The Best Fly Fishing is Everywhere - 12.19.2025
Ramblings & Readings, Creativity & Conservation, Happenings & Hope
My Fishy Friends,
I haven’t been fishing in a while, but I’ve been reading fishing books. I haven’t rowed a boat in a bit, but I’ve been on my rowing machine. I had lunch with a fishing buddy last weekend, coffee with another mid-week, and I’ll have dinner with another one tomorrow. So, I haven’t been fishing, but I’ve been “fishing,” which is sometimes just as good!
Cheers,
Jesse
Banner photo: A younger Plover on a coastal river that we may have fished together.
Coming Soon!
It seems crazy to say it, and I don’t think it’ll truly feel real until I get one in my hands but…
Below you’ll see the final cover art for my forthcoming book, The Best Fly Fishing is Everywhere, which will be released on Feb. 24, 2026.
The cover shot was graciously provided by my good friend, British Columbia-based photographer Chase White. The book also features beautiful interior artwork from my tarpon fishing friend and graphic designer Bre Drake.
Signed and personalized copies will be available, and I’ll provide a link to place those orders in the next few weeks—stay tuned!
In the meantime, please take a look at my book webpage, which shares reviews of the book from some incredibly inspiring writers, editors, anglers, and people. I am grateful that they took the time to browse the pages and share their words.
Fly Science
Science on the Fly is a crowd-sourced and citizen-science water sampling program that’s led and orchestrated by fly anglers around the globe. This recent video captures the program at work—from New Hampshire guide and angler Dom Lentini’s sampling efforts, to sample analysis at the Woodwell Climate Research Center. In total, SOTF is a unique, effective, and engaging program that combines fly fishing and conservation efforts. Check it out!
The Big One
The Martha's Vineyard Striped Bass & Bluefish Derby began in 1946 and continues to this day, even though its namesake fish isn’t included in the contest. The history and culture of the derby is exceptionally rich and David Kinney’s book The Big One captures it all superbly. Kinney spent the entirety of one derby (six weeks) on the Vineyard years ago, so the book not only captures the essence of the Derby as an island fixture, but catalogs one year’s drama. Of note: how does the Derby Committee deal with possible rule-bending??
This is Fly
I forget how long ago I became a reader of the online-only This is Fly magazine; I’m guessing it was sometime in 2007 or 2008. For years, they shared a unique voice, lens, and style with the fly fishing community, and it’s hard to argue that their work wasn’t ahead of its time. It came to me recently that they’re re-launching the magazine, now in print! Check out their website and Instagram to stay apprised; digital back issues are available.
Advice
The tip we’ve just gotten may be solid gold, but the best advice you can give either a fisherman or a writer is: Don’t do what everyone else does; avoid clichés.
~ From John Gierach
Thanks for reading! If you enjoyed this newsletter, please send it to a friend.
If this email sent to you by a friend, click here to subscribe.
