Reprinted with permission from MSBA Spray

Please visit Massachusetts Striped Bass Association at www.massachusettsstripedbass.com

A series of book reviews for MSBA by John Pollock

“The Art of Surfcasting with Lures” Zeno Hromin, Self-Published

When I started this series of reviews this is the book I most

looked forward to reading because I had run across an article by the

author that so closely paralleled my own experience, it prompted a

letter to the editor (see OTW magazine 12/07). Zeno’s article on

Darter plugs confirmed that this man knew what he was talking about.

The curious reader of this book will appreciate the title “The Art of

Surfcasting…” for indeed Zeno is an artist with words and images.

Other fishing books are painting by numbers in comparison. He sets

out to write more than a how-to book and he makes this clear up front

with his opening question “Have you ever fished next to a surfcaster

who was hooking on every cast while you drew blanks?” His answer is

presentation and he goes on to treat the reader to some very subtle and

sophisticated surfcasting techniques. Zeno’s surfcasting is also an Art.

The other half of the title “with Lures” lets you know that he will not be

dealing with chunking, bottom bumping or live lining, which is okay

with this reader. At one time I plugged exclusively and even distained

friends who bait fished. In my middle years I live lined eels exclusively

during the Striped Bass decline and am now relearning the art of plugging.

Zeno details the artist’s brush strokes and colors to be used with each type

of plug--plugs that didn’t exist in my day. What a wealth of knowledge!!

Here are some items. Strategy, plan your fishing around the idea that big

bass do not chase bait they ambush it. Poppers work at night. Color doesn’t

matter. Last two sound like heresy? This book is full of gems like this and I

would recommend it for the chapter on white water surfcasting alone.

When Zeno deals with different types of plugs you almost need to have a

catalog from a tackle retailer next to you to understand the subtleties he is

describing. Each type gets a chapter and he names his favorite brands and

how to make the proper presentation in the surf. His heresy is abundant

here as well. On the needlefish he is adamant that this plug with no apparent

means to wiggle, dive or splash is most effective when retrieved slow and

straight--in fact the slower the better. Each chapter ends with a ‘Tips’ memo

and I found the tip on how to adjust the lip on a redfin swimmer almost

ingenious. But you will have to buy the book to find out. I found it worth

every penny and you will too.