Please join us for our next Speaker at the Center talk with Mike Watts, author of "Pond Fishing with Papa" and "Riverbank Memories." on Thursday, June the 5th, at 3:00pm at the State Library.

Mike Watts lives outside Greenville, SC, and is a publisher, freelance writer, and author of two books.

He is the publisher of riversandfeathers.com. This fly fishing online magazine features stories from nationally acclaimed authors on “just about anything fly fishing.”

He is also an outdoor freelance writer, and his stories have been regularly published in several outdoor magazines, including South Carolina Wildlife Magazine.

Mike has enjoyed working with young people, and this has reinforced the need to promote the sport of fishing. Serving as the fly fishing instructor at Clemson University from 2004 to 2024, he introduced over 1,200 students to the sport of fly fishing and fishing in general. Clemson University recognized his philosophy of sharing the outdoors with young people. In a letter acknowledging him as someone who has positively impacted students' lives, Mike was reminded that "the work you do has truly made a difference in the lives of students."  

For more information, please get in touch with McCabe Rentz, SC Center for the Book Coordinator, at 803-734-4816 or mrentz@statelibrary.sc.gov 

Location & Parking: The event is held at the South Carolina State Library, 1500 Senate Street, Columbia, SC 29201. On-street metered parking is available.

Enter between the two lions.

About the author: WYYF News Interview: Getting outdoors and fly fishing builds friendships and memories

Watts publishes the website riversandfeathers.com, which highlights his stories and fly fishing stories from nationally acclaimed outdoor writers nationwide. His personal website, mikewattsoutdoors.com, which highlights his books, etc., is up, but a new design is under construction.

Accessibility: FM Auditory Assistance, large print materials, and other accessibility accommodations are available upon request. Please get in touch with the program organizer in advance if you need a reasonable accommodation to participate.