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John Bailey’s Fishing Encyclopedia

March 7, 2007

John Bailey’s Fishing Encyclopedia

Published 23rd April 2007 by New Holland
ISBN 978 1 84537 254 5
240 pages
Over 750 colour photographs
£ 24.99

New Holland Publishers Say

In this comprehensive reference guide, John Bailey, internationally renowned author, photographer and angler, explains the many skills involved in a wide range of fishing methods, from dry fly fishing to bait fishing, and from Czech nymphing to sea fishing.

Aimed at all levels, the book focuses on improving and expanding skills, and developing new methods and approaches that will, ultimately, make fishing even more satisfying and enjoyable. Combining extensive knowledge and expertise with his characteristically concise and enthusiastic style, John manages to unlock the mysteries surrounding what it takes to achieve that enviable status of the great angler, whilst capturing his love for the sport.

Covering almost every type of technique and skill, the book is divided into four sections: 1. The Basic Skills, 2. The Tackle, 3. Skills in Practice, and 4. Skills at Sea. Each section contains a vast wealth of practical information on fishing, ranging from choosing fishing zones and fish conservation through to identifying natural insects and big game fishing, alongside over 750 stunning photographs of examples and demonstrations.

Unique insights and tips borne of extensive practice and experience are also shared throughout the book, making it the essential addition to any angler’s library, guaranteed to give even more pleasure to this enjoyable sport.

John Bailey is an internationally renowned author, photographer and presenter of television programmes on angling and natural history. One of Britain’s best-known anglers, he has written numerous books, including the award-winning Trout at Ten Thousand Feet, John Bailey’s Complete Guide to Fishing, Where to Coarse Fish in Britain and Ireland (all New Holland), Tales from the Riverbank (BBC Books) and John Bailey’s Freshwater Fishing (Dorling Kindersley). He lives in Salthouse, North Norfolk.

	FishingMagic Verdict

	This is a BIG book, and it’s stuffed with absolutely excellent photographs that really do capture the true essence of angling. The photographs alone are almost worth the cover price. It is not, though, encyclopaedic. If you want to learn about The Method, for instance, then forget it, and there is nothing about pole fishing: how can you have an Encyclopedia of Fishing and not include pole fishing? But let’s be fair, the book is entitled ‘John Bailey’s Fishing Encyclopedia’ and there is no doubt that it reflects just what John considers is fishing encyclopaedic. There seem to be many areas of fishing he considers extraneous to such a book. One of the captions to an illustration is curious too. Under a picture of a semi bolt rig it says, ‘This rig holds the lead in place so the hook can prick the fish without causing it to bolt.’ Sorry John, but the idea of a bolt rig, semi or otherwise, is to cause the fish to bolt. But I know you know that so we can only assume it was a typo that should have been picked up when proof reading. Let’s not harp too much on the negative. It’s a fine book, especially if you love great photography and subscribe to the Bailey School of Fishing. It’s not my idea of a fishing encyclopedia but if you’re a Bailey fan then you’ll love the book, if not you can still enjoy a good read and a very enjoyable visual experience.