BIG: The 50 Greatest World Record Catches

A must-have book for every avid angler...

This past Christmas, my favorite gift was a signed copy of the book BIG: The 50 Greatest World Catches. This is a must read for every avid angler. This book is an elegant coffee table piece that displays renowned artist, Flick Ford's, fish paintings of 50 of the IGFA's world record catches. In addition to Flick's paintings, author Mike Rivkin provides a nice summary and facts about each species represented. This is true masterpiece that deserves a place on your coffee table or in your angling library.

Please visit Flick Ford's website to learn more - FlickFord.com

Fish Art: Gods River Brook Trout

It is with great excitement and honor that I post renowned artist Flick Ford's latest artwork,... a Gods River Brook Trout. This past September, I had the fortunate opportunity to spend a week with Flick at Gods Lake Lodge in Manitoba, Canada. While I was there with a team to conduct exploratory work for Lake Trout, Flick spent the week hunting for "the" trophy Brook Trout on Gods River... a specimen that would be revered, recorded, and released.

I distinctly recall the day that he landed this incredible specimen. When Flick and, lodge owner, Robert Gates returned from the river that evening, I was greeted with that fishy grin an angler has on his face when they just experienced a "zen moment" in fly fishing. Flick's first words out of his mouth were, "We got it... what an amazing fish!"

The image above is Flick's beautiful painting of the gorgeous and robust Gods River Brook Trout that he landed that adventurous day.

To view Flick's other artwork and publications, visit his website at www.FlickFord.com

Photography by John G. Sherman

John Sherman admiring a baby Tarpon at Isla del Sabalo

Take a look at almost any monthly fly fishing publication and you will probably see one or more of John’s photos. He has the rare multi-tasking talent of being able to fish an “A-game” and capture amazing images at the same time. He is one of the most dedicated and well-traveled fly anglers that I know. I have fished with John on many occasions and am always amazed (and respect him) for showing the same admiration for a 100 pound tarpon and 1/4 pound panfish - he loves to fly fish and it shows in every piece of his work. Check out his beautiful photography at: www.JohnGSherman.com

Fish Art: Paintings by Flick Ford

During our exploratory trip to Gods Lake last week, the team had the pleasure of spending the week with renowned fish painter Flick Ford. Flick was invited by friend and lodge owner, Robert Gates, to fish for Gods River trophy Brook Trout. He was on a personal mission to catch and release a trophy specimen for his next piece of artwork. He was successful by landing a behemoth Brook Trout measuring 23 inches in length by 16.5 inches in girth - estimated at about 7.5 pounds!

Flick is also the artist for the popular books Fish: 77 Great Fish of North America and, soon to be released, Big: The 50 Greatest World Catches. His artwork is absolutely stunning and intimate. He is now working on the painting of his trophy Gods River Brook Trout.

Check out his website to view all of his artwork - www.FlickFord.com