Fly Rodding Estuaries: How to Fish Salt Ponds, Coastal Rivers, Tidal Creeks, and Backwaters

A fine refrence text on the topic and written in Mitchell's typical style (Trout fisherman transitioning to Salt - as most of us are/were). If, however, you own his other works, it will be somewhat redundant, but worth owning.

Fly Rodding Estuaries is Ed Mitchell's third book and represents a more detailed extension of some of the same topics from his previous work. Thus, if you own either or both of these other fine volumes, ESTUARIES will probably not tell you a lot you do not already know. However, if you are a flyrodder who strives to constantly push your level of expertise, this is not a bad place to go.The book begins with a definition of estuaries and then discusses various conditions one can expect to encounter and what these mean for the fishing. Variables include tidal range and times, salinity, currents etc and these are important in sorting through otherwise "big empty bodies of water." The book then goes on to break down estuarine bodies of water into several types including salt ponds, lagoon, inlets, bays and coves, tidal creeks and marshes. There are also chapters on getting around in these environments, thoughts on tackle, flies and techniques.The book is 148 pps long and is attractivley and durably printed on heavy gloss stock. All graphics are in color and add a lot to the otherwise fine content. While the concepts involved are applicable to all estuarine environments, the author's considerable experience in the Northeast, particularly Connecticut and Rhode Island is apparent. It is not however, a "where to go" book, but is instead focused on water types and techniques.Overall, this book is well worth acquiring. The information is sound and generally well presented. I personally would have liked a little more on nightime approaches and worm hatches, although these are both covered. These are minor points however. Everyone can learn something from this book and the process is an enjoyable one at that.