(BLUEFIELD)-This summer, Michael W. Smith's book, Fishing the New River: An Angler's Guide, proved so popular that it topped the regional best-seller list at the Christiansburg, VA Barnes & Noble Bookstore this summer. Encouraged by the success of that book, the Bluefield State College Professor of English has just signed an agreement with the University of Virginia Press to write two more books in the fishing series. Smith's Fishing the Roanoke Valley is scheduled for publication in 2003, with a sequel, Fishing the Shenandoah Valley , set for publication the following year.

Smith, an avid fisherman and fishing guide, spent much of his summer conducting research for Fishing the Roanoke Valley. "After the New River book was published, the (UVA Press) editors asked me 'What's next?... Smith said. "My wife (Beth) suggested that I write a book about fishing the Roanoke Valley. I wrote a proposal, the editors approved it, and I began the research and writing process over the summer." Smith submitted his manuscript in late summer.

"The book is a field guide to the best fishing spots in and around the Roanoke Valley," he explained. His work covered a broad range of prime fishing territory throughout the region, examining techniques designed to increase the day's catch, and identifying the recommended locations for fishing. "The first book provided a formula for writing the sequential fishing guides," Smith said.

The Roanoke Valley book includes a section detailing the fish species indigenous to the region, along with comprehensive maps of the streams, specific fishing locations, local guide services, rod and reel shops, tackle shops, driving directions, boat and canoe launch points, and more. "The book provides practical fishing information for anglers, and each section includes a 'big fish tip,"' he added.

Smith's grandfather introduced him to the joys of fishing. "I've made fishing a lifelong pursuit, and this book series is a natural progression of that experience," he said.

November 1, 2002