"The old men who taught me to fish rarely spoke, but when they did their language leaned poetic," McCullough says as he reflects on childhood influences of men like Robert Traver (John Voelker) whose fishing philosophies remain an inspiration to fishermen the world over. Fly fishing has been a life-long source of inspiration and solace for the author, who shares childhood memories of fishing, and essays exploring his love for a canoe, a "Legacy of Setters," "Fish Cars," and aging as a fisherman. Also included are the essays from his previous book, Voelker's Pond, which was honored by the Library of Michigan.