“First, let’s get the whole title business out of the way. If you think I’m going to reveal the top 101 of them so you can tick them off as you master each one in turn, then you’re going to be disappointed. The truth is, there are too many rules about too many things these days.”
So instead of a list of the Angler’s Do’s and Don’ts, Rob Beattie has produced a charmingly eclectic collection of Wiles, Wit and Wisdom that encapsulates the whole experience of fishing.
Although there are enough tips and tricks to satisfy beginners and experienced fish smiths alike, there are also plenty other pages devoted to the less tangible aspects of fishing. Angling isn’t a hobby, a sport, a science or a skill; it isn’t even an art! – It’s a mystery, and as we pore over pages filled with fishing myths and legends, tales of monsters that lurk at the bottom of big lakes, and ghost stories of haunted waters, this becomes only too obvious. There is even a chapter entitled ‘What’s it Like Being a Fish’, to ensure the utmost possibility of metaphysical empathy with your catch.
Golden nuggets of wisdom for the angler and the would-be angler also include: ‘In Praise of the Kelly Kettle’, a celebration of the power of a hot drink on a cold, fishless day; a depiction of boundless enthusiasm for fishing in unchartered waters in ‘The Water Not Fished’, and a beautiful illustration of what the well-dressed angler is wearing this year- ‘except anglers rarely are well dressed’.
As Father’s Day approaches, 101 Golden Rules of Fishing is the perfect gift book for any Dad who either fishes regularly or has ever begun to ponder the prospect. Beautifully packaged and illustrated with original and quirky artwork, the book breaks down into four categories covering environment, practical tips, equipment and fishing wit and wisdom.
Perhaps after reading about the intricacies of the rod, the reel and the tackle, learning how to deal with an angry bailiff, and of course, the thrill of the first cast of the day, you will be more than equipped to make up your own mind as to whether all anglers are simply ‘happy fools’!
AUTHOR BIOGRAPHY Rob Beattie has been fishing for over forty years, ever since he caught his first stickleback in a net in the river Misbourne. His first rod was a bamboo pole with curtain rings for eyes matched to an old Bakelite centre pin reel. He has a vast collection of fishing hats and makes a fantastic bankside cup of tea. He last went fishing on Friday and you can read his blog at www.adurman.bloqspot.com. His bestselling book 707 Things to do in a Shed sold over 32,000 copies.
FishingMagic Verdict
Lots of anglers are going to love this book, particularly those who subscribe to Waterlog magazine and have a particular bent for brewing endless cups of tea (in a Kelly Kettle of course) and frying the occasional gudgeon at the water’s edge.
The book could have been titled The Thoughts of Chairman Beattie, as it is simply a collection of the observations and opinions of the author, which are in turn eccentric, sharp, insightful, witty and opinionated. For instance he says poles are for catching fish up to about 5lb and the line is attached to a piece of elastic on the tip of the pole. He thinks they’re weird. He doesn’t like livebaiting (OK, fair enough), but also says the traditional Jardine snap tackle is ‘effective but cruel’ and has no place in the modern angler’s tackle box. Some ammo there for the antis considering it is the standard choice of the vast majority of pikers. He describes the closed face reel as mainly being used for lure fishing and that you adjust the drag of a reel according to the size of the fish you’re expecting to catch.
OK, they’re some of the negatives, and there are lots of them, at least as far as I’m concerned, but it’s a pleasant enough read for the most part and the last chapter, ‘The Last Cast’ is nothing short of brilliant, a wonderful, well written insight into what could be your final days as an angler. As I’ve said, the book will certainly appeal to those anglers who cycle to their fishing, like to sit on a wicker basket and prefer to largely ignore the modern angling scene.
‘Wiles, wit and wisdom to inform and entertain’ is the blurb on the cover, which could well be the truth depending on your reading taste and where you fit into modern angling. If all you want is a whimsical, somewhat amusing read, with some chapters that will annoy and others that you can’t help but enjoy, then this book is for you, but if you want to read and learn about fishing as it is today then buy something else.
