Ed Leonard is not only a great fisherman, but a truly accomplished fisherman. He has found a personal satisfaction in tying and casting that has motivated him to continue fishing for over
half a century. In this memoir he writes affectionately about all the wonderful people who helped to make him the fisherman he is today, and all the rare and exciting moments that happened
along the way.
The scene opens in Pennsylvania, where a young farm boy is striving to make his Daddy proud, and trying to catch one or two of the monster sunnies in a near by mill pond. As the story
unfolds, the sunnies eventually give way to bass when the farm boy ventures past the pond and discovers a smallmouth stream. Colorful characters such as Nev, the janitor and master fly
fisher, mentor this youngster and encourage his curiosity for fishing, amusement, and satisfaction. In addition to chapters that focus on a knowledge and appreciation of fly rods, suggestions
for trout flies, and a strategy for pursuing Maryland's salty largemouths, Leonard's reminiscences will teach the reader to appreciate and revel in all the delights and rewards that can be
acquired by fly fishing.
