Belgian Flats

by Chris Santella

Belgian Flats is the story of Cody, a fly-fishing guide whose career has hit a dead end after a dozen years guiding on a famed western trout stream. Cody’s mentor suggests that he take a job as a lodge manager at a prestigious Atlantic salmon lodge in northwestern Russia. The story follows Cody’s travels to the Kola Peninsula and his encounters with the characters who filter through—from philosophizing oligarchs to Samí herdsmen who are not above kidnapping lodge staff to maintain control of their historic lands. There’s even a love interest. Belgian Flats provides an offbeat and humorous insider’s view of the fly-fishing world that angling aficionados will appreciate.

179 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 6, 2024

Reviews

[Randal White · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book! When I read this, I honestly did not know if it is a true story, or a fishing yarn (later I slowed down and read the preface and found out it was, indeed, fiction). But I did not care! Either way, it was a fantastic read and adventure! The story of a young man, trying to find his way in life, but who just really wants to fish. Every day, all day. He becomes a guide, and kind of realizes that he's drifting, not really accomplishing much in the eyes of the world (and his family). Then he meets another fishing guide, a mysterious mentor who takes him under his wing and gives him the chance of a lifetime. A manager position in an exclusive fly fishing lodge in northern Russia. What an adventure! Complete with rich, hoity-toity European fishermen, an odd assortment of guides, and a mysterious owner who may have been an oligarch or mafia don. Throw in a little romance, some indigenous people, and a whole lot of fishing. What you are left with is a fantastic story!
Very well written, I could not put it down. Most likely will read it again, this winter when it's too cold to go fishing here. I enjoyed it so much that I went online and purchased three more of the author's books!
Highly recommend!