Coarse Fishing For Beginners

I enjoyed reading this book because it is reasonably comprehensive in its coverage of what it aims for. However, I couldn't get the thought out of my mind that there was something not quite as it should be, so I re-read the book several more times before writing this review.

The book makes no claims to being comprehensive, and the author admits that not all of his suggestions will meet with general approval 'but they work for me'.

With the alarm bells having been rung, let's look at the positives:
Good colour photographs of the most 'popular' fish, courtesy of the Angling Times.
Chapter layout is good, and they cover Types of Water; Tackle and how to use it; Fishing Methods (I found this particularly strong, although some purists may quibble); Poles and Whips; Baits and Groundbaits; Fish and their Habits (I found this the best chapter of all, but also the one that caused me the problems); An equipment review; a list of EA Regional Offices and useful contacts.

So why the problem?
In the 'Fish and their Habits' chapter, 5 pages are devoted to pike fishing - I remind you that the title of the book is 'Coarse Fishing for Beginners'. So concerned was I about the section I read it over and over again. It covers Livebait fishing; Where to find Pike; When to Strike; Paternostering; Spinning; and Unhooking Pike.

I spoke to several respected anglers, including a PAA coach, to ensure that this criticism is fair…. No mention is made of how fragile pike are, and the only comment in the direction of the experience required in safely catching pike is 'Never go pike fishing on your own if you don't feel confident - ask someone who's experienced to take you on a few trips'. Would it not have been more appropriate to suggest beginners to angling should not undertake pike fishing? Should the same stricture not apply to Zander, a fish dismissed in 1 paragraph?

It is possible that I'm wrong. I hope so. However, I felt this section seriously detracted from the credibility of a book which otherwise hits its chosen target quite accurately.

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Alan Stubbs
October 2001