Fly-Fishing for Bonefish

Rating:
Summary: Not just for bonefishers
Review: This book is one of the best nonfiction fishing books I've ever read. I'd recommend it to any flyfisher, even those who've never seen a bonefish. Chico Fernandez has an incredible amount of experience and knowledge about bonefish and flyfishing generally, and his writing is clear, interesting, and sometimes hilarious. He is careful to explain why he thinks a certain way about an issue, includes many examples, and isn't afraid to express uncertainty. All these are refreshing qualities in a genre dominated by those who typically issue piles of dogma, seemingly believing themselves to have risen above other ordinary fishing nuts, to the status of gods or celebrities. Chico reminds us it's just fishing, but damn, it's an unbelievably interesting and fun way to spend time.

The beginning section on bonefish biology, by Dr. Aaron Adams, strengthens the book immensely, giving it the depth of scientific authority. Don't skip this section - it provides much interesting information that will come back to you as you read the rest of the book. It's presented with the same clarity and authority Dr. Adams exhibited in his own book, A Fisherman's Coast.

Word of warning - if you don't want to feel that you must be on the flats now, barefoot, looking for tailing bonefish, don't read this book.