Marquesa: A Time & Place With Fish (Hardcover)

by Jeffrey Cardenas (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Review
"...delightful--fine observation of marine natural history and a subtle feel for a silent and beautiful place..." -- Peter Matthiessen

Product Description
During the summer of 1994, the author spent six weeks alone on his houseboat in the uninhabited Marquesas, west of Key West, along with his fly rods and flats skiff. This book is the account of this time spent in this remarkable place, fishing for tarpon and permit, and thinking (and writing) about what it means to be young and alive in an unforgettable, deeply etched idyllic world of wonder. A classic. Illustrations By A. D. Tinkham. Now In Its Third Printing.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 125 pages
• Publisher: Meadow Run Press (April 1, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0962060992
• ISBN-13: 978-0962060991
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,876,784 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Tropical island reverie, October 12, 2001

By	Craig Johnson (Oslo, Norway) - See all my reviews

Florida fishing guide Jeffrey Cardenas did something on his free time that he never could while taking clients to the Marquesas off Key West -- fish, snorkel and generally enjoy himself.

Cardena spent several weeks living alone on his houseboat, getting up close and personal with hammerhead sharks, barracudas and the game fish that he pursues professionally.

If you've ever dreamed of chucking it all, if only for a few weeks, and heading for a tropical island, "Marquesa" will be just the ticket.

It was a joy to read, and while its brevity (if it had been longer I would have given in five stars) is obviously part of its charm, I couldn't help wanting it to go on.

Cardenas is very knowledgable on the natural and human history of the islands, and has a sharp eye for observation and a lyrical touch. There were moments reminiscent of the best of Peter Matthiessen and John McPhee, with a bit of John Gierach ("Trout Bum") thrown in for laughs.

You really feel like you're out there neck deep in the lagoon, swimming with the fishes. Though it's hard to shake the nightmare image of trailing one's legs through shark-infested flats while holding your catch over your head...

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Get Away Book, August 21, 2008

By	Harold M. Babin (HOUSTON, TX USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I enjoyed reading about a guide who loves what he does and decides to immerse himself in what he does without the pressures of clients and a schedule. He takes the time to explore the entire area at will and think about a life well lived.