The highly celebrated angler has just published "Rudow's Guide to Mistakes Anglers Make," his fifth book.
What are some of the first books on fishing that you ever read?
Everything and anything by Lefty Kreh. I read his columns in the Baltimore Sun every week, and he was essentially my childhood fishing hero. When I was eight or nine, my father helped me compose a letter to him, which basically said “Dear Mr. Kreh: how can I catch more fish?” He not only wrote a letter back to me, but also sent three lures with advice on a few spots to try them out. He’s a total class act.
What book on fishing has made the most impact on your life and career?
Without any question, (my own book) “Rudow’s Guide to Fishing the Chesapeake.” When I realized there was no “Bible” on fishing the Bay, I really sunk my teeth into it and thought about little else (other than fishing and paying the bills, of course) the entire time it was in production.
What are some books on fishing that you turn to time and again?
Vic Dunaway’s “Complete Book of Bait, Rigs, & Tackle.” It’s rather simplistic and a bit dated, but it covers so many different bases it’s mind-boggling. Every angler should have a copy.
What books or magazines (fishing or unrelated) are currently on your nightstand?
I just reread “God Bless You Mr. Rosewater.” Vonnegut is my all-time favorite author. When I have some time to sit down with a book, I have “The Infinite Sea” (second in The Fifth Wave series) ready to go. And if George R.R. Martin ever gets off his high horse and finishes “The Winds of Winter,” I’ll be ready and waiting.
Whom do you consider your fishing heroes?
My dad, because he really is a hero to me in many ways, just not so much when it comes to fishing. I’m eternally grateful he introduced me to it, but truth be told, my 16-year-old boys can already out fish him, hands down. He was always happy just being out on the boat. Catching fish is a bonus, not an all-consuming mission. I never quite understood that...
Where is your favorite place in the world to be fishing?
The Chesapeake Bay. Period. Magazines and web sites have shipped me all around the world to fish. And as awesome as a place may be, there’s always this moment when I think “I wish I was casting for stripers at Thomas Point right now.” Those are the moments when I know I’d never leave Maryland, and the Chesapeake will always be my number-one fishing ground.
What’s the book on fishing that no one has written yet?
Like I’d tell you - instead of sitting down in front of the keyboard - if I knew!!!
What’s your next book going to be about?
I’m totally clueless. The truth of the matter is that my latest book wasn’t planned in the least. I really wasn’t looking to write another book at the time. Then the idea struck me while I was fishing, when I realized what a huge series of mistakes I had made (and, thus, was being dramatically out fished). The day I know what my next book will be about is probably the day I’ll start writing it.
Find Rudow's book on Amazon at
amazon.com/Rudows-Guide-Mistakes-Anglers-Make/dp/152330197X