Catching Big Fish: An Angler’s Challenge

A high-stakes fishing memoir, Catching Big Fish follows Bob Rich’s quest to become the first angler to conquer the legendary Met Tournament Hall of Fame challenge--landing ten elusive gamefish while navigating the deeper waters of legacy, ethics, and adventure.

What drives a man to chase ten legendary fish across sun-drenched waters and storm-tossed seas? For Bob Rich, the answer was simple: the thrill of the hunt, the love of the ocean, and a once-in-a-lifetime shot at the Hall of Fame.

In Catching Big Fish: An Angler’s Challenge, Rich takes readers on an unforgettable journey through the wild heart of South Florida’s iconic Metropolitan Fishing Tournament--the oldest and largest in the state. From leaping sailfish to elusive tarpon, Rich battles not only fish but weather, time, and his own convictions about sport, conservation, and legacy.

With each chapter honoring a different species, this memoir captures the grit, humor, and awe of one man’s quest to land ten specific gamefish under a variety of tackle rules--a feat no angler had ever accomplished. Alongside his trusted guide Rusty, Rich reels in more than just fish. He uncovers a deeper connection to nature, the enduring bonds of friendship, and a personal transformation that will resonate with every reader who’s ever cast a line or chased a dream.

Full of colorful characters, high-stakes fishing, and introspective moments, Catching Big Fish is a compelling tribute to the joys of the outdoors and the spirit of perseverance. Whether you’re an avid angler or just love a good adventure, this book is your invitation to dive in.

Bob Rich first learned the art of storytelling around campfires at summer camps in northern Ontario, Canada. Growing up, reading Hemingway inspired him to write. Living on the shores of Lake Erie and the Florida Keys provide him with an abundance of his own tales to tell. He is the author of four books: Fish Fights, Right Angle, Why We Fish, and Looking Through Water, the latter having been made into a film. He is the coauthor of Secrets from the Delphi Café.