Iowa Department of Natural Resources
The Barefoot Fisherman appears on the Iowa DNR Master WILD Activity Book List for grades 3–5.
View Iowa DNR resourceA practical fishing book written directly to children, with a documented history of use and recognition in school, library and outdoor-education settings.
The Barefoot Fisherman by Paul Amdahl introduces young anglers to fishing in a conversational style designed to speak to kids at their level while teaching practical skills and encouraging responsible, enjoyable time outdoors.
Explore the Book Reviews & DocumentationA possible supplementary reading choice when outdoor recreation, fishing, natural resources or hands-on learning connects with a classroom topic or student interest.
A nonfiction title for young readers interested in fishing and outdoor recreation, particularly children who are motivated by practical, real-world subjects.
A possible reading companion for programs that introduce children to fishing and want young participants to continue learning away from the water.
A resource that can complement hands-on outdoor experiences when fishing or angling skills are part of the program.
Useful for adults introducing a child to fishing or helping a young angler develop an interest that has already begun.
Some reader accounts indicate that children who were not enthusiastic readers became interested because fishing was already a subject they cared about.
Earlier editions of The Barefoot Fisherman have appeared in independent educational and youth-outdoor resources.
The Barefoot Fisherman appears on the Iowa DNR Master WILD Activity Book List for grades 3–5.
View Iowa DNR resourceA Trout in the Classroom teacher manual lists The Barefoot Fisherman as related reading in material involving fishing activities, casting, knots and regulations.
View teacher manualAn Ontario 4-H Outdoor Living Reference Manual includes The Barefoot Fisherman among its cited resources.
View Ontario 4-H manualThe Barefoot Fisherman was one of five books nominated in the Intermediate category of Wisconsin’s 2005 Golden Archer Award, a student-choice reading program.
View nominee recordFollowing that recognition, Scholastic Book Fairs purchased 2,000 copies of The Barefoot Fisherman in a single order.
The transaction was documented publicly by Kenn Amdahl of Clearwater Publishing in an Independent Book Publishers Association article.
View IBPA documentationPaul wrote The Barefoot Fisherman because, as a child, he had read every fishing book he could find but could not find one that seemed written directly to kids at the level where their interest begins.
The book therefore explains practical fishing without assuming that the reader already knows the vocabulary of angling and without turning the subject into a classroom-style textbook.
The examples below are suggestions for organizations considering the book. They are not claims that a formal curriculum or lesson package currently exists.
Give young participants something practical to read before a fishing clinic, family outing or youth event.
Use the book as a way for young anglers to revisit concepts they were shown at the water.
Add an outdoor-recreation title aimed directly at young anglers rather than relying only on adult fishing manuals.
Offer fishing-related nonfiction to children who may engage more readily with subjects that connect to a strong personal interest.
The current edition has been revised and updated while preserving the conversational style and practical approach associated with earlier editions.
Historical educational references, awards and reviews may identify an earlier edition of the same work.
Edition History Reviews & SourcesAmazon currently lists a reading age of 8–13 years. The Iowa DNR educational list that includes the book categorizes it for grades 3–5.
This site does not currently claim that a formal Barefoot Fisherman curriculum or lesson package is available.
Schools, libraries, camps, youth programs and other organizations are welcome to contact Paul regarding larger quantities and possible institutional arrangements.
Earlier editions have appeared in independent resources from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Trout in the Classroom and Ontario 4-H. Those historical references are linked on this page.
No. The book was written to explain fishing directly to children, including young people who are still learning the basics.
Yes. Questions about the book, its publication history, larger quantities, media or rights may be directed to Paul through the contact page.
Paul welcomes inquiries from schools, libraries, camps, youth fishing programs, wildlife organizations, outdoor educators, retailers and other organizations interested in The Barefoot Fisherman.
Bulk Orders & Rights Contact Paul