The Compleat Lee Wulff

Now 83, Wulff is the dean of trout and Atlantic salmon fishermen. This collection of 44 of his essays from the past 50 years, compiled and introduced by John Merwin, shows how wide an area his expertise covers. In the section ``Talking Tackle,'' Wulff deals with rods, reels, flies and even worms, not always eschewed in favor of fancier bait. In ``From Trout to Tarpon,'' he recalls memorable expeditions, including one during WW II with Generals George Marshall and Hap Arnold. This section contains perhaps the best essay of all: ``Who Won?'' tells the life story of a fighting salmon and a sportsman who respected her gallantry and threw her back. In ``A Gamefish Too Valuable,'' Wulff advocates the release of fighting gamefish once landed, illustrating his conservationist belief that fish and game are not an inexhaustible resource. In ``Quiet Waters,'' he discusses the most interesting anglers he has fished with, including his wife Joan. An exceptional book for fishing aficionados. Illustrations not seen by PW. (Sept.)