Fishing books save valuable time
A lot of the things we learn over the years are the result of our time on the water. There’s no experience like firsthand experience. Having said that, there is a lot to learn from others who have come before us or who have extensive knowledge on a particular subject. In other words, there’s no reason for us to reinvent the wheel. Books on fishing and boating can inform us in ways that would take valuable time on the water to learn. There are a couple of books that will soon be released that I would recommend to anglers and boaters.
One of the books that I want to make you aware of is a Florida Sportsman Magazine re-release of a perennial favorite, "Baits, Rigs & Tackle," by Vic Dunaway and Rick Ryals.
The late Dunaway authored "Baits, Rigs and Tackle" in 1973, and it became the most widely used reference book in most angler’s library. Dunaway covered rigging for every kind of fishing from fresh water bream to the mighty blue marlin, as well as covering bait from grubs to live bonito. In this extremely popular tome, he discusses all these subjects with an eye to make them effective at catching every fish that swims.
The book sold a million copies. However it’s been 40 years since it was published, and obviously much has changed in the fishing world. New innovations like fluorocarbon and braided lines are now available to anglers as well as a new generation of tackle Dunaway could never have imagined. These products help anglers catch fish in many ways and are available in tackle shops, big box stores and on the Internet. That’s why "Baits, Rigs and Tackle" has been republished in 2015.
I can’t think of anyone more knowledgeable about these subjects than Captain Rick Ryals and the staff of Florida Sportsman magazine. These people live (literally) and breathe fishing. It’s their job, and they have pooled their knowledge of the subject to present the ultimate how-to book and DVD. Available for beginning and expert anglers alike, there’s something for everyone in this book.
Ryals covers the subject in depth from fishing for panfish with a cane pole in a pond to high-speed trolling for wahoo in the ocean.
“Much of the information in the book has stood the test of time. The most effective ways to catch bass, sea trout or stripers hasn’t changed much over the past 25 years, and what you get in BRT is not the most of anything – but the best – of what you need to know to be a successful angler.
“We’ve added video to help readers understand these proven tips and techniques and the time to become a successful angler can be cut in half,” explained Blair Wickstrom, publisher of Florida Sportsman magazine.
The two hundred and twenty six page book lists for $21.95 and will be available in the spring of this year.
Another notable release from Florida Sportsman is "Sportsman’s Best: Boats," an indispensable guide to buying, rigging and running your new or used boat. This book will help you make an informed decision if you’re looking for a recreational fishing boat from 14 to 38 feet that you can trailer. James Crounse and the editors of Florida Sportsman have created an insightful and up-to-date book that will provide you with the information and guidance to make your time on the water more enjoyable and safer.
The book has 256 pages of valuable information, tips, helpful and practical guidance that you’ll find relevant to whatever type of boat you’re looking for, whether its for fishing, family fun or both. All this information is richly illustrated with hundreds of full-color pictures. When you need help choosing the right boat, this book could prove invaluable. In “Sportsman’s Best: Boats” prospective buyers will find the most popular types of recreational boats for both fresh water and saltwater. Hull and deck design, types of motors and accessories that will meet the needs of a fisherman or a recreational boater are all covered.
In the book you’ll have access to trailering requirements, storage, safety guidelines, launching, docking and much more. All information examined is explained with helpful photos and illustrations. In addition, fishermen will find advice on rigging to maximize their time on the water with tips on how to find fish. Included with each book is a DVD that features author Dave East explaining the basic concepts of boat rigging, boat maintenance and safe operation.
Whatever your level of experience, I’m betting that you can benefit from reading books written by people that make fishing and boasting their livelihood. In addition books are a good way to get in a little arm chair angling when the weather or anything else keeps you off the water.
