Book Review: How to Think Like a Fish by Jeremy Wade
In How to Think Like a Fish, Jeremy Wade—host of the popular television series River Monsters—takes readers far beyond the dramatic moments of his show and into the deeper psychology of fishing. This book isn’t just about catching fish; it’s about how great anglers think, prepare, and observe.
As someone who’s spent years on the water, I found Wade’s reflections refreshingly honest, surprisingly actionable, and at times, deeply relatable.
About Jeremy Wade
Jeremy Wade is a British biologist, author, and lifelong angler best known as the host of River Monsters, a television series that gained a cult following for its high-stakes hunts for legendary freshwater fish. But Wade’s career stretches far beyond the screen. Before television, he worked as a science teacher and traveled extensively on self-funded fishing expeditions to remote parts of the world, often in search of species that were poorly understood—or feared—by locals. His deep curiosity about fish is matched by a willingness to go wherever the trail leads, no matter how dangerous or obscure the location.
While River Monsters leaned heavily into suspense and myth-busting drama, How to Think Like a Fish reveals a different side of Wade: reflective, philosophical, and deeply methodical. He’s sincere, meticulous, and refreshingly unpretentious. His background in biology keeps the narrative grounded in reality, while his storytelling instincts—sharpened over decades of journalism and filmmaking—bring clarity and energy to every chapter.
This isn’t just a book by a TV personality; it’s a book by a student of the water who’s spent his life trying to understand what fish are thinking—and why that matters.
What is How to Think Like a Fish About?
Wade’s book is a blend of fishing memoir, philosophy, and practical wisdom. Rather than offering a step-by-step guide, he walks readers through the mental and emotional landscape of fishing. He speaks more on how to observe, how to adapt, and ultimately, how to outthink the fish.
Each chapter details a fishing excursion to often remote areas of the world and the lessons he learned from those trips. Some are more technical than others, but all of them bring thoughtfulness and authenticity.
He emphasizes that successful angling lives at the intersection of art and science. That means knowing your weather patterns and water flows, yes—but also trusting your instincts and listening to your gut. As Wade puts it, fishing isn’t just about putting a fly or lure in the water; it’s about thinking like the creature you’re trying to fool.
Key Lessons and Takeaways from How to Think Like a Fish
The Balance of Art and Science in Fishing
Wade makes a compelling case for blending data with instinct. He studies maps, weather, migration patterns—but also relies on years of accumulated gut feelings and not-so-scientific advice from locals. It reminded me that great anglers aren’t just technicians; they’re artists.
I really appreciated this framework of integrating art and science. Wade speaks to the value of understanding the facts- water temperatures, flows, clarity, etc but doesn’t undermine the intangibles. In his mind, the best anglers are fully prepared with the evidence to inform their fishing decisions (where to cast based on conditions) but also acknowledge instinctual, non-scientific approaches.
For example, he willingly participates in any local traditions that may bring good luck. If it’s a ceremony, a small sacrifice, or anything that the native people believe to be beneficial- he’s all in on it. While he doesn’t necessarily believe this directly impacts the fishing, he does suggest that it brings a positive atmosphere to the fishing excursion and shows respect to the people and places he is visiting.
Additionally, Wade talks about almost always fishing with one rod. As he fishes with mostly bait (dead or alive), it would make sense to put multiple baits in the water. Logically, this increases the likelihood of hooking into a fish. However, Wade believes that one bait in the right place at the right time will yield better results than multiple rods out at the same time.
While at a certain level that thoughtfulness makes sense, scientifically speaking you would significantly increase your odds at catching a fish with more than one bait in the water. However, Wade would probably say that all the preparation he has done, both scientific and instinctual, gives him everything he needs to hook the fish he’s targeting.
Why Preparation Beats Luck
One of the biggest takeaways from How to Think Like a Fish is just how thoroughly Jeremy Wade prepares for each trip. This isn’t the kind of fishing where you toss a rod in the truck and head to the nearest lake. Wade treats each expedition with the precision of a scientist and the curiosity of an investigative journalist.
Before he ever steps foot near the water, he’s studied maps, researched fish behavior, talked to local experts, analyzed seasonal patterns, and reviewed water temperatures and flow rates. He treats anecdotal reports and scientific data with equal weight, creating a mental model of what the fish are likely to be doing and where they might be holding. Then he goes to the water to test that theory.
It was striking to see how his preparation extends beyond the “what” and into the “why.” This really stood out to me because it’s easy to chalk up a good day on the water to luck. But Wade makes a strong case that the anglers who consistently catch fish aren’t lucky—they’re just better prepared. They’ve done the work. They understand the “why” a day was successful or not. He even describes re-reading old notebooks and notes from similar conditions in other parts of the world. He meticulously looks for patterns that might give him an edge.
It reminded me that preparation doesn’t have to mean over-complication. It just means being intentional. Do your homework, pay attention to conditions, and arrive at the water with a plan, not a hope. In Wade’s world, luck is what happens when deep knowledge and preparation meet the right moment.
Understanding Fish Behavior
Wade describes fish as “accountants”—they manage energy with ruthless efficiency. That simple framing helped me rethink how and where I should plan on fishing. It’s not about aggression or indecision; it’s about return on investment for the fish.
Someone could write an encyclopedia about understanding fish behavior, but it might all boil down to energy management. Fish want to consume energy, conserve energy, and spend it appropriately. The season, water temperature, water clarity, oxygen levels, etc are all important factors- but all they do is help determine how fish will manage their energy.
In an effort to simplify fly fishing, I will take this straightforward mentality moving forward! It encapsulates fish behavior well and is a helpful framework for predicting how fish will behave in the water.
What It’s Like to Fish Under Pressure
Wade also touches on the pressures of documentary filmmaking, noting that “if it’s not on camera, it didn’t happen.” Tension in fishing is something I think every experienced angler has felt in one way or another, despite using fishing as an outlet to relieve stress. While filming River Monsters and other programs, Wade was in the business of making good television. That meant getting fish on camera no matter what.
This pressure to get fish into the net heightens the tension of every decision he makes throughout the day. Now add in the challenge of targeting massive, elusive fish and the pressure ramps up even more. Most people fish to relieve stress. Wade seems to welcome it. He could spend months preparing for a trip, travel to a beautiful, exotic location and meet wonderful people, but if it didn’t end with a “river monster” at the end of his line, the trip would be considered a failure.
I found this dynamic to be an interesting one, especially because it contrasts with most people’s approaches to fishing. Rightfully so (in my opinion), fishing is about catching fish but also about being in nature, chasing fish, and all that good stuff. But for Wade, it’s about production. Does it take away from the joy of the pursuit? Does it become more of a job than a passion?
It made me think of fishing guides. Their livelihood depends on getting clients on fish. Many probably thrive under that pressure—but for some, it must dilute the quiet satisfaction that drew them to fishing in the first place
I’ve felt this tension myself, even on a small scale. I enjoy documenting my trips—photos, videos, that satisfying bobber drop—but on tough days, when the fish don’t cooperate, that desire to “get something” can turn into frustration. There’s no real consequence, but it still changes the feel of the day. Now imagine if my paycheck depended on it. It’s easy to see how the joy of fishing might start to hinge on results, not experience.
“Let My Mind Go Alertly Blank”
Wade describes a moment of fishing as letting his mind go “alertly blank.” That phrase lands with force. It perfectly captures the rare and addictive headspace so many anglers chase—the feeling of being totally immersed, focused, and free from distraction. Nothing else matters. You’re not overthinking, but you’re hyper-aware. It’s not zoning out—it’s zoning in.
I’ve tried over the years to put that sensation into words, but nothing ever quite stuck. “Flow state” never felt quite right. “In the zone” is close, but too generic. Alertly blank feels different—it recognizes that your mind is quiet, but it’s also ready. It’s watching. Reacting. Ready.
Throughout the book, Wade drops phrases like this that show his ability to name what many of us feel but don’t know how to say. It’s part of what makes the book resonate—not just as an angler’s story, but as a reflection of the inner monologue of fishing.
B+P+T=F
Wade is very scientific in his approach but does an excellent job boiling it down to what is essential. In fact, he’s so scientific that he distilled his whole method into a simple formula.
The right bait in the right place at the right time equals fish. Simple, straightforward, and accurate.
Sure, “right” is doing a lot of heavy lifting there. What’s right varies by species, season, and water conditions. But the brilliance of the formula is that it gives you a framework. No matter where you’re fishing or what you’re fishing for, you can start there: Am I using the right bait? Am I in the right spot? Is this the right time?
What I love about this is how easily it scales. Wade may be chasing arapaimas in the Amazon, but the logic holds just as true when you’re chasing smallmouth on your home river. This mindset—breaking complex situations into manageable, repeatable parts—is something every angler can benefit from.
Wade’s strength lies in exactly this: taking the messy, unpredictable reality of fishing and offering ways to think more clearly about it. B+P+T=F isn’t just a catchy formula—it’s a practical way to diagnose what’s working (or not) anytime you’re out on the water.
Final Thoughts: Should You Read How to Think Like a Fish?
Absolutely—especially if you’re the kind of angler who enjoys the why as much as the how. How to Think Like a Fish isn’t a gear guide or a casting manual. It’s a deep dive into the mental process of a world-class fisherman who values observation over luck, patience over power.
This book is especially suited for:
- Fly anglers who obsess over details
- Anyone who enjoyed River Monsters but wants the behind-the-scenes version
- Fishermen who see angling as more than just a hobby
Plus, the “afterword” at the end of the book gives real, actionable fishing advice that one would find useful even if you’re not interested in the stories of his adventures.
Whether you’re new to fishing or a seasoned angler, you’ll find something that sticks with you.