"A tribute and practical guide to the art, philosophy, and rituals of fly fishing, by an expert, lifelong angler. Each chapter focuses on a specific place, fish, and skill. Few individuals have the visual acuity required to catch the nearly invisible bonefish of the Bahamas flats, or the patience to land the elusive Atlantic salmon, "the fish of a thousand casts," in eastern Canada. Pursuing these challenges, Coggins travels to one fishing paradise after another, including the great rivers of Patagonia, private chalk streams in England, remote ponds in Maine, and New York City's Jamaica Bay. In each setting, he chronicles his fortunes and misfortunes with honesty and humor while meditating on how fishing teaches focus, inner stillness, and a connection to the natural world."-- provided by publisher.