide is a good idea, especially if you've got a buddy who wants to go and you can split the cost. It is not cheap but the guide will save you the headache of trying to find a place to get in and out of the water, can give you enough ideas to make your next few trips, and will save you the frustration of going out hoping to have a good time and not having any idea what the hell you are doing.
Especially fishing these little spring creeks you may wind up having to roll cast a lot (otherwise you will spend a lot of time trying to get your precious new flies out of the tree branches behind you), and that is one of those things that is a lot easier to do when you can watch somebody who knows what he or she is doing.
Finally, when I first started fishing with flies, I made the mistake of setting out on my own seeking out beautiful pristine new england creeks and ponds with native brook trout, and I didn't catch a god damned thing. Later I made a few outings with my uncle on a little pond full of bluegill. On the still water I could actually see what my casts were doing, and I was fishing little dries like red quills, so I got to have the whole experience of presenting the fly and seeing the fish come up and take it on top. I think it is much more gratifying to bring in a few really dopey fish with hapless technique than to go out and fail to catch any trout. Also a 1/2lb bluegill on a 3wt fly rod feels about like catching a 10lb striper.
After a few of those trips I was having fun again, I made some guided trips out west and didn't make an ass of myself.
Here are my two books I like:
http://www.amazon.com/Flyfishers-Guide-Virginia-Including-Virginias/dp/1932098399/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1334973191&sr=8-1
and
http://www.amazon.com/Simplified-Fly-Fishing-S-Slaymaker/dp/0811722791/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1334973229&sr=1-2
good luck and report back!
This is a good book that i started with. I found it dealt a lot with trying to get the "big" catches, bluefish, red drum, and sharks. You will have a lot of variety to catch from the surf in your area. You could def pull in some nice flounder on your 7' rod. I agree that theres nothing better than talking to someone at a local bait shop. Try to go on a weekday when they arent too busy and they will help a ton. They usually have books that they can direct you to as well.
I think the best instructional books for a beginner are either the Orvis Fly-Fishing Guide or the LL Bean Ultimate Book of Fly-Fishing. For fun reads, you can't go wrong with any of John Gierach's books. Trout Bum would be a good starting point.
So, I travel to NW Arkansas for work quite a bit and just got into fly fishing recently. There's a great fly shop in Fayetteville called McLellan's and they pointed me to the Beaver Lake tail waters. I also bought this book off them and I would definitely recommend it. Hope this helps!
Packing light + fly fishing....hah, that's a fine joke.
Two fly boxes = either a newbie, a true veteran, or somebody with waaaay more discipline than I have.
Yeah, I see those E12 caddis-ish things now. Those will probably work, but you'll probably want some EHCs too. It's a ridiculously productive pattern.
Thought of one other thing: you may want some hoppers. You could grease up those muddlers and fool some fish, but they won't float for long. Hucking big hoppers along a grassy shoreline is one of summer's finest pleasures in the Western US.
Nymphing....yup, that's a big subject. Yes, it can be VERY productive, particularly on the crowded tailwaters (aka tailraces, the stretches of water beneath a dam with controlled flows; many of them function like spring creeks in terms of producing bugs - and therefore large quantities of large fish). It also gets very technical, even down to specialized rods and lines, plus a variety of rigs and techniques and, of course, fly patterns.
There are multiple styles of nymphing ranging from simple to uber-techy. Here's a quick-and-dirty intro that'll probably start a war...
Broadly speaking, the indicator techniques are probably better for deeper water and long-line situations, and the shorter line flavours can be deadly effective in shallower rivers. Streamer fishing can be effective in more situations than most people think, and the hopper-dropper thing is mostly for pocket water.
From there...well, just read Dynamic Nymphing and choose how down this slippery slope you want to slide.
Yes, you need to start tying. And when you do, kiss your minimalistic habits good-bye....
George Daniel is the master. I was fortunate to take a class with him a few years ago. His book Dynamic Nymphing is probably the best book on the subject.
I learned a lot from this: http://www.amazon.com/Reading-Trout-Water-Dave-Hughes/dp/081173644X/ref=sr_1_sc_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1458838109&sr=8-1-spell&keywords=reading+terout+waters
"Reading Trout Water" by Dave Hughes.
Not sure if you are a trout fisherman, but I thought it was filled with great info.
It seriously takes a lot of tying practice to make them not bulky - Use smaller thread, less thread wraps and all together, less material.
You'll see your patterns get simpler and simpler, tapers getting better, taking less time, etc.
If you're in the mood for some deep research and stuff, get George Daniels "Dynamic Nymphing" book - It's not all about that euro, it covers everything. Especially weight.
You bet! If you've got a Kindle, check out Reading Trout Water and then Dynamic Nymphing
I was just there last week and had some decent fishing. While I can't speak to the patterns specifically, I can say from my limited experience, try to avoid crowds as much as possible. That stretch of river through the meadow right next to the road. Looks beautiful, right? Well every other idiot with a fly rod all summer thought the same thing and fished the living daylights out of that section. I found that even walking 1/2 mile away from the road the fishing was better than the obvious spots. If I had the time I would do some serious back country hiking to some underfished stretches of the Yellowstone itself. Or hike up the Lamar upstream from the confluence of Soda Butte creek. If you haven't bought the book, buy the book and be sure to stop in a [Park's Fly Shop] (http://www.parksflyshop.com/index.html) in Gardiner, MT mere yards from the North Entrance. These guys literally wrote said book, and put me on fish both times I went in for advice last week. Good luck.
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Free right now for Kindle:
https://www.amazon.com/Fish-Like-Mean-David-Zoby-ebook/dp/B07BHMJMSF/ref=pd_rhf_eeolp_p_img_1?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=973E6TWHG4Q0TCMDYNKC
For the trout fishing I do in New England, this book from Thomas Ames is really good. Lots of details, recipes, and a hatch chart.
So, it may not be what you're looking for, but, perhaps, it's a good example of what may exist for your region or for bass?
I was going to pick it up from amazon.co.uk but its £58 on there. How much did you pay?
Here is the mobile version of your link
I see what you mean. There are two ways lakes like that are fished for pike. First is ice fishing and the second is trolling which, is setting up a rig off the back of the boat and towing slowing at various depths. You might not have a boat in which case it is a lot of walking the edge. If you do not have a boat yet it might be something to save up for. I once saw a guy on Lake Champlain fishing from a raft he made out of drums and plastic bottles with a electric motor on the back. It is easier to cast to the shore than out into the lake. Remember this: fish are only using 10% of the water. Bigger fish are not out in the middle of that lake. Fish follow food. Plankton/ zooplankton is pushed by the wind and smaller fish follow and so on. Though fish do move and change depth according to temperature and dissolved oxygen and at times light penetration in general they are to be found on the edges. If you are really interested here is a great book. I would scan the pages and email you the section but it is 20 pages on pike alone.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1589230094/ref=pd_lpo_k2_dp_sr_1?pf_rd_p=1535523722&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=1589233212&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=1M84A1BZ5AVRRSWN0C1K
No, I'm not from there, but it is literally the home of surf fishing. Almost any surf fishing book out there is going to say, "This is how we do it in Long Island, and it might work where you fish too."
Here's two books I enjoyed:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0811732835
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005ZHTRK2
Any of John Skinner's videos. I would assume that his books are great as well, and I plan on buy one some day:
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=john+skinner+surf
It's not a book on patterns. In the 450 so pages, I don't see one full pattern. What it does is describe, and introduce techniques and dressing styles. But it shouldn't be looked at as a beginners book. There is alot to it.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/1571881263/ref=sib_dp_pt#reader-link
Check out the table of contents.
Honestly if you have zero experience I suggest getting one of those how to books.
http://www.amazon.com/Complete-Idiots-Fishing-Basics-Edition/dp/0028638840
http://www.amazon.com/Fishing-Dummies-Peter-Kaminsky-ebook/dp/B004X75OMA
They may seem silly, but they have all the information a beginner would need, like basic equipment information, fishing knots, and species specific info. Being from SF you will more than likely will have more saltwater opportunities than freshwater (I am from CA but not from SF so I am not 100% sure about that). This allows for some interesting opportunities. You go can use a charter service which often provide everything you need (so you are not stuck with a bunch of fishing tackle if this isn't the hobby for you) or you can use one of the many piers in CA. The cool thing about piers is that many of them have bait shops that rent out gear (again no permanent investment on your part) , they also usually do not require a fishing license which is a bonus. A regular fishing license currently runs $47.01.
If you are interested in buying you own gear and going the whole 9 yards there are a few things to keep in mind. One rod and reel set up will not covering everything. Set ups need to correspond with the types of fish you targeting. Things can get very expensive too. Rods and reels can easy cost $100s. However I believe that the cheap gear of today is generally much better than than it was 20 years ago. A casual fisherman can get good use out of 40/50 dollar setups. Now if I were starting out I would get something like a 6 1/2 to 7 foot medium action spinning rod. I like Berkley Cherrywood rods, they usually run just over 20 buck they seem to be available at any old walmart. For a reel I would get either a 2500 or 4000 Shimano. You can spend as little as $20 bucks to several $100 on Shimanos. The $20 to $40 ones should serve you just fine. Fill the spool with 8 to 10 lb test line and you got a budget light tackle set up. I should note that going after steelheads is not what I would consider casual fishing.
Now that set up I mention would serve you fine for casual fishing for trout, bass, even eating size catfish, but I had another purpose in mind. Out here on the west coast we have surf perch which offer year round fishing. The best part is that it is probably some of the easiest fishing there is. They hold on just about every beach and they do not require fancy techniques. Sandy beaches usually lack the kind of structure that would cause a fisherman to break off, so re tying your hooks becomes less of an issue. Its is probably a good place to learn how to cast as there is plenty of room for error. Small soft plastics are the preferred "bait" used for surf perch which is another bonus because it will not stink or be messing like natural bait. The "technique" is nothing more than casting out and reeling in slowly. You will have to learn how to set a hook, but using very sharp hooks can help with that as the fish can hook themselves. The only bad thing is the salt water and sand. Do you best to keep you reel out of both and rinse of the entire reel in fresh water when you get home. I love this kind of surf fishing because it is so simple. In the summer it can be fun just get in the water to your knees and have a nice day fishing. If you catch nothing then you still spent your day at the beach.
Sorry if I "talked your ear off". I really like fishing. Feel free to come over to r/fishing.
There are a few books out there for an "everything" guide to fishing. I know that BASS and the North American Fishing Club both had books out, and I have seen some other ones at outdoors stores. I did a quick search on Amazon and found "The Complete Guide to Freshwater Fishing. Know though that all of these books are pretty much the same. Most go through the types of baits, reels, rods, knots, and fish (including their range, how to fish for them during different times of the year, etc.). There may even be one at your local library. You can also find old versions of books on Amazon as well- this is an old edition from the NAFC.
As for a rod/reel, I would go to a store and ask someone. When I first started out I would ask what they would recommend and have never been disappointed (just know what fish you want to go after and a price range).
EDIT: I just found one of the books that I own, which in my opinion is the best beginner's book out there (it helped me out when I started). It's by the NAFC and it's called "Catch fish anywhere, anytime". You may be able to find it on other websites besides Amazon as well.
Basically a larger fly that you strip (fly fishing you don't reel line in you strip it in with your hands, basically the reel's only used in fighting fish and holding your line,) typically some kind of minnow pattern. A lot of people would say you don't need an 8 wt for streamer fishing for bass but its a whole hell of a lot easier to cast streamers with an 8wt. Plus I never target panfish, I find panfish fishing to be pretty boring, when I bass fish, I mainly just huck streamers at largemouths. Also with an 8wt you can fish for larger species like pike. Good luck! Oh I would pick up Fly Fishers Guide to Virginia There is one for pretty much every state and the book outlines anything you need to know for locating fisheries for all species across your state. So when the time comes that you want to hunt some trout down you can find rivers in your area. Also stop into a fly shop, not Orvis or anything but a more mom and pop type shop, they will always offer information on where to fish freely and happily.
“Fishing for Dummies” is a really good basic overview and used copies are really cheap online.
Then I suggest you either purchase or borrow from the library this book: Complete Book of Baits, Rigs & Tackle