The Traditional Fisherman's Forum

Yes, I agree with catfish. The little Marlborough book in the HTCT series is very worthwhile reading. I would place it within the top twenty essentials in the still water angler's library. The influence of Dick Walker and the CCC is very evident, too! Prices have indeed shot up since the craze for collecting these little books started, but this is one of the best in the series (contrast it with the lamentable Pike for example) I think Fishing in Ponds mayhave been the last in the original series, hence its scarcity and value. But clean copies without DJs can be had for £20 or even less if you keep your eyes peeled and replica DJs are available if you just want to read the thing and are not into collecting originals/first editions/Djs etc.

As I had got married thirty three days earlier (yes I know it was on Halloween) I was still getting used to supporting someone other than myself! Many years later, I did see F.J.Taylor at a tackle shop shortly before he went to Australia. Happy Days!

Ok Dodger now that you've mentioned it what would be your top twenty books essential to the Stillwater angler?





Nature is our only true touchstone

Hi. Hmmm - well I asked for that one didn't I?? Hmmm Ok I can only offer a composite of best & favourite (which are not necessarily the same I appreciate). I also offer the caveat that, if asked for my Desert Island Discs, I would give a different answer every day. But here goes - off the top of my head (and in no special order):

Fishing in Ponds - David Marlborough
Stiil Water Angling - Dick Walker
Angling in Earnest - Fred J Taylor
Catching Fish - Dick Walker
Fred Foster's Swing Tipping - Fred Foster*
Angling Ways - E Marshall Hardy
Baits & Ground Bait - 'Faddist'
Modern Specimen Hunting - Jim Gibbinson
Roach Fishing - 'Faddist'
Specimen Hunting - John Bailey
This Fishing - Capt L A Parker
Coarse Fishing on Still Waters - Graham Marsden
Dick Walker's Course Fishing - Dick Walker
Quest for Carp - Jack Hilton
Carp - Jim Gibbinson
Carp for Everyone - Peter Mohan
Rod Building for Amateurs - Dick Walker
Bream and Barbel - Peter Stone

and two non-fishing books of which I don't think anyone will deny the relevance -

Life in Lakes and Rivers - McCann & Worthington
Freshwater Fishes - Maitland & Campbell

Like I said, I probably will change my mind tomorrow as only about a third of the above are 'essential' and I have a feeling I have overlooked 3 or 4 really important ones. I feel I should have included something specialist on Eels. And the Nox Fash Guorum Bumper Book of Self-Hooking Carp Ironmongery and Casting Girders -only kidding! I have omitted Mr Yates as he isn't really a 'how to' author (same for BB) not because they aren't classics. I also think Graham Marsden would have been better revered if he had lived in southern England in his heyday! I believe he is still around - a very under-valued figure in this Northener's book! I have not read a recent book GM has published, but I will.

Now, Paul, how about you??

Roger

* many years ago I had a brief correspondence with Dick Walker on this topic but, unusually, I consider Fred Foster to have the edge over Dick in reasoning on this topic (and in practice).

...met the great man once at an angling show, still remember it

One writer (not that well known) captures the essence of pond fishing superbly. James Cadelll in a chapter entitled Man of the Ponds from The Fishermans Bedside Book edited by Maurice Wiggin. Will Nickless also writes evocatively on the ponds of Hampstead Heath in the same book. Fishing in Ponds. The spirit of the pond (Tom'o'Reilly). Can you see a theme developing here? Observers book of pond life. Walden by Thoreau. I could go on and probably bore you to tears!

Not at all, most of my fishing these days is done on waters of less than an acre, although my favourite water (but a hard one) is no more than 1.3 acres -but the dozen or so reasonable sized carp there are a devil to catch. I never have, and I know no-one who has. It has some decent bream and eels, and even they can be elusive. The easiest species are the jack pike! Most of 'my' are Cheshire farm ponds or similar artificial waters, though of ancient and obscure origin. The only down side of pond fishing is that it tends to be better if you have the place to yourself (but then I generally do).
Ahh Maurice Wiggin. I was introduced to his writing by my English teacher at school, who was of fen/East Anglian origin. It was about the only thing I did learn from him . I shall borrow back the Bedside Book from my brother when I see him at weekend!
This summer has been a great one for dragonflies, of which I intend to make a study of while fishing next year. Ponds are great for insect life at close quarters.

AshbyCut wrote:Curses ... I was only 13 !!!

-9

MGs wrote:I grew up in the area, sadly too young to attend (I was only 3). I remember the Kodak site well. Unfortunately, like many others it has been replaced by a recent development of factory units and housing

They used to have a lake in Harefield?

Was it Boyers?

I was aged 6...... I wouldn't have got there in time... living in Malta, the bus didn't stop at Sleima