As I was getting ready to post my
Book List last week, I came to the realization that I have spent way too much time reading fantasy novels over the past year or so. I have tried to squeeze in a few non-fiction books. The one I finished over the weekend was Sowbelly: The Obsessive Quest for the World-Record Largemouth Bass by Monte Burke. The title pretty much says it all as far as describing what the book is about. One in long list of hobbies I have is bass fishing. So when my father-in-law (who happens to be my bassin’ buddy) recommended this book how could I pass it by.

The current world record of 22 pounds 4 ounces caught on June 2, 1932, is held by George Perry from Telfair County, Georgia. Burke does a good job of telling Perry’s tale and describes his visit with Bill Baab the world’s leading expert on the Perry story. It seems that ever since that fateful day in 1932, others have been questing to beat his record. Burke visits a number of California’s best fisherman to discuss their obsession. He talks with officials in Texas and a wacky guy from Alabama who are trying to grow the next world record bass. Burke tops off his stories with a visit to the forbidden island, Cuba, where the cigars aren’t the only thing Americans are missing out on.

Sowbelly also tells much of the history of bass fishing in America. It also describes how like so many other things American how the popularity of bass fishing is growing accordingly throughout the world in places like Cuba and Japan. The average fisherman will find a common note with the obsession of those questing for the world record bass. When Burke describes the optimism of fishing, the hope that any cast you could be the one when you pull in a lunker, he is talking to me. I know that feeling.

I found Sowbelly to be an extremely easy and enjoyable read. However, I will warn you that if you’re a fisherman, be careful because by the time you get through this book you’ll be ready to hit the water.

Rating: 4/5