Shin Deep: A Fly Fisher's Love For Moving Water

by Chris Hunt

A compilation of essays focusing on wild trout and wild country by award-winning journalist and author, Chris Hunt.

140 pages, Paperback

First published August 25, 2008

Reviews

[Andrew Wayment · Rating 5 out of 5]

By way of background, Chris Hunt began his distinguished writing career as a newspaper reporter who often wrote excellent articles about fly fishing small streams throughout Idaho. That's how I first came in contact with his writing. However, Chris no longer works in the newspaper industry (except for when he voluntarily contributes fishing articles), but now works full time to protect the objects of his affection, trout. You see, Chris works for Trout Unlimited in Idaho Falls. He also writes for the Eat More Brook Trout Blog. Chris begins the book, Shin Deep: A Fly Fisher's Love for Living Water, with a disclaimer: "It turns out I'm not terribly introspective when I fish. This isn't a recent revelation, or anything. It's just important for you to know, so you won't expect me to prop up the pages of this book with profound nuggets of wisdom I've somehow managed to acquire from my time spent on the water." At first glance one might assume that this is the case as Chris crisply but simply describes the joys of fishing throughout North America for multiple species of fish including rainbows, browns, brook trout, bull trout, cutthroat trout, salmon, crappie, smallmouth bass, white fish and pike. After all, we are talking about the guy who left his box of flies at the lodge while fishing in Alaska and had to go on quest while on Prince of Wales Island to try to save what could have been a debacle of a day. I actually had a good laugh as Chris describes humbly begging someone for flies stating that he "very nearly dropped to a knee and swore fealty to this guy. Desperation does weird things to you, you know." But don't let Chris fool you. This book is packed with plenty of depth. I'll give you a few examples. First and foremost, Chris repeatedly writes about the importance of protecting the precious creeks and rivers that hold wild trout and other fish. The theme of conservation resonates throughout this book and makes you want to do more to preserve these wild places and finite resources for posterity. Also prevalent in the book is the theme of family. I thoroughly enjoyed reading Chris' stories about fishing with his son, Cameron, who he lovingly calls "Chief" and his older daughter Delaney. I don't want to spoil any of the specifics of these touching stories. However, I will say that while Chris pursues his fishing passion with great fervor, it is evident to me that he does not let his addiction supplant what is truly most important in his life, his family. Last but certainly not least, in a nation where it is quickly becoming taboo to mention God or religion, I appreciated Chris' statements about God and faith in his chapter about fishing for brook trout for the first time in the Shenandoah National Park: "Now, I'm not a particularly religious fellow. I believe in God -¯ how could a fly fisher not have some faith in a higher power? . . . I believe there's a grand plan for all of us and all the critters with which we share the planet. But I'm no zealot ¯ the more organized a religion gets, the less tolerant its practitioners become, I believe. But at that moment, cradling a seven-inch wild Appalachian brook trout in my meaty palm, I openly thanked God. For there might not be a more beautiful creation than a wild brook trout hooked firmly in the jaw and pulled from crystal waters. It's a moment I'll never forget." Only shin deep? I think not!