Just about every type of book imaginable has been written about fishing Northern New Mexico. There are those for the die-hard fly fishermen or those who balk at lakes and swear by streams; those revealing “secret fishing holes,” or books that teach you to read rivers and match baits.
But not every book has been written about fishing Northern New Mexico. La Mesilla resident Clarissa Lopez seeks to fill a niche with her new book, “Fisher-Chick,” 2009 self-published. The subtitle explains it is a female view of family fishing in Northern New Mexico and Southern Colorado for good old fashion fun bait fishing.
She runs through the basics of fishing. It reads as though designed to engage a female reader. While fishing is the theme, it’s surrounded with creature comforts such as food and shelter, preparing for a family trip and making your experience more fun and relaxing so that you’ll want to try it again.
Friendly, conversational and practical, this book even provides lists of what to take so you don’t end up forgetting something critical. There are many colorful pictures on finding the locales and some very helpful illustrations on fixing the fishing lines when you get there.
Lopez marries the fishing aspect of a day or weekend trip with the family aspect. She tries to educate the reader on tasks at home that are simple in concept and execution in a kitchen or garage but are critical in the middle of nowhere — things like extra ice for the ice cooler or knives for that steak grilled over an open fire.
She doesn’t bring anything new to the art of fishing. There’s not a lot more to be said to putting a worm or salmon eggs on a hook and throwing it in the water but she does bring in the family side of a trip, short or long. And she encourages patience and having fun.
The book needed editing but it reads helpfully for its purpose. Her local jargon and hints will help visitors who have the book. The stories about keeping husband, Rick, in check are entertaining and educational.
After explaining catch and release or catch and keep she states, “Rinse your hands in the water and dry with that rag you brought along and your significant other asked what it was for.”
Lopez’ book bears uniqueness in its application of family. Most dedicated fishermen go solo or with another fishing buddy. Lopez encourages taking the whole family and either teaching them how to fish or how to entertain themselves.
It’s strength is the back half of the book full of simple maps, directions and hints about getting to her favorite fishing spots. Keeping in the family vein she tells you if there are rest rooms, “kid friendly,” port-a-potties and the degree to which the area is improved.
Someone new to the area considering picking up fishing or locals who have never wet a line would do well to start with Lopez’ book. It’s available at www.Fisher-Chick.com for $17.