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How to Think Like a Fish: And Other Lessons from a Lifetime in Angling
The star of the Discovery Channel's River Monsters and author of the bestselling River Monsters shares a meditation on fishing--and life. In his bestselling first book, Jeremy Wade, the star of the hit TV series River Monsters , memorably recounted his adventures on six continents in pursuit of fish of staggering proportions and terrifying demeanor. Now the greatest angling explorer of his generation ( Independent on Sunday ) returns to delight readers with a book of an entirely different sort, the book he was always destined to write--the distillation of a life spent fishing. Thoughtful and funny, brimming with wisdom and above all, adventure, these are pitch-perfect reflections that anyone who has ever fished will identify with, for ultimately it touches on what fishing teaches us all about life.
1 pages, Audio CD
Published May 21, 2019
About the author
Jeremy Wade
13 books70 followersJeremy Wade is a British television presenter, an author of books on angling, and a biologist. He is known for his television series River Monsters.
He has a degree in zoology from Bristol University and a postgrad teaching certificate in biological sciences from the University of Kent, and has worked as a secondary school biology teacher.
He grew up in south-east England, on the banks of the Suffolk Stour, where his fascination with the underwater world began - and the desire to always see "what's around the next bend". His first overseas trip was to the mountain rivers of India in 1982, and since then he has increasingly spent his time tracking down large and little-known fish in rivers around the world - particularly in the Congo and Amazon rainforests.
"I don't see myself as a particularly expert angler," he says. "But what I am able to do is get into the kinds of places where outsiders don't normally go, with enough energy left to put a line in the water. Teaming up with local fishermen is vital to success, and what's great about this approach is that you get to see beneath the surface of diverse human cultures too."
In between catching fish (or, on some journeys, not catching fish), he has also caught malaria, been detained as a suspected spy, narrowly escaped drowning, been threatened at gunpoint, and survived a plane crash.
In 1992 he co-wrote (with Paul Boote) 'Somewhere Down The Crazy River' - a book that is considered to be one of the classics of angling literature. He has also written on travel and natural history for publications including The Times, Guardian, Sunday Telegraph, The Field and BBC Wildlife magazine.
During his career he has achieved a number of notable 'firsts'. These include filming a large mystery creature in an Amazon lake (dubbed 'the Amazon Nessie' by BBC Wildlife magazine), and getting the first underwater footage (with cameraman Rick Rosenthal) of the 'Giant Devil Catfish' in India.
His first TV series, Jungle Hooks, filmed in 2002 for Discovery Europe, was one of the most-watched shows on multichannel TV when it was released, and has since been seen by audiences around the world. River Monsters, his most recent series, has achieved the highest ever audience figures in the history of Animal Planet. A third season of River Monsters will be broadcast in 2011.
When not camped beside a remote river, Jeremy lives in Somerset, England, in the countryside near Bath.
He has a degree in zoology from Bristol University and a postgrad teaching certificate in biological sciences from the University of Kent, and has worked as a secondary school biology teacher.
He grew up in south-east England, on the banks of the Suffolk Stour, where his fascination with the underwater world began - and the desire to always see "what's around the next bend". His first overseas trip was to the mountain rivers of India in 1982, and since then he has increasingly spent his time tracking down large and little-known fish in rivers around the world - particularly in the Congo and Amazon rainforests.
"I don't see myself as a particularly expert angler," he says. "But what I am able to do is get into the kinds of places where outsiders don't normally go, with enough energy left to put a line in the water. Teaming up with local fishermen is vital to success, and what's great about this approach is that you get to see beneath the surface of diverse human cultures too."
In between catching fish (or, on some journeys, not catching fish), he has also caught malaria, been detained as a suspected spy, narrowly escaped drowning, been threatened at gunpoint, and survived a plane crash.
In 1992 he co-wrote (with Paul Boote) 'Somewhere Down The Crazy River' - a book that is considered to be one of the classics of angling literature. He has also written on travel and natural history for publications including The Times, Guardian, Sunday Telegraph, The Field and BBC Wildlife magazine.
During his career he has achieved a number of notable 'firsts'. These include filming a large mystery creature in an Amazon lake (dubbed 'the Amazon Nessie' by BBC Wildlife magazine), and getting the first underwater footage (with cameraman Rick Rosenthal) of the 'Giant Devil Catfish' in India.
His first TV series, Jungle Hooks, filmed in 2002 for Discovery Europe, was one of the most-watched shows on multichannel TV when it was released, and has since been seen by audiences around the world. River Monsters, his most recent series, has achieved the highest ever audience figures in the history of Animal Planet. A third season of River Monsters will be broadcast in 2011.
When not camped beside a remote river, Jeremy lives in Somerset, England, in the countryside near Bath.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews
March 24, 2022
I am a big fan of River Monsters and Jeremy Wade, but I am not an angler. This book though gives great insight into the man's mindset and the way he goes about catching the big ones, by taking all his hard learned lessons to heart. His stories of all his travels through the years that leads in the chapters about his fishing tips/lessons are also great. Highly recommended for anglers and anyone wanting to learn more about fishing.
May 25, 2022
Fish on!
February 24, 2026
I enjoyed it, but it seemed like the book couldn’t make up its mind between storytelling, logistical fishing tips and tricks, and musing about the beauty of fishing. Overall enjoyable and would recommend to a fisherman. 3.5
July 25, 2026
I never knew Jeremy Wade wrote a book! He also narrates the audiobook which is, in my opinion, the only way to go with How to Think Like a Fish! Wade has such an iconic voice and I can’t imagine any other way to experience the stories.
Generally I enjoyed the parts about fishing and traveling. I loved learning how he targeted all those rare species of fish and experienced the distant, remote cultures. We learn a bit about how his mind works too and how his science teaching and appreciation for art influenced the River Monsters series.
Sometimes I couldn’t figure out how he got from point A to point B within a chapter but I was never bored listening. (That’s a tiny bit of a lie, I completely zoned out during the dreadfully long chapter about knots, until the story at the end brought my attention back to why knots are important). Some of that information feeds into his meditation on learning from both successes and failures.
Overall though it was interesting to learn how Wade went from unsuccessfully fishing in his local creek, to becoming the person he is today. Most of his angling knowledge (he admits) translates into very little useful information for the rest of us, but he provides some general tips on what to look for and how to prepare for a successful catch!
I would definitely recommend that anyone interested check out the audiobook!
Generally I enjoyed the parts about fishing and traveling. I loved learning how he targeted all those rare species of fish and experienced the distant, remote cultures. We learn a bit about how his mind works too and how his science teaching and appreciation for art influenced the River Monsters series.
Sometimes I couldn’t figure out how he got from point A to point B within a chapter but I was never bored listening. (That’s a tiny bit of a lie, I completely zoned out during the dreadfully long chapter about knots, until the story at the end brought my attention back to why knots are important). Some of that information feeds into his meditation on learning from both successes and failures.
Overall though it was interesting to learn how Wade went from unsuccessfully fishing in his local creek, to becoming the person he is today. Most of his angling knowledge (he admits) translates into very little useful information for the rest of us, but he provides some general tips on what to look for and how to prepare for a successful catch!
I would definitely recommend that anyone interested check out the audiobook!
May 11, 2020
Years ago, when I first started watching ‘River Monsters’, little did I know that I would end up reading about fish and the world of angling. I started watching ‘River Monsters’ purely because they were detective stories, however, the host’s enthusiasm and passion about the freshwater world got me hooked on the subject matter. Speaking as a teacher myself, Jeremy Wade is an excellent teacher who motivates his audience, keeps their attention, and explains incredibly well. He manages to do this through the mediums of writing, as well as, television. I am no angler, and honestly, I don’t see myself going fishing any time soon, however, I was moved to learn more about the world of angling because Wade managed to tickle my curiosity. Let’s just say that he managed to present the bait (the educational aspect of his series) in the right place and at the right time to hook someone’s attention to finally land them. Bravo! This book helped me to understand more both the fish and the angler as a hunter. Looking forward to reading new books by this author, whose style of writing I thoroughly enjoy and who manages to make me laugh out loud a few times while reading his work! A very good read which I highly recommend.
September 11, 2020
A great book about fishing and life. Wade leans on his experience as an angler to deliver not only great stories and advice about fishing, but also about well-being, the scientific process, conservation, and yes, fish. I think this is required reading for any angler - new or old. The fundamental message in this book, is not only to get out and fish, but also to enjoy yourself while doing it.
February 24, 2023
Fun book. Growing up on a lake in northern WI “fish stories” are art, and a way of life so I appreciate the author writing a few of his down.
February 18, 2026
Audiobook. I really enjoyed the adventure stories but there just a little too much of other stuff in there. Like a 32 minute long chapter on knots
January 12, 2026
I can’t believe I read a whole book about fish angling, I’ve never even been close to a rod
October 25, 2024
I better catch so many fish now
Read
January 21, 2023Jeremy Wade is a professional angler and biologist, and his first book "How to Think Like a Fish: And Other Lessons from a Lifetime in Angling" is an extremely detailed, accurate account of his stories, human and fish perspective. With many different chapters on many different retells of experiences he has featured on his shows, there is so much knowledge to be gained about angling. Wade uses imagery to better illustrate the scene and incorporate the reader in the live recount of his stories.
Starting right off the bat in the first paragraph of the first chapter, Wade uses an exceptional amount of imagery to create a sense of immersion as he begins to tell the fish's perspective of one of his most watched and one of his most favorite original stories: The Goonch Catfish. Describing everything from the liquid flowing water and it's "distinct pattern, a grain - complex but logical, invisible but perfectly readable," to the rocks encasing the river: "close to my left side is a vertical rock wall, rising almost to the surface" (Wade, 3). Wade goes on to use this imagery, explaining the river to transition from the fish's perspective to his. "Sixty feet above, on a slanting rock beside the river an electronic buzzer sounds and a dim green light shows thick nylon line rolling off an improbably large reel. Hands reach down and pick up the rod" (Wade, 5). The use of imagery allows Jeremy Wade to not only get the reader invested immediately but to also seamlessly switch perspectives to create a sense of excitement and suspense.
Another example of Wade using imagery is in chapter 13, when he is explaining his first sighting of a crocodile. "I saw a shape like a log: brown against lighter brown. Five seconds and I'd be on top of it. As my stick ploughed an audible lie in the sand, the shape flexed and kicked away to my left, too quickly for my eyes to fix a clear image" (Wade, 127). Here Jeremy Wade is using imagery to create a sense of surprise and put the reader into his shoes.
When telling a story, or stories in this case, it is best to create a sense of immersion and make the reader feel like they are there, and Wade does this perfectly through his use of imagery. As an angler, I can really appreciate all the little details being put into each story, every little one being treated as if it is significant. In the end, Jeremy recreates the stories that he is famous for on television in an exemplary way in this book that are just as good, and just as detailed.
Starting right off the bat in the first paragraph of the first chapter, Wade uses an exceptional amount of imagery to create a sense of immersion as he begins to tell the fish's perspective of one of his most watched and one of his most favorite original stories: The Goonch Catfish. Describing everything from the liquid flowing water and it's "distinct pattern, a grain - complex but logical, invisible but perfectly readable," to the rocks encasing the river: "close to my left side is a vertical rock wall, rising almost to the surface" (Wade, 3). Wade goes on to use this imagery, explaining the river to transition from the fish's perspective to his. "Sixty feet above, on a slanting rock beside the river an electronic buzzer sounds and a dim green light shows thick nylon line rolling off an improbably large reel. Hands reach down and pick up the rod" (Wade, 5). The use of imagery allows Jeremy Wade to not only get the reader invested immediately but to also seamlessly switch perspectives to create a sense of excitement and suspense.
Another example of Wade using imagery is in chapter 13, when he is explaining his first sighting of a crocodile. "I saw a shape like a log: brown against lighter brown. Five seconds and I'd be on top of it. As my stick ploughed an audible lie in the sand, the shape flexed and kicked away to my left, too quickly for my eyes to fix a clear image" (Wade, 127). Here Jeremy Wade is using imagery to create a sense of surprise and put the reader into his shoes.
When telling a story, or stories in this case, it is best to create a sense of immersion and make the reader feel like they are there, and Wade does this perfectly through his use of imagery. As an angler, I can really appreciate all the little details being put into each story, every little one being treated as if it is significant. In the end, Jeremy recreates the stories that he is famous for on television in an exemplary way in this book that are just as good, and just as detailed.
January 11, 2024
Wildly different from his River Monsters book, where he mainly focused on the fish he caught and the stories surrounding those fish. It's also written with a healthy layer of humour.
Jeremy Wade starts off this book by stating that he is probably one of the worst persons to ask advice to, in matters of fishing. This mainly because he focused his career on catching the most spectacular fishes in the world. Then he proceeds to give some solid advice and stuff that helped him, providing ample examples for his cases. The stories and rambling can get rather distracting, though, and to remedy that he provided a succinct list at the end of the book.
There is some overlap with the River Monsters book (mainly because that was what he did for the most part of his career), but there are some situations which he hadn't treated, which makes a welcome addition. Jeremy also makes sure to point out that it isn't going well with the fish, and that part of the responsibility of anglers is to care for the waters where they fish. Finally, I also liked the jab at Google selling your online info to third parties at the end of the appendix.
Jeremy Wade starts off this book by stating that he is probably one of the worst persons to ask advice to, in matters of fishing. This mainly because he focused his career on catching the most spectacular fishes in the world. Then he proceeds to give some solid advice and stuff that helped him, providing ample examples for his cases. The stories and rambling can get rather distracting, though, and to remedy that he provided a succinct list at the end of the book.
There is some overlap with the River Monsters book (mainly because that was what he did for the most part of his career), but there are some situations which he hadn't treated, which makes a welcome addition. Jeremy also makes sure to point out that it isn't going well with the fish, and that part of the responsibility of anglers is to care for the waters where they fish. Finally, I also liked the jab at Google selling your online info to third parties at the end of the appendix.
April 27, 2022
As someone who has watched everything with Jeremy Wade and been fascinated by his fishing, this was a fantastic read! There are truly helpful fishing techniques and strategies but it’s also fun to read some of the behind the scenes of his fishing expeditions! If you love fishing or are just a fan of River Monsters this is a must.
January 22, 2023
I have a lot of respect for Jeremy Wade, in part for his undeniable passion for what he does and the level of sensitivity to details that he brings to both this book and his programs (which I have been a long-time fan of). For myself as someone who fishes occasionally, I found his book to be a perfect balance between practical information and engaging (and shocking) anecdote, with lessons that I believe anyone could benefit from.
February 8, 2024
Jeremy wade is the best. I wish he had focused more on his lifetime of incredible fishing stories as apposed to a more tutorial style book with littered with short anecdotes.
June 8, 2025
Excellent
January 30, 2026
A great explanation of how fishing can be one of the most technically simple and practically difficult pursuits. I will reassert my claim that I could out fish Jeremy Wade any time!
August 5, 2026
I'm Jeremy wade
August 18, 2026
3.5
good read if you're fishing or not fishing or whatever
good read if you're fishing or not fishing or whatever
April 13, 2025
Claire’s rating: 3.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Curty’s rating: 4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Jeremy Wade is a great storyteller and we (my husband and I) love watching River Monsters. This was a great book about his experiences, angling overall and fishing tips. A great roadtrip listen!
Curty’s rating: 4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Jeremy Wade is a great storyteller and we (my husband and I) love watching River Monsters. This was a great book about his experiences, angling overall and fishing tips. A great roadtrip listen!
April 20, 2026
This is a great book if you like fishing
January 22, 2026
This book is a great set of practical life advice masquerading as fishing tips. Jeremy Wade surprised me as a very eloquent writer who is able to make the intricacies of extreme angling accessible to the amateur fisherman. Great read, shoutout to my Fiancé Grace for getting me this book as a birthday gift!
June 25, 2025
First couple chapters were amazing but it fell off towards the end. Maybe I’m just not looking to catch MASSIVE fish… yet
June 25, 2019
A book about fishing that felt as good to read as having a line in the water. What more could you ask for? This book detached a bit from behind-the-scenes of River Monsters and focused more on getting inside the mind of Jeremy Wade. It contains a lot of tips that can be applied on your next fishing adventure while also providing insight that can only be presented by someone who has dedicated their life to fishing. It is a great read, and a great opportunity to uncover the thought process of an expert of a niche skill.
March 22, 2026
Solid read, especially if youre a fisherman. However, doesnt quite hit like it should. Reads at times like a behind the scenes on a few River Monsters episodes. Then other chapters are fishing tips and tricks he has learned throughout.
A lot of which are common practice for fishermen.
Love Jeremy Wade, River Monsters and Dark Waters, although not quite the perfect cast here with this book, still a recommend.
3.5 stars
A lot of which are common practice for fishermen.
Love Jeremy Wade, River Monsters and Dark Waters, although not quite the perfect cast here with this book, still a recommend.
3.5 stars
September 22, 2021
Awesome insight into a very interesting man's reason for doing things. Love him on River Monsters and loved reading this book. I will look for more from Jeremy Wade. An autobiography would be fascinating
January 1, 2022
Changed the way I fish now
September 5, 2022
Though I am a huge 'River Monsters' fan, I suppose a book called "How to Think like a Fish" brought to mind a more philosophical take than I expected.
This book is at its best when Jeremy is reflecting on the memories of important trips and engaging locals. He has such a storied history that, having watched him for years on TV, I was interested to learn more about. He wonderfully details how these experiences inform his musings about how the world works.
However, this book has many tangible elements to it as well. From the title itself it is clear that this is meant to be a hodgepodge of knowledge and insight, and for me this just was too sporadic to hold my interests. Had I attempted to consume this book like a bit of bait, and not an entire fish, it may have been more enjoyable. I found certain sections, such as a chapter dedicated to different types of knots, hard to get through. I find these sections took away from the stories of Jeremys' journey that I resonated with.
Would still recommend for any serious angler or lover of 'River Monsters', but definitely more of a light read meant to be enjoyed over several sittings.
This book is at its best when Jeremy is reflecting on the memories of important trips and engaging locals. He has such a storied history that, having watched him for years on TV, I was interested to learn more about. He wonderfully details how these experiences inform his musings about how the world works.
However, this book has many tangible elements to it as well. From the title itself it is clear that this is meant to be a hodgepodge of knowledge and insight, and for me this just was too sporadic to hold my interests. Had I attempted to consume this book like a bit of bait, and not an entire fish, it may have been more enjoyable. I found certain sections, such as a chapter dedicated to different types of knots, hard to get through. I find these sections took away from the stories of Jeremys' journey that I resonated with.
Would still recommend for any serious angler or lover of 'River Monsters', but definitely more of a light read meant to be enjoyed over several sittings.
April 26, 2026
**How to Think Like a Fish — Jeremy Wade**
If you've watched River Monsters, you already trust Jeremy Wade. This book rewards that trust.
I finished it in two sittings. Not because it's lightweight, but because Wade writes the way he fishes: no wasted motion. The pages move.
The core idea is one of those obvious once you hear it truths: stop fishing from your own assumptions. Think from inside the fish's sensory world. Current, depth, pressure, prey geometry. Confidence matters, but only after you've resolved every doubt before casting. Hurrying the line out feels productive. It isn't.
What makes this more than a fishing manual is the behind the scenes texture from the show. Wade fills in what the cameras couldn't, including the moment he decided to jump into the river to land a large goonch. It looked impulsive on TV. It was actually a calculated call made in a split second with full awareness of the risk. That kind of candour makes you trust everything else he says.
Readable, honest, and genuinely useful whether or not you fish.
**4/5**
If you've watched River Monsters, you already trust Jeremy Wade. This book rewards that trust.
I finished it in two sittings. Not because it's lightweight, but because Wade writes the way he fishes: no wasted motion. The pages move.
The core idea is one of those obvious once you hear it truths: stop fishing from your own assumptions. Think from inside the fish's sensory world. Current, depth, pressure, prey geometry. Confidence matters, but only after you've resolved every doubt before casting. Hurrying the line out feels productive. It isn't.
What makes this more than a fishing manual is the behind the scenes texture from the show. Wade fills in what the cameras couldn't, including the moment he decided to jump into the river to land a large goonch. It looked impulsive on TV. It was actually a calculated call made in a split second with full awareness of the risk. That kind of candour makes you trust everything else he says.
Readable, honest, and genuinely useful whether or not you fish.
**4/5**
February 2, 2026
"Be inventive. Don't be afraid to try something new or different from what everyone else is doing. Even a non-result is a result, because it teaches you something. If nothing is happening, weigh the benefits of 'stay put' versus 'move.' It's always a difficult one, but don't let laziness be the deciding factor. Sometimes the best option is to pack up, and come back with renewed energy."
"Learn from your mistakes. Don't let the same thing happen again. Look after your fish, and the world they live in. Professing to care about animals, but not caring about their environment, is an inconsistent attitude."
hey so I got here because I just really have a special interest with fish and Jeremy Wade but I literally walked away even more in love with him and his output on life and just how amazing he is. listening to his voice for 7 hours straight was lovely. 5 fish tails. 🐟🐟🐟🐟🐟
Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews