For John Gierach, fishing is always the answer-even when it's not clear what the question is. He's fished for steelhead in the Pacific Northwest, bull trout in British Columbia, bonefish in Mexico, and pike in the Upper Midwest. He's even tried winter fly-fishing and braved the remote Alaskan wilderness. Through it all, he has nurtured his enduring love for the sport.

In All Fisherman Are Liars, the ever-popular Gierach shares insights, musings, and countless stories from the profound to the funny to the downright absurd that he's collected over a lifetime of fishing. Traveling around North America, Gierach seeks out great fishing experiences with one goal in mind: to have a good time and maybe catch some fish. He talks about fashion in flies and fly-tying, about the mysteries of why certain flies work, and about the etiquette of fishing a popular spot. He reflects on how it feels to approach a new stream, acting nonchalant while experiencing intense excitement and anticipation. He also muses about fishing rods: Although I own enough rods to build a picket fence around my property, I can sometimes be convinced that I need just one more. And though Gierach loses some fish along the way, he never loses his passion and sense of humour.

Wry, contemplative, and as lively as ever, Gierach gives us a book as edifying as it is entertaining. All Fishermen Are Liars is a joy to read-and, as always, the next best thing to fishing itself.