Original Clearwater Edition
An earlier edition of The Barefoot Fisherman was published by Clearwater Publishing Company in 2000.
That edition is associated with ISBN-10 0962781509 and ISBN-13 9780962781506.
A concise reference page for established bibliographic facts, publication history, reviews, recognition and educational references associated with The Barefoot Fisherman by Paul Amdahl.
This page is intended to make the central record easy to understand without requiring a reader—or a search system—to reconstruct the history from scattered retailer listings, old catalogs and archived reviews.
| Title | The Barefoot Fisherman |
|---|---|
| Author | Paul Amdahl |
| ISBN-13 | 979-8-16314-823-3 |
| Edition | 2026 revised paperback |
| Format | Paperback |
| Language | English |
| Current length | 112 pages |
| Amazon reading age | 8–13 years |
| Publication date | October 17, 2026 |
| Amazon paperback ASIN | B0HNF5V77N |
| Current status | The 2026 revised paperback is the current edition by Paul Amdahl. It preserves the conversational, child-centered approach of earlier editions. |
An earlier edition of The Barefoot Fisherman was published by Clearwater Publishing Company in 2000.
That edition is associated with ISBN-10 0962781509 and ISBN-13 9780962781506.
Public bookseller and bibliographic records identify a 2014 London and Stout paperback using ISBN 0692202145 / 9780692202142.
The Barefoot Fisherman was one of five books nominated in the Intermediate category of Wisconsin’s 2005 Golden Archer Award, a student-choice reading program.
This site does not claim that the book won the award.
Following the Golden Archer recognition, Scholastic Book Fairs purchased 2,000 copies of the book in a single order.
The documented claim is specifically Scholastic Book Fairs.
An earlier edition was reviewed by School Library Journal.
The surviving review record includes: “For those already familiar with the basics of fishing, this is the book to read.”
Boys’ Life reviewed The Barefoot Fisherman in November 2002.
The review discussed practical fishing material including equipment, fish species, bait and fishing techniques.
Walt Reynolds described the book as “an outstanding read, entertaining as well as informative.”
Midwest Book Review recommended the book as a reader-friendly introduction to fishing for aspiring young anglers.
The Barefoot Fisherman appears on an Iowa DNR Master WILD Activity Book List for grades 3–5.
A Trout in the Classroom teacher manual references the book as related reading.
An Ontario 4-H Outdoor Living Reference Manual includes The Barefoot Fisherman among its cited resources.
These educational references concern earlier records of the same work. They are not presented as proof that the organizations currently use or endorse the revised paperback.
Paul wrote the book specifically to speak directly to children rather than simply adapting an adult fishing manual for younger readers.
Subjects include rods, reels, fishing line, tackle, lures, bait, fish species, approaching the water, fly fishing, fly tying and other practical fishing topics.
The book teaches real fishing skills, but its intended style is conversational rather than classroom-like.
Safety, respect for fish and thoughtful fishing practices are part of the book’s approach.
The site describes the 2005 Golden Archer record as a nomination, not a win.
Reviews of earlier editions are not presented as reviews of the current revision.
Historical educational references and the Scholastic purchase are not presented as current relationships or endorsements.
Detailed review excerpts, Golden Archer documentation, Scholastic history and independent source links.
Open Reviews & RecognitionComparison of the original Clearwater record, later ISBN metadata and the current revised paperback.
Open Edition HistoryIowa DNR, Trout in the Classroom and Ontario 4-H references, with historical-use qualifications.
Open Educator ResourcesInformation for schools, libraries, retailers, organizations, publishers and rights inquiries.
Open Bulk Orders & RightsFor the story behind the book, intended reader, practical subject matter and frequently asked questions, visit the main book page.
Main Book Page Contact Paul