This book will be invaluable to novice or experienced tarpon fly fishermen. Bill Bishop has addressed the mental, physical, humorous, and technical aspects of fishing for tarpon, writing in such a way that is both entertaining and instructive. I really like his style. --Lefty Kreh
Artist and ardent angler Bill Bishop tackles all aspects of tarpon fishing--from building leaders to bringing them in quickly. Each chapter explores the core aspects of tarpon fishing in detail, including step-by-step instructions for tying IGFA leaders, the nuances of finding, casting to, hooking, and fighting giant tarpon, and insights and tips for running the boat, seeing fish, and reading the fish's behavior. In addition to the technical aspects, Bishop's stories and humor take a look at the personal side of fishing, reminding us that despite the sometimes-serious undertaking of battling a 150-pound tarpon, fishing is still supposed to be fun. With over 120 detailed pen-and-ink illustrations and photos by Mark Hatter, this book will help anyone who wants to hook, and land, more silver kings.
Bill Bishop is on the water over 150 days a year, fishing the waters of Boca Grande and Homosassa. His illustrations and artwork have appeared in several fly-fishing books, including 101 Fish (Lefty Kreh) and magazines. He lives in Orlando and Boca Grande, Florida.
"I am usually not a person that hears about a book that has just been published and runs out to buy it, but "High Rollers - Fly Fishing for Gian Tarpon", by Bill Bishop is another story completely. Mr. bishop is a higly respected fly angler that has dedicated the past several years to fishing for Tarpon. Anglers who have fished Boca Grade for any amount of time are almost guaranteed to see mr. Bishop out on the water. If you have any plans to fish for Tarpon in Florida I highly recommend that you read "High Rollers" before you go.
The focus of the book is the Boca Grande, FL Tarpon fishery and reads as if you were on the dock listening to stories after an amazing day of fishing sharing many of Bill's personal experiences with Lefty, Flip and his family. The valuable lessons and insights are enhanced by Mr. Bishop's orginal artwork that is not just beautiful, but educational. The outstanding photograpy of Mark Hatter helps make this book the new resource for fishing for monster Tarpon.
The content covered in "High Rollers" is unbelievable. Years of experience and time on the water have been sorted through and summarized in the book. The book will not tell you where to fish, but it does tell you how to fish successfully. Chapters include information on feeding fish, boat operation and Tarpon body language.
This book is for all fly anglers. It is hard to believe that after reading "High Rollers" that it's reader does not up their efforts to become a better angler.
I bet that you will read "High Rollers" more than once."