A fresh approach to fishing on the Cape

If you think of Cape Cod as only a spit of land that is a mecca for saltwater fishing, Peter Budryk makes a pretty strong case in ''The Innermost Waters" for slowing down and fishing the still waters of its ponds and lakes.

There are different fish to catch, of course, bass instead of bluefish, but the pleasure of landing a catch shines through. If you don't know anything about fishing and want to learn, start with the names of local experts who will be happy to advise. The section on teaching children the joys of freshwater fishing has great ideas, from getting up early to beat the bathers, to teaching that action requires attention.

Two other positives: Fishing equipment can be fairly simple, and the fish don't really care if it's raining. In fact, when it rains, you will probably have the pond to yourselves. This outdoor diversion sure beats the kids being bored to tears in the cottage.

The book is divided first into fish (Want to catch pickerel? Go here), then towns (What's the best place in Wellfleet to spend a few hours?). Not sure what bait or lures to use? That's covered as well. There are also great maps to help you find your way to some of the lesser-known kettle ponds, which show the size and depth of the ponds and lakes. And the notes on regulations will spare you from getting to a spot, then discovering your 4-horsepower boat isn't allowed.

And when you're stuck in the cabin during the winter months, the chapter on ice fishing may appeal to you.

The photos deserve special mention, because they're not the usual sunrise-over-the-water shots, but beaming fishermen holding up their catches. All ages and both genders are represented, and they all look so happy it makes you itch to experience it yourself. Which is the whole point.