John Gierach’s 16th book–Fool’s Paradise–hits the shelves this month, much to the delight of his legion of fans. Here’s a profile of John that first ran in The Drake magazine:

YOU’RE A CAB DRIVER in New York City in 1971, trying to make a right hand turn at a busy Manhattan intersection but there’s some cocky bike messenger in your way and he won’t move…

…so you nudge him. Not hard, just enough to let him know that you’re in a cab and he’s on a bike and if he doesn’t move and soon you might run his ass over. But the bike messenger does a strange thing. He doesn’t move out of your way. …

20th Anniversary Reel A once-in-a-lifetime Collectors’ Edition 1988-style Big Game #2 reel. This is a precision re-engineered replica of the original Abel with the original large handle, full frame, a “beauty line” on the frame and all the other features of that classic. A collector’s dream come true individually numbered 1 to 100. Abel/Borski Tarpon Reel An Abel Super 12X model reel – inspired and illustrated by world-renowned fish and wildlife artist Tim Borski. We will produce just 50 signed and …

Man… gotta have shades! These sunglasses from Azure are specifically designed for anglers, featuring polarized lenses that eliminate over 99% of all reflected glare and give you 100% UV protection… you’re too young to fry those retinas! These are lightweight and provide protection from the sun and wind while checking in at under 30 bones. www.basspro.com

The Fish Cat 4 Deluxe Float Tube is a durable watercraft for you flyfishermen who enjoy hammering the bass just as much as getting into some Rainbows. Weighing in at 14 lbs, this float tube is a little heavier than others, but the extra pounds translate to a stable and more comfortable ride. The Fish Cat 4 tends to ride much higher and has more room in the pockets and the two beverage holders will allow you to have a beer and catch a few fish, while those suckers on shore look on in envy! This thing is reinforced around the mount area and sits up high above the …

Macauley Lord has done an excellent job of putting together this guide book, complete with great pictures and straightforward text that will help someone just starting out in flyfishing become familiar with the lingo.  A note: this is not a blatant attempt to sell L.L. Bean gear, but rather a nice, well-designed guide book that will introduce you to casting, fly-tying, and fly-fishing in general.  This would make a great birthday gift to the novice flyfisherman in your house. www.amazon.com

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With winter steelheading season in full swing on the West Coast, and with the heart of the season coming the next 5-6 weeks, Rio’s latest spey line comes along at just the right time. The new PowerSpey is designed primarily for longer casts and precise presentation. And for  trout fishermen who like spey casting even on smaller rivers, the line is available in a 5/6 weight. Add one of Rio’s VersiLeaders and you’ll have yourself an instant sink tip. Available from all Rio Dealers.  

OK, we admit it- we stink at the whole romance bit.  We love you, would be lost without you, but just don’t have a clue about this Valentine’s Day deal.  Drop your man a subtle hint that maybe you could use a better set of waders to keep you warm while flyfishing this spring.  The Silver Label Bootfoot Waders from Orvis are sweeter than chocolate!  This piece has some great features at an affordable price.  The contoured insole is slightly raised and vented and provides the slightest of airflow to make these very comfortable.  Stash your Ipod in the inner storage pouch and head out with confidence in the tough neoprene-lined boot.  www.orvis.com

Look, I know your dreams are dominated by thoughts of a warm evening and soft, summer light on your favorite spot- but we are still a long way from shorts, a T-shirt, and legs covered in skeeter bites.  The bulk of winter and all of spring are ahead to get out there and flyfish and this full-body fleece base layer from Orvis is perfect for fending off the shrinkage factor and getting to some fish.  The Under Wader Fleece System boasts T400 fleece to provide greater warmth and wicking properties under your waders and the special 4-way stretch design will adjust to your “individual” body type- so if you crushed more than a few PBR’s while completing your winter fly-tying, this bad-boy won’t inhibit your mobility. A …

So you’re looking to get into flyfishing this spring and you’d like to get a nice rod without jeopardizing the mortgage. If so, then check out this affordable and easy-to-cast 4-piece Ascent, from Winston—one of the most hallowed brands in the industry.   The fast action (for a Winston!) on this graphite rod  helps generate line speed and can help you in the early stages of developing your inner Paul MacLean.  The 5-weight is a good choice for the entry-level caster—or anyone looking for a good value from a great brand—and it doesn’t hurt that this baby comes in at under $200 and is backed by Winston’s unconditional lifetime guarantee.  www.winstonrods.com

This studded wading boot from Orvis protects your ankle from rolling even on the toughest of fly fishing streams. The Battenkill Brouge is one mean ol’ boot that’ll keep you warm when temperatures are in the 20’s but allow easy “in-n-out” with a zipper/laces combination. The support panels and main toe and heel are rugged polyurethane and side foxing is further protected with abrasion-resistant, texturized PVC- Huh? Let me translate:  These are tough boots and the studded soles will help you “keep a grip.”