Description
Book SynopsisDiscover the spiritual potential hidden in every cast of the fly rod. "For us, fly-fishing is about more than catching fish. We have been skunked on the stream too many times to count, and stood shivering in our waders in 45-degree water long after sundown. Yet, every chance we get, we head back to the river in search of trout and something more." —from Rabbi Eric's Introduction "Early in my fly-fishing career I remember telling a friend that there is so much to learn! Some forty years later, that is still true. Every trip I learn something new about rivers, fish and the natural world. Most importantly, I learn something new about myself. Every encounter with the waters of our planet draws me deeper into who I am and who I want to become." —from Reverend Mike's Introduction In this unique exploration of fly-fishing as a spiritual practice, an Episcopal priest and a rabbi share what fly-fishing has to teach us about reflection, awe and the wonder of the natural world, the benefits of solitude, the blessing of community and the search for the Divine. Tapping the wisdom in the Christian and Jewish traditions and their own geographically diverse experiences on the water, they show how time spent on the stream can help you navigate the currents and eddies of your own inner journey.
Trade Review"Offers beautiful and original perspectives on a pastime that for many is a kind of religion. They find common ground in the rivers they fish and the spiritual truths they encounter. Lovely, learned, personal, heart-warming and instructional." —James Prosek, author, Trout: An Illustrated History and Fly-Fishing the 41st: From Connecticut to Mongolia and Home Again—A Fisherman's Odyssey "Tastefully integrates valuable fly-fishing principles, accounts of adventures and deep spiritual truths that we can all apply to our lives and reflect on when we are on the water." —Italo Labignan, television host, Canadian Sportfishing "Clearly [shows] we are all united in our spirit…. A great read for anyone who cares about people, the conservation of our planet or learning to fly-fish." —Sherry Steele, communications chair, Federation of Fly Fishers National Board of Directors “Wonderfully written, inspirational … thoughtful and articulate, a careful read of this exceptional book will make you a better fly-angler, but more importantly, it will make you a better person.” —Todd Larson, PhD, history professor, Xavier University; publisher, Whitefish Press; creator, the Fishing for History blog “Help[s] explain why so many people have ascribed spiritual meaning to this sport, and it does so in a way that will help others find such meaning in this pastime as well.” —Kenneth H. Lokensgard, PhD, creator, the Literary Fly Fisher blog “I loved this book. Both men write beautifully, lyrically, poetically about ... the connection, the preparation for and act of fly-fishing. You will enjoy it. The words will 'take' you there.” —John Lionberger, author, Renewal in the Wilderness: A Spiritual Guide to Connecting with God in the Natural World
Table of ContentsForeword: Chris Wood, CEO, Trout Unlimited v Preface: Lori Simon, executive director, Casting for Recovery ix Introduction: Rabbi Eric xi Introduction: Reverend Mike xv Chapter One In the Beginning Preparing for the River 1 The Fly-Angler's Gear Checklist 11 Reflection Questions 12 Exercise: The Significance of Your Gear 13 Chapter Two Getting There Escaping the Everyday 15 Reflection Questions 31 Exercise: Meditative Walking to the River 31 Chapter Three Being There Wading into the Stream and into Yourself 33 Reflection Questions 48 Exercise: The Basics of Fly-Casting 49 Exercise: Improving Your Fly-Casting with Lefty Kreh's Five Principles 51 Chapter Four Homecoming Peace and Harmony at the End of the Day 53 Reflection Questions 61 Exercise: Five-Step Meditation for the End of the Day 62 Chapter Five Common Ground Fishing with Friends 65 Reflection Questions 79 Exercise: Become a Part of a Fly-Fishing Community 79 Chapter Six Unfamiliar Terrain Fishing Far from Home 81 Reflection Questions 96 Exercise: Keep a Fly-Fishing Travel Journal 97 Chapter Seven Fly-Tying A Recipe for Creativity 99 Reflection Questions 106 Exercise: Tie Your Own Fly 106 Chapter Eight Stewardship and Conservation Giving Back to the Stream 109 Reflection Questions 123 Exercise: Get Involved to Protect the Rivers You Fish 124 Acknowledgments 127 Notes 129 Suggestions for Further Reading 131 Fly-Fishing Resources 133
