A Wisp in the Wind: In Search of Bull Trout, Bamboo, and Beyond [Hardcover]

Jerry Kustich (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 5, 2005

If split cane fly rods are the spiritual height of fly fishing, then the R.L. Winston bamboo rod shop approaches a mystical place. A Mecca for the few who find their way to Twin Bridges, Montana, most anglers only hear rumors of bearded rod makers bent over benches, illuminated, one would suppose, by a magical ray of Western sunlight. Until now, the heart of their discussions and the secrets of their techniques were only the stuff of conjecture and dreams. In A Wisp in the Wind, rod maker and dedicated fly fisher Jerry Kustich invites us through the rod shop door and bids us welcome. We meet the craftsmen we've only imagined, free thinking rod makers with humor, dedication, and lively conversation, immersed in the business of beveling cane strips and committed to the ideal that each of us, every angler, is going to have to fight for the future of every trout. As much a celebration of a life spent fishing, enriched by both the solitude and the company found there, as an observation of the lessons learned from halcyon kingfishers and elusive bull trout, Kustich takes us steelheading in British Columbia, spring creek fishing on Poindexter Slough, and late winter fishing on the Bitterroot. We travel along through the history of the Winston Company - of Lew Stoner, Robert Winther and their successors. We face the inevitability of the passing of eras, of people, and wild places with an activist's hope. We ponder slowing the clock as precious moments seem to race by, faithful friends and family slipping into our dreams. And we consider, why bamboo? What is a "bamboo kind of day"? Any angler, with graphite or cane, who has found peace in the simplicity of a line well cast or a moment beyond the reach of time, will understand the quest and understand the greatest truth: the journey is the goal. A Wisp in the Wind is a journey well worth taking. - Kathy Scott, author of Moose in the Water/Bamboo on the Bench and Headwaters Fall as Snow

Editorial Reviews

Review

...from a remarkably fresh look at bamboo rods...Jerry Kustich gives us a book that sings and sticks." --Nick Lyons, former publisher, and author of Full Creel and Spring Creek

About the Author

Jerry Kustich has worked at R.L. Winston Rods for twenty-one years. He authored At the River's Edge and co-authored Fly Fishing for Great Lakes Steelhead with his brother Rick.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 240 pages
• Publisher: West River Publishing; First Edition edition (November 5, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0963310941
• ISBN-13: 978-0963310941
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.2 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,409,306 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Bonefisher, January 9, 2007

By 

S. Johnson "Bonefisher" (Charleston, SC) - See all my reviews

This review is from: A Wisp in the Wind: In Search of Bull Trout, Bamboo, and Beyond (Hardcover)

The author's writing style is analogous to the action of a bamboo rod; gentle, smooth, and unhurried. He weaves his philosophies of life, the environment, and the craft of bamboo rod making thoughout his stories. His ideas on fishing and human interaction are well thought out and make his book satisfying to read. There is not a lot of action here, but the insight into Mr. Kustich's life keeps the book interesting. I enjoyed the book enough to buy his other book, At the River's Edge.

5.0 out of 5 stars A wonderful read, November 4, 2009

By 

Optimus Primus - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: A Wisp in the Wind: In Search of Bull Trout, Bamboo, and Beyond (Hardcover)

I just received this book yesterday and I am already finished. Just seemed to not be able to put it down. It took me to a place I yearn to be more often. I can't wait to read Jerry's other book "The River's Edge".