It’s not every day you get to sit down for lunch with a New York Times bestselling author, especially one who shares your passion for fly fishing.
A few weeks ago, I picked up Monte Burke at LAX. After a quick stop at my house, we headed over to Café Brasil in Culver City for lunch. What followed was a wonderful conversation about family, fly fishing, writing, and the many things we have in common.
Monte was in Los Angeles on a brief book tour promoting his latest work, Men of Troy, a fascinating look at former USC football coach Pete Carroll.
Although we had spoken on the phone several times over the years, mostly about the fly fishing industry and his remarkable books, this was our first opportunity to spend some time together in person.
Monte lives in Brooklyn, my old hometown, and fishes many of the same waters I grew up fishing, chasing striped bass, false albacore, and bluefish. He’s written several outstanding books, including two of my personal favorites, Sowbelly and Lords of the Fly. Both are exceptional works of fishing literature that I believe will stand the test of time.
What I appreciate most about Monte is that beyond being a gifted writer and storyteller, he’s a passionate fly fisherman who genuinely loves the sport. That shared connection made our time together especially enjoyable.
I’m hoping our paths cross again back East, where we can trade a few stories and perhaps share a tide on my old home waters.
And yes, Monte is one tall guy! Looking at this photo, you’d think I was standing in a hole.
Good times, great conversation, and a real pleasure spending time with someone whose work I have admired for years!
