New & up to date Salmon Fishing Book ?

[rpsalmon]

In my opinion, the face of salmon fishing has changed so much in recent years, and is still changing rather quickly, that a new salmon fishing book is more than justified. I believe it should cover fly, spinning and bait fishing of all kinds and in all theaters of salmon fishing. It shouldn't just be for the beginner or moderately experienced, but should include information to advance and promote salmon fishing tactics and skills. This sort of project could easily lead to more than one book, one for techniques, one for lures and the use of them, another for general tackle, even another for the differences in salmon fishing locations around the Atlantic, the United Kingdom & Europe, also a modern update on the biology and natural history aspects of the salmon.

As people on even this web site are very well aware, there are many opinions in salmon fishing! However, even if those opinions that are "slightly" contrary to my own I feel that a book covering up to date techniques and tackle of all aspects, would contribute significantly to the advancement of the vast majority of anglers.

The format of such a book is rather important. Over the years there have obviously been many formats, I reckon that the format of WA Hunters "Fisherman's Pie" would be good for the techniques section because an expert in an individual field has written the article.

A requirement of mine, a little silly really, is that the book must include Ally's Shrimps. Ally Gowan's fly has changed people's salmon fishing quite considerably, even when I pick up Falkus's book or a book published 100 years ago, one of the first things to cross my mind is...ahh but they didn't have Ally's shrimps then! Of course now, thanks to Mr Gunn, I'll be thinking they didn't have Monteith super duper spey lines with whatever attached to the end!

Do any other anglers have any particular thoughts for either such a book's format, or author for a particular technique? If we can keep it serious, perhaps with the ever increasing number of salmon anglers there would be a publisher interested in good ideas? Perhaps we should just bypass the old paper format and invite anglers to contribute techniques on-line in a pre-structured format?

[rpsalmon]

I did ask to keep this serious. There would be nothing stopping Mr Fairchild or anyone else contributing, but I believe such a project would have to have at least two well known and internationally respected anglers as reviewers to sustain the quality of info.

Could I suggest Ally Gowans & Michael Frodin?

[rpsalmon]

Because of conflicts of interest, I am not in a position to specifically identify myself. I have fished UK & Europe, but not USA or Canada. This topic is about a new salmon angling "book" for the benefit of anglers and salmon fishing, that is what I'm prepared to take seriously.

[acw]

rpsalmon said:

In my opinion, the face of salmon fishing has changed so much in recent years, and is still changing rather quickly, that a new salmon fishing book is more than justified. I believe it should cover fly, spinning and bait fishing of all kinds and in all theaters of salmon fishing. It shouldn't just be for the beginner or moderately experienced, but should include information to advance and promote salmon fishing tactics and skills. This sort of project could easily lead to more than one book, one for techniques, one for lures and the use of them, another for general tackle, even another for the differences in salmon fishing locations around the Atlantic, the United Kingdom & Europe, also a modern update on the biology and natural history aspects of the salmon.

As people on even this web site are very well aware, there are many opinions in salmon fishing! However, even if those opinions that are "slightly" contrary to my own I feel that a book covering up to date techniques and tackle of all aspects, would contribute significantly to the advancement of the vast majority of anglers.

The format of such a book is rather important. Over the years there have obviously been many formats, I reckon that the format of WA Hunters "Fisherman's Pie" would be good for the techniques section because an expert in an individual field has written the article.

A requirement of mine, a little silly really, is that the book must include Ally's Shrimps. Ally Gowan's fly has changed people's salmon fishing quite considerably, even when I pick up Falkus's book or a book published 100 years ago, one of the first things to cross my mind is...ahh but they didn't have Ally's shrimps then! Of course now, thanks to Mr Gunn, I'll be thinking they didn't have Monteith super duper spey lines with whatever attached to the end!

Do any other anglers have any particular thoughts for either such a book's format, or author for a particular technique? If we can keep it serious, perhaps with the ever increasing number of salmon anglers there would be a publisher interested in good ideas? Perhaps we should just bypass the old paper format and invite anglers to contribute techniques on-line in a pre-structured format?

Not sure that a book ,that is a published book is the way forward.
This forum and others has a wealth of knowlege and skills ,some truly astute minds ,even the semi literate such as my self can and do contribute .

[donnieW]

???

rpsalmon said:

I did ask to keep this serious.

Could I suggest Ally Gowans & Michael Frodin?

??? ??? ??? ??? ??? ???

[williegunn]

rpsalmon said:

Could I suggest Ally Gowans & Michael Frodin?

I thought you meant respected salmon anglers rather than publicity seekers.

[rpsalmon]

If your point is to question my choice of respected anglers to review the articles or book, the suggestion stemmed from the fact that they are respected and well known, also that a book with their names as editors would undoubtedly become an immediate international best seller and therefore commercial success, an important point to a publisher.

[donnieW]

Is the most important issue that it's a success for the publisher then? Not high on my list of priorities.....

[juststartedagain]

"A requirement of mine, a little silly really, is that the book must include Ally's Shrimps[/quote]

??? ??? ???
maybe I'm mistaken but I think not - there have been shrimp type flies about before a certain person stuck his name in front of them? There are many "successful" patterns, and as many of the threads on this very useful forum suggest, if you present a fly or lure or bait in front of the nose of a salmon and its in the mood to take - it will

[rpsalmon]

The objective of a business is to make money, publishing houses are businesses, when they approve a book they first assess whether there is a market for such. If they judge something won't be profitable then a project wouldn't be started. It doesn't have to be a book, it could be a series of DVD's with a mixture of text, diagrams, sound and video.

[sagecaster]

rpsalmon said:

Do any other anglers have any particular thoughts for either such a book's format, or author for a particular technique? If we can keep it serious, perhaps with the ever increasing number of salmon anglers there would be a publisher interested in good ideas? Perhaps we should just bypass the old paper format and invite anglers to contribute techniques on-line in a pre-structured format?

I think that this would be a good idea.

Regarding format, it would be an option to set up a Wikipedia (online encyclopedia) then anyone could have free access.

In particular, personally I would like to see some focus on a reconciliation of techniques between rivers and locations. ie Why for example can you catch salmon on a Bomber in Russia, and it only work in a few rivers in Scotland? Unfortunately, I have no idea who would have the real solid answers to such questions :-/

[juststartedagain]

I agree Springer - having just got back into the sport after a 20+ year break - and so class myself as a complete beginner - I have found this forum and just learning from speaking to ghillies and other fisherman far better than any book or the articles in the current range of magzines (unless you want to fish for trout on Rutland)! ..I too would pay to be a member - fees could be used to organise the much discussed forum open day!

I enjoyed Falkus's books - they have some good tips but nothing that you cant lean or ask about on here or learn from others out on the water. I enjoyed them more for the way they are written - sort of nostalgic/bygonne era IMO and for that reason they remind me of my grandad who was a prolific salmon/sea trout fisherman in the 60's and 70's in and around the Tweed.

Having suffered about 5 mins of the AG DVD which was bought for me as a present - I found a better use for it! I found the style nausiating and slightly condecending - I certainly would not spend money on a book which he was associated.

[splash]

Regarding format, it would be an option to set up a Wikipedia (online encyclopedia) then anyone could have free access.

I think this is an excellent suggestion and would be the best way forward for a forum like this to contribute to such a project rather than to do the donkey work for self seeking publicists such as Mr Gowans

In particular, personally I would like to see some focus on a reconciliation of techniques between rivers and locations. ie Why for example can you catch salmon on a Bomber in Russia, and it only work in a few rivers in Scotland? Unfortunately, I have no idea who would have the real solid answers to such questions


That's easy, RPSalmon ;D

[billytheghillie]

springer, you speak with words of wisdom, why should AG and MF make money of us when they already have fame and fortune. This forum is the dugs dangly bits for expert and novice keep up the good work.

[robbie]

This forum as everyone says is a huge source of information, that is if you are prepared to wade/sieve through all the 100s, yes 100s of unpleasant postings (not just recently either - They have been apparent throughout the archives) including personal attacks and some bad language - ble..ped out, to reach what you want. (This will no doubt earn me the standard indignant replies along the lines of " What have you ever done for the forum? etc etc etc.) At least a published book on Salmon fishing is unlikely to offend people seeking information whether they agree with the content or not. I personally enjoy reading books, fishing,shooting as well as fiction and non sporting related. The thought of going to bed with a lap -top to read about fishing fills me with horror.

[Sloggi]

As an example of what this forum can contribute, I'd bet we could produce a finer and more accurate review of "14' Rods on Test" - anyone up for a bash at that?

I have mentioned before that a lot of the threads/posts on this site deserve a wider audience. Many could, I'm sure, be transformed into interesting articles.

I would be interested in looking into such ideas but with others

[para1]

I was just wondering if RPS is a journo

[greenalert]

sloggi said:

As an example of what this forum can contribute, I'd bet we could produce a finer and more accurate review of "14' Rods on Test" - anyone up for a bash at that?

I have mentioned before that a lot of the threads/posts on this site deserve a wider audience. Many could, I'm sure, be transformed into interesting articles.

I would be interested in looking into such ideas but with others

[greenalert]

sloggi said:

As an example of what this forum can contribute, I'd bet we could produce a finer and more accurate review of "14' Rods on Test" - anyone up for a bash at that?

I have mentioned before that a lot of the threads/posts on this site deserve a wider audience. Many could, I'm sure, be transformed into interesting articles.

I would be interested in looking into such ideas but with others

Great idea Sloggi

Nowadays I only buy gear recommended by members of this forum
& the buys I have made so far have all lived up to my expectations

If you more experienced guys try & test a rod & recommend it, I for one if looking for a new 14ft rod or indeed anything else I would definitely go by your recommendations

[Fruin]

I agree that the forum is a great source of information, but that information is not so well structured, and it moves over time. A book can be used as a solid reference point.

As for RPSalmon, I am inclined to think from his posts that he may be utilising this forum for a bit of market research. If this is true, hat's off, ten out of ten for initiative, and perhaps it's something that we should not be surprised about given the number of members and guests that frequent the boards.

Ally Gowans - always admired him until I met him and found that he wouldn't give you the steam off .............. unless you waved some crispy notes in front of him, unlike the great contributors to this forum. Perhaps a chapter in the book could be devoted to finding the true origins of fly patterns that AG has claimed as his own, including the infamous shrimp. ;D