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Summary: HUNDREDS OF SECRET SPOTS!
Review: Fishermen love giving this book their "Personal Test."That is where you look up a favorite place, then read about it, check its rating, and compare it with what you already known. Surprise! Over and over again, it's right on, right? You bet it's right, and that is why this is the No. 1 fishing book in the West. That is why so many call it "The Bible." That is because the intent is that this book will quickly become your fishing bible. In all, there are 373 lakes you can drive to, 483 lakes you can hike to, 175 major streams, and 1,200 miles of coastline, enough places in this book to fish a different spot every weekend for 22 years. Imagine that: The chance to find hundreds of secret spots. Spots to call your own. It is the only complete guide ever published to fishing in California. Each destination is rated and include detailed directions, contacts, phone numbers, facilities and a personal write-up. New to this edition is a dramatic, detailed foldout map. As part of a massive effort, California Fishing has been rewritten, reworked, and redesigned in an attempt to make it the most complete, accurate, and easy-to-use guidebook available anywhere. To achieve this, I have personally ventured to all 58 counties in California, searching for every hidden spot, as well as the secrets at the better-known ones. Senior Research Editor Janet Connaughton was involved in a process where every listing was checked, faxed, and reviewed. Hundreds of people were involved in polishing the final product. In addition, widely-traveled fishing authors Dan Bacher and Kathie Morgan reviewed the manuscripts, and their suggestions were incorporated in the final galleys. I also included a special section called "Secrets of the Masters," where experts reveal their secrets for catching California's sportfish. This section alone is like a book within a book. As a boy, I learned that fishing can be the easiest way to put a giant smile on your face. Since then, I've learned that fishing a lot, especially with your best friends and family, can provide the quality of lasting happiness that comes with the adventure of finding new places, and the intrigue and excitement of trying to catch the fish that live there. Fishing, I've learned, is good for the soul, especially when shared with people you care for. And one more thing: Don't be surprised if you see me out there--with a giant smile on my face.
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Summary: Tom misses some but I learned a bunch
Review: Great book for the average fisherman who didn't grow up in Mt. Shasta, Calif. Tom raves about the fishing in Lake Siskiyou, not realizing that the dam ruined some of the best stream fishing I have ever seen. Of course, that was 30 or so years ago. Still, around that area, and I'm not telling where, there are still native trout in small streams located on the Mt. Eddy side. When I say native, I don't mean real native. Those Mt. Eddy lakes and streams were planted years ago, mostly by the CCC. In fact, my father, Eugene Babcock, planted the Mumbo Lakes Basin by mule train when he was with the CCC. I'm now 56 and those easy hikes into the Mumbo Lakes Basin are now hard hikes. If you head to Dobkins or Durney or Eddy Crater lakes without proper gear and physical fitness, you are headed for trouble. Otherwise, this is a great book with true fishing guidelines for Siskiyou, Modoc and Plumas counties. Tom, quit giving away my favorite fishing places..... Cliff Babcock
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Summary: Tom misses some but I learned a bunch
Review: Great book for the average fisherman who didn't grow up in Mt. Shasta, Calif. Tom raves about the fishing in Lake Siskiyou, not realizing that the dam ruined some of the best stream fishing I have ever seen. Of course, that was 30 or so years ago. Still, around that area, and I'm not telling where, there are still native trout in small streams located on the Mt. Eddy side. When I say native, I don't mean real native. Those Mt. Eddy lakes and streams were planted years ago, mostly by the CCC. In fact, my father, Eugene Babcock, planted the Mumbo Lakes Basin by mule train when he was with the CCC. I'm now 56 and those easy hikes into the Mumbo Lakes Basin are now hard hikes. If you head to Dobkins or Durney or Eddy Crater lakes without proper gear and physical fitness, you are headed for trouble. Otherwise, this is a great book with true fishing guidelines for Siskiyou, Modoc and Plumas counties. Tom, quit giving away my favorite fishing places..... Cliff Babcock
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Summary: Must Have Book
Review: I've seen a number of California fishing books but this one is simply the best. Whether you are flyfishing or using spinning tackle, you want to know the lay of the land, where to fish, when to go, how to get there, who to talk to. This book answers all those things. It is an excellent comprehensive introduction to the fishable waters of California. Excellent maps, directions, and local guides/services for further advice. It breaks down all the areas of California into discrete geographic segments then gives detailed information on the area. It is clear that Stienstra is an experienced fisherman whether it is on the fly, lures, or bait. This book is for the true fisherman and covers all the offshore, inshore, and freshwater fishing available throughout California. I cannot recommend this book enough. There are so many bad books on fishing and flyfishing, where the authors spout on and on about their theories and thoughts. This is a book that is more like a reference guide and is an essential resource. The author is very well versed in freshwater and saltwater fishing and the writing is straightforward, with opinions registered when they are needed.
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Summary: Butt-kicker
Review: If a person could fish just 10% of the places Tom's written about, he would be a well-traveled person. The author does a superb job of giving the reader a true feel for the places he writes of, and includes the important things like how to get there and where to park. There is one omission however; Tom's secret fishing hole is not listed. Kudos to the individual who finds it!
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Summary: Complete guide to fishung in California
Review: The best guide available.
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Summary: Alexander Strouk
Review: The great book about California fishing. You must have it in case if you are going to fish in our state. I would just recommend to author to concentrate more on an ability to fish from SHORE. Unfortunately, I don't have a boat. Sometimes, I couldn't catch even an old shoe because of bad shore access. Anyway, thanks, Tom. Alexander.
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Summary: Love this book!
Review: This book is a must have for anyone fishing in the state of California. I wish Tom would write one for every state. I don't fish any body of water in California until I look it up in this book. However, I agree with Alex. Tom really should write more about SHORE fishing. We don't all have boats.
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Summary: You've never really fished until you've read this book!
Review: Tom Stienstra takes the fishing enthusiast on a whirlwind tour of California's ultimate fishing spots, highlighting the various subtleties and intricacies of the California coast while detailing the inummerable pleasures discovered while holding one's rod tight in hand. His tender yet knowing writing makes for an immensely pleasurable read, and a definite must-have for any California fisherman!
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Summary: Lake Natomas
Review: Tom, Your book is full of wonderful information which I use when fishing any number of the Central Sierra and Sacramento Valley lakes and rivers. The book allows you to picks a place you would not normally fish and then use some of the techniques which you present to actually catch fish. Thanks a lot for the great info. Sincerely Doug Yeggy P.S. Lake Natomas record rainbow is now over 21 lbs and I have personally caught a Landlocked King which weighed in a 7 3/4 lbs.
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