Like The Fish

MORE THAN A FISHERMAN

More Than A Legend

a genuine bit of our history

PORTRAIT OF A FLY FISHING LEGEND

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.. "Just like the fish." is what Bill Shaadt would say when asked how to pronounce his last name. That reply has become as much of a legend as the man himself. I KNOW BILL SCHAADT is a book for those who knew him and a tribute to his person and life.

Inscription On Flyleaf

.. It is also a book for those that never knew him but would have wanted to. It's a book with recollections of the folks who knew and fished with Bill. Through their eyes and through their words is painted a loving and respectful portrait of a California fisherman who went where the fish were and caught them almost at will.
.. Bill was and is, of course, famous for his prowess in catching the steelhead of the coast of western North America. He was just as good at catching the salmon, stripers, and on rare trips inland to the delta to stick a bass or two.
..  There are anecdotes, (both famous and infamous,) about his behavior, sense of humor, dedication to the fish, and persistence in their pursuit. The little stories included in the book also round out the three dimensional person: human, alive, vibrant, and a hard working artist and inventor. The book is well worth a read. It's possible to even learn a bit about catching fish.
.. The book itself is well produced with exceptional illustrations and over 100 full color pictures. The typeface is clear, crisp, and of a size that invites even these war weary eyes to read just one more page. The author, Ben Taylor, has a clear and lucid style in the early parts of the book. The later parts, including the individual reminiscences, are distinctly indicative of the various writers voices, (a veritable who's who in fly fishing of the era.)
.. The volume comes in two versions: hard cover for $49.95, hard cover with heavy slip jacket for $100.00. Given today's market either is an exceptional value. The book even has it's own web page. Click on over and give it a look.
.. Gualala, Smith, Babine, Russian, Klamath, Chetco, Eel, Van Duzen*, and many other river names are the stuff of legend and lore. The man who fished them helped make their legends, he is part of their lore and more than a legend himself. This tribute to Bill is worth much more than just a place on your coffee table.

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WALLPAPER: RED FOR RUSSIAN - EVEN WITHOUT A BARB

*DAMN DUZEN TO THOSE OF US WHO LUV IT.