The American Fisherman: How Our Nation's Anglers Founded, Fed, Financed and Forever Shaped the U.s.a.

Description

An essential book for everyone who loves casting a line into our nation's waters, The American Fisherman, by outdoorsman Willie Robertson (CEO of Duck Commander and star of A&E’s Duck Dynasty) and historian William Doyle, reveals that in the U.S.A., fishing is far more than a pastime—it has shaped our past and defined our character in remarkable ways.

This generously illustrated celebration of fish, anglers, and our country’s treasured wild places traces fishing’s astonishing impact on the United States and its people, from its settlement and founding, to powering its economy and inspiring our creativity and faith. Blessed by perhaps the most diverse and abundant waters in the world, Native Americans were the continent’s first master anglers and incorporated fish into their spiritual beliefs and legends. When the Vikings, the earliest European visitors, arrived, they were drawn across the Atlantic Ocean by the bountiful fishing grounds of North America’s East Coast. During the colonial era, fish helped save the Pilgrims, make George Washington wealthy, and win the American Revolution. From New England cod to Pacific Northwest salmon to Gulf shrimp, the fishing industry has fed and financed centuries of Americans in every region of the country.

Throughout, Willie and Bill explore how fishing has made an enduring mark on our national identity and culture. The American Fisherman is also an ode to our nation’s extraordinary natural places: alpine trout streams in the Rocky Mountains, steelhead runs along the storm-tossed Alaskan coast, the azure waters off Key West where marlin roam, and the bayous of Louisiana where the Robertsons have instilled the love and lessons of fishing down through the generations, as so many other families have.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Willie Robertson is the CEO and resident prankster of Duck Commander. As the only one with a business degree, he took the company from a living room operation, down by the river, to a premiere destination for all-things outdoors. He says he honed his skills as a salesman by selling his freshly caught fish at the market with his mom as a young boy. Even then, he always worked to negotiate the best price.

In 2006, Willie began a new pursuit when he started Buck Commander. Willie and the Buckmen travel all over the country chasing white-tail deer, having a good time at hunting camp, and creating the “Buckmen” series of DVDs and the popular television show “Buck Commander: Protected by Under Armour” on the Outdoor Channel.

Willie is executive producer of both “Duck Dynasty” and “Buck Commander,” and exudes a passion for inspiring future hunters by showing the outdoor lifestyle and hunting experience in a fun and entertaining way. His unique perspective helps the two TV shows, DVDs and other products stand out in the crowd. While the Robertsons' story is a great example of entrepreneurship and following your passion, it's also about love, faith and putting family first. You can read more about Willie and his wife Korie's story in the New York Times bestseller, "The Duck Commander Family". Willie is also the author of the book "American Hunter". Which tells the stories of the traditions of hunting in America.

Willie loves being outdoors with his family and friends and is happiest at home in West Monroe, Louisiana, with his wife, Korie, and their children: John Luke, Sadie, Will, Bella, Rebecca, and Rowdy. When he is not working, you will catch him on his tractor bush-hogging a field – earphones blaring, thinking of the next idea that will keep his companies at the top of the heap.