John Bailey (1) (1951–)

Firstly, I must make it plain I've not read all of this book, and I've no personal connection to the author, publisher or any retailer or distributor. However, I've browsed through enough parts of immediate interest to me to see that it definitely appeals a lot to myself, and that it would do to a particular kind of open-minded angler. I haven't read it in full because the copy I saw is no longer on the shelves of my local retailer, and I haven't found it through my local library.

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That bit over with, the book is divided by habitat and species into sections about the 50 fish the author considers well worth catching when considered on their own merits - or which present a challenge in some way. Hence it includes 'classic' sporting species as well as some more esoteric or less-well-considered species, both large and small. Also, it's not limited to any one style of fishing, though it inevitably reflect the author's personal viewpoint. I disagree in part with what he writes about some species, but I can understand why he's written what he's written. Angling's a very personal thing.

The title is an improvement on a previous edition to my mind - "in your lifetime" is a much, much better tag than the chronically over-used "before you die", should any publishers or authors be reading this.

Footnote for non-UK readers: the book is international in outlook, but written from the personal perspective of a UK-based angler. show less