Standing in a River Waving a Stick

Brilliant, witty, perceptive essays about fly-fishing, the natural world, and life in general by the acknowledged master of fishing writers.With his inimitable combination of wit and wisdom, John Gierach once again celebrates the fly-fishing life in Standing in a River Waving a Stick and notes its benefits as a sport, philosophical pursuit, even therapy: The solution to any problemwork, love, money, whateveris to go fishing, and the worse the problem, the longer the trip should be. After all, fly-fishing does teach important life lessons, says Gierachabout solitude, patience, perspective, humor, and the sublime coffee break. Recounting both memorable fishing spots and memorable fish, Gierach discusses what makes a good fly pattern, the ethics of writing about undiscovered trout waters, the dread of getting skunked, and the camaraderie of fellow fishermen who can end almost any conversation with Well, its sort of like fishing, isnt it? Reflecting on a lifetime of lessons learned at the end of a fly rod, Gierach concludes, The one inscription you dont want carved on your tombstone is The Poor Son of a Bitch Didnt Fish Enough. Fortunately for Gierach fans, this is not likely to happen.