Broad and Reel

Will John Gierach ever run out of fishing stories? That thought popped into my head at least half a dozen times while reading his newest book Fool’s Paradise.  This book was very similar to Sex, Death and Fly-Fishing and Trout Bum, the two other John Gierach books I’ve read. BUT, in my opinion that’s a good thing because it seems to be a recipe for success and I thoroughly enjoyed both Gierach books I’ve read. In fact, Trout Bum is one of my top 10 books.

Fool’s Paradise is like the others in that it’s a quick read. Every chapter is a different fishing trip, experience or observation. Gierach tells each story very descriptively. I immediately picture everything he is describing and it’s usually very detailed because he uses most senses when talking about his time spent on the stream/lake/river. In this last book he mentions how fishing on a stream in winter smells clean and “slightly metallic”…the funny thing is that I think I’m familiar with the scent he’s describing. 

My favorite chapters in this book were “Cheap Dates” (he’s referring to himself and long time fishing buddy A.K. Best) and my other favorite was “Winter.” I’m not sure why I liked “Winter” because I despise the cold but maybe that’s just it. His description of the stream was so pretty but I live at the beach so I don’t have to deal with snow, sleet and “snoosh,” which is what Gierach refers to in the book as a sleet-snow hybrid.

I would imagine anyone with the slightest interest in fishing could read this book and agree that it’s enjoyable. But, experienced fishermen can really relate to the everyday things he mentions such as how your fingers feel on a cold day or the annoying ice that forms on your guides. And that’s the best thing about reading his books… his writing is very conversational…sort of like a blog.

On the ol’ star rating…I’d give it 4.5/5. If you fish on a regular basis I’d bet that you’ll keep thinking about part of his book once you’re finished with it. Some may get sick of his story telling format but I enjoy it…I think it’s very relaxing.

PS: Late in the book, John Gierach refers to one of my favorite fishing quotes that goes something like “A jerk on one end waiting for a jerk on the other end.” So true

Photo credit: Mike Clark