Wednesday, December 4, 2013

Book Review...50 Best Tailwaters to Flyfish - by Terry and Wendy Gunn

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I was contacted several weeks ago and asked if I would be interested in reviewing a new book coming out of Stonefly Press by Terry and Wendy Gunn...50 Best Tailwaters to Flyfish. Seeing as I'm always looking for a good read , especially one that concerns my favorite pasttime , I jumped at the opportunity to get a copy hot off the press when it became available.
Last week the box arrived on the front porch to my delight , kind of like Christmas a month early ,which is always a good thing! I spent a little time that first evening perusing through the pages and reading about a few tailwaters I've always wanted to fish as well as a couple that I've had the pleasure to frequent right here in my own backyard. Right off I could tell that this was a well put together book , not just another fly-by-night author repeating the same generic drivel that there seems to be too much of today. With it's beautiful color photographs and detailed maps , this book is as pleasing to the eye as it is good reading. By the time I put the book down I had this unmistakeable urge to call in sick the next day and spend the time drifting a size #20 scud pattern through some of my favorite tailwater runs.
I admit that I'm normally not a huge fan of the kiss and tell type of fishing publications. Most of the waters I fish need more fishing pressure like an eskimo needs an icemaker. That being said , tailwaters are an entirely different entity from the small spring-fed creek with that special run you'd like to keep to yourself. With ever changing water patterns and conditions as well as miles upon miles of fisheable water , you definitely have to do your homework a little before visiting one of these tailwater gems.
Over the next week or two I got the opportunity to spend a little more time looking through the book and was very impressed with the quality and amount of information the authors were able to give for each body of water. From reading about the tailwaters in the book that I've had the chance to fish , the information is spot-on and gives the visiting fisheman just enough advice to get them started in the right direction , yet not overwhelm him.
The authors have done a very nice job of giving you enough in-depth information to get started planning a trip to one of these destinations and have a pretty good shot at being successful (just "pretty good" because hey...it is still fishing!). Along with the basic helpful information concerning the waters and fish themselves they also tried to give the reader some special insight through the viewpoint of some of the locals for that particular piece of water ,many of whom spend their entire lives learning the nuances of that particular system. In my personal experiences I've found that local information can't be beat and I appreciate the fact that the authors took the time to talk with local guides and fishermen and include this in the book. From local hatches to what water conditions you can expect and the proper methods to use for fishing them , this informative book looks to cover all of the bases for the fisherman who is planning a first time visit to one of these bodies of water.
Coming from a guy who has spent his share of days scratching his head trying to figure out tailwater trout, I can assuredly tell you that there is a definite learning curve to becoming a successful fisherman on the top tailwater fisheries in the country. Whether you are chasing big browns on the White River right here in my backyard or looking to hit one of the great bug hatches on a Western tailwater like the Frying Pan , this book will go a long way in helping you to have a successful trip.
With Christmas right around the corner , if you're looking to fish any of these magnificent tailwaters in the near future , I'd recommend putting a little bug in Santas ear that this book would make a great gift idea!
If you're interested in checking out the book for yourself you'll find it available through StoneFly Press publications....Good Reading!

10 comments:

  1. Good review Jeff and one that seems to be right in line with all the others I've read. Consensus is the book is a winner.

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    1. Thanks Howard...Definitely a good book with lots of helpful information.
      Now if I could just get out of this airport and back home so I could put some of it to good use!!

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  2. Yup, what Howard said. I have read several reviews by fellow bloggers and they all seem to be really consistent on what the book provides. Don't fish much tailwater anymore, but, have in the past. Thanks for sharing.

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    1. Thanks for the comments Mel...I'm with you , all of the reviews I've read are very positive. Definitely a good book to help pass the upcoming winter season.

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  3. Jeff! Nice review buddy! I just grabbed my copy and look forward to getting into it! Thanks for sharing and look forward to your next post

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  4. Jeff! Nice review buddy! I just grabbed my copy and look forward to getting into it! Thanks for sharing and look forward to your next post

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    1. Thanks man.....I have no doubt you'll enjoy the book and if you're like me , maybe even learn a thing or two in the course of reading it.
      Of course , you'd better be prepared to hit the water soon because reading about fishing just realy makes you want to go and do it!!

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  5. Thank you for sharing a well-written review. As a contributor to another "50 Best" title that will soon appear, I'm excited about reading this particular title.

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    1. Thanks for the comments Walt. I enjoyed this title and look forward to seeing the next installment of "50 Best".

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