It's More Than Fishing

The only constant in fishing is that the fish are still trying to avoid being caught as hard today as they were 100 or 1,000 years ago. To improve as anglers, we must be willing to change and evolve."

It's More Than Fishing is a how-to guide for Texas coastal fishing that addresses a number of key aspects of coastal angling, including the basics of patterning, fishing the Texas surf, choosing lures and baits, and what to keep in mind when hiring a fishing guide. In addition to these how-to elements, It's More Than Fishing also includes insight and information from marine biologist anglers about coastal and marine conservation. Author Patrick D. Murray has spent more than two decades as a marine conservation professional, and he emphasizes the critical role of recreational anglers in protecting marine resources. Each chapter begins with a handy summary to guide readers through the information, making it easy to jump around.

Throughout the book, Murray reminds the reader that angling is part science, but it's also part art. Similar to yoga, culinary pursuits, and martial arts, angling is an evolving skill that has been in practice for centuries. Successful fishing requires a mixture of knowledge, practice, patience, and skill. Murray believes that if anglers view their pursuit as an art, they will only invest in developing their skills, but their passion for fishing and ocean resources will increase along with their catches.