Trout From Small Stillwaters by Peter Cockwill | |
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This is not a large book but it is on a subject which needs updating at intervals and Peter’s book does that well. Apart from anything else it is a thoroughly enjoyable read, clearly written and with a logical arrangement. It is also well illustrated, mostly by the excellent photographs by Peter Gathercole. The Foreword is by Chris Dawn, rather sad to read because he must have died shortly after writing it. I knew Chris from years ago, so it was both sad to see this last item by him, but also good to see it too. Always begin a good book at the back! What I mean is, look to see if there is an index (there is) and what other goodies are placed there. In this case there is a neat chapter on coarse fish on the fly – carp, perch, and so on. This ought to encourage a few more coarse anglers to have a go at fly fishing. Last summer I caught lots of rudd on fly and it is excellent fun. Another strong feature of this book is the colour illustrations of the flies – perhaps the best I have ever seen and really a great help to the budding fly angler. The remaining photographs are very good too, but I think quite a number have been printed too darkly, or dully. This is not the fault of the two Peters, but of the printers, and it is a pity. The remainder of the book is, I think, what you expect from Peter Cockwill’s writings, primarily logic and commonsense coupled with good, practical information. It begins with a chapter on how small fisheries are run, then catch-and-release approaches, followed by a very nice run down of all species you are likely to encounter, including brook trout, tiger trout and so on. Chapter 4 on Getting Started could well be the best in the book. I have been a rank amateur fly fisherman for the best part of 45 years and I found it really helpful. Which tells you everything! Let me give you an example. Most books, and instructors, fail to tell you of the angle you must hold the rod at during most of the retrieve – Peter does tell you. It is, actually, crucial to hitting the take, at least for beginners and those just past that stage. Chapter 5 is of more advanced stuff, and he deals with many of the questions I used to ask, and still do on occasions. There is a very good chapter on the trout’s natural food, with some super photographs, and a chapter follows this on the necessary artificials, again magnificently illustrated. One of the necessities of small water trouting is that of stalking fish you can see and Chapter 8 deals with this. The book ends with a short section on boats (mostly you’ll be on the bank I suppose) and a chapter dealing with aspects of the weather and other problems the angler might encounter.
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