Gifts for Trout Aficionados
A few weeks back my wife was asking me what I wanted for Christmas this year. As I built my list I figured I would share some of my ideas with you guys in case you were in the same boat.
Trout of North America 2015 Wall Calendar – Joseph Tomelleri is the best fish illustrator that I have seen. This calendar contains amazing pictures, and great tidbits about the particular species being featured that month. I love the fact that there are a lot of species that I had never even heard of, but are still thriving in the particular watersheds they inhabit.
Trout of North America Poster – Masterfully illustrated and designed to capture the intricate details of 34 species of trout found in American waters, this essential collection of elite angler quarry are dutifully presented on one delightful poster. With faithful attention to detail and accuracy and representative in relative scale, each fish—from the tiny golden trout to the massive steelhead—is painstakingly replicated at 40 percent of average size. Reflective of the immense popularity of fishing among avid anglers throughout America and the world, and essential as a reference for easy identification of each distinct species, this colorful and fastidiously accurate poster—by the foremost authority on trout illustration in the country—is a truly remarkable addition to any fisherman’s functional art collection.
Trout of the World – In the rereleased edition of Trout of the World, fans of James Prosek’s unique painting talent will revel in the addition of 30 new fish paintings and a newly penned preface. First released in 2003, Trout of the World features original watercolors of trout from around the world, ranging from the Oxus trout of eastern Afghanistan to the small golden brown trout of British chalk streams. Each unique painting is coupled with a historical profile of the fish, as well as personal reflections from the author. Prosek savors the beauty of various fishing spots, along with the fate of the species, contemplating man’s role in the extinction of animals. Both sensitive and informative, Trout of the World is a must for the library of the recreational fisherman as ichthyologist.
Big trout! Catch and release 20-lb. trophy trout – I can’t guarantee that everything in this book is 100% accurate but it is a must read for any trophy trout angler. Ray Johnson has arguably caught more western browns over 10 pounds than any other angler in human history. His passion is borderline insanity and will keep you motivated during tough bites. Learn what a “tooth bite” is and a “whoopie fly”. Interesting stuff!
How to Catch the Biggest Trout of Your Life – This inspirational handbook demonstrates time-tested approaches to catching elusive, giant “trophy” trout. Focusing on strategy and technique, this beautifully illustrated guide for both beginning and advanced fly fishermen explains the best methods to employ when fishing for large trout. Tips on locating giant trout, understanding the behavior of the species, and fooling the fish into biting are included.
Fly-Fishing Stillwaters for Trophy Trout – Denny Rickards fished over 300 lakes before writing his book. He clearly lays out the differences between flyfishing streams vs. lakes. He then presents a thoroughly researched systematic approach that even those new to the sport can use. He has honed his list of must have flies down to 6 that produce all over the world. There are many new insights here that will help you get into a lot more fish. If you have not done well on lakes in the past, this is the book for you! A wonderful read.
The Mind of the Trout: A Cognitive Ecology for Biologists and Anglers – How and why do trout think? How do they decide where to eat and which food to eat? Why do they refuse to behave as predicted, stumping anglers by rejecting a larger fly for a smaller one or not responding at all to anything in an angler’s box? How do trout know to bolt to one particular covered area after being hooked or flushed? Why can trout smell better than humans but not remember as well? Citing the most recent scientific findings in a readily understandable form, Thomas C. Grubb, Jr. addresses these questions and more in The Mind of the Trout. It is the first book to bring together many varied concepts of cognitive ecology as applied to trout and their salmonid relatives: char, salmon, grayling, and whitefish.
Big Trout: How and Where to Target Trophies – Most anglers only dream about catching brown and rainbow trout over eight pounds, cutthroats over five pounds, or brook trout over four pounds, but Big Trout considers these sizes as the minimum standard for trophy fish. In Big Trout, Bernie Taylor explains how and why certain trout grow to trophy dimensions, what they eat and when, and the mind-set and equipment necessary to bring them in. He discusses scientific experimentation that has proven certain fly patterns and color choices are more effective, allowing anglers to apply this research to any fishing situation. This is a book that all trout hunters – from beginner to expert – will come back to again and again.
Low and Clear – The film follows two formerly close friends who re-unite for one last fly fishing trip to British Columbia. Over the course of their time together they come to understand how their individual changes, now threaten their friendship.
Rise – Takes viewers on an incredible fly fishing journey around the world. Shot entirely on 16 mm motion picture film, the cinematography and beauty of this film is unlike anything the fly fishing industry has ever seen. The segments and locations include Los Roques, Venezuela, Idaho’s Henry’s Fork, the Florida Keys, Patagonia, Argentina, New Orleans & Southeast Louisiana, & the Katmai Region of Alaska. Just 10 days after we started shipping DRIFT DVD’S by the truckload, we began shooting the next Confluence Films Production.
Once in a blue moon – The incredible story of a once in a lifetime event. Set amongst the spectacular scenery of southern New Zealand, a most strange and bizarre tale unfolds. The stuff of folklore, ‘Once in a Blue Moon’ unravels the mystery of an event that occurs briefly once a decade. This strange and unreal journey takes us into some of the most remote and beautiful parts of New Zealand as we follow one anglers quest to document and unravel a childhood mystery and catch the fish of a lifetime.
These are just a few ideas. Hope you enjoy them! – Mark Knoch
