Shadowcasting: An Introduction to the Art of Flyfishing [Paperback]

Gary Hubbell (Author), John Dietsch (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 25, 1999

From movie stunts to letters from the great beyond, John Dietsch and Gary Hubbell bring a fresh new perspective to learning to flyfish. John Dietsch, the flyfishing production coordinator on the filming of "A River Runs Through It," taught the actors in the movie to flyfish. He brings the same techniques to the beginning flyfisherman. His co-author, writer/photographer/fishing guide Gary Hubbell, has gained renown for teaching solid flyfishing fundamentals to thousands of beginners. Together Dietsch and Hubbell were instrumental in creating the CD-ROM "The ESPN Flyfishing School." Each of the book's chapters is comprised of solid instructional techniques, accompanied by an anecdote from the authors' fishing experiences. The stories range from humorous accounts of guiding beginners, to intriguing descriptions of filming flyfishing scenes, to deeply personal accounts of losing a brother to cancer. The book includes a stunning 16-page photo section with brilliant color photos by co-author Gary Hubbell, as well as several incredible photos by John Kelly from the set of "A River Runs Through It."

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Every once in a blue moon a new movie comes along that truly does justice to the fine sport of fishing. Several years ago, Patrick Markey and Robert Redford's rendition of Norman Maclean's novel 'A River Runs Through It' was just such a movie. Every once in a while, too, a new book comes along that does the same thing-makes one want to put down the fly rod, if only briefly, to experience the angling sport through someone else's eyes. John Dietsch and Gary Hubbell's newly released work, 'Shadowcasting,' is just such a book. Intended as an introduction to the art of flyfishing, the subject of this handsome paperback belies the wealth of fly-fishing experience that its authors have between them. These guys easily could have produced a book on advanced fly casting, fly fishing or any number of other fly fishing topics...These two guys-Hubbell and Dietsch-have put together a first-class beginner's guide to fly-fishing. In fact, they've put together a book that's genuinely good reading, whether you are a beginning fly fisherman or not. It is a book that I can recommend without qualification...With rare wit and humor, Dietsch and Hubbell have produced a work that should be of interest to anyone who contemplates picking up a fly rod."-Fred Deegen, Deputy Director of the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources, saltwater flyfishing guide and columnist for the Biloxi, Mississippi, Sun-Herald. -- Publisher Comments

From the Author

"We found that many of the introductory flyfishing books on the market are too technical for the average beginner and they're really dry reading. We wanted to bridge the gap between solid instructional techniques and beautiful prose. I think we've come pretty close. Both John and I have taught thousands of beginners to flyfish, so not only do we teach very strong flyfishing fundamentals, but we've also tried to distill the concepts in the simplest language possible. While writing the instructional text, John and I tried to imagine guiding a trip on the river, and we tried to use the same simple language we would use while guiding a trip. Then, of course, John's essays are just beautiful. He's a very talented writer, and his stories are very strong. The photos are first-rate as well. I think they really give you the feeling of being on the water with a fly rod in hand. We promise you'll be entertained, and you'll learn a lot about flyfishing, too."-Gary Hubbell

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Product Details

• Paperback: 208 pages
• Publisher: Clinetop Press (March 25, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1893740021
• ISBN-13: 978-1893740020
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,780,725 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Flyfishing without the voodoo, January 11, 2001

By 

Tom Lubchenco (Glenwood Springs, CO USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Shadowcasting: An Introduction to the Art of Flyfishing (Paperback)

My wife originally bought this book by John Dietsch and Gary Hubbell as a gift for her brother, who is struggling to get the hang of it; but she liked it so much that she decided to keep it for ourselves. It covers the basics in an easily digested way. It has also a section on ethics that I wish everyone would read. As either a point of departure for a neophyte or as a source of verification for a crusty old fisherman, this book is a keeper.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Instructional and entertaining., May 22, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Shadowcasting: An Introduction to the Art of Flyfishing (Paperback)

In Shadowcasting, Gary Hubbell and John Dietsch have teamed up to talk about fly fishing in many different aspects. This book is instructional for the new flyfisherperson while being entertaining for anyone who has a passion for our sport. Being an east coast steelheader(PA and MI) and never fishing out west I still found many of the western rivers coming to life. Hubbell and Dietsch have touched on several issues not usually dealt with in a fly fishing primer: etiquette, ethics, and environment. Hubbell's photography is superb. The instructional aspects have been mixed with some personal stories and experiences to bring this book into easily readable material. I found the instructional part to be right on especially on presentation and reading the water. Shadowcasting is an all around entertaining book.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars "SET THE HOOK", May 6, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Shadowcasting: An Introduction to the Art of Flyfishing (Paperback)

Do you want to improve your dead drift nymphing technique? How about a dry fly primer? For the beginner this book has all the how to's. Co-authored by two expert flyfishermen this book will teach everyone something new. Even all you experts out there will enjoy the sidebars. The wonderful storytelling will take everyones mind from the page to the run on your favorite stretch of water. I can recommend this book as enjoyable/informational reading for all flyfishers.