I saw this book advertised on the Little River Outfitters web site, so I placed an order from the author's personal web site.
The author, Jim Casada, has sixty years of experience fishing/exploring the Smokies and after reading this book it is quite apparent he knows the Smokies like his own backyard.You can find his full biography on his website: http://www.jimcasadaoutdoors.com/
You can also order the book directly from his site. I sent him an email to ask if he would sign a copy and I had a response within the hour.
I loved the layout of the book; he breaks each chapter down into each watershed. Within these watersheds he includes bases of operation (hotels & campgrounds), backcountry campsites, and trails for access. He also includes the minor tributaries and an "A" through "D" rating system. Where this book differs from most "guide" books is: he includes a great deal of history, both researched and personal knowledge, as well as the origin of some very unique stream names.
The book also includes a park trail map, which I found myself pulling out from time to time to "follow along". I probably would have finished the book in half the time had the map not been included.
The book was also written with a very nice addition of southern dialect scattered throughout. My favorite, which he used several times to indicate a difficult hike, is "mare's shank". I actually had to Google this phrase.
Bottom line: If you've ever fished Great Smoky Mountain National Park or plan to some day as part of your "Life List", I highly recommend this book. I guarantee you will not be disappointed!
I also now know that I need to somehow find my way above this landmark:
Next up is a newly published book from the founder of Angler's Life List, the great web site for the native trout/char fanatic, Anders Halverson. His book: An Entirely Synthetic Fish: How Rainbow Trout Beguiled America and Overran the World.
Chris
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