When the weather’s inclement or a busy day afield has come to an end, there’s nothing like sitting down in a comfy chair, opening a good outdoor book and tagging along on the adventures that fill those pages.
If that’s your idea of a relaxing time, Ellsworth writer V. Paul Reynolds has released a book that just might fill the bill. Reynolds’ latest offering, “The Maine Angler’s Logbook,” is a collection of 52 essays that take readers on journeys across North America in search of fish.
But the book’s not all about fishing, no matter what the title says. Reynolds also introduces the reader to a number of friends who’ve made his time on the water more enjoyable over the years.
Reynolds is no stranger to the writing game, having served as editor and co-publisher of the Northwoods Sporting Journal after working at the BDN for 23 years as editorial writer and managing editor.
Previous books by Reynolds include “Backtrack” and “The Maine Deer Hunter’s Logbook.”
“The Maine Angler’s Logbook” provides a perfect format for finicky readers: Pick an essay — any essay — and you’ll not be disappointed. The tales don’t have to be read in order. Like to start at the end and read to the beginning? Feel free. Like to read the titles and decide what sounds particularly interesting? No problem.
Or you can read straight through the book from start to finish. All the chapters are self-contained and short, likely because many first appeared as newspaper columns, which makes it particularly convenient when you’re looking for a place to stop for the night.
Another benefit of this approach: Every three or four pages, the reader gets to head off on another adventure, thanks to the well-traveled writer.
Always wanted to know what it’s like to fish in Montana, New Brunswick or Labrador? Reynolds will take you there. Want to listen to the memories of a veteran Maine angler as he visits some of our state’s most special fishing destinations? That’s covered, too.
Readers may have a few minor complaints about the book. The essays typically are offered up without a time reference, and when the writer starts talking about fisheries decisions that are being made by state agencies or about conditions in a pond, we sometimes don’t know what year he’s talking about nor what month. Those things matter, in context, when you’re trying to make sense of a steady stream of varied topics.
Some of the photos didn’t reproduce well and are a bit pixelated. Another copy-edit also would have been helpful.
And the most diehard catch-and-release anglers may have some trouble digesting the fact that Reynolds also enjoys eating a brook trout on occasion.
With that said, readers probably won’t nitpick nearly that much, and avid anglers especially will likely enjoy “The Maine Angler’s Logbook” thoroughly.
Perhaps the highest praise: There’s so much information in the book that a reader surely will learn something new, vicariously visit a new place and file a fishing tip away to try on a not-so-rainy day.
You’ll learn some of Reynold’s go-to flies and visit some of his favorite places, including Grand Lake Stream and Nesowadnehunk. You’ll smell the food cooking over an outdoor fire as the sun sets and fish tales are shared. You’ll hear the laugher and enjoy the camaraderie that close friends share when they’re afield together.
Fish will be caught and lost, but you’ll leave the book ready to do it all again, someday.
And that’s not a bad way to end a day of fishing.
“The Maine Angler’s Logbook” retails for $17.95 and was self-published by Reynolds’ Maine Outdoor Publications.
