The Barefoot Fisherman
A Fishing Book for Kids by Paul Amdahl
A practical, entertaining introduction to fishing written for kids—not simply adapted from a fishing book for adults.
The Barefoot Fisherman teaches young anglers how to fish, how to think about where fish are likely to be, what equipment and bait to use, and how to have more fun at the water.
Why Paul Wrote The Barefoot Fisherman
When Paul Amdahl was a boy, he went to the library and read every book about fishing he could find.
There were plenty of fishing books.
What he couldn’t find was the book he really wanted.
Most were written by adults for adults. Even books a child could read didn’t seem to speak directly to a young fisherman at the level where a kid actually begins: Which rod do I use? Where should I stand? What kind of bait works? Why are the fish over there instead of here? Can I really use a grasshopper? What about a worm? How do I catch a crawdad?
Years later, Paul wrote that missing book himself.
That became The Barefoot Fisherman.
The goal was never to turn fishing into a classroom assignment. It was to give a young person the knowledge, confidence and curiosity to get outside and fish.
A Fishing Book That Talks to Kids
One of the most consistent observations in reviews of The Barefoot Fisherman is the way Paul communicates with young readers.
He doesn’t lecture them.
He doesn’t assume they already know the language of fishing.
And he doesn’t talk down to them.
An early review described the experience as learning the fundamentals from an older brother and summarized Paul’s approach in five words:
The book combines instruction, practical tricks, personal experience and fishing stories so that learning to fish still feels like fishing.
What Kids Learn
The Barefoot Fisherman introduces young anglers to the practical parts of fishing they are likely to encounter themselves.
Readers learn about rods, reels and fishing line; tackle and lures; bait fishing; warm-water and cold-water fishing; how to approach the water without unnecessarily frightening fish; and how to improve their chances of catching species such as sunfish, bass, catfish, walleye and trout.
The book also explores fly fishing and fly tying, saltwater fishing and other unusual fish.
And because fishing for a kid is about more than equipment, Paul talks about the fun stuff too—worms, crawdads, grasshoppers, dough bait and finding natural bait around home.
Who Is This Book For?
Kids Learning to Fish
Young anglers who want to understand fishing rather than simply follow instructions from an adult.
Kids Who Already Fish
Young fishermen who want practical tips, techniques and a better understanding of what happens beneath the water.
Parents
Especially useful when a child becomes interested in fishing but the parent is not yet an experienced angler.
Grandparents and Mentors
A companion to the lessons and experiences adults pass along at the water.
Reluctant Readers Who Love Fishing
Some parents have reported that children who were not enthusiastic readers became interested because fishing was already a subject they cared about.
Recognized by Readers, Librarians and Anglers
School Library Journal
An earlier edition was reviewed by School Library Journal, which wrote:
“For those already familiar with the basics of fishing, this is the book to read.”
Boys’ Life
Boys’ Life reviewed The Barefoot Fisherman in November 2002, highlighting practical material ranging from rods, reels and lures to bait fishing and fly casting.
Walt Reynolds, BASS Touring Pro
Reynolds described the book as:
“an outstanding read, entertaining as well as informative.”
Midwest Book Review
Midwest Book Review recommended the book as a reader-friendly introduction to fishing for aspiring young anglers.
Golden Archer Recognition
In 2005, The Barefoot Fisherman was one of five books nominated in the Intermediate category of Wisconsin’s Golden Archer Award, a student-choice reading program.
Its fellow nominees included books by Kate DiCamillo, Sharon Creech, Jack Gantos and Megan McDonald.
2,000 Copies Purchased by Scholastic Book Fairs
Following the Golden Archer recognition, Scholastic Book Fairs purchased 2,000 copies of The Barefoot Fisherman in a single order.
The purchase is documented in an Independent Book Publishers Association article written by Kenn Amdahl of Clearwater Publishing.
Used as an Outdoor-Education Resource
Over the years, The Barefoot Fisherman has also appeared in educational and youth-outdoor resources.
The book has been included in an Iowa Department of Natural Resources educational book list for grades 3–5, referenced in a Trout in the Classroom teacher manual, and included among resources in an Ontario 4-H outdoor-living manual.
For Educators & Youth ProgramsThe Current Edition
The current edition has been revised and updated while preserving the conversational style and practical approach that readers responded to in earlier editions.
Historical reviews, awards, Scholastic history and educational references may identify earlier editions of The Barefoot Fisherman. They refer to the same work by Paul Amdahl.
Edition HistoryQuestions About The Barefoot Fisherman
Is The Barefoot Fisherman a good fishing book for beginners?
Yes. It was written specifically to help young people understand fishing in practical terms. It explains equipment, bait, lures, fish species, water and technique without assuming the reader is already an experienced angler.
What age is The Barefoot Fisherman for?
Amazon currently lists the reading age as 8–13 years. Younger children interested in fishing may also enjoy reading portions with an adult, while older beginners can still benefit from the practical information.
Does a parent need to know how to fish?
No. Reader reactions suggest that parents themselves have learned from the book. It can provide a starting point when a child is interested in fishing but the adult is not yet experienced.
Is it only for boys?
No. Fishing is not a boys-only activity, and neither is The Barefoot Fisherman. The book is intended for any young person who wants to learn to fish.
Is this a textbook?
No. It teaches real fishing skills, but Paul wrote it to feel like fishing advice from someone beside you—not like a school assignment.
Would it make a good gift for a child interested in fishing?
That is one of the book’s natural uses. Parents and grandparents have purchased it for children who showed an interest in fishing.
For Schools, Libraries and Fishing Programs
Paul welcomes inquiries from schools, libraries, camps, youth fishing programs, wildlife organizations, outdoor educators, retailers and other organizations interested in The Barefoot Fisherman.
Inquiries concerning larger quantities, educational use, special programs, school-market opportunities or publishing and licensing rights are also welcome.
Bulk Orders & Rights Contact PaulChoosing a Fishing Book for a Young Beginner?
Wondering what makes a great instructional fishing book for kids? Paul Amdahl shares what parents and grandparents should look for when choosing a beginner-friendly fishing guide.
Read: Best Fishing Books for Kids →