"Ye Gods and Little Fishes" by E. E. Slocum

[Hellmtflies]

I admit that I am addicted to the angling literature from the 1880's through the second world war. I just love the flavor of the writing and the esoteric culture that existed at the time. And if you look through the many books of that time frame, you'll be exposed to how different the approach to trout fishing was and how rather small the circle of anglers was. Not so much different than the society of bamboo rod aficionados is today. So, if you care to experience this foundation of our angling culture may I recommend to you "Ye Gods and Little Fises" by Eugene E. Slocum. This was published only once that I can find in 1927 buy Dodd, Mead & Co. It will clearly bring you more into the time frame and trout fishing than many of the books of this era. A pleasant read and fulfilling. But I warn you........Have a dictionary handy. Slocum must have been some type of literary scholar and trained at some of the best schools as his vocabulary is, to me at least, stunning. Hopefully you can locate a copy. Enjoy!
Mark

[bob2935]

I admit that I am addicted to the angling literature from the 1880's through the second world war. I just love the flavor of the writing and the esoteric culture that existed at the time. And if you look through the many books of that time frame, you'll be exposed to how different the approach to trout fishing was and how rather small the circle of anglers was. Not so much different than the society of bamboo rod aficionados is today. So, if you care to experience this foundation of our angling culture may I recommend to you "Ye Gods and Little Fises" by Eugene E. Slocum. This was published only once that I can find in 1927 buy Dodd, Mead & Co. It will clearly bring you more into the time frame and trout fishing than many of the books of this era. A pleasant read and fulfilling. But I warn you........Have a dictionary handy. Slocum must have been some type of literary scholar and trained at some of the best schools as his vocabulary is, to me at least, stunning. Hopefully you can locate a copy. Enjoy!
Mark

Hi Mark Like you I love fishing stories and I happened to find this relatively unknown book and I also love it. It is a fun read, his self deprecating style was a treat and no expertizing in this book. Just some really fun stories and love the fact that they mostly take place in the Catskills. I would put in my top five books of fishing stories. My favorite story is that "Foot of that Demon Rum" that features the town of Arkville as three fisherman wait for their train and hitting a hole in the wall bar and getting drunker and drunker. The station still exists and the bar was closed about 10 to 15 years ago. Not even sure how I discovered this book but glad I did. He also talks about the times where fisherman would stay at peoples homes for a fee and all the fun interesting interactions that would occur. I am surprised more of us fanatical fishing book collectors are mostly unaware of what a great read this is.

Bohemian Bob

[Hellmtflies]

Thanx Bob,
Yeah, the idea of traveling to the Catskills without previously securing a hotel etc. Then to simply knock on one's door to ask for a room is way off the rails for us today. loved the way he approached this topic. And as you stated he is self-effacing and humble.

[lloyd3]

Sounds like a winner to me. Ordered it today.

[Silver rat]

Mark,
Was given this book several years ago but never read it. Your post got me curious so I checked it out. Was instantly hooked when he mentioned Dyberry Creek and Pleasant Mount. I grew up on a farm just outside of Pleasant Mount. Have lots of pleasant memories of fishing the Dyberry as well as its west, east and middle branches.

The directions from Smiley Hollow to Herrick Center made me laugh. Drove through Herrick Center on my way back from the Delaware River today and had to explain to the wife why I was chuckling.