Think Like a Fish: The Lure and Lore of America's Legendary Bass Fisherman

by Tom Mann, Tom Carter

Tom Mann is an American original. Growing up in Depression-era Alabama, for him fishing was more than a recreational activity–it was a way of putting dinner on the table. Following his father’s simple advice, "to catch fish, you have to find fish," six-year-old Tom came up with an innovative way of finding the drop-offs in a creek where fish seek refuge from predators. As a young teenager, he began to design and craft special lures, always with an eye toward tricking the freshwater dean of the deep–the largemouth bass.

Tom's innate talent in outsmarting the competition above and below the waterline quickly took him from local hero to three-time world bass fishing champion to living legend. He also tapped into his skill for designing lures, building a multi-million-dollar enterprise that has sold over one billion lures to date in major sporting goods and fishing retailers around the world, all with his smiling face on the packages. Yet despite the prestige and fame of a forty-year career, he still resides where it all began–deep in the heart of the South.

Filled with touching childhood stories and hilarious down-home fisherman’s lore, Think Like a Fish reveals how Mann quite literally learned to "think like a fish." He explains the technique and mindset that enable him to lure a fish from thirty yards away into a circle the size of a hula hoop; how he “trains” bass to jump right into his boat; and how he purportedly managed to lure a shark to shore with rod and reel. But in addition to the fishing techniques and words of wisdom, Mann explores the path that got him where he is today–a poignant story of determination, Southern grit, and good-ole-boy charm. Full of gentle humor and wit, this book brings to life the allure of the South and one of its favorite pastimes.

256 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2002

Reviews

[Clifton Franklund · Rating 4 out of 5]

An entertaining read. I'm ready to go fishing now.

[Andrew Cote · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm very interested in fishing and I know a lot about the subject and overall I thought this was a good book. It's about Tom Mann, one of the best bass fisherman in the US. He writes about how he grew up in Alabama and how he lives his life now, which is owning a tackle company and teaching his kids to fish. Part of his business is being a guide and taking people on day long fishing trips. He tells of many stories like when he and a friend were fishing on a lake in Alabama and they got stuck on an island night fishing because the boat motor failed. The good part was they were on an island. The bad part was that they were in Alabama and there are many crocodiles there. You will have to read the book to find out what happens. This was a great book and it was one of the best I ever read. I don't think there is a sequel to this book. I would suggest this book to any one.

[Clint · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved this book. inspired me to get out and go fishing again. hilarious moments about his childhood and growing up to him making it big in the fishing lure franchise.