With disarming honesty and freshness, Derek Grzelewski has written a highly readable account of his year dedicated to fly-fishing in New Zealand, relating the highs and lows, and the intricacies and finesse, of pursuing trout in the wild places and pristine waters he loves so much. The thrill of close encounters with this elusive quarry is mirrored by the pleasure he takes in the companionship of his dogs, his friends and the many others he happens across in, often secret, fly-fishing locations around the country. Each month, illustrated with fly sketches by passionate fellow angler Johnny Groome, covers aspects of fly-fishing relevant to that time of year. Along the way we meet many of the author's friends and clients, including top professional guides and a couple of trout scientists, and share his insights into the art of fly-fishing. He also considers innovative techniques and equipment, the pros and cons of catch-and-release, and ponders on our relationship with the natural world and environmental factors affecting our waterways.
About the Author
Derek Grzelewski is a regular contributor to top-end magazines like New Zealand Geographic, Australian Geographic, Smithsonian, GEO and Flylife. He is a former professional fly fishing guide and the founder of Wanaka Flyfishing Academy. He lives in Wanaka, on the banks of the Clutha river.
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Reviews
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I would have never initially picked up a book on fishing, but I enjoyed immensely Derek's take on the 'soul' of flyfishing. Its a pursuit from the heart and told in a way that will draw any reader into an understanding on the intricacies for the passion of this sport and so I enjoyed the 'why' of flyfishing instead of the'how'. I'm sure any reader who likes to journey with the author during their pursuit of their passion will enjoy this book. A good read for anyone who appreciates an eloquently written story.
Derek Grzelewski sees what most others do not; his thoughtful observations are carefully wound into stories that are neither just about technique, nor about the requisite equipment but rather how fishing for trout, pounding miles of river bank, chance encounters with locals and peering from a bridge into running water, feed us. A December trip to waters that he'd rather not name, recalls that in the hut were he stayed overnight were … "two crossed fishing rods, and stuck into the guide eye of one of them, the stub of a cigar, thick as a thumb, burnt out and extinguished like the man's life itself. A golden band proclaiming it was a Macanudo". He threads his 12 months of fishing with his life experiences. This is not a book about pounds, numbers or the one that got away. He recounts his meetings with professionals, scientists, cockies, novices, old timers, whitebaiters… for each of them a different slant on what they take from the fabulously fresh still and running waters of New Zealand. I couldn't put the book down.
This is such a fine book; one that is able to be enjoyed on several levels.
It has inspired me to fish some new water, and it offers gems on how to fly fish. The Trout Diaries is occupied by a number of the most interesting characters to inhabit our angling literature ,and the author has captured their voices beautifully.The book will appeal to people looking for the adventure that comes from new places and people, but primarily for me, it was about an adventure of the soul. This ultimate adventure,so well described,is the most important journey of all, and is what will make this book appeal to an audience well beyond anglers. It is a book that can make you laugh and cry, which is quite something for a book supposedly about angling.
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