The hook -- My beginning -- The journey begins -- Not a clue and a conger -- Learning to fish the North Shore -- Solitude and darkness -- My mentor -- History and controversy -- Fishing logs -- So many changes -- Fishing for keeps -- Derby dames -- Respect, secrecy, and fishing ethics -- Superstitions, quirks, and omens -- Tangling with the fly rod -- Delusions of grandeur -- PTFD (post-traumatic fishing disorder) -- Bad luck, good luck -- The grand slam -- The Dory Man: in pursuit of Skilligalle -- The art of taxidermy -- The squeaky reel -- Trash fish to gourmet cuisine -- Pass it on -- Losing another fishing buddy -- How to catch a fish: rules and exceptions -- A glimpse of my maker -- Favorite fish recipes -- Acknowledgments -- Bibliography.