Surfcaster's Quest

[parker23]

After Christmas Dinner I was perusing my mother’s vast library and stumbled upon a book I let my father borrow some 12 years ago. The book is a hardcover titled “Surfcaster’s Quest" by Roy Rowan.

I remembered buying the book and reading it and at the time it was not a compelling read. I started reading it again, trying to burn off some of the 10000 calories I had consumed during the holiday feeding frenzy.

My second reading was a far different experience. 12 years ago I was in my mid-thirties and a veracious fisherman not happy unless I had an epic battle with a large fish. Most of my fishing was from my boat and the lure of the surf had been a distant memory of my early teens to my late 20’s. Furthermore, I was into learning new techniques, so a how to book was more my speed.

Today I am in my late forties and my approach to fishing has changed dramatically. I still have a boat, but it sees much less use. I am back in the surf and loving it. My expectations of time on the water are not just on catching a big fish. Which is great, because most of the time I am not tight to a large bass. However, I am content just to be standing on a slippery rock or walking a sandy beach. Catching the big one has become secondary to enjoying the moment. I too will take a break and lay down using my plug bag as a pillow just to gaze at the stars and listen to the surf a few feet away.

If you have not read this book or read at a younger age, pick it up and read between the lines. I truly enjoyed my second reading of Surfcaster’s Quest.

Don’t get me wrong, I still have delusions of grandeur. Dreams of setting the hook on a 60, 70, 80 or 135 pound bass. However, my total surfcasting experience far surpasses just putting a bass on the beach.

[BigFish]

Might be my favorite fishing book of all!!! Love it!!!

[afterhours]

to me it seems we evolve as fishermen with age, we cherish the entire experience as opposed to just the catching of fish.

[JohnR]

One of my top favorites

[pbadad]

I concur. Read this book when I joined CSA over 10 years ago. Maybe I should take this book from our club's library and reread it. As time moves on and with our time fishing,one does find success and enjoyment just being out in the surf. Very few people will ever experience this effect nature plays.

[DZ]

Met Rowan a few times on Block. Very nice gentleman. I always thought he was the one who put up the two crosses with "Fish Hard - Live Long" and "God Bless - Go Fish" at Old Harbor and Mansion Beach access paths. I never did ask him but I have not seen him in years. He was more of a daylight fisherman - into enjoying his surroundings as he cast. We could all learn something from his writing - which is to appreciate your surroundings and enjoy the "whole" experience. When I started to do that my love of surfcasting really blossomed.

DZ

[Nebe]

Its a good read for sure.
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

[Gobi]

Excellent book and I'm grateful to be able to recognize the beauty surrounding us as we fish late into the night. We are a lucky few.

[striper junkie]

I havn't read the book, but it sounds like a good read. Alot of times, the fish is just a nice bonus when you're out fishing.

[The Iceman 6]

Great book.

[Steve K]

I ran into him at Finn's one time. He sure has led an interesting life. That book really captures what surfcasting means to me.