If you're new to fishing, this book will teach you about the equipment you'll need and what types of fish are commonly caught.

I have started fishing more with my sons, so I thought it would be useful to buy a few books to make sure that I know the lingo, and do not make a fool of myself. Cliff Hauptman's books is a nice primer with lots of useful information. In it, he discusses the basic equipment and tackle needed, and various types of fish that are commonly sought. I found the information quite useful, and well worth the read. Some of the pictures and diagrams are not the best, but I felt more confident the next time I went out on the lake with my boys. Plus, we caught more fish, which is always nice.

If you are new to fishing, and looking for a quick read to get started, then I recommend this book. If you are more seasoned, this is probably not a great choice. Good luck, and see you at the lake.

I fished quite a bit growing up, but got away from it while in college. Recently I wanted to get back into it, so I needed some more grown-up gear. This book was quite valuable in helping me figure out what equipment I needed and what I didn't. The author's reccomendations of what lures to buy were especially helpful.

I fished quite a bit growing up, but got away from it while in college. Recently I wanted to get back into it, so I needed some more grown-up gear. This book was quite valuable in helping me figure out what equipment I needed and what I didn't. The author's reccomendations of what lures to buy were especially helpful.

I was searching for another fishing book when I saw that Cliff Hauptman was still in print. Even though I was not a total novice, I learned a lot from this book. And panfishermen should note that this is practically the only book that addresses crappies, bluegills and like that.

I'm now an occasional fisherman, doing my best on extended backpacking trips to extend my diet with trout. Lightweight tackle is not a topic Hauptmann gives any ink to, and if you want to actually clean that fish you just caught, Hauptman is silent (but check out Mark Bittman's _Fish_ for good graphics and how-to).

Others have criticized the "cheesy" photos in this book. I don't get it. All the photos seem to be of Chris Hauptman and his wife demonstrating pole-handling techniques described in immediately related text--what more could you ask? Even though I'm a side-arm caster, Hauptman knows his stuff and makes it clear.

Negatives: Another reviewer liked the drawings of various fish species mentioned in the text, but the one on the cover is all anyone needs.

A good book for the beginning fisherman. I was disappointed that there was not more information on the presentation of the various artificial lures.

A good book for the beginning fisherman. I was disappointed that there was not more information on the presentation of the various artificial lures.

The book is written in a style that is friendly to a begginer. There are a couple of chapters which actually narrate the experience of a fishing expedition. Way helpful. The book is not in depth, but the title does say "BASIC". A great How-to book.

Buy this book only if you know NOTHING about fishing. And when I say nothing, I mean NOTHING. The pictures are "cheesey" and it seemed all around outdated. Save your money! I'm still trying to wake up.

I have to admit that, at first glance, I wasn't all that impressed with this book. Perhaps I was even a little disappointed when it arrived. There was nothing inside in color, some of the B&W photos in the early chapters were a little 'cheesy' and not a single thing I really needed, or wanted, to know immediately was referenced in the skimpy 2-1/2 page index. I put it aside for a week or two and first read all of the other fishing-related titles that I had ordered from Amazon.

HOWEVER...When I got into this book, I was really impressed by the thoroughness with which topics were covered. The title is very appropriate--it's a "basic" book. That implies that it's designed for beginners. I've done a lot of ocean fishing over the past half-century and it was a bit of a drag when I saw the first chapter's title: "What is Fishing? What is Tackle?" Nevertheless, it was a well-written and thoughtful chapter that set the tone for the rest of the work to follow.

After this intro, all the major "forms" of fishing are subsequently covered in individual chapters:--baitcasting, spinning, spincasting and flycasting. Mentions are made of trolling, later in the book, where boats, waders, tackle boxes and all types of other 'peripherals' are covered.

Mr Hauptman is not excessively opinionated, but he does offer his opinions when he foresees that a novice might become confused. Overall, he comes across as just the sort of man that any fisherman would like to have as a friend and mentor. When issues are controversial, he mentions the fact, states an opinion and justifies it. Then he invites his readers to just 'go out and try' what they've learned so far and to make up their own minds.

The absolute highlights of the book (for me) are the chapters on baits--both natural and artificial; the chapter that is entitled "Let's Go Fishing"; and the excellent "action drawings" by Ernest Lussier, of all the fish species mentioned in the text. Mr Hauptman's coverage of artificial lures is, without a doubt, the best "tutorial" I have ever found, including those from the tackle manufacturers themselves.

Throughout the book, baits are categorized according to both their function and the best methods of use. I believe that anyone who had read this book thoroughly would have better-than-average success in fishing almost any body of freshwater in the world. Total beginners will probably save a fortune in buying their equipment according to Mr Hauptman's advice.

I don't know how or why I let this book sit on a shelf for so long! I've read it about four times, now, cover-to-cover and I expect to keep referring to it for a long time to come. I carry it with me on my many long train journeys. That's my highest recommendation for any book!

This is a superb book. Whether you are a beginner looking to learn how to fish or an experienced angler looking for a refresher this is your book. It really covers all the essentials and will teach you how to fish. The organization of the chapters is logical and easy to follow. If you want to fish, you need to read this book.

This is a wonderful book to give a newcomer to fishing enough of the basic know-how to get them started in recreational freshwater fishing. It is well-organized, well-written, and has enough information in it to warrant rereading several times over. It is a good confidence builder and a great early reference guide for a great recreational pastime.

This book is a valuable source of information for anyone who is interested in learning about all the basic elements of fishing. Regardless of age or fishing knowledge, this is a must have book. I totally enjoyed every chapter of it!