For those of you breathlessly awaiting the new edition of the legendary guide to fishing the Texas Hill Country, your wait is over!

I was surprised, pleasantly, to get my hands on the last copy at Tailwaters last weekend, and have been so busy working on the Rockport story that the new book had slipped my mind.

The update is a beautiful edition by Kevin Hutchison, and is published by Fishhead Press at 331 La Reata Trail, Smithville, TX 78957. The phone number there is 512-589-3474. The cover illustration is by Anne Couteau, and the book also contains photography by Kevin Hutchison.

It’s a pretty well known fact that after the floods of 2007, the previous edition (which was being updated at the time) was rendered pretty much useless. Those little details the previous edition was so famous for, were washed away, and as time stretched on, fishers were openly wondering if the book would ever see the light of day. Not only does this one see the light of day, it is a piece of work – a beautiful book that maintains the functionality of its predecessors. I haven’t had time to read it in detail, and I can only hope to someday put it to good use, but for now I’ll look at the pictures.

PRESIDIO, Texas — Texas Parks & Wildlife Magazine chief photographer Earl Nottingham will join with a top Canon representative to host spring digital photography workshops at Big Bend Ranch State Park. The dates for the four-day workshops are May 17-20 and May 21-24.

The digital camera workshops are designed for beginners to intermediate level photographers who want to understand and work with basic digital techniques, including composition, lighting (artificial and natural), portraits and working with digital workflow. The workshop emphasis will be on the art of photography and the nuts and bolts of working with the digital image, according to Nottingham.

“The camera is the perfect tool to gain a true appreciation of the Big Bend Country,” Nottingham said. “It forces you to sit on a mountaintop while waiting for magic light and to savor the sights, sounds and fragrances of the Chihuahuan Desert.”

Participants meet at Fort Leaton State Historic Site in Presidio to caravan 30 miles to the 311,000-acre state park where they’ll spend four days and three nights at the Big Bend Ranch headquarters, Sauceda. The workshop itinerary includes day treks during the mornings and evenings to photograph scenic locations inside the park, mid-day classroom presentations and critiques.

The cost of the three-night, four-day workshop is $450, which covers park entry fees, lodging, meals and assistance of park rangers. Lodging is at the Sauceda Lodge, featuring dormitory-style accommodations with separate wings for men and women, and a dining room where meals are served.

To find out more or to reserve a spot in the fall digital workshop, visit the Big Bend Ranch State Park Web site or call Big Bend Ranch State Park at (432) 358-4444.