The Barefoot Fisherman: A Fishing Book for Kids

5 thoughts on “The Barefoot Fisherman: A Fishing Book for Kids”

1. The Barefoot Fisherman: a fishing book for kids will take adults back to childhood days of ice cream trucks and lightning bugs. But, sorry friends, pleasant as the trip may be, this book is not for you. It’s for your kids. The book explains the fundamentals of fishing as if the author were your older brother. Amdahl does not preach; he shares. The book reads like a pirate’s treasure map as each chapter tugs the young reader deeper into the seaside caves of angling. The Barefoot Fisherman does not discuss entomology, advanced knots, or difficult casting techniques. Instead, it focuses on the aspects of fishing that kids love: raising earthworms, catching crawdads, making doughbait. Try to find a grownup book that considers tomato worms as bait. The author’s contagious love of the sport and gentle humor will probably create many new fisherman. But even adult anglers will pick up some tricks and tips. The ideal plan is to buy this as a Christmas present for some youngster on your list, but give yourself time to read it before you wrap it.
   Rating: 5 / 5

2. I went fishing once when I was a kid, but I certainly did not know what I was doing. I caught a couple of fish, which we released, but had trouble getting the hooks out without really damaging the fish (yes, I have guilt over this; the reason for killing a fish would be to eat it). My kids have gone a couple of times with Granddad Nelson in the mountains of California and have all enjoyed success, but they were pretty much told where to stand and what to do and the only thing that mattered in the end was that my son was ticked that his younger sister caught the biggest fish (we have the photo to prove it). So we know virtually nothing about the art of fishing. Enter “The Barefoot Fisherman: A Fishing Book for Kids.”

   Books trying to teach kids how to do things are tricky, especially when it comes to providing the proper balance between breadth and depth. Paul Amdahl covers a lot of ground quickly and proficiently. The tone is authoritative without condescending into juvenile humor as a way of enticing readers. Clearly fishing is serious business, which is why “The Barefoot Fisherman” keeps the focus on what to do and why. If Amdahl is talking about equipment then that means reels, rods, and line; not only defining each but explaining when and why you would use each along with their strengths and weaknesses. There are photographs (B&W) throughout the book to illustrate key concepts and to show the young readers lots of different types of fish. Amdahl covers a bunch of different types of fish, focusing on where to find them and how to catch them (Just plan on getting your hands dirty).

   There is also a key philosophy at work throughout “The Barefoot Fisherman.” The main thing is that fishing is fun and that while catching fish does have an element of luck to it there are certain things you can do to make it more likely that you will be lucky. What Amdahl offers are not rules (i.e., no guarantees), but rather good, practical advice to help young readers to become young fishermen. At the end of the book he tells his readers to never step on wet rocks, be careful when you are by yourself, and to have fun. By the time neophyte fishermen get to that point they should feel pretty confident about going out and trying to catch some fish. Now, chances are that I am never going to do a whole lot of fishing in the future, mainly because this book does not talk about how to cut through the ice that covers out lakes this time of the year, but someday I might have some grandchildren that could benefit from taking this book down from my shelf. Hey, it could happen.
   Rating: 5 / 5

3. This “how to” book targets young kids; however, even adults who read it learn new things.

   My father and teenage son fish often. Though my son is still learning the basics, my father has spent his life fishing in every pond, lake, river, and body of water he could find. In fact, every year he teaches the kids at the local fairs how to tie flies and cast. yet even he learned one or two new tricks from this book. I kept yelling through the house, “Hey Dad! Did you know…” The instant I finished and set the book down, he picked it up and began.

   Author Paul Amdahl wrote out all the basics of fishing, the equipment, and some very helpful tips in a simple, easy to follow, dialogue. If you are age eight or have never touched a fishing rod before, this book is for you! Excellent!

   Reviewed by Detra Fitch.
   Rating: 5 / 5

4. I read this book for myself, then I passed it along to my nephew and he loved it. It is so well written and geared for the younger audience that you will find yourself wishing that you were of the age it was meant for.

   Paul Amdahl’s love for fishing is infectious and it is clear that he is of an easygoing and happy nature because it is so reflected in his writing.

   I urge anyone with children who possess a desire to fish to have them first read “The Barefoot Fisherman” and then when your child is not looking, sneak a peek yourself. You will be glad you did!
   Rating: 5 / 5

5. The Barefoot Fisherman: A Fishing Book For Kids by experienced fishing enthusiast Paul Amdahl is an excellent and “reader friendly” introduction to the sport of fishing for aspiring young anglers of all ages and backgrounds. Individual chapters address catching a variety of different fish, from catfish to bass and walleyes, as well as lures, fly fishing, bait fishing and much more. The Barefoot Fisherman is an enthusiastically recommended “how to” guide for preparing the neophyte fisherman on how to get them most out of their fishing trip!
   Rating: 5 / 5