| Review |
To write an original
fishing book is becoming ever more difficult, Nick Giles however,
has managed to do just that. With substantial scientific knowledge
and a position as a consultant for freshwater fisheries,
conservation and wetland ecology, Nick knows his rivers and his
fish. Add to this the obsession of a mad keen barbel angler and you
have a wonderful cocktail of interesting fact alongside angling
theory.
The book covers in depth, the barbel's ecology and habitats,
along with coarse fishery conservation and the management of barbel
rivers. But do not think for one moment that this is a dreary,
scientific textbook. The book contains numerous anecdotes and Nick
has given it a down to earth feel by writing it in plain English
with his own brand of subtle humour. The result makes for a
pleasurable read that will leave you questioning your approach as
well as giving you an insight to that ever present question when
fishing: why?
Presented in paperback the 175 page book is illustrated
throughout with pictures taken from the old master himself, Mr.
Crabtree and by Chris and Clare Yates. There are an additional 20
pages of colour plates.
My only negative comment about The Nature of Barbel is Nick's own
modesty. He is by nature a quiet and unassuming man and this comes
out in his writing. At times I feel he could have blown his own
trumpet a little louder to underline some of the points he has made.
Such is his modesty that he hasn't even included a picture of
himself, which is a shame, I know that many that read this book
would like to recognise Nick in the future to congratulate him on a
job very well done.
Dave Burr , Editor: Barbel Society Magazine |
