Top 10 Best Fishing Books

Starting your fishing adventure can be overwhelming, especially if you are a beginner. You’ll need to figure out the right gear, bait, and more. Luckily, these best fishing books from renowned anglers and authors can help you get your foot in the exciting fishing world. We’ve even included fishing novels to quench your fishing thirst during the off-season.

Best Fishing Books for Beginners and Pros

Whether you want to hit the waters for the first time or the hundredth time, these self-help books will help you put a fish at the end of the fishing line. And, sure, there are YouTube videos you can watch, but nothing beats having all the information you need in one place.

1. Basic Fishing: A Beginner’s Guide by Wade Bourne

This book from Wade Bourne is excellent fishing for beginners book because it covers everything from accessories, bait, tackle, boats, etc. The book includes step-by-step guides, including vivid photographs and diagrams! Award-winning outdoor writer and expert angler Bourne also included bonus tips like cooking and cleaning fish after catching and valuable safety tips.

Basic Fishing: A Beginner’s Guide by Wade Bourne

See on Amazon

2. Fly Casting Techniques by Joan Wulff

This fantastic copy is for people who fish with a fly rod or want to learn. It’s a richly illustrated guide that helps you improve accuracy and loop control. Even though every angler has their casting style, Joan’s tips apply to almost everyone. It’s often considered one of the best fly fishing books because it has a section on correcting common mistakes, aerial mending, and incredible pioneering casting mechanisms. Everyone can learn something from the classic book.

Fly Casting Techniques by Joan Wulff

See on Amazon

3. Fly Fishing the Mountain Lakes by Gary Lafontaine

The best fly fishing books for beginners should be both educational and entertaining. And, this book hits both marks! Most of the how-to information and lessons about mountain lake fishing are in this book. Gary uses his quirky wit and exciting anecdote to deliver hard-core fishing lessons. The book includes strategies and techniques that will change how, where, and when you fish mountain lakes. Even if you are a seasoned fisherman, Gary has something to teach you about fly fishing or fly tying in the book.

Fly Fishing The Mountain Lakes by Gary Lafontaine

See on Amazon

4. Roland Martin’s 101 Bass-Catching Secrets by Roland Martin

One of the best bass fishing books for beginners and seasoned anglers is Roland Martin’s 101 Bass-Catching Secrets. Martin is a successful and tournament-winning bass angler, and he leaves all his secrets in the book. You will even learn tricks for night fishing and using live bait, spinners, and plugs. Also, there are plenty of lessons from Roland Martin’s experiences on lakes, rivers, ponds, streams, and reservoirs. The book is an incredible purchase if you are considering professional fishing.

Roland Martin’s 101 Bass-Catching Secrets by Roland Martin

See on Amazon

5. The Feather Bender’s Flytying Techniques by Barry Ord Clarke

This is among the best fly tying books because you can learn how to tie popular trout flies. Barry also included old tried-and-true and essential primary techniques. Most of the flies in the book are from his patterns and techniques. The illustrated photos make it easier to grasp all the fly tying techniques. There are codes to scan that take you to videos that show the methods further. If you follow the step-by-step guides, you will be able to tie your own fly in no time.

The Feather Bender’s Flytying Techniques by Barry Ord Clarke

See on Amazon

6. The Orvis Fly-Fishing Guide by Tom Rosenbauer

This is another fly fishing for beginners book, but it also has tips for the seasoned angler. It covers lessons on caring for your waders, tying knots for saltwater, and fishing a dry fly in tricky currents. You will also learn some new techniques like Czech nymphing and creative ways of pursuing gamefish. Additionally, you will get tips on giving back, conservation, and stream etiquette. The updated and revised copy is the best when you want to learn Successful techniques on oceans, ponds, and streams.

The Orvis Fly-Fishing Guide by Tom Rosenbauer

See on Amazon

7. The Total Fishing Manual by Joe Cermele

The revised edition by Joe Cermele delivers expert information every modern angler needs to know. The book has over 317 field-tested tactics, tools, and techniques for anglers of all skill levels. Everything from picking the right lures to the actual act of catching fish is illustrated in the book. Field and Stream editors and Joe Cermele come together to give you a professional guide that will help you conquer small streams and large lakes. This must-have book also highlights the author’s favorite fishing spots.

The Total Fishing Manual by Joe Cermele

See on Amazon

Fishing Novels to Read During Off-Season

Grab an exciting novel when you want to make the most out of the fishing off-season. A fishing novel will polish your skills and tactics so that you will be more ready when fishing season arrives than ever. Here are three novels to scratch your fishing itch before the following season.

8. The Compleat Angler by Izaak Walton

This is more than an engaging guide on the intricacies of the fishing sport. It also natures anglers with timeless advice and instructions. The guide details methods for catching, savoring, and eating all varieties of fish. You will realize the book celebrates the art of fishing in so many ways. It’s a classic that most fishing lovers have read at least once.

The Compleat Angler by Izaak Walton

See on Amazon

9. A River Runs Through It by Norman Maclean

This book is a collection of three stories by Norman Maclean. The captivating stories about his life and family will keep you hooked to the end. Also, the book has appeared in many impressive lists of fly fishing books. All the information, tips, and tactics about fly fishing come from the author’s experience. This novel will be a great pass time for the off-season.

A River Runs Through It by Norman Maclean

See on Amazon

10. The Longest Silence by Thomas McGuane

Thomas assembled thirty-three essays that he wrote over three decades. You will enjoy reading everything from the salmon of Iceland to the tarpon of Florida and everything in between. It’s personal, passionate, and very informative. Thomas’ obsession with fish has taken him to different parts of the world. This book will show you how a life dedicated to the fishing sport looks like. The novelist doesn’t leave anything about angling out in the book.

The Longest Silence by Thomas McGuane

See on Amazon

Conclusion

These are some of the best fishing books and additional fishing novels. Some of these books are written by successful anglers that have dedicated their lives to the sport. Others have decades of experience they are willing to share to make your fishing experiences pleasant and easy. Get at least one self-help book and polish your fishing skills.

SHARE