Fishing Across America

by Luke Ovgard

Is it still called a “midlife crisis” if you’re only 28?

On the eve of his 30th birthday, an ordinary Millennial takes a life-altering, 46-day road trip across the United States that serves as the catalyst for change he so desperately needs in his life, a way to climb out of the depression brought on by a lifetime in the same small town and a chance to embrace new experiences.

It is the summer of 2019, the last COVID-free summer the world will ever know, and the author is fueled by an aching quest for the new and novel. In total, he will pass through 19 states in a span of six weeks in search of fishes he has never caught, delicious food he has never before tasted, new and old friends, and, most of all, meaning.

Fishing is in the title, but don't let that stop you. What sets this book apart is its one-of-a-kind blend of travel, food, humor, introspection, purpose, and fishing within a single, summerlong adventure. Like the books Eat, Pray, Love or Wild or the film The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, this book is about one person choosing to change his life for the better by pursuing his passion wherever it leads him, by Fishing Across America.

369 pages, Paperback

Published April 18, 2023

Reviews

[Josh Noles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good travel writing, even for those of us who have only caught fish at sporting expos. Pretty funny stories!

[Cole Sturm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even if you don’t know a thing about Fishing, this book has something for everyone! It’s hilarious, heartwarming, and deeply honest. We’ve all felt like we needed a change of scenery and this book transports you across the country vicariously through Luke and his travels. Great read!!

[Dirk Trilob · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun read

[Joann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book. The author wrote a very interesting story, I have a new appreciation when I see people fishing on the side of the road.

[Lorraine · Rating 2 out of 5]

A Goodreads Giveaway!
Sorry to say this book was not for me! I only managed half before I gave up!
I live and have traveled across America a lot of the time, and I have my own fish website, so I thought this would be really interesting. Unfortunately the fish didn’t really get a look in, it was more about a potted history of the guy’s life from 3-30, and just was bogged down in the whys and where for’s of life!

[Amy Alexander · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had no idea that you could just go and catch so many different species of fish! Really interesting from that perspective, as well as reading about Luke’s ambitions and business ventures as a young man. I enjoyed his quirky and catch-you-off-guard humor (appropriate to how he plays off of his family name), and how he pulls the reader into his story and his life. Good read.

[Beth Stiller · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is about so much more than fishing.