I’ve recently discovered Robert Traver, and thought you might like him too.

Robert Traver is the pen name of Michigan District Attorney and Judge, John Voelkner. He is is an incredible storyteller and his essays make for a bewitching read.

What better way to introduce the man than through his own words?

Testament of a Fisherman

“I fish because I love to; because I love the environs where trout are found, which are invariably beautiful, and hate the environs where crowds of people are found, which are invariably ugly;

because of all the television commercials, cocktail parties, and assorted social posturing I thus escape;

because, in a world where most men seem to spend their lives doing things they hate, my fishing is at once an endless source of delight and an act of small rebellion;

because trout do not lie or cheat and cannot be bought or bribed or impressed by power, but respond only to quietude and humility and endless patience;

because I suspect men are going along this way for the last time, and I for one don’t want to waste the trip;

because mercifully there are no telephones on trout waters; because only in the woods can I find solitude without loneliness;

because bourbon out of an old tin cup always tastes better out there;

because one day I will catch a mermaid;

and, finally not because I regard fishing as being terribly important but because I suspect that so many other concerns of men are equally unimportant – and not nearly so much fun.”

Add this book to your collection?

Traver on Fishing by Robert Traver
Lyons Press
ISBN: 1592281532
Copyright 2001
Paperback, 344 pages
Non-Fiction: Fishing

I love this book. Frank P. Baron is a joy to read. He has a witty entertaining style that doesn’t bore you as he imparts sound fishing advice through illustrations and funny anecdotes.

Learn to:

• read water and weather
• select correct baits for fish and situation
• recognize underwater habitats and adjust techniques
• master proper lure and bait presentation
• know what gear is essential and which is desirable

This book and Freshwater Fishing Tips and Techniques together, are a dynamite package that any new angler would be smart to add to their personal fishing library.

Add this book to your collection?

What Fish Don’t Want You to Know By Frank P. Baron
Ragged Mountain Press/McGraw-Hill
ISBN: 0071417141
Copyright 2004
Paperback, 176 pages
Non-Fiction: Fishing

This is one of the first books that I bought when I first started fishing. The book is heavily illustrated with black and white drawings. Though it calls itself a guide, I find it to be a much better reference; I throw this is in my tackle box before I head out fishing.

On more than one occassion it’s helped me change to a more productive rig, or tie a special knot.

Included in this book:

• general fishing tips
• baits
• rigging
• presentation
• fly fishing
• fly tying
• ice fishing
• tackle
• cleaning tips and cooking methods
• fishing tips and fishing facts

It’s easy to read, even for kids, and will get you up to speed on the basics of fishing techniques without any filler. It’s a great little book, and something I’m glad I added to my fishing book collection.

Add this book to your collection?

Freshwater Fishing Tips & Techniques
By Gene Kugach
Stackpole Books
ISBN: 0-8117-2765-3
Copyright 2007
Trade Paperback, 240 pages
Non-Fiction: Fishing