Zander, or pike-perch as they are sometimes called, have been shrouded in controversy ever since they were first introduced into Britain’s rivers and drains in 1963. They were soon blamed for the decline in fish stocks in the Fens, where they were initially introduced. Notwithstanding this, forty years after their introduction, zander are now widely accepted and are regarded by many anglers as almost a cult fish.
Little is known, or been written about, the country’s newest predator fish. ‘Zander Fishing – A Complete Guide’ will be widely welcomed throughout the angling community. Mark Barrett along with several other leading zander anglers (John Cahill, Dave Marrs, Leigh McDonough, Denis Moules, Dave Pugh and Ian Weatherall), reveal the secrets of where and how to catch zander.
Covers zander tackle, baits, rigs, fishing methods and techniques. Considers how to locate your prey as well as how to land, handle and photograph your fish. Provides a guide to the zander waters of the Fens and fishing for this species in this area. Examines zander fishing in the Warwickshire Avon, the canals of the West Midlands, the Severn and elsewhere. Analyses stillwater zander fishing, lure fishing and sea bait.
verdict
We’ve been waiting for an up to date book on zander, one that goes into the fine detail that this book covers, including the where, the when and the how, and now we have one.
I wouldn’t say zander fishing is growing in popularity, not nationally anyhow, for the simple reason the species is not widespread enough. But I wouldn’t be surprised if more anglers in the Fens and other areas where the zander are well established are not having a go for them. If they do I’m pretty sure they’ll become regular zander anglers, for they really are a fascinating and complex species. I wish I had zander fishing closer to me for I know they would be a regular target for me rather than them being the rare treat they are.
I particularly enjoyed the discussion on the relationship between zander and bream shoals and the problem of dropped runs, having had some experience of this myself.
It’s a good book and one that every potential and actual zander angler should read. It is full of the right kind of information whatever the level of your experience with the ‘zeds’.
