The Purple Guide to Learning Fishing in 10 Days

I picked this up because I was genuinely intimidated by fishing — my dad never taught me, and every YouTube video felt like it was for someone who already knew what a fluorocarbon leader was. The first day chapter is exactly what I needed: it doesn't tell you to go catch a fish. It tells you to go hold a rod in your backyard and practice a simple cast for 20 minutes. The checklist at the end of chapter two was helpful, too. I actually felt ready on day three. The only reason it's not five stars is that I still haven't caught anything, but that's my fault, not the book's.

I liked that this guide doesn't pretend you'll be a pro in ten days. It's honest about the fact that fishing involves a lot of waiting and some frustration. The day-one chapter had me just practicing casting in my yard, which sounds boring but was actually perfect — I got the feel of the rod without the pressure of a lake. The gear table in chapter three saved me from buying a hundred dollars of stuff I didn't need. I'm a bit of a planner, so having a day-by-day schedule really worked for me. Solid resource for anyone like me who needs a structure.

It's fine, but the tone is a little too gentle for me. I get it, I'm a beginner, but I didn't need to be told 'that's okay!' every time I messed up a cast. The first day chapter was incredibly simple — basically 'go hold your rod and practice.' I already did that. I wish it got into actual techniques faster. That said, the troubleshooting chapter on day nine was genuinely useful. It helped me fix a birds-nest tangle I kept getting. So it's a mixed bag. If you're a total novice with no idea what a reel is, this is great. I had slightly more experience than that.

I bought this on a whim because I was bored and wanted something outdoorsy to try. The plan is sound, but it honestly took me more like 15 days because I only had time on weekends. The day-one chapter is very gentle, which is good, but I found the progress milestones table in chapter seven a bit optimistic. It assumes you have a decent park nearby to practice casting. I live in an apartment, and it took me a while to find a spot where I wasn't getting weird looks. That said, the advice about which gear to buy was solid, and I did eventually land a small bluegill on day nine. It works if you stick with it.

This is the guide I wish I'd had years ago. I'm 52 and have been putting off fishing because I thought I'd look like an idiot. The first day chapter walked me through exactly what to do: where to stand, how to grip the rod, what to do if the line tangles. No jargon without an explanation. I followed it to the letter, practiced in my front yard on day one, and actually caught a rainbow trout on day eight. The narrative chapter on day eight described my experience almost perfectly, including the frustration of a snag and the joy of finally getting a bite. If you're an overthinker like me, this book is a godsend.

I got this for my wife who wanted to try fishing with me, and honestly, I read it too. It's the rare guide that's simple without being patronizing. The day-one chapter is short and actionable — you're just practicing casting in a field, which is the best way to start. The gear tier list in chapter three is fantastic; it steered us away from the flashy $200 combos and toward a solid $50 setup. My favorite part was the day-nine troubleshooting chapter — it nailed the exact mistake I make when I get excited and yank the rod too hard. This is worth a few evenings of your time.

As a complete novice who has always wanted to fish but felt overwhelmed by the gear and the jargon, this guide was perfect. The first day was just about getting comfortable with the rod, and I really appreciated that — it removes the pressure to perform. I followed the plan over two weeks, and by the end I was confident enough to go to a local pond alone. I didn't catch anything on day ten, but I did nail my casting technique, and that felt like a win. The book is honest about the fact that catching fish isn't guaranteed, which I respect. If you're looking for a realistic entry point, this is it.

It's okay, but I'm not sure it delivers on the 'fishing' part as much as the 'fiddling with equipment' part. The first day is literally just handling a rod and line — which is fine, I guess, but I wanted to get to the part where you're near water. The day four chapter on knots is thorough, but my hands are clumsy and I had to watch a video anyway. I think the author assumes you have a bit more physical coordination than I do. Still, it got me to the lake by day eight, which is more than I managed on my own. It's a decent starting map, but not a magic pill.