“The Big One An Island, an Obsession, and the Furious Pursuit of a Great Fish” by David Kinney

Last week Jen reviewed “Salmon Fishing in the Yemen,” which cleverly caught us out because it wasn’t really about fishing at all. This week she reviews “The Big One An Island, an Obsession, and the Furious Pursuit of a Great Fish by David Kinney and so we think, “Hah! We’re not about to be caught out again,” but guess what, it’s all about fishing. Can’t win!

From Flyfishing in the Yemen to surf casting on the Vineyard. Right now the 64th annual Martha’s Vineyard Striped Bass and Bluefish Derby is winding down. Every year every fisherman worth their proverbial salt is out there trying to win one of the divisions. Surf casting, fly fishing, on land or sea, day or night.

Catch the biggest Blue, striper, False Albacore or Bonito This is the best tournament and this is the best book I have read about it. David Kinney explores it on his own and introduces us to a myriad of crusty characters. Even crusty in pink linen sports-coats. Everyone is in. With 29 different categories, anyone can win. Some win more than others .

I loved thinking about the unseen details that go into fishing. I love casting but flyfishing for me involves unhooking myself from trees. Surf casting is my love. Standing on the shore hurling different weights of lures out into the great beyond to see what bites.The thought that you can stand, literally at the edge of the ocean and throw out a string that could lure a great wild creature to shore is mythical. Less mythical is the fact that I can only catch Bluefish. My dog could catch bluefish. When they frenzy, it is hard not to catch them.

I loved hearing about tides and the pull of the moon and the colors and weights and times of day and season when it is possible to catch the biggest fish.

It is a science and I really find it fascinating. So many variables converge to make optimum settings and the people who know are the people who study. Years and years of patient practice is what makes these fishermen great. Of course, luck is also involved and even young children have won the Derby by being in the right place with the right hook at the right time by pure coincidence.

The fun is the passion that drives the Island and the Derby. Kinney captures the fun and presents the story without over- dramatization. Facts—interesting facts—make the book.

We should all be part of something we love so much. The utter joy that these men and women feel each year is worth more than all the prizes in the world. To feel that passionate about anything is to really live. They are exhausted, cold, filthy, fishy and totally entranced and delirious with focus. The Derby is a whirlwind. If you enjoy fishing, this is a must read. You can go to the MVDERBY.com site for a complete list of current winners. It might be cold out but these people are catching great fish!

For the record, I am a catch and release gal unless I am going to eat it. Then I do …