In "Trout Fishing in America," Richard Brautigan describes a twelve-inch rainbow trout distinguished by a prominent hump on its back, referring to it as a hunchback trout. This vivid imagery highlights the uniqueness and character of this particular fish within the narrative. The trout serves as a symbol of the unconventional aspects of nature and the quirks found in the fishing experience.

Through this description, Brautigan captures the reader's attention and invites them to consider the beauty of imperfections. The hunchback trout becomes more than just a fish; it represents the charm found in the unexpected, echoing the themes of individuality and the appreciation of life's oddities that permeate his work.