Customer Reviews

Fly-Fishing for Bonefish

5 star:		(10)
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This book is one of the best nonfiction fishing books I've ever read. I'd recommend it to any flyfisher, even those who've never seen a bonefish. Chico Fernandez has an incredible amount of experience and knowledge about bonefish and flyfishing generally, and his writing is clear, interesting, and sometimes hilarious. He is careful to explain why he thinks a certain way about an issue, includes many examples, and isn't afraid to express uncertainty. All these are refreshing qualities in a genre dominated by those who typically issue piles of dogma, seemingly believing themselves to have risen above other ordinary fishing nuts, to the status of gods or celebrities. Chico reminds us it's just fishing, but damn, it's an unbelievably interesting and fun way to spend time.

The beginning section on bonefish biology, by Dr. Aaron Adams, strengthens the book immensely, giving it the depth of scientific authority. Don't skip this section - it provides much interesting information that will come back to you as you read the rest of the book. It's presented with the same clarity and authority Dr. Adams exhibited in his own book, A Fisherman's Coast.

Word of warning - if you don't want to feel that you must be on the flats now, barefoot, looking for tailing bonefish, don't read this book.

I bought the book while planning an extended trip to Belize. While the book is somewhat Florida Centered, I found it extremely useful. The chapters on biology and fish behavior gave one an insight that how complex the "hunt" for the bonefish can be. In reading the book, I found many useful insights while still keeping me grounded in the fact that pursuit of flats fish is hard work. There is only so much that can be said about reels, lines and rods, but the references to how a slightly larger or smaller kit might work are useful. Overall I think that there is something for everyone in the book, and for those that already know it all, a nice book for the lodge....

Chico Fernandez is a wealth of information about bonefish. A must read for the novice and experienced fisherman.

Very comprehensive and complete text. The whole phase of the hunt for bones is covered in depth. The knowledge on the bonefishes habitat and behavior provided by Dr. Adams is full of information that keeps you thinking while on the flats. A must have text that reads easily cover to cover.

All a bonefisherman needs to know about bonefish. Fernandez's life long accumulation of knowledge of the Ghost of the Flats in a very pleasant, easy reading, informative package!!!!

You know how someone who's really good at what they do can sit you down, and in a few simple, perfectly phrased sentences, have you not only informed, but so excited, you can't wait to try for yourself? That's Chico Fernandez's book. Every word and sentence is laden with information, wisdom, and entertainment. As just one example, in the chapter on flies for bonefish, Chico is able to summarize the top 6 "go to" flies for bonefish, based on his extensive experience in every conceivable situation. Other books provide multipage catalogs of flies that might leave an angler wondering just where to start and how many dozen boxes he or she needs to haul onto the flats. Chico covers the major types of flies and then goes on to explain (succinctly) why he only uses a handful of patterns in various sizes, colors, and weights for the vast majority of his angling. In this regard, he reminds me a lot of master trophy trout angler Denny Rickards. Both these anglers have fished under some of the most challenging and some of the best conditions imaginable, and both have come to rely on only a half dozen impresisonistic patterns. On top of the discussions of equipment, techniques, biology, and location, there's a terrific chapter on the "other flats fish" such as permit, barracuda, grouper, jacks, snappers, and sharks. Chico is a guy who clearly enjoys catching fish. Any fish. And he even has a system to carry just 3 rods and be ready for any fish you might possibly encounter in a day on the flats. This book is so packed full of information, you'll be constantly referring back to it and learning something new each time. The photos are crystal clear, large, beautiful, and make up an important part of the overal experience of a book like this. They supplement, but also augment the text. If you are new to bonefishing (like me) or have been at it for a while, this book will definitely be something you'll want to add to your library and share with others.

An impressive double haul writing cast for Mr. Fernandez. This book is well done and definitely a worthwhile read for anyone interested in chasing the mighty bonefish with a flyrod. It covers the waterfront on bonefishing and does so completely and with some wonderful humor mixed in with many extremely helpful instructions and observations.

One of the best book on fishing I have ever read (and I read a lot of them)
Nice to read, full of information
Says what have to been said
As I said one of the best

This is one of the most comprehensive, readable, and entertaining books I have read. For those who are bonefishermen, or who are just thinking about giving it a try, this book will enlighten you and simplify your approach to the sport. You will benefit from a lifetime of experience that Chico Fernandez shares with the reader. He does away with some myths, like the length of bonefish runs, and lightens your load when you pack for a trip. The photos and illustrations are superb and make you want to be on the flats. This book is invaluable and a must-read for new and experienced bonefishers.

Chico's expertise and experience is evident, yet he disseminates his knowledge with humor and without the heavy ego that can creep in when writing as an authority. The text is extremely thorough and technical enough, but without getting boring. The photographs are great, some stunning, and the illustrations informative. Even his section on choosing a rod - usually the driest section of any fly book - was an amusing insightful read.
Truly one of the best "how to" books on any subject I've read.