ROD RAGE: The Polite Fly Fisher's Companion

You're quietly working that favorite stream that you thought was your secret place when suddenly a fellow fisherman walks up noisily out of nowhere, accompanied by his large dog cavorting in the water. The movement unsettles the stream and the noise spooks the fish you were stalking. Does your anger end in rod rage? Has the stranger violated unwritten rules of etiquette that govern the sport? Master instructor Topping addresses such questions in this witty and wise collection about rules of the rod. Covering topics ranging from fishing salt-water flats to rules regarding boats, guides and international etiquette, she emphasizes that throughout history, civility and common sense have ruled the rod. Thus, in 1496 Dame Juliana Berners admonished anglers not to "fish in any poor man's private waters without his permission and his goodwill," while Topping's own dos and don'ts include "wade quietly and slowly in company" and "don't whoop and carry on when you hook a fish." Though somewhat repetitive (because the rules all boil down to courtesy), Topping's collection should serve as helpful, informative reading for avid anglers. Photos. (Oct.)