Former Preston Hollow resident tops Amazon list with book detailing local tips
Greg DeMars is a retired mechanical engineer who never planned to become an author or an expert angler. He was just looking for a place to fish.
Fly fishing in Turtle Creek might defy common logic, but the proof is on the end of the line. And when curious passersby kept inquiring about his success, DeMars knew he might have hooked something bigger.
That led to DeMars sharing his secrets in Urban Fly Fishing: Dallas-Fort Worth, a 384-page guide that was published in March.
“Most people think they need to drive to a lake or get on a plane to go to the mountains,” DeMars said. “You don’t associate fly fishing with urban environments. The novelty of it is something that has piqued interest.”
He developed a passion for fly fishing decades ago during family vacations to Colorado. But it was while he lived in Preston Hollow for about 12 years that DeMars began wading into local streams and ponds out of curiosity.
Neighborhood Spotlight
Preston Hollow
“I don’t think people think about local creeks to fish in. Most of the time, I kind of have the creek to myself,” DeMars said. “It’s just convenient. All these spots are within 10 minutes of a major road.”
White Rock Creek and Bachman Creek are among his favorites in the book, which includes plentiful maps, photos, and insight on everything from finding hotspots, to fishing culture and history, to seeking out certain species such as bass or trout.
DeMars got the idea after meeting Aaron Reed, a tugboat captain who had written a similar book for the Austin area. Reed suggested DeMars compile a companion volume for Dallas.
“I just started fishing my butt off and writing everything down,” said DeMars, an avid photographer who also builds fly rods and ties his own flies. “There’s a lot of extra information about the gear you need, fishing ethics, and tips and tricks. There’s a way to use this book for anyone who’s interested in fly angling anywhere. It’s more than just go to this spot and catch this fish.”
Feedback has been positive. Shortly after publication, the book briefly became No. 1 among new releases in the fishing category on Amazon, helping to validate DeMars’ decision to turn the lifelong hobby into an unlikely business venture.
“There are so many great places to fish right in town,” DeMars said. “It just depends on what you want to catch.”
