The Dawn Patrol Diaries: Fly-Fishing Journeys under the Korean DMZ

by James Card

An outdoor memoir of fly-fishing in South Korea, from the Korean Demilitarized Zone to the mountains, the coasts, and places Korean War battles were fought.

Genres: Nature

248 pages, Paperback

Published September 1, 2024

Reviews

[Lynne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Even though I am not any kind of fisherman, I found this account of the author's life in Korea fascinating, more for the glimpses into Korean history (including the Korean War) culture, and current issues than his obsessive search for rare and beautiful trout and places to find them. Most poignant for me was his return to this area and his obvious longing for what he left behind. I thought his brilliant "Code for the Exiled Angler" could be a Code for any stranger in a strange land, which I have been. Of course I fell hard for his cocker spaniel, Blitz, joyously doing what his breed was meant to do...flush out birds, not adorn a couch.

[Randal White · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read every fly fishing book that I can find. As well as travel books. Add the two subjects together and you should be left with a sure hit. Unfortunately, it didn't work that way for me with this book. I just could not feel a connection with the author, and did not especially enjoy his writing, nor his descriptions. Just so-so.