Fly Fishing: A Life in Mid-Stream, Recollections and Essays

In these engaging essays, the author sheds light on the mystique of fly-fishing. It is different from just fishing, because it is at the high end of the sport in terms of skills and requires a lot of specialized knowledge. Looking at its origins, Tirana, who started fly-fishing as a boy, finds that fishing with rods and lines goes back to the beginning of history in China and Egypt. Dame Juliana Berners, a prioress, wrote a classic treatise on fly-fishing in the 15th century; Herbert Hoover had his own private stream when President. Among the perils of fly-fishing, Tirana lists bad conditions, wrong flies, bad advice, too much advice and, yes, no fish. He describes the delicate situation of fishing with spouse and introducing the sport to his children. Tirana reminisces about fishing in Yugoslavia, Norway and New Guinea; about best fish, best days. In the final piece, he muses on the future of the sport. This is a treat for anglers. Author tour. (May)