Good Reads

The American Angler’s Book: Embracing the Natural History of Sporting Fish, and the Art of Taking Them

Over one and a half centuries after its original publication, Thaddeus Norris’s The American Angler’s Book remains a classic heavily sought after by fishing enthusiasts and collectors. Considered father of American fly fishing, Norris’s encyclopedic compilation of nineteenth-century tackle and the making of it, information on diverse fish species, and fishing theories and musings was an immensely important tome that helped popularize sport fishing in the United States. Much of the information is still relevant to pursuers of the modern sport. Topics covered include:

Hooks, sinkers, swivels, leaders, snoods, lines, rods, and reels
Perch, pike, carp, herring, catfish and eels, salmon, and trout species and behaviors
Saltwater and fly fishing methods and tackle
Repairs, fly-making, and rod-making
Fish breeding
And more!

“Every American Piscator may feel proud [to own]” this “elegant volume” with “beautifully executed” illustrations, proclaimed The New York Times on the book’s original publication. With information copiously gathered and published during the American Civil War, Norris was a leader in his field. Containing a wealth of exquisite engravings, The American Angler’s Book is a must-have addition to any serious fly-fisher’s collection.

News & Noteworthy

The lure industry and collecting world lost a great one this week, Bill Stuart. From fisherman to collector, to author, to entrepreneur Mr Stuart’s legacy can only be usurped by his love of the industry to which he devoted his life’s work. The lure collecting hobby, the fishing lure industry and the countless collectors who benefited from his dedication lost a friend this week. Bill’s works to help promote and to foster the knowledge of the industry to which he helped write will stand for generations, as the friendships he made along the way will last a lifetime to those who had the privilege to know him.

Rest in Peace William H. Stuart. Jr. 1937 – 2019