Fly Fishing: A Women's Guide

Orvis Guide Alan Hamilton says 'two rods up' for this book by Dana Rikimaru
Book Review By Alan Hamilton

I have been an avid fly fisher 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 fly fishing written by a woman, for women.

My curiosity 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 fly fishing. 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) fly fishing enthusiasts.

Dana's book includes all of the technical information and instruction that any fly fisherman/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. Fly fishing 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 fly fishing 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.

Fly Fishing, A Woman's Guide is Distributed by Ragged Mountain Press, McGraw - Hill publishers.