HOWEVER...When I got into this book, I was really impressed by the thoroughness with which topics were covered. The title is very appropriate--it's a "basic" book. That implies that it's designed for beginners. I've done a lot of ocean fishing over the past half-century and it was a bit of a drag when I saw the first chapter's title: "What is Fishing? What is Tackle?" Nevertheless, it was a well-written and thoughtful chapter that set the tone for the rest of the work to follow.

After this intro, all the major "forms" of fishing are subsequently covered in individual chapters:--baitcasting, spinning, spincasting and flycasting. Mentions are made of trolling, later in the book, where boats, waders, tackle boxes and all types of other 'peripherals' are covered.

Mr Hauptman is not excessively opinionated, but he does offer his opinions when he foresees that a novice might become confused. Overall, he comes across as just the sort of man that any fisherman would like to have as a friend and mentor. When issues are controversial, he mentions the fact, states an opinion and justifies it. Then he invites his readers to just 'go out and try' what they've learned so far and to make up their own minds.

The absolute highlights of the book (for me) are the chapters on baits--both natural and artificial; the chapter that is entitled "Let's Go Fishing"; and the excellent "action drawings" by Ernest Lussier, of all the fish species mentioned in the text. Mr Hauptman's coverage of artificial lures is, without a doubt, the best "tutorial" I have ever found, including those from the tackle manufacturers themselves.

Throughout the book, baits are categorized according to both their function and the best methods of use. I believe that anyone who had read this book thoroughly would have better-than-average success in fishing almost any body of freshwater in the world. Total beginners will probably save a fortune in buying their equipment according to Mr Hauptman's advice.

I don't know how or why I let this book sit on a shelf for so long! I've read it about four times, now, cover-to-cover and I expect to keep referring to it for a long time to come. I carry it with me on my many long train journeys. That's my highest recommendation for any book!


Outstanding book for new fishermen   August 29, 2003
 5 out of 5 found this review helpful

I was given this book by my parents when I was in my early teens, and I read it so much I practically had it memorized at one time. That was around ten years ago, and I still enjoy going back to the book and brushing up on the basics occasionally. I highly recommend this book to anyone with little or no experience in freshwater fishing, or to a parent who wants to help a young person get started in the sport.