From the Preface: ‘This book is not intended to be of a technical nature. It describes my journey through fifty, wonderful years of angling, perfecting the techniques required in order to catch the different species of fish in the fast flowing rivers of southern England.
I hope that the less experienced angler finds the different styles of fishing discussed within these pages informative and, above all, useful and encourages them to consider a different approach to their own angling challenges based on the simple but very effective tenets of observation, patience and opportunism that have served me well over the years.
I realise that not everyone is fortunate enough to have the Hampshire Avon or Dorset Stour on their doorstep but most will know of a river, stream or, even, stillwater that is clear enough in Summer and Autumn, within reasonable travelling distance to try out the approach that I have used with much success for themselves.’
Verdict
I have known John for six or seven years and fished with him several times; his approach is like that of a heron, quiet, calculating and deadly. This book has been several years in the gestation, and John has taken the brave step of self-publication – hence the high price at £ 35. However, with the
John Searle with a big Avon grayling
wonderful illustrations and photography, as well as the many interesting tales of the Avon, the principle focus of the book, I think that no avid collector or Avon enthusiast can afford not to add it to their collection. Although I knew many of the tales from hours spent in John’s shop actually reading the book was a distinctly pleasurable experience. It’s one of those books that once you start reading you will find hard to put down again. Add in stories of Throop on the Stour, and you have a magic mix. With tales of monster roach, chub, barbel, pike and grayling, plus big dace and carp, there is plenty to set your imagination racing, just the book for a cold winter’s evening as the storms rage outside.
I had the pleasure of attending the recent launch for this book, and I should reckon the assembled throng emptied every southern river in the course of the day, figuratively at least. It was good to see so many angling writers in one place – Frank Guttfield, Peter Wheat, Dave Steuart, Stu Allum, Bob Buteax, Len Arbery, Pete Rogers, as well as some of the roach fishing giants of the Wessex rivers like Dave Howes, and this set the scene for the book. This is a beautifully produced book, and well worth the indulgence (it’s even got one of my hand-made floats in one of the pics).From Art of Angling, West Street, Ringwood.01425 489087Or through www.johnsearl.co.uk or email johnsearl1@btinternet.com
