Readers' Comments

Victorian Fly-Fishers Association Newsletter October 2004

Helmut Samerski was responsible for the first book release in early September. Surely the prize for the most innovative book title must go to Helmut, who named his book The Trout Whisperer.

A book about fly-fishing in Tasmania as seen through the eyes of one of its more passionate devotees, this book is a most interesting read and touches on the many facets of the sport including chapters on such various issues as ‘Spiders’, ‘Thunderstorms’, and even ‘Theft of Fishing Gear’ and the benefits of “Joining a fishing club”. The cover photo gives the first clue as to the original content and so it turns out – it is more than just about Trout.

Hi Helmut,

Long time no see. I bought your book yesterday. I read a little of it while waiting for the missus. I was pleasantly surprised and couldn't wait until I got it home.

You were always a stroppy sod at the club and I find it difficult to reconcile that with the erudite and sympathetically written first book. I am impressed with the extent of the detail therein and was engrossed from start to finish. The Prologue and the Postscript are alone worth the price of the book - pure gems

I have about two hundred ‘trouty’ books in my collection and it will be enhanced with the addition of yours.

I reckon that the best book I've read recently is Greg French's Frog Call, the Trout Whisperer will be awarded the honour to sit next to it. I rate yours up there with it albeit that the formats are different. It is not only a book for the beginner, it is full of interesting information that is not usually found in such literature. We get enough self-satisfying and self-serving stuff as it is.

I enjoyed the little comic snippets and the technical items are most informative, and being a victim of both a snake bite and spider bite the article relating to both was both enlightening and nerve-wracking.

I was surprised to see that you state that a Tiger snakes fangs are hollow and not just grooved, as I had always believed.

Well done! And all success with the book.

Cheers.

Bob Cooper

PS.: Everything written here reflects my true feelings and not just hype to help you to sell your book. I have no particular interest nor financial gain in the sale of this book; I did meet Helmut a few times a few years ago. I have written to him congratulating him on his achievement.  Helmut, please feel free to quote from my comments all or part whichever suits you.

Cheers.

Bob Cooper.

Helmut

Move over Helmut let me push your barrow for a minute.
Wow, what a deceptively great book . At first look it does look like it is aimed at the beginner but I think it is more suited to the learner . (I consider a learner to be anyone with less than 100yrs-flyfishing experience). It is chokers with all sorts of helpful information written in a simple and humorous way . If you enjoyed "Classic catches and comments by “the Mole " you will absolutely love this. Well done Helmut, thoroughly enjoyable. Great sense of humour.

David Coutts, Warrnambool, Victoria

Hi Helmut

Although I am not a trout fisherman, since reading it you have stimulated my thoughts that perhaps I have been missing out on one of life’s simple pleasures as one who enjoys the great outdoors. It becomes obvious that the written word and your manipulation of the English language demonstrate your skills as a new author. I look forward to more of the same should you decide to continue writing.

Your book presents well and I particularly enjoy your philosophical content.
Humour is also a major attraction especially for me, and your publication raised a few smiles on the faces of those to whom I have shown the book, which I might add I carry around with me in my brief case and have shown to all and sundry. Well done and congratulations on a superb book.

Regards 
Ian Norton
Dept of Herpetology
Queen Victoria Museum & Art Gallery
Launceston TAS 7250

When I received “The Trout Whisperer” in the mail I was not to know that the rest of my day was now to be written off. I started at page one, as recommended, and just couldn’t put it down until finished.

Helmut has an amazing style of writing, as unique as his style of fishing, and kept me entertained all day. Even after I finished the book I had to keep reading to try to figure out what he was really writing about, and I mean that in the nicest possible way. I still don’t know, but as I mean this as a recommendation I’d better shut up.

What I would really love to do, is go fishing with this man – we’d have a lot of fun. At least I know I would. Helmut has the ability to cut through all of life’s bull dust and get straight to the core of the matter, and I like that.

However, his writings take a few entertaining turns up and down, so you never quite know where you are, or where you are going – it all adds to the fun. I guess that’s why I wasn’t sure where I had been. I wonder if he does that when fishing – maybe that’s the reason his tinny has headlights. (I thought I’d seen it all too.)

By the way Helmut, I loved the pics too. Good luck with the book, everyone should have at least one copy.

Chris Tyler,  Mortlake Vic

Hello Helmut

Just to let you know that I read your book from cover to cover in one day. I enjoyed every minute of it. Your sense of humour is special. One does certainly not need to be a trout fisher to enjoy it, may I suggest that it is a must-read for all fisher and hiker.

It will be an ideal Christmas present for my grandson.

Helen, Bracknell, Tas

Helmut

I have been fly fishing for more than 40 years and own and read many trout and fishing books. I have to say that your book is completely different to any other trout book I’ve read. It contains lots of useful information for all indoor and outdoor people. I enjoyed your sense of humour.

Steve S. Launceston

The Trout Whisperer

Reviewed by Donna Page, Editorial Writer Tasmanian Senior Newspaper

Helmut Samerski is a Tasmanian author who has written a book called The Trout Whisperer which, I must admit, I was having second thoughts about reviewing as I have no interest in fishing.

But after reading it, I found it to be anything but another boring fishing book.

According to some reader’s comments, Helmut has a wonderful sense of humour and I have to agree with them.

He manages to see the funny side in most things and at the same time, gives you expert advice on fly fishing.

The book contains all you need to know about equipment, casting, fish, even spiders, snakes and emergency first aid.

It is a ‘must-read’ for the serious fly-fisher.

Donna Page

Editorial Writer

Tasmanian Senior Newspaper

If you would like to contact me for comments or contributions click here: thetroutwhisperer@bigpond.com