Side Casts

This beautiful, eclectic collection of first-person stories from bamboo rod-making legend Hoagy B. Carmichael explores various important parts of his life and how they tie into the sport of fishing. Growing up in Beverly Hills with a famous jazz musician for a father, young Hoagy wasn’t exactly destined to become a fisherman. But by the age of nine he had a subscription to Field and Stream magazine, and regularly rode his bicycle to the local “sport shop of the stars” in town. With strong and exciting prose, Carmichael takes readers through these early years and those that followed, where he not only honed his passion for fly fishing, but also his skills as a rod builder, fly fisherman, and author. In addition to reflecting on his life in fly fishing, Carmichael gives readers a fascinating look into the history of rod making and competitive fishing. He also describes encounters with some of the biggest names in the art of fine bamboo rod-making, such as Ed Fody and Everett Garrison.
Side Casts is an artfully crafted and meticulously researched book that expertly weaves together elements of memoir, history, and sports writing. It will be a welcome addition to any fishing enthusiast’s bookshelf.