Zane Grey, Tales of Fishes

Zane Grey was an American author best know for his westerns and adventure novels that were set in the rugged Old West.  His novels inspired over 100 films, a TV series and theater production.

He also is a well-known writer on fishing, especially catching the giant fish of the oceans around the world.  Tales of Fishes is a collection of stories about the most sought-after species of saltwater fish including tarpon, bonefish, sailfish, marlin, sword fish, and tuna.  The stories describe the mental and physical demands of catching sport fish like the various broad broadbill species on light sporting tackle.  The book was published in 1919 just when sport fishing on light tackle was beginning to emerge, and he was involved in introducing light tackle fishing as a record book category to fishing club at Long Key and the Tuna Club of Avalon.

Being a novelist by trade Zane Grey is an excellent and descriptive writer and brings to life the triumphs and tribulations of hunting, fighting, and landing some of the most changeling species of fish on some of the last frontiers of the world, the oceans and seas around the globe.  He also was ahead of his time in addressing environmental concerns and the need for regulation to protect species that were already showing indications of being overfished and in danger of disappearing in 1918. 

I believe this would be a book any serious angler would especially appreciate as Zane Grey is, in my opinion, one of the early forefathers and advocates for true sport fishing.