Trout Friends and Other Riff-Raff

Stories About the Passion and Madness of Fishing

By: Bill Stokes

Narrated by: David Stifel

Length: 4 hrs and 59 mins

Publisher's summary

Winner of the 2018 ABR Audiobook Listener Award for Biography/Autobiography.

Includes a brand new essay, "Trout Flounderers".

In these stories, popular Chicago Tribune outdoor columnist Bill Stokes gives himself over to his true passion, trout fishing. It is an activity, possibly a madness, that moves him, time and again, to stand knee-deep in cold and murky waters, offer himself up to clouds of hungry mosquitoes, and attempt to keep from snagging his line in overhanging limbs while trying to outwit a wily rainbow or brook trout. And then remembering where the car is parked. All trout anglers will, like Stephen Born, revel in these evocative and entertaining stories.

©2000, 2017 Bill Stokes (P)2017 Stokes Creative

Critic reviews

"I love these types of books, ones where you can dip in and out when you have a few minutes to spare. Bill has a unique way over getting the stories to resonate with the reader" (FlyPunk Magazine)

A Retrospective Fish Story

If you're fascinated by the conversations of grumpy old men, you know, the ones who sit in rockers on the front porch of the small town general store, you'll love this book! Weaving tales around fishing, Stokes has masterfully captured exactly the type of unfiltered "shoot the sh#t" demographic you'll find gathered at the local mini mart coffee counter, jawing around the picnic table at the town square, or telling tall, slightly profane tales that they can't tell their wives or children. Stifel has the perfect voice for this character, who could be anybody's grandfather or cranky uncle.

Funny and endearing anecdotes about fishing

Any additional comments?

I was offered a copy of this audio book in audio format from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

This is an collection of stories about fishing. Stokes starts the book complaining about age and how it has affected one of his favorite hobbies, to continue telling how he discovered it and all the people that were important in his life regarding fishing trips. The book is full of funny and endearing anecdotes which will delight everyone, and not just those into fishing. The book is not as much about fishing as about the experience around fishing: the trips, the friends, the problems, and especially about the inexorable passage of time.

David Stifel really becomes Bill Stokes in this book, and his voice and modulation makes the audiobook a unique experience. It is like listening to your old grandpa telling you never ending stories about the important things in life. It really enhances the book.

Wonderful Reminiscing of Time Spent Outdoors

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Absolutely. Especially great for anyone who has or does spend time fishing. The stories are relatable but also highly entertaining or poignant at the same time. Bill Stokes is clearly one of those special outdoors writers who has an uncanny gift to build stories around time spent in nature. This is a book that you are sad to see come to an end.

What did you like best about this story?

This is a collection of short stories of built around fishing trips in the author's life. Some are mostly funny, others more tugging at the heart-strings. All are worthwhile. The narrator fit the "voice" of the author very well.

Which scene was your favorite?

I'm not really sure- but I did enjoy the pictures the author painted of different excursions on the river.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

There is quite a bit here that is more moving than what you might expect from a book about fishing trips. As much as anything, I was reminded how quickly life slips by and how important it is for us to take the time to make some wonderful memories in God's creation.

Any additional comments?

This book was provided to me, free of charge, in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

Trout Friends and Other Riff-Raff

Trout Friends and Other Riff-Raff
: Bill Stokes


A collection of fish stories, not just the ones that got away! These are more stories of friendships while fishing.


The narration was well done by David Stifel.



"I was voluntarily provided this review copy audiobook at no charge by the author, publisher and/or narrator."

Terrific Stories!

Fun autobiographical stories, top-notch writing. I enjoyed it quite a bit. Definitely recommended, great road-trip listen.

Nothing to do with catching fish?

This isn't a story about catching fish. It's about the experiences of the fishing trip itself. It is written from the perspective of the writer, Bill Stokes. These are stories from his youth to adulthood. And they're all true like most fishing stories are of course with just a little embellishment. Great collection of fishing tales sure to give you a few laughs. Great narration by David Stifel.

Enjoyable

enjoyed the book the readers voice took me a little while to get used to but eventually I found it fitting

SPOT ON

From a Wisconsin born and raised sportsman with 6 decades under my belt, I enjoyed each of these short stories. I smiled and I laughed, remembering similar experiences and fishing friends. Kudos also that I’ve fished many of the streams and locations Bill writes about. Like a pleasant walk down memory lane. Thank you Bill.

You never know when you're going to run into Swede

Where does Trout Friends and Other Riff-Raff rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

As a memoir, Riff-Raff ranks up there with everything I've listened to by Bill Stokes. The review title refers to a response from an a acquaintance of Mr. Stokes (of Norwegian ancestry) when asked why he always carried a handgun. Whether it be rare visits to church or fishing. Lol

What did you like best about this story?

The story is a regression from adulthood to Bill's childhood beginnings as a fisherman. Humor, nostalgia, that's what best describes Bill Stokes' writings.

Which scene was your favorite?

Billl's and his first fishing buddy's overnight fishing trip. And its travails.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Savor it slowly. That's my advice. Don't rush through it!

Any additional comments?

I must confess, I've never been much attracted to fishing and mostly scratched my head when fishing enthusiasts told their tales. This was still so entertaining to listen to.

Thanks for the opportunity to review it!

This review copy audiobook was provided by the author's representative at no cost. Which I can only assume was voluntary on their part. I am happy to give my honest review of it. I think I'm suppose to mention how reviewing this was voluntary on my part too.

A Great American Pasttime, Trout Fishing

Trout Friends and Other Riff-Raff was an incredibly delightful listen. It was such fun listening to these tales. One of my favorites, (all were excellent) was the moving car horn. All are true gems and enjoyable for anyone. I actually love fishing and have been trout fishing but have never had quite the joy that these stories bring. Bill Stokes is a brilliant storyteller and I'd highly recommend not letting this one get away.

David Stifel's narration was equally brilliant. He was present in the moment and read these stories in a way that made me feel as if I were a part of them. Just wonderful!

I was provided this audiobook by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of AudiobookBoom dot com.