Keith Bartlett worked more than thirty years in the glass industry and as a small-business consultant before deciding to write his first book. Early in his career, he learned he needed time away from work to collect his thoughts, maintain good health and recharge his batteries. As an avid outdoorsman he found a way to balance his commitment to his career and family with his passion for fishing. Job transfers created many opportunities to catch fish from Ontario through the Deep South and the author learned much about fish and fishing from local friends and experts. He became a student of the science of fishing because he wanted to understand fish, their under-water worlds and how best to catch them. Much of what he learned has been captured in his first book, The Weekend Angler’s Guide to Good Fishing. 

The Weekend Angler’s Guide was written as a reference book for recreational anglers. The author provides guidance on finding productive places to fish, and advice on the best times to fish, for many of our most popular game fish. Readers will learn to select tackle, lures, and other equipment with an eye on expense, quality and performance. In the four seasonal chapters, Keith describes some of the best local angling opportunities on some of this region’s most popular fishing destinations including Watauga, South Holston, Boone and Cherokee Lakes as well as the Holston River system. Also, advice is provided on how to find good fishing where the outdoor experience is less affected by competition from other anglers. And for those who have family members they would like to introduce to the sport, tips are provided on how to teach a child or loved one to fish. 

All chapters are written in easy-to-understand language that includes pictures, charts, or diagrams to heighten interest and simplify understanding. References to the lighter side of angling emphasize key points, make readers feel they’re sharing in the experience, and entertain those who enjoy reading about fishing as much as doing it. Fishing is not a sport limited to highly trained athletes, the rich, or experienced. Few sports offer an equal opportunity for success to men, women, and children of all ages and backgrounds. Whether you fish a few times a year, or whenever you can slip away, The Weekend Angler’s Guide to Good Fishing will provide you the guidance and information needed to help you enjoy a greater level of angling success.

Keith Bartlett is a member of The Lost State Writer’s Guild, a frequent contributor to George Thwaites’ Friday Fishing Report in the Kingsport Times News, and maintains a Blog at WordPress.com called “The Weekend Angler’s Diary” where readers can follow his fishing adventures, see the author’s book signing schedule and learn more about our great local fishing.