Rating: 
Summary: Stripers for Novice Dummies
Review: I just finished Dave DiBenedetto's very readable and informative book.
As someone who has never gone fishing, I found it so refreshing. He did talk about his fascination with the awesome Stripers throughout the volume, -BUT, he weaves into the recounting of the stripers a lot of history, humor, local culture, unforgettable characters, and the flavor of familiar and unfamiliar venues up and down the east coast. Couldn't wait to turn the page and meet the next fun group of fanatical personalities on his trip.Dave has quite a gift for keeping the narrative moving without losing his focus on the prize stipers.
I thought his subtle references to family members made him a warm, fuzzy author.
He is someone with whom I would feel very comfortable sitting down before a roaring fireplace, with a bit of refreshment and just swapping stories... -starting with stripers.
Rating:
Summary: Not Just For Fishermen
Review: I loved this book, and although I enjoy fishing, calling me a fisherman would be a stretch. If you enjoy history, culture, travel, humor, the outdoors or, of course, fishing - you will like this book. The author does a nice job of making you feel as if you make the 3-month trip down the coast with him. As I finished each chapter, I could not wait to read where he was headed next. Add this book to your list.
Rating:
Summary: Great cabin fever book
Review: If you want to get a good pump for the fall run or the start of the season this is the book for you. Right from the start it has you and doesn't lewt you go. As a Surf Fisherman on Long Island it got me going,the only thing is that's only january and I have to wait untill april.
Rating:
Summary: Always skishing I were fishing.
Review: Living in New England, and having impatiently awaited the arrival of more than one fall run, I can relate to this book.
A true account of the fall migration of striped bass from Maine to North Carolina, the author covers all the "hot spots" in between, less Connecticut. However, seeing as though I live in CT myself, and spend most of my time on the water northeast of the state, I can't say I blame him. ;) Unlike several other books on the subject, this is not a bragger's tale. Mr. DiBenedetto tells it like it is: cold, endless nights, standing in freezing water, hand-over-fisting eels, wind and waves pushing you back to the truck, without having had a single strike. Also in contrast to several other like titles, this book is well written, relates the author's sense of humor, and is difficult piece to put down. The only disappointment I had, and it was no fault of the author, was that he was not able to get out in the kayak. Having paddled more than a few hours in "Quonny" I was looking forward to someone else's account. Perhaps we can interest him in this the next time around. Another treat, on a personal level, was the mention of several familiar "characters" on the linesida' scene. All in all, an excellent read for everyone. "Tight Lines!"
~..~..~.. ><((((*>
Rating:
Summary: Always skishing I were fishing.
Review: Living in New England, and having impatiently awaited the arrival of more than one fall run, I can relate to this book. A true account of the fall migration of striped bass from Maine to North Carolina, the author covers all the "hot spots" in between, less Connecticut. However, seeing as though I live in CT myself, and spend most of my time on the water northeast of the state, I can't say I blame him. ;) Unlike several other books on the subject, this is not a bragger's tale. Mr. DiBenedetto tells it like it is: cold, endless nights, standing in freezing water, hand-over-fisting eels, wind and waves pushing you back to the truck, without having had a single strike. Also in contrast to several other like titles, this book is well written, relates the author's sense of humor, and is difficult piece to put down. The only disappointment I had, and it was no fault of the author, was that he was not able to get out in the kayak. Having paddled more than a few hours in "Quonny" I was looking forward to someone else's account. Perhaps we can interest him in this the next time around. Another treat, on a personal level, was the mention of several familiar "characters" on the linesida' scene. All in all, an excellent read for everyone. "Tight Lines!"
~..~..~.. ><((((*>
Rating:
Summary: Fresh or salt you will love this book!
Review: On The Run is comprised of a series of great fishing stories wrapped around a collection of classic, and not so classic, fishing characters. While folowing the striper migration down the east coast, David Di Benedetto has captured the spirit of the fishing community. A little danger mixed in with a lot of locl knowledge, make this a priceless guide to fishing stripers. I read this book in two sittings, so don't start unless you have some time to spend reading.
Di Benedetto has uncovered a world of dedicated, make that fanatic, striper fishermen who share a respect for the fish and the environment. The book is rich in descriptions of over-the-top fishermen who live the sport and who share their knowledge about catching fish. This is an excellent read for the off-season when all you can do is dream about next season's runs.
Rating: 
Summary: The big one that got away
Review: On the Run is most appropriately described as "the big one that got away". The author had a great idea, but he lacked either the skill or the patience to follow through on the story. In every chapter, he dips the reader's toes in the waters of an interesting adventure, but invariably leaves the poor reader high and dry, longing for more. I was consistently disappointed with the lack of development of the story, as the author cruises the fascinating waters of the east coast. This book had the potential of matching Into Thin Air or The Perfect Storm, not for suspense, but for the appreciation of people with a passion for the outdoors. Those two books put the reader in the middle of the action in the way McCullough put the reader into John Adam's sitting room - by devoting attention to detail. Unfortunately, On The Run provides only a Cliff notes version of his adventure. The author makes it clear that he would rather go fishing than write. Too bad Debenedetto didn't invite a writer to join him on his fishing journey... it could have been a whale of a book.
Rating:
Summary: The big one that got away
Review: On the Run is most appropriately described as "the big one that got away". The author had a great idea, but he lacked either the skill or the patience to follow through on the story. In every chapter, he dips the reader's toes in the waters of an interesting adventure, but invariably leaves the poor reader high and dry, longing for more. I was consistently disappointed with the lack of development of the story, as the author cruises the fascinating waters of the east coast. This book had the potential of matching Into Thin Air or The Perfect Storm, not for suspense, but for the appreciation of people with a passion for the outdoors. Those two books put the reader in the middle of the action in the way McCullough put the reader into John Adam's sitting room - by devoting attention to detail. Unfortunately, On The Run provides only a Cliff notes version of his adventure. The author makes it clear that he would rather go fishing than write. Too bad Debenedetto didn't invite a writer to join him on his fishing journey... it could have been a whale of a book.
Rating: 
Summary: Don't know where all the hostility comes from
Review: Reading about all the striper fanatics was enlightening. I didn't know the level of dedication that many striper fisherpeople exert. I'm not sure how someone could complain about the lack of detail of this book. The author is a writer for Field and Stream. Anyone who has glanced at Field and Stream will notice that it is lightweight reading. Personally, as a novice striper fisherman, I enjoyed reading about all the history and lore and am glad that it wasn't bogged down with technique and other details. I got caught up in the excitement of the run. Where is the chapter on the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel? I can't believe that the author would cover the 12 miles of insignificant NH coastline and total ignore the biggest artificial reef in the world.
Rating:
Summary: Hooked!
Review: The best thing about this book is that it's more than a good fishing book, it's a good book. Period. Part angling exploration, part travelogue, part exploration of a rich subculture, this book succeeds because it transcends bounds and genres. I found it well-written, surprising, lively, and full of insightful humor. On the Run made me think that even though I'm not an avid fisherman I'd love to meet the fascinating folk who are. Most deftly, DiBenedetto makes me feel like I know the fish, the striped bass. In that way, he's part John McPhee. In other ways, he's part (no more-I won't get carried away) John Steinbeck. Do check this one out.
|
