The Smart Guide to Freshwater Fishing (274 pages, Smart Guide Publications, Inc., $19.95 U.S., $29.95 CND), by Mike Seymour, is a useful resource for both beginning and experienced fishermen.
Presented in an easy-to-follow, three-section format that addresses the major topics of general freshwater fishing, fly fishing / ice fishing, and common freshwater fish species, The Smart Guide to Freshwater Fishing provides a ton of information aimed at teaching youngsters and adults how to fish.
I have been freshwater fishing for more than thirty years, and I was pleasantly surprised to learn — well — that I have a lot to learn! In Part One’s “Gearing Up” chapter, for example, Seymour provides pithy, easy-to-understand explanations of fishing rod actions and weights. I must confess: I am the proud owner of 15 fishing rods of various lengths, weights, and actions, but I never truly learned the definitions and classifications. After reading a couple paragraphs on rod actions and weights, I am now more rod savvy.
Likewise, Part Two’s “Ice Fishing” chapter, offers basic insight into ice fishing gear and strategies. Living in Delaware, it is rare that local ponds and lakes freeze enough to support safe ice fishing, so learning by obervation hasn’t been an option. The Smart Guide to Freshwater Fishing provided me the guidance (and motivation) necessary to add ice fishing to my bucket list.
Author Mike Seymore writes from experience. He is a New York State and U.S. Coast Guard licensed fishing guide, and he has operated charter and guide services in New York and Alaska. He has also written thousands of outdoors articles for various publications, including New York Sportsman, New York Game and Fish, Musky Hunter, The Conservationist, and Outdoors Magazine.
The Smart Guide to Freshwater Fishing is available at:
- www.amazon.com
- www.powells.com
- www.bn.com
- www.smartguidepublications.com