MikeWattsOutdoors.com
Publisher, Author, Freelance Writer
MikeWattsOutdoors.com
Publisher, Author, Freelance Writer
Publisher, Author, Freelance Writer........................
About Mike Watts
“The work that you do has truly made a difference in the lives of students,” Mike was reminded in a letter recognizing him as an individual who has made a positive impact on the lives of students at Clemson University.
Mike Watts, a freelance writer and publisher of riversandfeathers.com, had been the fly fishing instructor at Clemson University from 2004-2024. During that period, he introduced not just the sport of fly fishing, but fishing in general to more than 1200 students.
Teaching the sport part-time at the university allowed him to share his knowledge and expertise with these young people while exposing listeners to tall tales, advice, and embellished stories about the outdoors. He believes the sport is bigger than one person and should be shared.
Mike founded riversandfeathers.com several years ago to allow a forum of nationally known outdoor writers and other fly fishing enthusiasts an opportunity to publish flyfishing short stories on just about “anything fly fishing.”
Author-"Riverbank Memories" Author-"Pond Fishing with Papa"
Mike’s first book, “Riverbank Memories,” was published in March 2024. ”Riverbank Memories” is a collection of humorous anecdotes and heartfelt observations from spending time outdoors wading rivers, creeks, and streams in Southern Appalachia. Spanning more than forty-seven years honing his skills as a fly fisherman, many of his stories amplify the importance of teaching others the sport of fishing. With Riverbank Memories, “ Mike highlights this belief by sharing stories about his own family in his writings and absolutely defines the meaning of “Take a Kid Fishing.”
Available in Paperback, Hardcover, & Kindle
This wonderful book can be found at Amazon, & Barnes& Nobles & Sporting Classics Bookstore
His second book, a children's edition called, "Pond Fishing with Papa" was released in October 2024 and also available at Amazon.
The name Papa, sometimes called Grandpa or Grandad, comes with a rather large obligation. This responsibility includes spoiling the child, sharing great stories of which only tiny parts of it may be true, being able to communicate family history, and explaining the way life used to be when you were a boy. At the same time, this obligation allows Papa the opportunity to look at nature and its intrinsic gifts once again through the eyes of a child.”
Riverbank Memories book review from Josh Lanier.
A good indicator of one’s character is the kind of stories they tell. Pay close attention and you can gauge where their values are, where their true passions lie, and what they hold closest to the heart. In Mike Watts’ new book, Riverbank Memories, readers will get a true sense of what the author’s passions are, and they will also discover a man whose abiding love for family and friends give hunting and fishing stories a greater depth and meaning..........
Another "Riverbank Memories" book review from Jerry Kustich.
In the past I used to have a bucket list of places around the country that I still wanted to fish. That bucket grew into fifty-five gallon drum when adding desirable destinations from around the world to cast for exotic species one could only dream about. Unfortunately, however, time and circumstances have gotten the best of me, and now it seems the most I can hope to accomplish from a fishing trip standpoint is a “tin-can” list of modest user-friendly places to explore.
The one merciful aspect of reaching a certain age is that now I can enjoy the vicarious thrill of reading about angling ventures more than ever. Some stories are about far-away places, but many are close-to-home tales written by anglers influenced by the familiar surroundings that have touched their lives significantly in a region where they have spent a lifetime. One such book that I have recently finished is RiverBank Memories by Mike Watts. Mike is a dedicated conservationist and a free-lance writer who has taught fly fishing at Clemson University for over two decades. For several years he has also published an online website devoted to posting stories and articles from writers around the country who desire to share their talents and insights to a broader audience. Check out: riversandfeathers.com Personally, I have posted a couple of my pieces on Mike’s unique site
Publisher - RiversandFeathers.com
Mike is the Publisher of RiversandFeathers.com. Rivers and Feathers, a free online blog and magazine devoted to fly fishing has lured some of the country's best piscatorial pens to our writers' pool. These dedicated anglers gladly share their fly fishing adventures and misadventures on the water. And while their short stories are technically considered non-fiction, like any good fishing story, some may still contain a real whopper or two.
Just Released! A New Children's Book Introducing Them to the Great Outdoors!
Pond Fishing with Papa by Mike Watts is a heartwarming journey into the wonders of fishing, family, and nature, seen through the eyes of a child captivated by their grandfather’s tales. Join Papa and his young fishing buddies as they set off before dawn, rods in hand, in search of new adventures and the thrill of the catch.
Each page is filled with the joy of a child’s first experiences—from the tickle of “minnow dust” on tiny fingers to the suspense of watching a bobber dip below the surface. Papa shares his wisdom, storytelling, and love for nature, helping his grandchildren discover that fishing is about so much more than just fish. Through playful interactions with a wise blue heron and bullfrogs belching by the pond, Pond Fishing with Papa brings the outdoors to life, reminding us all to listen to nature’s quiet lessons and savor the time spent with loved ones.
"Pond Fishing with Papa"
As we walked briskly down the path to the pond, he told us to hurry. He said, “Sunrise only happens once daily, and we didn’t want to miss it.” The sun started peeping over the mountain as we approached the little dock where Papa tied his boat.
"Pond Fishing with Papa"
Meanwhile, he grabbed another spinning rod, pulled out a minnow bucket full of “special minnows,” and told me to stick my hand in there and spread my fingers apart. The minnows tickled as they swam through my fingers. When I pulled my hands from the water, I noticed tiny, sparkling fish scales stuck between my fingers. Papa called it minnow dust and told me it was more powerful than fairy dust, and if I made a wish about catching a big fish, it would probably come true.
Freelance Writer
Mike is a freelance writer and has published articles in several magazines, including a regular contributor to South Carolina Wildlife Magazine. His articles include fly fishing for fresh and saltwater species and other outdoor stories.
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