[Book Review] It’s Not About The Fish

Bryan McMurry hit's the nail on the head in his first book It's Not about the Fish. For those afflicted with that insatiable desire to fly fish 24/7, and are at a loss for words when people who don't get it ask you, "what's so great about fly fishing, you don't even keep the fish?" - this book is for you.

Humble Beginnings

Growing up on a hardscrabble ranch in Siskiyoug County in California too small to survive, Bryan's journey begins on a quaint Montana creek at a time others his age are suffering mid-life crises. Bryan came to fly fishing later in life than many but it has fully consumed him and changed his life.

A Collection of Stories with a Purpose

Bryan puts you in the moment as he chronicles his journey through the four stages of fly fishing addiction, including: 1) catching a fish, 2) catching a lot of fish, 3) catching big fish, and 4) sharing the experience. Bryan's artful story telling brought back a flood of memories for me as I thought back to my progression through these stages and I think it will for you too.

The Next Generation of Fly Fishers

While I am still working on stage 3 (catching big fish), Bryan's book confirmed for me the importance of "sharing the experience" (stage 4), something I've been working on with my three boys. Last night as we were getting ready for bed my nine year old, Kyle, gave me hope that he too is starting to feel the fly fishing addiction when he said "you know, that guy is right", pointing to Bryan's book on my bed stand, it's not about the fish. We only caught one fish today but I had a great time just wading in the water and collecting nymphs."

Regardless of whether you are just starting out in fly fishing or have been at it for a lifetime, It's Not about the Fish is a thought provoking, fun read.

[box border="full"]A portion of proceeds from the sale of Bryan's book goes to support Project Healing Waters, an organization dedicated to the physical and emotional rehabilitation of disabled active military service personnel and veterans through fly fishing and fly tying education and outings. This mission is near and dear to Bryan as he, like many, has a brother who is fully disabled as a result of serving his country.[/box]

It's Not about the Fish available on Amazon