Published by: Brockhampton Press – First published by Ward Lock in 1988
ISBN no. 1 86019 8449

This book is an aggregation into one volume, of a series of ‘How to…’ style books which derived from a regular feature in the Angler’s Mail. It is ideal for novice anglers, as it keeps the description of the sport simple. It is so useful; I take it with me when I go fishing.

A top class angling writer introduces each section – for example, Jim Gibbinson introduces the Coarse Fishing section. There are also sections covering Fly Fishing for Trout and Sea Fishing (beach and boat).

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The Complete Guide to Fishing Skills by Tony WhieldonThis book’s strongest selling point is that it uses diagrams rather than text to explain. The line drawings are both clear and detailed. Text is used to describe and add background, and the book is a quality piece of information design.

Diagrams of knots are reasonably comprehensive and easy to follow, but some are repeated in each section of the book, rather than have an combine them in a section of their own. This does detract from the overall feel of the book, as it makes the book look as though it has been rather crudely cobbled together. The defence is that knots relevant to the style of fishing covered are kept within the appropriate section. There are some notable omissions: No Grinner, Palomar or Knotless knots in sight.

There are only a limited number of coarse rigs shown, but sufficient to give the novice a fighting chance of catching fish. The absence of some rigs and materials is either due to constraints of space, or because the book was originally published some twenty years ago. This may also account for the scant coverage given to Barbel and Carp, which are given no more weight than other species. However, as the book is not a treatise on specialist angling, that should not surprise.

Fish and their characteristics are described, although by no means all UK species get a mention – no Bleak or Gudgeon for example and it is the area where the book is weakest, as line drawings give no idea as to the colours etc. Photographs here would have improved the book enormously.

The Fly and Sea Angling sections seem to be quite comprehensive for a beginner, but I make no pretence to speaking with authority here.

Overall, the book doesn’t live up to its title, but as a handbook for the novice angler; it is as good a book as I have found. Its clarity cannot be faulted in what it covers. The sad thing is that there are too many gaps left, and the book has the feel of three books stuck together in one volume. There is a new book by Tony scheduled for release in 2002. Perhaps this one will address some of these minor issues.

The Complete Guide To Fishing Skills has a cover price of just £4.99 and can often be found cheaper at Amazon. Click here to check the best price for this book on Amazon.


Alan Stubbs

July, 2001

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Alan-Stubbs

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