Steve Ramirez - Casting Forward: Fishing Tales from the Texas Hill Country

Casting Forward belongs alongside Holy Ghost Creek and A Fly Fishermans Blue Ridge as books that perfectly capture the essence of place and our part in it. You would not be mistaken to say that this book is about the Texas Hill Country. Steve is, after all, a master naturalist, and a master storyteller. But Casting Forward is about so much more than the outdoors and nature. It is a story of one mans journey through rivers and mountains to live a life well lived and loved. Chris Wood, President/CEO, Trout Unlimited

Every bit the unique sort of Hill Country artistry as a Jerry Jeff Walker show at Gruene Hall. These words are incredibly honest, gritty, and melodic... sometimes rowdy, always soulful. Steve Ramirez has an uncanny knack for conveying the 360-degree perspective of fly fishing like only an author who has seen so muchand felt so muchcan. Hes an angling balladeer. Kirk Deeter, Editor-in-Chief, Trout Unlimited/Trout Media

In many ways Ramirez is the reincarnation of my late friend John Voelker, author of Anatomy of a Fisherman and the lesser work, Anatomy of a Murder. Both men were fleeing lives that had wounded them, and both found salvation in wildness through angling. A century hence Casting Forward: Fishing Tales from the Texas Hill Country will be referenced in the best of North American outdoor literature. Ted Williams, conservation journalist, author, and guide

Casting Forward by Steve Ramirez is an elegant ode to one of the great, lesser known fly-fishing regions of the United Statesthe Texas Hill Country. With every line of every chapter, Emily and I marveled at Steves gifted vision of this river realm that we love so much and all its native treasures. Take a journey through the eyes of this unique warrior, fly fisher, and inspired writer... it might just be good for your soul. Dave Whitlock, author, artist, teacher, fly fisher

In a society filled with trivial pursuits, Steve Ramirez understands what gives a life meaning and purpose. He knows that casting to fish in beautiful rivers can connect us to nature and even heal usbut only if we learn to see and listen. And he recognizes an essential bit of conservation wisdom: Nature can indeed save us from ourselves, but part of the bargain is we must work to save nature. The Texas Hill Country is lucky to have this warrior-poet working on its behalf, and were lucky that hes shared his beautiful prose with us. Matthew L. Miller, author ofFishing Through the Apocalypse

It seems to me that an authors first book is an incredibly fragile thing, as delicate as a wildflower on a cold spring day. Any gust of wind from the wrong direction, at an inopportune moment, might result in the disappearance of something beautiful; never to be seen, or enjoyed, or understood. Im heartened that Steve Ramirezs first journey on the path to publication has resulted in the recognition that his insightful prose is something important, as significant as a wildflower on a cold spring day. Bob White, sporting artist, author, and guide

When you read this poignant ode to the Texas Hill Country by Marine Corps veteran Steve Ramirez, youre sure to hear a real-life echo of Ernest Hemingways Big, Two-Hearted River, in which, moment by moment and cast by cast, a warrior with a wounded soul fishes his way back to emotional peace. Casting Forward is an inspiration as well as a delight. Paul Guernsey, author ofBeyond Catch & Release: Exploring the Future of Fly Fishing

Ramirez weaves a keen reminder that we fish not truly for fish, but for the experiences and people it brings into our lives, for the spaces in between. Jess McGlothlin, outdoor adventure photographer and writer

Ramirez guides us on a poetic and philosophical hike through the soul-healing adventure of a Marine whose duty is fulfilled, finding peace in the deep connections fly-fishing and nature provide. A true wordsmith, Ramirez offers vivid descriptions of scenery and water-scapes that bring us along as his fishing partner on these explorations of mans connection to the natural world, both on an individual and societal level. Dan Frasier, freelance writer and author ofThe Orvis Beginners Guide to Carp Flies

Casting Forward moves between harsh reality and infinite possibility as easily as water moves between stone and sky. It asks questions of usespecially those pulled back by the past and yet pushed forward by time. If you stare long enough into an abyss, will it begin to stare into you? Are those capable of great violence the ones who speak most truly of kindness? Andin a voice that is at once sad and sweet and full of wonderwhere is my river taking me now?

Casting Forward is rich in hard-won truths. That love of country must carry the emphasis on both words. That our redemption lies in being who we are in the place we loveand doing some small good in the world. Its a gem of a book. Peter P. Ryan, outdoor writer and photographer

Steve guides you through the eyes of a Marine seeking redemption through an uncertain world using fly fishing as a soul-washing experience. Steve will ignite your passion and challenge you through the world of fly fishing. Read this book! Jack Dennis, author, fly fishing and fly-tying professional

Dead Poets Society screenwriter Tom Schulman wrote, No matter what anybody tells you, words and ideas can change the world. I believe this to be true. And although I do not expect this story of two people fly-fishing through lifes uncertainty to change the world, I hope these words can change your worldview for the better, even just a little. If they do, there are people who have made this story possible, and without them, this book would have never reached your hands. Please allow me a moment to share my gratitude for the people who have supported me through this process and more.

One of the amazing things we learn during times of hardship is who our true friends are and who they are not. This is an important and potentially life-changing lesson. I am grateful to my lifelong friends, Janice Lil Red Bowden Hardaway, Margarita Quihuis, Cynthia Covey Cox, Monty Lambert, Pam Uschuk, Alx Stryker McCabe, Steven Philbrick, Tiffanie Castillo, Julie Herbot, James Leach, Julie Castleman, Nichole Bendele, and Maggie Serva for their unending support, kindness, and friendship. People like these give me hope for the world.

Ted Williams is a conservation writer whom I have admired for many years. His impeccably researched and powerfully written articles always seem to place truth over comfort and consistently present a call to action for the preservation and conservation of our natural world. If I were to choose two words to characterize Teds written work, they would be honesty and courage. It was Ted who encouraged me to complete this book and submit it to Lyons Press, and then he generously agreed to write the foreword. I am grateful and honored for Teds friendship, guidance, and support during this journey.

Artist, illustrator, writer, and professional fishing guide Bob White was instrumental in the publication of this book, and his friendship, kindness, and guidance have been a blessing to me. Bob is a gifted artist who translates meaningful moments into timeless images. There simply are not words to adequately express my gratitude to this man, my friend, Bob White.

I also want to thank Bill Bowers, Chris Wood, Kirk Deeter, and Dan Frasier for their friendship and support. I am grateful to Gene Brissie of Lyons Press for taking the time to read my story and then for choosing to bring it from the original manuscript to the completed literary work you now hold. And, I sincerely appreciate the guidance and support of my production editor, Kristen Mellitt, and Sean Sabo, my copy editor at Lyons Press.