Whether you're a fishing expert, a novice, or just casting a line for books about fishing in Texas, Patrick D. Murray has a new book for you: “It’s More than Fishing: The Art of Texas Trout and Redfish Angling.”
The national president of the Coastal Conservation Association, Murray published the book with Texas A&M University Press as part of the Harte Research Institute for Gulf of Mexico series. It serves as a how-to guide for Texas coastal fishing.
Murray addresses multiple key aspects of coastal angling, such as the basics of patterning, fishing the Texas surf, how to choose lures and baits, popular myths and misconceptions, and tips for hiring a fishing guide. “It’s More Than Fishing” also offers insights and knowledge from marine biologists and fishing legends along with advice about coastal angling and the importance of conservation.
For over two decades, Murray has served as a marine conservation professional. He has 40-plus years' experience as a Texas coastal angler. In his book, he emphasizes the crucial role of recreational anglers in protecting and enhancing marine resources. Each chapter starts with a user-friendly summary to ease readers through the information, making it easy to navigate.
“The only constant in fishing is that the fish are still trying to avoid being caught as hard today as they were 100 or 1,000 years ago,” Murray said. “To improve as anglers, we must be willing to change and evolve.”
Angling is part science and part art, an evolving skill that has been practiced for centuries, Murray said. To succeed at fishing, anglers need a mixture of knowledge, practice, patience, and skill. According to Murray, pursuing fishing as an art leads to caring for ocean resources.
Currently residing in Houston, Murray is the publisher of TIDE magazine, winner of the 2016 Outdoor Publication of the Year by the Texas Outdoor Writers Association. He serves on several boards, including as vice chairperson of the Harte Research Institute at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi.
“It’s More Than Fishing” is available from Texas A&M University Press, College Station. For more information, visit www.tamupress.com.