Fishermen simply did not wade prior to the Civil War. One 1828 fishing writer stated “fishing and drinking are the devil’s decoys” and warned of the adverse health impacts from wading. America’s Fishing Waders follows the development of waders through the history of Hodgman Rubber Company (Hodgman). Hodgman was founded in 1838 and has been a consistent provider of fishing waders for over 120 years.

Key elements of the new book include:

• The development and history of different types of waders (i.e., rubber, plastic, nylon, neoprene and breathable),
  
• A foreword and other information from Ron Foster—owner of Hodgman from 1979 to 2005,
  
• An analysis of current and expected future developments in waders,
  
• 131 pages,
  
• 150 photos and/or graphics (most of which are historic in nature),
  
• Cost: $21.95. US citizens add $4 for shipping and handling. CA residents add an additional $1.65 for State tax.

This book is the first complete historical analysis of this famous rod making firm. It is 180 pages in length and contains 185 historical photos and images.

The first half of the book examines the history of Fenwick during its seven phases of ownership from 1955-1988. There is also an in depth account of the events and technology associated with the development of the first graphite rod.

Fenwick made several million rods during the period studied in this book. The second half of the book examines these rods and rod types. The analysis is done chronologically by rod type including:

• Fly rods,
  
• Freshwater water rods-bass, spinning and specialty rods,
  
• Steelhead, salmon and light ocean rods,
  
• Saltwater rods.
  

This book is the first book of its type to chronicle the evolution of the modern fly line from its horsehair and silk beginnings.  It has detailed profiles of over 40 of the major firms selling fly lines in America from 1816 to date.  It also explains the technology advances in fly line technology over the same period.  This book is a valuable resource for anyone purchasing a new fly line as well as classic tackle collectors.  It contains a price guide for antique and vintage fly lines.  All fishermen will find the book interesting to read.  This book is 8 x 11" with 166 pages; illustrated with over 260 graphics of fly lines and other historical information.

Leon Chandler (1992 Angler of the Year--Fly Rod and Reel magazine) has written a Foreword to the book and a chapter on taking care of your fly lines.  He said the following about the book “ None of us will ever know the hours, days, weeks, and years that Victor Johnson, Jr. spent doing research for this book.  We, and all future generations of fly anglers, all owe him a debt of gratitude.  This is a book that needed to be written." 

Cost:  $21.95 plus shipping and handling

Editorial Review (From www.amazon.com)

Book Description
By Victor R. Johnson & Victor R. Johnson, Jr. Foreword by Leon Chandler of Cortland.

This in-depth book, by a father and son writing team, has been well researched and documented, and presents the first historical perspective of the people and companies involved in the dynamic Post-war transition of the American fishing rod from the days of bamboo rods into the modern era of synthetics: fiberglass and graphite. A valuable resource for classic tackle collectors and interesting reading for all fishermen. 8 x 11" with 176 pages; illustrated with old b&w photos, reproductions of old magazine ads and catalog pages. 

Cost:  $19.95 plus shipping and handling.