Books for the Angler in Your Life

From Pensacola to Jacksonville to the Everglades, fishing by paddle craft in the Sunshine State offers seemingly endless journeys.

Whether in the cypress dugouts of the Calusa, Dimock's wood-and-canvas tarpon fishing canoe or modern fiberglass and plastic, humans have been paddle fishing in Florida for thousands of years. Sprinkling colorful history throughout, author John Kumiski highlights the state's best paddle fishing destinations, both freshwater and saltwater, including the bass of Farm 13, the redfish and trout along the Big Bend Paddling Trail and the snook and tarpon of the Everglades. Learn the locales and what to do when you get there, including launch points, shuttles, rentals, tackle, techniques and more.

Before Ponce De Leon charted the 1,700 islands in 1513 now known as the Florida Keys, Calusa and Tequesta Indians were fishing with spears and nets for the cornucopia of fish species they survived on. Today, 30 islands make up the habitable areas, cobbled together by 43 bridges and surrounded by waters holding more than 600 varieties of fish. The fishing paradise has brought multiple presidents--Herbert Hoover, George H. Bush, John Kennedy, Harry Truman, and, more than 100 years ago, Teddy Roosevelt--to fish in the Florida Keys. Ernest Hemingway and Ted Williams, who were both avid fishermen, made their homes here. Movies stars like Lee Marvin fished the Keys for tarpon, bonefish, sailfish, marlin, and tuna. Today, millions make their pilgrimages to the "Fishing Capital of the World."

Since the arrival of Ponce de Leon in the 1500s, the Florida Keys have evolved from a dense, nearly impenetrable jungle full of bears, pumas, snakes, alligators and crocodiles into America's Caribbean islands. And the fish in the region have made the Keys one of the nation's favorite playgrounds for anglers. The Keys are home to more saltwater fishing records than any other angling destination in the world and offer sportsmen an array of amazing fish, from tarpon and Spanish mackerel to mahi-mahi and bonefish. U.S. presidents, celebrities and the world's greatest fishermen and women have cruised the waters of South Florida. Join author Bob T. Epstein on a journey through the storied history of fishing in the Florida Keys.

Settled along 47 miles of beautiful Atlantic coastline, Palm Beach County has long been a mecca for sport fishing enthusiasts. Graced with a mild climate and bounded with waters nourished by the warm Gulf Stream current, Palm Beach's coastal waters host a rich reserve of marine life. Featured in this captivating retrospective is a history of the sport fishing industry and tales of legendary captains, devoted weekend anglers, and wealthy sportsmen. Bringing to life the sailfish tournaments, fish fries, beauty pageants, and parades of a bygone era, this work is a tribute to the hardworking men and women who built this seaside settlement into a haven for sport fishermen. Follow the evolution of fine fishing boats and learn about the advancements in marine conservation while enjoying the natural beauty of this tropical oasis. Showcased within the book are over 200 vintage images collected from the local library's historical archive, as well as rare photographs from over 30 local sources, including the West Palm Beach Fishing Club.