Book Review By Alan Hamilton, Orvis Guide/Instructor
I have been an avid flyfisher for some 30+ years and have read
countless books on the topic. Recently, while visiting my local Barnes and
Noble store, I noticed a new book on the basics of flyfishing written by a
woman, for women.
My curiousity got the better of me, and so I purchased a copy. I was
not only impressed by the depth of instruction the book offers, but also
entertained by the personal, heart-warming reminiscences of the author and
her perspectives on our sport.
The book; "Flyfishing - A Women's Guide," (author Dana Rikimaru)
offers an instructive and enjoyable female perspective on the basics of
flyfishing. I should tell you that I have been married for 30+ years to a
wonderful woman, and in part our marriage has lasted because I have actually
gotten to know my wife's perspectives on life and interests. So I hope I have
a bit of an understanding about the type of reading that a woman prefers.
Throughout the book, the author intertwines easy to understand,
"reader friendly" instruction, with personal "on the water" experiences that
make the learning process easy to understand, while keeping it entertaining
and interesting for female (and yes - male) flyfishing enthusiasts.
Dana's book includes all of the technical information and instruction
that any flyfisherman/woman needs in order to understand and enjoy this
fulfilling past time. However, she uniquely offers instruction in a way that
makes it a kinder - gentler - more personal experience for the female reader.
Flyfishing is not just for "guys" anymore, and this book will definitely
benefit all who read it. Congratulations to Ms. Rikimaru for writing a book
that is fun to read, instructional, and full of useful perspective on our
sport and life itself. I know women will especially enjoy this book. It is
the Steel Magnolia's of instructional flyfishing books!! "two rods up"!
Notes: Dana is the director of the Orvis
Flyfishing School for the Blue Quill Angler in Evergreen, Colorado. She is
also an Orvis endorsed guide and instructor.
Flyfishing, A Woman's Guide is Distributed by Ragged
Mountain Press, McGraw - Hill publishers. Available at Amazon.com.
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