Almost anyone who enjoys wetting a line...

Almost anyone who enjoys wetting a line or listening to the whine of the reel will want “Western Fly-Fishing Vacations” by Nancy and Kirk Reynolds. The guide includes more than 80 lodges and ranches, 75% of which are family oriented. Accommodations, alternative activities, etc., are well covered, along with details on the fishing itself. If you’re headed for any of the eight Western states and would like to capture the feel of the wilderness and tips on possibly catching “the biggest one,” you can find out where for $12.95 (Chronicle).

Don’t buy “Bay Area Backroads” by Jerry and Catherine Graham if you prefer not to slow down or get off the main highway. But if you would like to discover and enjoy more than just the standard tourist haunts in Northern California, this exceptional guide is for you. The guide introduces you to more than 200 places to visit, stay and dine. It’s worth a nine-plus on a scale of 1 to 10 (Harper & Row: $10.95).

You can choose from more than 2,000 historic inns, refurbished homes and mansions in the “Official Guide to American Historic Bed and Breakfast Inns and Guesthouses” by Tim and Deborah Sakach. Many of those listed have served as travel stops for more than 200 years, and include several chosen as national landmarks. The vignettes and sketches capture the charm of these often unusual settings including the amenities, costs and directions. The book presents the opportunity to relax in settings visited by George Washington, Andrew Jackson, Daniel Webster and other notables (Assn. of American Historic Inns and Guesthouses: $14.95).

Good communication anywhere abroad is the best way to enjoy a trip. “Language/30” has a two-cassette package available, with a dictionary study book, in a choice of 30 languages. Each package offers great help in understanding conversationally useful words and phrases. It’s as simple as snapping a cassette into your tape deck and learning while jogging, commuting or relaxing.

The 1 1/2-hour sets are based upon methods developed for government personnel, and are in bookstores for $14.95 each. For a free pamphlet, write to Educational Services Corp., 1725 K St. N.W., Suite 408, Washington, D.C. 20006.

Dave Finkelstein and Jack London share their travel experiences through thousands of challenges in the forbidding Outback country in “Greater Nowheres--A Journey Through the Australian Bush.” The reader is led away from white sandy beaches, cuddling koalas and shrimp on the “barbie” to share the authors’ considerable skill, endurance and bravery in their search for seldom-seen wild and beautiful landscapes (Harper and Row: $18.95).

“Traveler’s Guide to the Food of Italy” by Valentina Harris describes the excitement of discovering the many and varied tastes of Italy, from one end of the country to the other, region by region. You’ll find what’s worth eating and drinking in numerous settings that differ in cooking methods, flavors and traditions (Henry Holt: $11.95).

“Short Walks in English Towns” by Bryn Frank describes 10 walks through England’s most picturesque towns, complete with cobblestone streets, historic cathedrals and ancient Roman baths. The three-dimensional maps and above-average text are complemented with brilliant photography by Derry Brabbs (Harmony: $19.95).

Complete overnight facilities, within 15 to 40 minutes of major cities, are listed in “Camp Europe by Train” by Lenore Baken. A few examples of a night’s stay: London, $2.80; Paris, $3.57, and Rome, $4.06. The guide lists hundreds of accommodations plus bus bargains, museum passes, grocery shopping, language translations and much more. It demonstrates how easy it is to tour Europe without a car by using the plethora of transportation available. If your bookstore is out of stock, send $12.95 plus $2 handling to Ariel Publications, 14417 S.E. 19th Place, Bellevue, Wash. 98007.

“Made in Italy” by Annie Brodie and Patricia Schultz lists more than 800 specialty shops, fashion boutiques and artisan workshops in Florence, Milan, Rome and Venice that were handpicked for quality, style and selection. It’s a fascinating guide for shopping Italian-style. The store location maps and product index are sprinkled with places to eat and catch your breath (Workman: $14.95).