Books in the Blue Water Classics series

Australia brings to mind images of the Great Barrier Reef, great white sharks, huge crocodiles and friendly people. Zane Grey fished everywhere, but he often found himself lured back to the Pacific especially around Australia and New Zealand. Most of the fish caught in An American Angler in Australia are sharks (great white, tiger, even a few carpet!) but you can't go big game fishing in Australia and not expect to be teased by marlins.

With the growing popularity of salt water fly-fishing today, we easily forget that this sport was only begun in the 1930s-1950s. Brooks was one of the earliest pioneers of salt water techniques and salt water flies-both of which still catch fish today. His book, originally published in 1950, remains one of the best overall guides to the sport.

Leander McCormick literally fished his way around the world. These many miles produced a catalog of stories in his book. From his first perch on the shores of Lake Michigan, to youthful pursuits of eels in England, to ultimate angling for the giants of the sea, he demonstrates a deep insight into both the fish and the people who pursue them. Having angled for and caught dozens of different species of fish, McCormick dryly comments, "Some were more sport to catch than others, but I assert that all fishing is good, though some is better."