Fish Won't Let Me Sleep (The Obsessions of a Lifetime Flyfisherman)

Have you ever been so passionate about something that it occupied your every waking moment? In his latest collection of essays, celebrated writer and lifelong angler James R. Babb reflects on his preoccupation with fishing—one so strong that it often keeps him awake—and further recounts many of his most memorable adventures from a life spent casting flies across the globe. From the majestic lakes and rivers of northern Maine to the mountain streams of East Tennessee and crossing the Atlantic to the lochs of Scotland and the chalk streams of southern England, Fish Won’t Let Me Sleep transcends international boundaries to demonstrate that the joy of fishing is universal.

Fish Won’t Let Me Sleep brims with more than two dozen chapters on varying aspects of the sport. In “Roamin' the Gloaming,” Babb hilariously comments on some of the peculiar idioms of his chosen passion. The aptly titled “Snide and Prejudice” reflects on the companionship, friendships, and occasional animosities that arise from fishing with others. And in “Simple Gifts,” Babb muses on the eternal bane and gift of all flyfishermen—the weather.

In the vein of great writers such as Mark Twain, Annie Dillard, and John Gierach, Babb’s poignant prose and witty observations are true testaments to the unparalleled wit of an American master.

Skyhorse Publishing is proud to publish a broad range of books for fishermen. Our books for anglers include titles that focus on fly fishing, bait fishing, fly-casting, spin casting, deep sea fishing, and surf fishing. Our books offer both practical advice on tackle, techniques, knots, and more, as well as lyrical prose on fishing for bass, trout, salmon, crappie, baitfish, catfish, and more. While not every title we publish becomes a New York Times bestseller or a national bestseller, we are committed to publishing books on subjects that are sometimes overlooked by other publishers and to authors whose work might not otherwise find a home.