Cast, Catch, Release: Finding Serenity and Purpose through Fly Fishing

by Marina Gibson

For readers of H Is for Hawk and Wild , a lyrical memoir and passionate ode to the art of fly fishing and how it can shape a life—by renowned female angler and conservationist Marina Gibson.

As her twenty-first birthday approached, Marina Gibson received a unique gift suggestion from her parents, who offered her a choice between fishing rods or jewelry. In an unconventional decision, she opted for fishing rods. Her intention was to rekindle a childhood passion and carry on a family tradition initiated by her mother, who had dedicated years to pursuing salmon in the rivers of the Scottish Highlands.

As fishing overtook Marina’s life and evolved into a full-time career, she became enraptured by the silent mysteries of the river and the quiet magic of angling. The complexity of fly fishing and the rituals of casting provided her refuge from a failing marriage, giving her a reliable source of comfort that benefited both her mind and soul. It also revealed the barriers that exist for women trying to make it in a tradition-bound and male-dominated world.

Tracing the epic, migratory journey of the Atlantic salmon alongside the ups and downs of her personal story, Cast, Catch, Release brings to life the joys of fishing, the spirited quest of the angler, and how these two paths meet on lakes and riverbanks around the world. A love letter to this exhilarating yet serene sport, Gibson shows what it means to find peace and purpose amidst the majesty of the great outdoors.

Genres: Nonfiction, Memoir, Nature

240 pages, Hardcover

Published June 4, 2024

Reviews

[Sara Rishforth · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a fellow fisher (longtime beginner at fishing, just not adept at catching), I loved this book! From learning about the life cycle of a salmon to te grand slam of saltwater fishing, I learned so much. I also appreciated Marina Gibson's honesty about her personal life as well as a glimpse of the hard work at starting a school. Her writing is beautiful and approachable. Hope to see her on the water down the road! 

[Alicia Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fishing is relaxing and this book takes you on a magical fishing journey. A relaxing read that kept me coming back for more. Happy reading

[Danielle Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a different experience to relate to fishing and the water in this way but certainly a good one! It gave me a new respect for nature and the sport

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am not an outdoorsy person (more outsidey), but for some reason I LOVE love love reading about people who find their passion in nature and being outdoors. I so enjoyed not only learning so much about fish (especially the lives of salmon), but how the book was written by combining the author's own life alongside the salmon's progression. The ups and downs, the questioning and the tough times and finding passion and happiness at the end. It showed me that we can still look for our passions and fight for then once we find them.

Note: I listened to the audiobook narrated by the author and it was very well done!

Thanks to the publisher for a free ARC copy of this novel; my thoughts and review and my own.

[Julia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Centered around fishing, “Cast, Catch, Release” is a memoir of Marina Gibson’s globetrotting travels as well as the various vicissitudes she faces. The book follows a linear chronological trajectory, revealing to the reader how she makes her hobby, fishing, into her profession. The memoir also discusses various heartbreaks, such as the loss of her dog, failed marriage, and more. Though I do not eat fish and abhor the many overfishing practices of today, I still found this book deeply enjoyable as I was able to gain perspective and learn more about a topic I have no knowledge of. 


Firstly, Gibson is knowledgeable about the myriad of fishes’ lifespans, biology, geographical habitat, and more. The different types of techniques, from casting to angling, are also discussed. She skillfully relays these topics in a clear cohesive manner for the layman.  In fact, she even becomes a certified fishing instructor and creates a fishing school—revealing her communication and education skills. I also appreciate the glossary in the back of the book to help define fishing-related jargon. 


Secondly, the book also captures the struggles of #womeninmalefields. Gibson shares a unique angle on how sexism shows up in the field of fishing. I appreciated her candor in revealing the additional struggle and harassment that she had to endure versus her male counterparts. 


The only critique I would have is that at times, the book felt monotonous and loquacious. However, overall, the book is well written and gives an interesting glimpse into the world of professional fishing through a female lens. 

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I learned so much about salmon and fly fishing. I liked the way the author paralleled her own life with the life of the salmon. I will look at salmon differently and express gratitude if I eat it again!

It is written in an easy very descriptive manner. I could visualize the different fish and locations. I'm not an angler but if given the opportunity, based on this book, I would try it. The passion of the sport comes thru in the writing.

I won this book in a giveaway but that did not influence my rating. This is a book I may not have picked up before but I'm glad I read it. I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in fishing and in need of a mental health activity.

[Bargle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book through the Goodreads Giveaway program.

A very enjoyable read. Not too much about the how of fishing, but about the allure that some feel. Where it becomes their main passion in life. The author also tells how it has affected her personal life, not always for the better. And a fair amount about the life of the Atlantic Salmon. I had no idea about how complex it is.

[Vicki · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book through a Goodreads giveaway. Although my fishing experience is very limited (childhood fishing derby with grandpa), I found this book very inspiring. Marina has found flyfishing to be a constant in her life and a form of therapy through many trials and now teaches the sport to others. After reading this book, I may just give fishing a try in the future!

[Guy Wilson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Took on this book as something completely different to what I’d usually read. It achieved what i wanted: a peaceful natural escapism about a subject I know nothing about in fishing. Nicely written and some good narration.

[Bella · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a female fly fisher who was also taught my mom, this book was so very dear to me. I’ve read a lot of “angling” books but this one was unique in that it was honest and thoughtful. The lows weren’t cut. I appreciated that. Now I want to go to the UK and fish with Marina :)

[Daoud M · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you for giving me this book as a giveaway. Fishing is such a relaxing activity, and this book captures that magic perfectly. It’s a delightful read that kept me engaged from start to finish. Enjoy the journey!

[Megan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really a 3.25

[Anya Dushinski · Rating 4 out of 5]

To sum it up, with love: “How the joys of life can feel richer and the trials more manageable when you are standing waist-deep in water”

[Kayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a woman who is getting into fly fishing, this was such an inspirational read!

[Cole · Rating 5 out of 5]

hooked, sinker line & netted

[Aidan Farrell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved the ending. Made me think a little more intently about my own relationship with fishing, and how my fly-fishing journey may be a little more special than I think.

[Andrea · Rating 2 out of 5]

Cast, Catch, Release: Finding Serenity and Purpose by Marina Gibson is a memoir where Marina shares the rekindling of her childhood passion for fly fishing and discovering a greater life purpose. On her twenty-first birthday, Marina’s parents offered her a choice between two gifts: jewelry or fishing rods. Marina decided to pick up the fishing rods and reconnect with a childhood passion and family tradition initiated by her mother. She has fond memories of fishing with her family in the rivers of the Scottish Highlands.

As Marina focused more on fishing, she wanted it to become a full-time career. She enjoys the silent moments of angling and the mysteries of the river. The rituals of casting have provided her a sanctuary for her failing marriage and a sense of comfort for her mind and soul.

I wasn’t sure what to expect when I started reading this book. I’ve been trying to read more books outside my comfort zone, and this was one of my recent picks. The book had some interesting moments, but it wasn’t something I would read again.

Marina is a talented angler, as is evident from her technically dense writing. The book is divided into three sections: cast, catch, and release. Each chapter also has three parts: a technical fishing story, the biology behind salmon, and a personal story. I liked the personal stories the most. I found the background on salmon to be quite interesting. I didn’t realize that salmon have so many life stages and different migration patterns. The fishing stories were somewhat interesting but often over my head, as Marina used many technical terms I wasn’t familiar with. I’ve never been fishing, so many of the terms were new to me, and my eyes glazed over during that part of the book. While it isn’t a bad book, I think people who enjoy fishing or have experience with it might find it more engaging than I did, as none of the personal experiences shared offered insights that could be applicable to me.

[Andrew Seto · Rating 1 out of 5]

While Gibson discusses universal life occurrences like the death of her pet, a failed marriage, and the struggles of starting her career, I couldn't find any takeaways that I could apply to my life. I appreciate how the book stresses environmental conservation, but besides that, I feel like there wasn't a lot in this book that resonated with me.