At the River's Edge: Lessons Learned in a Life of Fly Fishing [Hardcover]

Jerry Kustich (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 2, 2002

Out of the restlessness of the 60s and down a path that led to nowhere, the author found much more than one could ever imagine. This collection of stories defines the meaning of passionate pursuit. In that realm where a fly is cast into the stream of life, the reader too will find that the road less traveled can lead to a very special place.

Ever wonder what it would be like to live the life of a full-time fisherman? Well, Jerry lives that life. It is a life of purpose and passion-a powerful love affair with fish and fishing. Whether he casts his line across water or upon paper, he is forever fishing. Jerry's works reflect this love whole-heartedly...At the river's edge he has found the love of a woman, the loyalty of a friend, the companionship of a pet, a voice for those who have no voice, the mystical encounter, and the words to convey all this-along with much more.

Editorial Reviews

Review

At the River's Edge is a delightful read...I was sorry to see it end. -- Joan Wulff, The First Lady of Fly Fishing

The best messages on fly fishing come from the heart. Jerry is a new voice in that tradition. -- John Randolph, Editor and Publisher, Fly Fisherman Magazine

The warmth of these fishing stories radiates far beyond the river bank. -- Charlie Meyers, Outdoor Editor, The Denver Post

About the Author

A one-time high school teacher with a solid foundation in the sciences, the author developed a keen interest of nature and conservation issues while watching the Niagara River succumb to the forces of pollution in the 50s and 60s. Over the years he has dealt with these haunting images of the past as an artist and a writer. In addition to numerous published articles, Jerry wrote and illustrated a weekly nature column in The Montana Standard, and co-authored Fly Fishing for Great Lakes Steelhead: An Advanced Look at an Emerging Fishery with his brother Rick. After eighteen years, Kustich still continues to build bamboo rods with the R.L. Winston Rod Company in Twin Bridges, Montana-when he is not on the road or standing in a river.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 215 pages
• Publisher: West River Publishing (November 2, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0963310925
• ISBN-13: 978-0963310927
• Product Dimensions: 8.6 x 5.6 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,637,746 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Lessons well worth learning..., June 6, 2003

By 

Kathy Scott (Maine) - See all my reviews

This review is from: At the River's Edge: Lessons Learned in a Life of Fly Fishing (Hardcover)

Jerry Kustich, full time fisherman and eighteen year veteren of Winston's split bamboo rod shop, emerges from the pages of his newest book as a passionate advocate for rivers and wild places and as an angling philosopher. At the River's Edge is much more than a glimpse by an insider into the world of Glenn Brackett and the fabled Zen shop, more than vivid and captivating fishing stories. It is those things, however, told with humor and captivating detail, but it is more. The message is in the heart behind the words, " Respect yourself, every person, every creature, and especially the earth to which we all belong - the rest will fall into place."

5.0 out of 5 stars A good read for fly fishermen, and just about everyone else, November 30, 2011

By 

Njmovascpa - See all my reviews

This review is from: At the River's Edge: Lessons Learned in a Life of Fly Fishing (Hardcover)

Fly fishermen (and women) are the obvious audience for this book. But it has appeal for a far wider readership. Anyone who has a love of the outdoors, or understands having a personal relationship with a pet as well as with people, or has a passion for a craft, or understands the importance of conservation, or has experienced a journey of personal growth, will find that this book strikes responsive cords. Westerners will find the sense of place especially meaningful. While not specifically a memoir of the late sixties/early seventies, those who came of age during that time may find that "At the River's Edge" particularly speaks to them. Jerry Kustich says, "Fly fishing is about hope." More than anything else, that is what this book is about.

5.0 out of 5 stars At the River's Edge, June 24, 2010

By 

William Cash (western NC) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: At the River's Edge: Lessons Learned in a Life of Fly Fishing (Hardcover)

Great read. Having passionately fly fished for 53 years, I can definitely relate to Jerry's thoughts while he is standing in the middle of a western river.

"Bo" Cash, Morganton, NC