Fishing with the Presidents

Mares obviously loves his sport, and, loves presidential history. Readers will learn a side of America's leaders they were probably unaware of. And, they'll learn a thing or two about fishing.

First, and most obviously and most crassly, it shows how other United States Presidents have enjoyed (and could enjoy) their leisure-time in less controversial ways. Secondly, it's a lot of fun. Along with the fish-tales and other anecdotes, the book is filled with wonderful political cartoons from long-ago. The issues keep changing, but the presidents keep on fishing! Lastly, it introduces the reader to the tip of the iceberg that is fly-fishing literature. Three presidents have enjoyed the art of fly-fishing so much, they have been moved to write books on the subject. Hundreds of other authors have rhapsodized, philosophized and just plain instructed on fly-fishing, that this book will serve as a good primer for the person just wading into this pool of literature.

Fishing With the Presidents is a great armchair read. Not only is it VERY amusing and well illustrated with wonderful cartoons, but it is well researched and informative. I can't remember the last time American history was so much fun to read! Warning: Read With Care: You will almost certainly find yourself laughing out loud.

Mr Mares has managed to combine two of my personal passions, fishing and history in this book. It is an engaging account of Presidential fishing, beginning with George Washington. He has collected quite a bit of anecdotal information, and interspersed it with political cartoons appropriate to the period. My personal favorite is a photo of a very sour-looking Richard Nixon being taught the rudiments of fly-fishing by Eisenhower. A very worthy follow-up to "Out: The Vermont Secession Book".

If you enjoy politics, history, political cartoons and pictures, outdoor sports, and good writing, and who doesn't, you'll have a ball reading this book. William Mares has researched and organized his topic well, and presents it in a way that is fascinating and will delight every reader. You may not feel the tug on the line, but you will feel as if you've spent a day on a stream, or in a boat, with the presidents.