What do you think?
Rate this book
The Longest Silence: A Life In Fishing
Thomas McGuane's obsession with fish has taken him from the river in his backyard to the holiest waters of the fly-fisher's world. As he travels the fish take him to many and various subjects ripe for random speculation: rods and reels, the classification of anglers according to the flies they prefer, family and memory - right down to why fishermen lie.
The Longest Silence sets the heart pounding for a glimpse of moving water, and demonstrates what a life dedicated to sport reveals about life.
The Longest Silence sets the heart pounding for a glimpse of moving water, and demonstrates what a life dedicated to sport reveals about life.
304 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1999
369 people are currently reading
2203 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews
December 24, 2013
We like to think of the idea of selective trout; it serves our anthropocentricity to believe that we are in a duel of wits with a fish, a sporting proposition. We could do well to understand that trout and other game fish are entirely lacking in sporting instincts. They would prefer to dine unmolested and without being eaten themselves.
I was sorting out my books today and came across this little gem that I acquired when I came to France in 2001. I don't normally admit to the fact that I go fishing, well for trout anyway. I only began by chance shortly after our arrival as John didn’t have a partner one day and he begrudgingly took me in his friend's place. My instructions were that I was not to speak if I could help it; and sit there quietly, appreciating the tranquility of nature while he showed me a few rudiments of fishing. John makes his own flies but I don’t have the patience for that unfortunately.
With fly fishing, it took me a while to spin the line correctly but I managed in the end. Jasper our Labrador sat there quietly too, which was a miracle. If he had been a nuisance, such as leaping into the river as he’s a water dog, he would have been taken back to the car. Whilst sitting there at the time waiting for the arrival of this elusive fish, I mused on the famous women who were also great fisher-women, for example, the Queen Mother and Diana Rigg.
I personally prefer this form of fishing but it is not always feasible, depending on the banks of the river, the position of the trees, and where the pools are, etc. It is a wonderful way to spend a day. I did not catch a trout on that first occasion but I did on latter occasions. As for the elusive salmon, well they are meant to be at Navarrenx close to us but I’ve never seen one myself. I have, however, heard of others being lucky. It's still difficult for me to kill such a vibrant creature but we all eat meat and fish, unless we are vegetarians, of course, and I'm certainly not a hypocrite. I feel guilty even now though at the idea of taking life away from a living creature.
I digress of course and return to Thomas McGuane. I loved this book for its honesty and the enthusiasm of the author. It was infectious and the descriptions and tales were a true delight. He travelled far and wide in his love of fishing, and even introduced his son Monte and they set off for New Zealand and other remote places. From Montana, Ireland, Argentina, etc. in McGuane’s adventures in pursuit of this love, we are shown how to truly appreciate this wonderful pastime. He also returned the fish alive to the water which was admirable.
After a long period of methodical fishing, I finally come up tight on a trout. He holds throbbing for a long moment, then without any run at all is suddenly aerial. Four crisp dashes later and the trout is vividly alive and cold in my hand. As I return him to the river, I bend over and watch him hold briefly in the graveled current between my feet. Then quick as a light he’s gone.
In conclusion, they say that fishing and religion are closely related and I’m inclined to believe that. Looking down the hill towards the roaring Saison River, yes that has to be the case.
A highly recommended book.
I was sorting out my books today and came across this little gem that I acquired when I came to France in 2001. I don't normally admit to the fact that I go fishing, well for trout anyway. I only began by chance shortly after our arrival as John didn’t have a partner one day and he begrudgingly took me in his friend's place. My instructions were that I was not to speak if I could help it; and sit there quietly, appreciating the tranquility of nature while he showed me a few rudiments of fishing. John makes his own flies but I don’t have the patience for that unfortunately.
With fly fishing, it took me a while to spin the line correctly but I managed in the end. Jasper our Labrador sat there quietly too, which was a miracle. If he had been a nuisance, such as leaping into the river as he’s a water dog, he would have been taken back to the car. Whilst sitting there at the time waiting for the arrival of this elusive fish, I mused on the famous women who were also great fisher-women, for example, the Queen Mother and Diana Rigg.
I personally prefer this form of fishing but it is not always feasible, depending on the banks of the river, the position of the trees, and where the pools are, etc. It is a wonderful way to spend a day. I did not catch a trout on that first occasion but I did on latter occasions. As for the elusive salmon, well they are meant to be at Navarrenx close to us but I’ve never seen one myself. I have, however, heard of others being lucky. It's still difficult for me to kill such a vibrant creature but we all eat meat and fish, unless we are vegetarians, of course, and I'm certainly not a hypocrite. I feel guilty even now though at the idea of taking life away from a living creature.
I digress of course and return to Thomas McGuane. I loved this book for its honesty and the enthusiasm of the author. It was infectious and the descriptions and tales were a true delight. He travelled far and wide in his love of fishing, and even introduced his son Monte and they set off for New Zealand and other remote places. From Montana, Ireland, Argentina, etc. in McGuane’s adventures in pursuit of this love, we are shown how to truly appreciate this wonderful pastime. He also returned the fish alive to the water which was admirable.
After a long period of methodical fishing, I finally come up tight on a trout. He holds throbbing for a long moment, then without any run at all is suddenly aerial. Four crisp dashes later and the trout is vividly alive and cold in my hand. As I return him to the river, I bend over and watch him hold briefly in the graveled current between my feet. Then quick as a light he’s gone.
In conclusion, they say that fishing and religion are closely related and I’m inclined to believe that. Looking down the hill towards the roaring Saison River, yes that has to be the case.
A highly recommended book.
August 13, 2021
I must declare my vested interest - I love fly fishing.
However, this book is so much more than a description of a man’s odyssey amid beautiful fly fishing landscapes. It’s a literary giant. It’s so well-written that at times I had to pause, and re-read the passage I’d just read. It’s that good.
Evocative, tranquil, philosophical, at times funny, and so well written that I wanted to be where the words on the page were. It’s clear that the author knows his literature very well and is a master wordsmith and storyteller. And he’s oh so intelligent. It just happens that in this book his story is about fishing. Even if you’ve never picked up a rod before, read the book. Your life will be enriched.
However, this book is so much more than a description of a man’s odyssey amid beautiful fly fishing landscapes. It’s a literary giant. It’s so well-written that at times I had to pause, and re-read the passage I’d just read. It’s that good.
Evocative, tranquil, philosophical, at times funny, and so well written that I wanted to be where the words on the page were. It’s clear that the author knows his literature very well and is a master wordsmith and storyteller. And he’s oh so intelligent. It just happens that in this book his story is about fishing. Even if you’ve never picked up a rod before, read the book. Your life will be enriched.
April 20, 2025
Without question the deepest most thoughtful “fishing” book I’ve ever read. One of those you have to take on in small bites… it was a birthday gift from my favorite daughter 5 years ago, and a belated thank you to her for the excellent selection!
July 13, 2023
A 4.5 star book for sure. I would give it 5 stars, but I got lost in a few of the stories. But overall it’s a great book. The last short story about fishing with his son in Mexico, is one of the best short stories I’ve ever read.
January 1, 2021
My wife bought me this book since I’m an avid angler, particularly, a fly fishing enthusiast. I’ll start by stating that I think this book is a good read for any fly fishing enthusiast. The enthusiast fly angler will cackle at McGuane’s stories both for their humor and humility.
This book is a collection of short stories. Many are fishing stories and some are more philosophical. All are esoteric to a unique bread of angler. Personally, I most enjoyed McGuane’s salt water fishing stories. I found them both suspenseful and raw in the way that a Jim Harrison, Cormac McCarthy or Norman McClain story reads. The salmon stories or the philosophical essays were less my cup of tee. Maybe that’s because I enjoy fishing for it’s beautiful and violent nature.
Pick this book up when you’re between fiction novels and need a change of scenery. Or, pick it up on a cold rainy day when you can’t help but do anything else but think about time spent on the water.
This book is a collection of short stories. Many are fishing stories and some are more philosophical. All are esoteric to a unique bread of angler. Personally, I most enjoyed McGuane’s salt water fishing stories. I found them both suspenseful and raw in the way that a Jim Harrison, Cormac McCarthy or Norman McClain story reads. The salmon stories or the philosophical essays were less my cup of tee. Maybe that’s because I enjoy fishing for it’s beautiful and violent nature.
Pick this book up when you’re between fiction novels and need a change of scenery. Or, pick it up on a cold rainy day when you can’t help but do anything else but think about time spent on the water.
November 28, 2010
This book was good. Thats about the easiest way to explain it. There is a central theme to this collection of short stories, and that theme is tied into the title of the book.
Honestly, I almost gave up reading the book after several of the saltwater fishing tales that were set against the backdrop of locales that I will never be lucky enough to venture into. However, McGuane's passion is translated through his writing, and I am glad I finished the entire collection of short stories.
The opening story that hearkened back to Michigan, and the last story about the interaction with his son were probably the most memorable stories for me.
This is a definite addition to the arm-chair angler's shelf.
Honestly, I almost gave up reading the book after several of the saltwater fishing tales that were set against the backdrop of locales that I will never be lucky enough to venture into. However, McGuane's passion is translated through his writing, and I am glad I finished the entire collection of short stories.
The opening story that hearkened back to Michigan, and the last story about the interaction with his son were probably the most memorable stories for me.
This is a definite addition to the arm-chair angler's shelf.
July 22, 2024
The longest silence… more like the longest Thomas McGuane can go without telling me his brother in law is Jimmy Buffet… when were you gonna spill that, Tom??? You wait until the last three pages to drop that info on me???
March 21, 2021
Writing style is a little long-winded and antiquated, but for the target demographic it's not out of fashion. Not always PC either, but these stories were written from experiences long before the shift in cultural awareness.
There's a lot of great philosophizing and erudition about fly fishing, but beneath the cumbersome language Tom is just a fishing fanatic from a bygone era. He's deeply connected to the fish he pursues, and his environment as he fishes.
This book won't teach you how to fish better, but it will teach you how to enjoy fishing more. The passion and the pursuit burst from every page, but it's the transcendent mindset that resonates most with me.
I think that's one of the great paradoxes about fly fishing: the challenge is mentally engaging, but the enjoyment one derives from fly fishing clears the mind of extraneous thought.
And that's how I feel about this book. I was both mentally stimulated and calmly soothed.
There's a lot of great philosophizing and erudition about fly fishing, but beneath the cumbersome language Tom is just a fishing fanatic from a bygone era. He's deeply connected to the fish he pursues, and his environment as he fishes.
This book won't teach you how to fish better, but it will teach you how to enjoy fishing more. The passion and the pursuit burst from every page, but it's the transcendent mindset that resonates most with me.
I think that's one of the great paradoxes about fly fishing: the challenge is mentally engaging, but the enjoyment one derives from fly fishing clears the mind of extraneous thought.
And that's how I feel about this book. I was both mentally stimulated and calmly soothed.
December 5, 2024
Great prose - great fish - great book
May 7, 2021
DNF
Imagine a less poetic Harrison with every likeable quality stripped away. All the hypocrisy with a sincere lack of self awareness.
Pros-His brother in law is Jimmy Buffet
Imagine a less poetic Harrison with every likeable quality stripped away. All the hypocrisy with a sincere lack of self awareness.
Pros-His brother in law is Jimmy Buffet
July 17, 2015
Rather than give you a "macro" review, I cover my favorite chapters of this book in sort of a micro-review fashion:
Back in Ireland - is as pointed and sharp as a tack. The story is as much about a time as it is about a place. McGuane reminds us that the intersection of time and space is unique as a snowflake hitting the warm ground.
Twlight in the Buffalo Paddock - McGuane takes us into a seemingly sterile (e.g., there's no fish in those casting ponds) and off-beat, urban setting in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park. He points out the art as well as the pointlessness of false casting to plastic-ringed targets at a time when fly fishing is being passed up by faster, more extreme sports like skateboarding and BMX. But even in this setting, McGuane finds his perfect moment. It's a moment that draws many fly anglers back to their sport: "The ponds have gone silver. The emptiness around the few members who remain seems to make their casting more singular, more eloquent."
Henry's Fork - The author fishes the Henry's Fork of the Snake River with guide Mike Lawson. The essay turns into a bit of a rant with McGuane calling Idaho's Department of Fish and Game to the carpet. And like metaphoric bad-dog, rubbing their nose in a big pile of silt they left in the river.
World-Record Dinner - reads like a minor treatise on fly fishing the flats for mutton snapper. The mutton snapper as McGuane describes it -"not at all handsome, with its large and vacant-looking head" - earns more than respect - "difficult to deceive and very spooky" as an angler's quarry.
The Sea-Run Fish - is the most sharply pointed satire of the book, with a laser-like focus on an entire ontology of misdirected fly anglers. McGuane breaks them down into: The Rich, Old and New, Corporate Groups, Time Sharers, Spongers (which he claims membership to), and The Poacher. With some amount of after thought, he includes Steelheaders ("The first group, distinctly, are the original California steelheaders emanating from the Bay Area."), lodge denizens, and the roaming sponge.
I loved his take on fishing lodges: "The lodge has the unenviable job of maintaining living facilities, waterborne transport, and guides, as well as some level of communications and emergency medical capability in remote places. The logistics underlying this can resemble what in military parlance is called a task force, but it enables one to arrive with clothes and tackle only, and depart with no responsibilities for maintenance and other ordeals of the off-season, a real luxury. The downside is that it's not cheap and you never know who you'll be bunking with.... and if you travel long enough to so-called destination angling, you will meet some unparalleled Twinkies and monsters."
I could go on citing stories and pulling quotes from this book. But, instead I'll finish with 3 words of advice - get his book.
Back in Ireland - is as pointed and sharp as a tack. The story is as much about a time as it is about a place. McGuane reminds us that the intersection of time and space is unique as a snowflake hitting the warm ground.
Twlight in the Buffalo Paddock - McGuane takes us into a seemingly sterile (e.g., there's no fish in those casting ponds) and off-beat, urban setting in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park. He points out the art as well as the pointlessness of false casting to plastic-ringed targets at a time when fly fishing is being passed up by faster, more extreme sports like skateboarding and BMX. But even in this setting, McGuane finds his perfect moment. It's a moment that draws many fly anglers back to their sport: "The ponds have gone silver. The emptiness around the few members who remain seems to make their casting more singular, more eloquent."
Henry's Fork - The author fishes the Henry's Fork of the Snake River with guide Mike Lawson. The essay turns into a bit of a rant with McGuane calling Idaho's Department of Fish and Game to the carpet. And like metaphoric bad-dog, rubbing their nose in a big pile of silt they left in the river.
World-Record Dinner - reads like a minor treatise on fly fishing the flats for mutton snapper. The mutton snapper as McGuane describes it -"not at all handsome, with its large and vacant-looking head" - earns more than respect - "difficult to deceive and very spooky" as an angler's quarry.
The Sea-Run Fish - is the most sharply pointed satire of the book, with a laser-like focus on an entire ontology of misdirected fly anglers. McGuane breaks them down into: The Rich, Old and New, Corporate Groups, Time Sharers, Spongers (which he claims membership to), and The Poacher. With some amount of after thought, he includes Steelheaders ("The first group, distinctly, are the original California steelheaders emanating from the Bay Area."), lodge denizens, and the roaming sponge.
I loved his take on fishing lodges: "The lodge has the unenviable job of maintaining living facilities, waterborne transport, and guides, as well as some level of communications and emergency medical capability in remote places. The logistics underlying this can resemble what in military parlance is called a task force, but it enables one to arrive with clothes and tackle only, and depart with no responsibilities for maintenance and other ordeals of the off-season, a real luxury. The downside is that it's not cheap and you never know who you'll be bunking with.... and if you travel long enough to so-called destination angling, you will meet some unparalleled Twinkies and monsters."
I could go on citing stories and pulling quotes from this book. But, instead I'll finish with 3 words of advice - get his book.
May 19, 2012
Fishing requires 100% concentration and blocks out all distractions and anxiety. Reading about it is almost as effective but I miss the tranquil background of a chuckling trout stream on a summer's day .This is a fine collection of tall tales, beautifully written and capturing the essence of a sport that is also philosophy and religion to many of its followers..
November 28, 2021
some beautiful writing here about fishing and some of the relevant natural history. i found it a bit dull at times but i don't really know anything about fishing so that's probably my fault rather than the book's.
September 15, 2008
Great writing in the fly fishing genre.
September 1, 2014
i like mcguane's fiction, but i love his nonfiction.
and this may well be his best.
and this may well be his best.
June 18, 2023
I love buying and reading these types of books.
Boats, yachts, historical events and books about the sea are generally excellent. If there are sequels in your series, I would love to read them.
The beauties of owning the books of important authors cannot be discussed. I'm looking forward to your new books.
For friends who want to read this book, I leave the importance of reading a book here. I wish good luck to the sellers and customers...
Top 10 benefits of reading for all ages:
1. Reading Exercises the Brain
As we read, we need to remember the different characters and settings of a particular story. Even if you enjoy reading a book in one sitting, you need to remember the details during the time you devote to reading the book. Therefore, reading is an exercise for your brain that improves memory function.
2. Reading Is a (free) Form of Entertainment
Did you know that most of the popular TV series and movies are based on books? So why not indulge in the original form of entertainment by immersing yourself in reading? Most importantly, it's free with your Markham Public Library card.
3. Reading Improves Concentration and Focus
We all agree that there can be no reading without focus, and we need to concentrate on every page we read to fully understand the story. In a world where gadgets only speed up and shorten our attention span, we must constantly practice concentration and focus. Reading is one of the few activities that requires your undivided attention, so it improves your ability to concentrate.
4. Reading Improves Literacy
Have you ever read a book where you come across a word you don't know? Books have the power to improve your vocabulary by introducing you to new words. The more you read, the more your vocabulary will improve as well as your ability to communicate effectively. Also, reading improves writing skills by helping the reader understand and learn different writing styles.
5. Reading Improves Sleep
By creating a bedtime routine that includes reading, you can signal to your body that it's time to sleep. Now more than ever, we rely on increased screen time to get through the day. That's why you put your phone away and pick up a book and tell your brain it's time to calm down. Also, since reading helps you relieve stress, reading right before bed helps calm your mind and anxiety and improve your sleep quality.
6. Reading Increases General Knowledge
Books are always full of fun and interesting facts. Whether we read fiction or non-fiction, books have the ability to provide us with information we might not otherwise know. Reading various topics can make you a more knowledgeable person and therefore improve your speaking skills.
7. Reading Is Motivating
By reading books about heroes overcoming adversity, we are often encouraged to do the same. Whether it's a romance novel or a self-help book, the right book can motivate you to never give up and stay positive.
https://numberoneboats.com/
https://theboatyacht.com/
https://theboatyacht.com/boats-for-sa...
https://numberoneboats.com/boats-for-...
https://theboatyacht.com/boats-for-sa...
https://numberoneboats.com/boats-for-...
Boats, yachts, historical events and books about the sea are generally excellent. If there are sequels in your series, I would love to read them.
The beauties of owning the books of important authors cannot be discussed. I'm looking forward to your new books.
For friends who want to read this book, I leave the importance of reading a book here. I wish good luck to the sellers and customers...
Top 10 benefits of reading for all ages:
1. Reading Exercises the Brain
As we read, we need to remember the different characters and settings of a particular story. Even if you enjoy reading a book in one sitting, you need to remember the details during the time you devote to reading the book. Therefore, reading is an exercise for your brain that improves memory function.
2. Reading Is a (free) Form of Entertainment
Did you know that most of the popular TV series and movies are based on books? So why not indulge in the original form of entertainment by immersing yourself in reading? Most importantly, it's free with your Markham Public Library card.
3. Reading Improves Concentration and Focus
We all agree that there can be no reading without focus, and we need to concentrate on every page we read to fully understand the story. In a world where gadgets only speed up and shorten our attention span, we must constantly practice concentration and focus. Reading is one of the few activities that requires your undivided attention, so it improves your ability to concentrate.
4. Reading Improves Literacy
Have you ever read a book where you come across a word you don't know? Books have the power to improve your vocabulary by introducing you to new words. The more you read, the more your vocabulary will improve as well as your ability to communicate effectively. Also, reading improves writing skills by helping the reader understand and learn different writing styles.
5. Reading Improves Sleep
By creating a bedtime routine that includes reading, you can signal to your body that it's time to sleep. Now more than ever, we rely on increased screen time to get through the day. That's why you put your phone away and pick up a book and tell your brain it's time to calm down. Also, since reading helps you relieve stress, reading right before bed helps calm your mind and anxiety and improve your sleep quality.
6. Reading Increases General Knowledge
Books are always full of fun and interesting facts. Whether we read fiction or non-fiction, books have the ability to provide us with information we might not otherwise know. Reading various topics can make you a more knowledgeable person and therefore improve your speaking skills.
7. Reading Is Motivating
By reading books about heroes overcoming adversity, we are often encouraged to do the same. Whether it's a romance novel or a self-help book, the right book can motivate you to never give up and stay positive.
https://numberoneboats.com/
https://theboatyacht.com/
https://theboatyacht.com/boats-for-sa...
https://numberoneboats.com/boats-for-...
https://theboatyacht.com/boats-for-sa...
https://numberoneboats.com/boats-for-...
February 28, 2018
I came upon this book while looking for a book to start during Christmas Break. I had previously heard of this author from my Grandpa and decided to look at some of his pieces. At this point I did not know that Thomas McGuane’s writing matched my taste, but I quickly learned that I would likely enjoy most of his work. After perusing his books online I decided that The Longest Silence: A Life In Fishing was most likely the piece I would enjoy the most.
His writing in general is largely centered around his experiences in life and more specifically his life outdoors. I enjoyed this book thoroughly and plan to read more by McGuane in the future. This text exceeded my expectations and was most of the time hard to put down. This proves the class of the book and McGuane’s skill as a storyteller since I typically become bored with text after a long period of reading it.
McGuane’s style and attitude seep through the pages of this book making it very interesting to follow. In this specific book all the content is centered around his life experience as a fly fisherman and how this lifestyle affected and still affects him currently. The structure used by McGuane becomes essential in helping clarify the main theme. The book, consisting of multiple essays, tied well into cohesive themes/ideas that I easily related to and enjoyed. The choice to clearly split the separate experiences into sections helped reveal and accent the running themes and ideas. This was interesting because one got to see the themes grow with him and the ideas adapt alongside his understanding of the outdoors and the art of fly fishing.
I really did love this book, but there is quite a bit of knowledge in the field required in order for the book to be fully enjoyed and fully understood. This being said the knowledge by no means limits this text to the fly fishing and outdoor audience, but rather puts other audiences at a bit of a disadvantage when it comes to allusions. With this in mind, the fisherman, fisherwoman, or simply an outdoor minded person would get the most out of the themes and ideas behind the book. Also this book is a good place to start for anyone interested in beginning to explore the outdoor world and what it has to offer.
His writing in general is largely centered around his experiences in life and more specifically his life outdoors. I enjoyed this book thoroughly and plan to read more by McGuane in the future. This text exceeded my expectations and was most of the time hard to put down. This proves the class of the book and McGuane’s skill as a storyteller since I typically become bored with text after a long period of reading it.
McGuane’s style and attitude seep through the pages of this book making it very interesting to follow. In this specific book all the content is centered around his life experience as a fly fisherman and how this lifestyle affected and still affects him currently. The structure used by McGuane becomes essential in helping clarify the main theme. The book, consisting of multiple essays, tied well into cohesive themes/ideas that I easily related to and enjoyed. The choice to clearly split the separate experiences into sections helped reveal and accent the running themes and ideas. This was interesting because one got to see the themes grow with him and the ideas adapt alongside his understanding of the outdoors and the art of fly fishing.
I really did love this book, but there is quite a bit of knowledge in the field required in order for the book to be fully enjoyed and fully understood. This being said the knowledge by no means limits this text to the fly fishing and outdoor audience, but rather puts other audiences at a bit of a disadvantage when it comes to allusions. With this in mind, the fisherman, fisherwoman, or simply an outdoor minded person would get the most out of the themes and ideas behind the book. Also this book is a good place to start for anyone interested in beginning to explore the outdoor world and what it has to offer.
August 9, 2025
A collection of short essays touching on diverse elements of what McGuane thinks are important about fishing, and by implication, everything in life. Like myself. An intriguing read by someone who shares my philosophy about this particular sport and who also somehow seems to be able to devote three consecutive months to tarpon fishing. That aside, McGuane seems like someone with a balanced view of where he stands in relation to nature, and it's clear I share his perspective even though he and I are quite different people.
I don't conceptualize my fishing in terms of silence, the way he does.
A standout quotation, perhaps somewhat mangled: Death and taxes may be inevitable, but love and fishing are the only things of consequence that endure.
At the end, McGuane collects the thoughts of famous anglers, many of whom he personally knew, on aging and fishing. It was poignant to read those of John Gierach, from my home waters, who died just under a year ago, a man whose outlook I sometimes emulate, and whose favorite streams I will be fishing within a month.
I don't conceptualize my fishing in terms of silence, the way he does.
A standout quotation, perhaps somewhat mangled: Death and taxes may be inevitable, but love and fishing are the only things of consequence that endure.
At the end, McGuane collects the thoughts of famous anglers, many of whom he personally knew, on aging and fishing. It was poignant to read those of John Gierach, from my home waters, who died just under a year ago, a man whose outlook I sometimes emulate, and whose favorite streams I will be fishing within a month.
April 17, 2022
Mixed feelings. Some consider McGuane a a genius - I'll have to try his fiction. I enjoy his plain and straightforward prose style, though the occasional use of a pretentious word feels out of place. Some of the essays really are fantastic. I'm far more interested in the aesthetic of trout fishing than casting a fly for tarpon or bonefish, so a lot of the Florida essays left me feeling meh - but that reflects as much on me as the author. He's at his best when observing the people he fishes with, and so some of the destination stories and their attendant descriptions of guides and fellow sports are worth reading. Especially "Fly Fishing the Evil Empire" and "Iceland."
Also, and this is on the publisher, the book would have been much improved by dropping a quarter of the essays and bumping the font up to a readable size.
Also, and this is on the publisher, the book would have been much improved by dropping a quarter of the essays and bumping the font up to a readable size.
July 21, 2024
I read the edition from 2019 which included some current references. This was a hard read, with about a word per essay that I needed to look up. I discovered that a couple were artful creations. It took a while to get into the rhythm but once I hit a couple chapters I really enjoyed, I forgave him my difficulties getting through it.
As a passionate fisherman, McGuane is relentless about catching fish around the world on barbless hooks, very challenging, just to let them all go. Despite details about water conditions, boats, lines, hand-tied lures and equipment, the essence of the essays are more about the spirit of the fish.
Good writing! I struggled to keep up.
As a passionate fisherman, McGuane is relentless about catching fish around the world on barbless hooks, very challenging, just to let them all go. Despite details about water conditions, boats, lines, hand-tied lures and equipment, the essence of the essays are more about the spirit of the fish.
Good writing! I struggled to keep up.
December 18, 2024
What an absolute gem of a book and a perfect holiday read for an angler. Fishing, especially fly fishing, is one of a handful of outdoor activities that has spawned a school of great literature.
"The sport of angling used to be a genteel business, at least in the world of ideals, a world of ladies and gentlemen," McGuane writes. "These have been replaced by a new set of paradigms: the bum, the addict, and the maniac. I'm afraid that this says much about the times we live in."
Indeed it does, and McGuane in this elegant anthology has much to say about the times we live in and the reasons why anglers cast that fly.
"The sport of angling used to be a genteel business, at least in the world of ideals, a world of ladies and gentlemen," McGuane writes. "These have been replaced by a new set of paradigms: the bum, the addict, and the maniac. I'm afraid that this says much about the times we live in."
Indeed it does, and McGuane in this elegant anthology has much to say about the times we live in and the reasons why anglers cast that fly.
March 28, 2018
Another collection of essays that ranged from 3 to 5+, all focused on McGuane's life fishing around the world. Some of the stories are too far beyond my experience or interest to really pull me in, but the great ones are absolutely brilliant descriptions of what is feels like to be on the water - all kinds of water - with a rod and reel, whether fish appear or not. Many times I just grinned as I relived the experiences that McGuane captured, right down to the moment the fish suddenly realizes that he is being released from your hand and can just swim away - some casually, some with a sprint! Fishing friends, this book is for you!
May 26, 2024
Confession - I am not a fisherman.
This is a dense, superbly written text on life, the environment, and how fish (and humans) behave. It is just an encyclopedic look at our world, and it contains a ton about fishing.
McGuane's observations on the seasons, all the places around the world he travels to fish, its people, and his insights into himself are so well written and expressive that I would reread paragraph after paragraph. As the pages turn, he notes how the environment degrades.
Then there is just a lot of jargon about fishing and fishing gear. More than enough!
This is a dense, superbly written text on life, the environment, and how fish (and humans) behave. It is just an encyclopedic look at our world, and it contains a ton about fishing.
McGuane's observations on the seasons, all the places around the world he travels to fish, its people, and his insights into himself are so well written and expressive that I would reread paragraph after paragraph. As the pages turn, he notes how the environment degrades.
Then there is just a lot of jargon about fishing and fishing gear. More than enough!
June 25, 2025
Classic tales of fishing for bonefish, tarpon, permit, steelhead, salmon, and trout. I think that's it. Not only does McGuane tell his adventures with a novelist's purveyance and a naturalist's keen eye, we get to hang with the likes of Harrison, Chouinard, Chatham, and de la Valdene. What could be better? You can't be there yourself--at least right now--so sit back and live these trips in your own living room. You'll be soon daydreaming about where your next trip will be.
April 12, 2021
DNF'd at 30%. Not the book's fault, though, it's just not for me. Very jargon-y. The number of essays included made this really overwhelming. The descriptions are beautiful, but if you aren't into fishing that is all this is--300 pages of description. If you ARE into fishing you will get far more out of this and will probably pick up on subtle stuff that went over my head as a non-angler.
August 20, 2024
I really wanted to like this book. At its best, it’s a masterclass in evocative, visual storytelling. At its worst, it leans on misogynistic tropes, mentioning women only to comment that they’re wearing “hot pants” or otherwise just objects of the male gaze. He should have stuck to what he’s good at - lovingly describing the natural world. For that, it gets 2.5 stars.
February 17, 2025
My god what a slog!! Some of his descriptions and stories are wonderful and really kept me in it enough to trudge through the chapters that were too long winded and pointless. I’ve heard he’s quite a claimed but so was Hemingway and he never knew when to shut up either. This one goes on a walk to the little free library. Not shelf worthy.
May 11, 2021
What an amazing book. The ability to describe in such detail the intricacies of fishing made me feel that I was there in person. Even if you have no interest in fishing this book will keep you enthralled.
August 30, 2021
Why we fish:revealed!
Great stories coupled with great writing about time on the water with a fly rod but, in this the author’s case there is more! A few painters suck you into the soul of their pictures, and the author here evokes the essence of the fishing experience and shares it with the reader in spades. Friends have read this book numerable times and this was my first, but I can guarantee you, not my last.
Great stories coupled with great writing about time on the water with a fly rod but, in this the author’s case there is more! A few painters suck you into the soul of their pictures, and the author here evokes the essence of the fishing experience and shares it with the reader in spades. Friends have read this book numerable times and this was my first, but I can guarantee you, not my last.
April 30, 2018
Boring.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews