The Optimist

A Case for the Fly Fishing Life

By: David Coggins

Narrated by: Stephen Graybill

An “excellent” (The New York Times) modern tribute to an ageless pastime, and a practical guide to the art, philosophy, and rituals of fly fishing, by an expert, lifelong angler.

In The Optimist, David Coggins makes a case for the skills and sensibility of an enduring sport and shares the secrets, frustrations, and triumphs of the great tradition of fly fishing, which has captivated anglers worldwide.

Written in wry, wise, and keenly observed prose, each chapter focuses on a specific place, fish, and skill. Few individuals, for example, have the visual acuity required to catch the nearly invisible bonefish of the Bahamas flats. Or the patience to land the elusive Atlantic salmon, “the fish of a thousand casts,” in eastern Canada. Pursuing these challenges, Coggins, “a confirmed obsessive,” travels to one fishing paradise after another, including the great rivers of Patagonia, private chalk streams in England, remote ponds in Maine, and New York City’s Jamaica Bay. In each setting, he chronicles his fortunes and misfortunes with honesty and humor while meditating on how fishing teaches focus, inner stillness, and a connection to the natural world.

Perfect for the novice, the enthusiastic amateur, and the devoted angler alike, The Optimist offers a practical path to enlightenment while providing “a rueful, thoughtful, and very funny examination of an elegant obsession” (Jay McInerney).

Got the book as a gift

I liked how each chapter is its own short story. I had a hard copy of the book and used audible to follow along

A great story in the vein of McGuane and Gierach

I really enjoyed this book. The author does a great job capturing the feeling of the preparation and time on the river that his audience relishes. The narration worked well and I'm very much looking forward to Coggins's next release.

Fly fishing at its finest!

Loved the look into why fly fishing is so great. A must read for the fellow angler.

Great Read!

As someone new to fly fishing, The Optimist really hit home. David Coggins captures the ups and downs of learning something hard with honesty and humor. It inspired me to enjoy the process, and embrace the frustration that comes with getting better.

Great fly fishing book

Very pleased with this find. I would say Graybill perfectly captures the essence of the fly fisherman. Hope he writes about fly fishing again.