Best Fish Field Guides of 2025

Wilson Cook Avatar
Wilson Cook
Last Updated: Apr 24, 2023

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Fish field guides are an essential resource for anglers and nature enthusiasts alike. These guides provide detailed information about various species of fish, including their physical characteristics, habitat, and behavior. They also often include tips on fishing techniques and gear recommendations. With the help of a fish field guide, anglers can identify fish in the wild and make informed decisions about how best to catch them. Whether you're a seasoned fisherman or just starting out, a fish field guide is a valuable tool for exploring the world of fishing.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

I Spy Ocean Animals: A Fun Guessing Game Picture Book for Kids Ages 2-5, Toddlers and Kindergartners ( Picture Puzzle Book for Kids ) (I Spy Books for Kids) Cover #TOP 1
I Spy Ocean Animals: A Fun Guessing Game Picture Book for Kids Ages 2-5, Toddlers and Kindergartners ( Picture Puzzle Book for Kids ) (I Spy Books for Kids)
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Reef Fish Identification - Florida Caribbean Bahamas - 4th Edition (Reef Set) Cover #TOP 2
Reef Fish Identification - Florida Caribbean Bahamas - 4th Edition (Reef Set)
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Reef Fish Identification Tropical Pacific 2nd Edition Cover #TOP 3
Reef Fish Identification Tropical Pacific 2nd Edition
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Fish Field Guides

I Spy Ocean Animals: A Fun Guessing Game Picture Book for Kids Ages 2-5, Toddlers and Kindergartners ( Picture Puzzle Book for Kids ) (I Spy Books for Kids)

Malkovich, Alek
Jun 26, 2020
I Spy Ocean Animals: A Fun Guessing Game Picture Book for Kids Ages 2-5, Toddlers and Kindergartners ( Picture Puzzle Book for Kids ) (I Spy Books for Kids) Cover
I Spy Ocean Animals: A Fun Guessing Game Picture Book for Kids Ages 2-5, Toddlers and Kindergartners ( Picture Puzzle Book for Kids ) (I Spy Books for Kids)

The "I Spy Ocean Animals" book is a fantastic picture puzzle book for kids aged 2-5 that offers hours of fun entertainment. With over 100 colorful images of ocean animals, the book teaches the ABCs with letters arranged in alphabetical order to help children recognize letters and relate them to an ocean animal they know. The book includes 20 puzzles from A to Z, making it an excellent gift idea for toddlers, pre-Ks, and preschoolers. The full-color interior and glossy cover make the book even more attractive. Overall, this book is an excellent choice for parents looking to engage their children in a fun and educational activity.

Reef Fish Identification - Florida Caribbean Bahamas - 4th Edition (Reef Set)

Paul Humann
Ned DeLoach
New World Publications
Jun 16, 2014
Reef Fish Identification - Florida Caribbean Bahamas - 4th Edition (Reef Set) Cover
Reef Fish Identification - Florida Caribbean Bahamas - 4th Edition (Reef Set)

The Reef Fish Identification - Florida Caribbean Bahamas - 4th Edition (Reef Set) is a comprehensive guide for fish watchers, featuring stunning photographs of 683 species of marine life. It provides the latest information on taxonomy and distribution of Caribbean reef fishes, making it easy to identify hundreds of fishes found in the reefs, sand flats, grass beds, surf zones, and walls of Florida, the Caribbean, and Bahamas. The book's quick reference format makes it a go-to guide for fish enthusiasts. Overall, the book is an excellent resource for anyone interested in marine life, and its unique features make it a must-have for fish watchers and researchers alike.

Reef Fish Identification Tropical Pacific 2nd Edition

Paul Humann
Ned DeLoach
Gerald Allen
Roger Steene
New World Publications
Oct 30, 2015
Reef Fish Identification Tropical Pacific 2nd Edition Cover
Reef Fish Identification Tropical Pacific 2nd Edition

The Reef Fish Identification Tropical Pacific 2nd Edition is a must-have book for divers, naturalists and aquarists who want to identify marine fishes ranging from Thailand to Tahiti. The book includes more than 2,000 species with 2,500 photographs in their natural habitat, making it the most comprehensive field guide for identifying tropical Pacific fishes. The user-friendly guide groups species in 20 color-coded identification groups, making the visual identification of a particular species easier than ever before. The accompanying species accounts include common and scientific names, size, geographical ranges and distinctive characteristics. The book is authored by four experts in the field, making it a reliable source of information.

North Woods Survival: A Wilderness Adventure Thriller (North Woods Survival Series)

Walker, Jess
Apr 10, 2021
North Woods Survival: A Wilderness Adventure Thriller (North Woods Survival Series) Cover
North Woods Survival: A Wilderness Adventure Thriller (North Woods Survival Series)

North Woods Survival: A Wilderness Adventure Thriller is a thrilling account of a teenage boy's survival in the Canadian wilderness after his plane crashes. The story takes readers on a journey of survival, where the protagonist faces various challenges, including finding water, shelter, food, and fighting off predators. The book is beautifully illustrated and provides practical survival techniques, making it a must-read for wilderness enthusiasts. The author's attention to detail in describing the survival techniques and the protagonist's mental and physical struggles makes this book a unique and compelling read. Overall, North Woods Survival is an excellent addition to any outdoor survival skills book collection.

#TOP 5

Trout: An Illustrated History

James Prosek
Knopf
Apr 14, 1996
Trout: An Illustrated History Cover
Trout: An Illustrated History

Trout: An Illustrated History is a comprehensive collection of more than seventy original watercolors of North American trout, including rare and extinct species. James Prosek's passion for fishing led him to paint these trout himself, inspired by John James Audubon's bird portraits. The book also includes engaging descriptions of their evolution and habitats. Prosek's book celebrates the beauty and variety of trout, and makes an eloquent plea for their preservation. This book is a must-have for serious anglers, and a glorious introduction for anyone who loves fishing and the outdoors.

#TOP 6

The Secret Life of Fish: The Astonishing Truth about our Aquatic Cousins

Mackay-Hope, Doug
Wade, Jeremy
Ivy Press
Nov 2, 2021
The Secret Life of Fish: The Astonishing Truth about our Aquatic Cousins Cover
The Secret Life of Fish: The Astonishing Truth about our Aquatic Cousins

The Secret Life of Fish by Doug Mackay-Hope is a captivating and informative book that explores the fascinating world of fish. The book presents the secret lives of 50 interesting species of fish, including the dangerous and deadly, unusual giants, and mini marvels. The author provides expert insights and myth-busting studies, accompanied by charming watercolour diagrams and beautiful photographs. With a foreword by Jeremy Wade, the book is a complete compendium of fascinating fish facts, including where they can be found, how they live, hunt, and adapt to changing environments. Overall, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in aquatic life.

#TOP 7

For a Great Fisherman Who Has Everything: A Funny Fishing Book for Fishermen (For People Who Have Everything Series)

Miller, Bruce
Golfwell, Team
Mar 19, 2022
For a Great Fisherman Who Has Everything: A Funny Fishing Book for Fishermen (For People Who Have Everything Series) Cover
For a Great Fisherman Who Has Everything: A Funny Fishing Book for Fishermen (For People Who Have Everything Series)

This book is a perfect gift for a fisherman who has everything. It is a humorous collection of true and little-known fishing tales, insane fishing techniques, and celebrity thoughts on fishing. The book is created by bestselling writers Bruce Miller and Team Golfwell and provides a great gag gift for any occasion. It is an entertaining read that any fisherman will enjoy keeping on their bedside table or sharing with their fishing buddies. Overall, this book is a fun and unique addition to any fisherman's collection.

#TOP 8

Pro-Log Fishing Records Log Book with Brook Trout Art Cover | 29 Writing Prompts: Location, Date, Weather, Fish Caught, Techniques, Etc., Room to Write Journal Notes | Fisherman Gift Idea

John E. Sherry
Ryan Keen;Ryan Keen
Ryan Keen;Ryan Keen
Jun 4, 2021
Pro-Log Fishing Records Log Book with Brook Trout Art Cover | 29 Writing Prompts: Location, Date, Weather, Fish Caught, Techniques, Etc., Room to Write Journal Notes | Fisherman Gift Idea Cover
Pro-Log Fishing Records Log Book with Brook Trout Art Cover | 29 Writing Prompts: Location, Date, Weather, Fish Caught, Techniques, Etc., Room to Write Journal Notes | Fisherman Gift Idea

The Pro-Log Fishing Records Log Book is the ultimate fishing logbook for serious fishermen and fisherwomen. With a lay-flat spiral binding and two side by side 4 1/2 x 6 1/2 pages, this book provides ample space for recording 29 data points such as fishing location, date and time, weather and water conditions, productive techniques, types, size, weight, and number of fish caught. Additionally, the book allows anglers to rank their day from 1 to 5 stars and jot down personal notes. The beautiful cover and well-designed layout make this logbook an excellent gift for any fisherman. Overall, the Pro-Log Fishing Records Log Book stands out from other fishing notebooks on the market due to its thoughtful design and functionality.

Freshwater Aquariums: Basic Aquarium Setup and Maintenance (CompanionHouse Books) Beginner-Friendly Guide to Keeping Fish, Choosing Varieties, Setting the Tank, Achieving Optimum Water Quality, & More

Alderton, David
CompanionHouse Books
Feb 1, 2003
Freshwater Aquariums: Basic Aquarium Setup and Maintenance (CompanionHouse Books) Beginner-Friendly Guide to Keeping Fish, Choosing Varieties, Setting the Tank, Achieving Optimum Water Quality, & More Cover
Freshwater Aquariums: Basic Aquarium Setup and Maintenance (CompanionHouse Books) Beginner-Friendly Guide to Keeping Fish, Choosing Varieties, Setting the Tank, Achieving Optimum Water Quality, & More

Freshwater Aquariums by David Alderton is an excellent beginner-friendly guide to keeping fish, choosing varieties, setting up the tank, and maintaining optimum water quality. The book covers fascinating facts about fish biology, anatomy, and habits, recognizing illness and how to treat it, breeding strategies, water quality, and diet and nutrition. With more than 140 full-color photos and diagrams, the author provides common-sense advice on selecting the right tankmates and ensuring your aquarium remains peaceful and serene. Overall, this book is a must-read for anyone looking to start out right with fish and is published under the brand CompanionHouse Books.

#TOP 10

The Reef Aquarium, Vol. 2: A Comprehensive Guide to the Identification and Care of Tropical Marine Invertebrates

Delbeek, J. Charles
Sprung, Julian
Ricordea Publishing
Jun 15, 1997
The Reef Aquarium, Vol. 2: A Comprehensive Guide to the Identification and Care of Tropical Marine Invertebrates Cover
The Reef Aquarium, Vol. 2: A Comprehensive Guide to the Identification and Care of Tropical Marine Invertebrates

The Reef Aquarium, Vol. 2 is a comprehensive guide for identifying and caring for tropical marine invertebrates, specifically anemones and soft corals found on reefs. The book covers their biology, husbandry requirements, and features numerous species descriptions with stunning color photographs. It also includes new information on parasites in reef aquariums and captive culture of anemones and soft corals. The book's final section showcases more striking images of reef aquariums worldwide. This book is a must-have for anyone looking to expand their knowledge of marine life and create a thriving reef aquarium.

Buying Guide Image
Editor's Notes

During our fish field guide research, we found 821 fish field guide products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 5,209 customer reviews through our big data system to write the fish field guides list. We found that most customers choose fish field guides with an average price of $13.54.

Written by
Wilson Cook Avatar

Wilson Cook is a talented writer who has an MFA in creative writing from Williams College and has published more than 50 books acquired by hundreds of thousands of people from various countries by now. He is an inveterate reading lover as he has read a vast amount of books since childhood.