The Major the Poacher

The Major, the Poacher, and the Wonderful One-Trout River By Dayton O. Hyde.160 pages 5 1/2 x 8 1/2 Paperback Ages 10 and up

A humorous battle of wills between a fanatical fly-fisherman and his nosy young neighbor. It was opening day for trout fishing. Major George Quillaine, king of fly casters, waited for dawn beside the great pool of the Deschutes. Everyone knew it was his right to cast the first line into the pool. But just before the magic moment arrived, the sound of a line could be heard, and the snap of a hook, a worm fisherman had stolen a march on the Major. And that was not the last the Major would see of fourteen-year-old Plummey Pittock. Overlooking all this, from a vantage point high in the cottonwood tree, safely on his own land, Plummey Pittock, the poacher and worm fisherman, gloated. Someday the trout would be his.

“The trout fishing excitement is infectious.” – Kirkus Reviews

“Written with beauty, humor and obviously by someone with great knowledge and love for this singular sport...certain to send readers away with better feelings about boys, old men, nature and trout.” – School Library Journal

“Fishing fanatics will have savored the best fishing tale they are likely to come across for some time.” – Booklist

“A must-read for every fly-fisher, young or old.” – Cam Sigler

“A literary angling jewel.” – Jack Samson, former editor-in-chief, Field & Steam

“There’s a bit of the Major and the Poacher in us all and Dayton Hyde proves it with this charming tale that will have you alternately chuckling and cheering on each of the antagonists by turn.” – Jerry Gibbs, fishing editor, Outdoor Life