Amateur Rod Making:
The Writings of Judge Fitz James Fitch

Fitz James Fitch

BOOK DETAILS

4.5" x 6.875" Paperback • 152 Pages • B&W Illustrations • Book #1 in the 10 volume Rod Maker's Gift Red Book Set (2010-2019).

ABOUT THE BOOK

In 1882, E.C.Z. Judson--the famed angling writer known internationally as Ned Buntline--wrote to the new journal The American Angler that "the finest amateur rods...I have ever seen, are made...by Judge Fitch, a great fisherman, of Prattsvile, New York. Will he favor the readers of The Angler with a description of the make, weight, and wood used...?" With this one short paragraph, Judson set in motion events that culminated in January 1884 with the publication by Judge Fitz James Fitch of a seven part treatise on rod making for amateurs. Intended for publication in book form, despite their popularity, the articles were never collected. Now, for the first time, Fitch's entire unabridged treatise on rodmaking appears in book form, along with a collection of his other rodmaking, fishing, and miscellaneous writings. Included also is a detailed biography of Judge Fitch by Dr. Todd E.A. Larson. Learn why Judge Fitch was considered by no less of a fishing authority as A.N. Cheney to have made rods as well as Leonard and Wheeler, and read about the Victorian method of constructing rods (including split bamboo) that deeply influenced a generation of rod making fly fishermen. Limited to 100 numbered hardcovers, this is the first volume in the new "Fly Angler's Desktop Library."

WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING ABOUT THE BOOK

"An incredibly important addition to anyone's library who is interested in the history of rod making...a must have for the Angler/Historian."

-- Jeff Hatton, author, Rodcrafting

"I just finished reading my copy and it was great! I learned a lot. I live in New England and have access to all of the materials he describes. I am going to be harvesting some wood soon. 2 years to season though... but very cool! A great historical insight in to early (pre bamboo) rod making from local materials."

Michael Hackney, author, The Reelsmith's Primer

ABOUT THE FLY ANGLER'S DESKTOP LIBRARY

The Fly Angler's Desktop Library is a return to the Golden Age of Books, when bigger was not necessarily better. It was a time when publishers like Borzoi Books lovingly crafted beautiful, compact volumes. Now, we can recapture the classic look and feel of these wonderful books in a new series dedicated to bringing out long forgotten treatises as well as new, original works on the art and beauty of fly angling. At a compact 4.5" x 6.875" size, these books are designed to be proudly displayed on the desktop, just like in the olden days. With learned and interesting introductions and appendices of additional materials, you won't want to miss any of these little gems.