Reviewed by Graham Marsden
Neil Wayte has set out to remedy this gap in carp fishing literature with this book that covers rivers, canals and drains throughout Britain. Neil, an expert and river carping fanatic himself, has gathered together many of the country’s top river carp anglers and persuaded them to contribute a chapter about their favourite strip of water or aspect of river carping.
The authors discuss tackle and tactics, bait and location in this very comprehensive tome, and the some of the stories are so enthralling they’ll have you reaching for that rod and heading off for the river in no time.
Of course many anglers will be tut-tutting about the spread of carp in rivers and how they’re ruining the barbel fishing, etc, etc. And in many respects they’ll be right, but that doesn’t mean that a carp angling fanatic shouldn’t take advantage of the fact that their favourite species is there and waiting to provide heaps of fun. And now there is a book that’s full of tips and tricks to help you get the most out of it.
I particularly enjoyed the chapters on the Hampshire Avon’s Royalty Fishery. Andy Sloane writes one and Neil himself follows up with the other. I enjoyed these chapters because they brought back memories of a huge, unseen fish I lost in the fishery many years ago and often wondered since if it was a giant barbel or a carp. I shall never know, but the book rekindled that fond memory and made me want to go back again soon and do battle again.
But don’t run away with the idea that the book is all about legendary rivers and swims where many of us will have no chance of visiting to try the carp fishing for ourselves. Far from it, there are chapters about the Manchester canals, the rivers Trent, Weaver, Severn and Nene, Romney Marsh drains and the Lincolnshire Fens, to name just a few. I’ll be very surprised if there isn’t a water near you that isn’t covered.
The book covers practically all aspects of river carping from the points of view of a good selection of rivers carpers, which is good because there is nothing better than a wide variety of experience and opinion. It is well illustrated throughout with many black and white photographs and a good colour section.
I must say I enjoyed reading it, so do yourself a favour and get out there and buy it. Better still, give Neil a call on 01424 717642. He’s got some signed copies available direct from him.
‘River Carping’, compiled by Neil Wayte
£ 19.95
ISBN 1 86126 378 3
Crowood Press.
