Even the best anglers in the world still have a thing or two to learn, which is why there’s always a good excuse for picking up a quality fishing book. Whether you’re looking to increase your catch rate, pick up a few professional insights, or simply escape into a good book which you wait for a fish to bite at the bankside, we here at Angling Direct have a few book suggestions for World Book Day!
If you are looking for a little inspiration from the trials and tribulations of others then you would be pleased to know many of the books in this lineup are the result of our finest anglers putting pen to paper to tell their stories, and more often than not they’ll divulge more than a handful of tips at the same time! From factual guides to legends of the water and everything in-between, this fishing book guide is the perfect way of adding to that reading list!
1. Casting at the Sun - Chris Yates
“Probably the best book about fishing ever published.” - Keith Elliott, The Independent
A timeless carp fishing classic, Casting by the Sun is an autobiographical tale, detailing the early beginnings of an angling boyhood right up to Yate’s record carp. Throughout this narrative, Chris has cherry-picked his most vivid memories. Yates' languid and easy writing style allows one to easily slip into his sublime and magical world. Fans of Yates will also suggest his other classic; The Secret Carp.
“If you are lacking the confidence to move on from your local waters and fish for something bigger, then read this book!” - Steve Noctor
Widely regarded as one of the best carp books around, Terry Hearn covers the capture of seven different 40lb+ carp from six different British waters. This book also covers discussions between Terry and his friends on places, rigs and methods.
An old, celebrated classic for many anglers, this fishing anthology was first compiled in 1945 and consists of tales of salmon and trout with sections on coarse fishing: carp, tench, barbel, perch, roach, bream, pikeand chub. It is also known for amazing illustrations by Denys Watkins-Pitchford. Fans of BB’s writing may also want to read Confessions of a Carp Fisher.
A skilled writer, communicator and passionate angler Penning lives and breaths carp fishing in this collection of challenging tales of carp pursuit. There are also personal anecdotes, away from the carp scene; stories that will make you both laugh out loud and shed a tear and its episodic narrative mean you can dip in and out of the book without confusion, perfect for a manic day at the bank!
One of Terry Hearn’s newest books, Through the Mist, explores Terry’s gifted angling, photography and writing. Hearn’s books have always displayed someone driven and consumed by their love for angling and this book is no different. It also covers Terry’s challenges, methods, triumphs, and the full reality of every fishing campaign.
“What a superb book – the mahseer book I have been waiting for – the photos and information are outstanding! The book of the year! On my mahseer shelf with the old classics!” - Simon Dunbar
Perfect for those curious about the incredible fish found in India, this book is unashamedly concerned with the captures of those mightiest of all mahseer. This book has encouraged a generation of ambitious anglers to try fish for a legend.
7. Gone Fishing: Life, Death and the Thrill of the Catch - Mortimer & Whitehouse
“An entrancing mix of sound advice and the pair’s inimitable whimsy, this is a book you’ll buy for the angler in your life, and end up keeping for yourself.” - The Mail
If you're a fan of the TV angling duo, then this book is for you. Written in a love letter to the thrill of angling, the thrill of the catch and having a right laff with your mates, Mortimer and Whitehouse share advice and tales of their own angling. Love all things Gone Fishing? Read our Location Guide to the best fishing spots covered in the TV series!
8. Coarse Fishing (The Collins Nutshell Book) - Clive Gammon
“I can still remember my first fishing book and in fact, I still have it 50 years later. A present from a family member that I still look at if I am researching a technique or fish species.”– Ade Kiddell
This little pocketbook is perfect for quickly referring to coarse fishing techniques on the bank. It is quite a technical book, so it would make a good gift for an advanced angler.
9. Somewhere Down the Crazy River - Paul Boote & Jeremy Wade
“A book from over 30 years ago and one I have read many times. The story is in 2 parts and followers their adventures in pursuit of giant fish.” - Ade Kiddell
Considered a modern angling classic, this book covers travel, adventure and fishing and is split into two halves that follow the challenge of the Goliath tigerfish in Africa and the mighty Mahseer, in India.
“The best-known angler of all time; John Wilson wrote many fishing books…John was a natural writer and his books cover many species from all over the world, everyone should have a least one of John’s books in their collection.” – Ade Kiddell
One of many of Wilson’s great angling books, this one covers hundreds of fishing tips and tricks for you to apply to your angling and see a noticeable improvement in areas you once struggled. Written for anglers of all abilities, whether you are a freshwater or saltwater angler, this book will become an invaluable companion with tips about specific species from perch to carp and mackerel to sharks, plus sea trout and salmon.
“Another book that I am proud to have in my collection and I am pleased to say I wrote a chapter for the book which is based around my fishing on the River Trent for barbel.” - Ade Kiddell
One of the most definitive books on barbel and barbel fishing ever produced, this collection of barbel fishing stories, advice on baits, rigs and tactics makes it a celebrated classic. The book covers a span of 15 years of angling including anglers with long-established reputations and a host of modern writers.
12. RSPB Pocket Guide to British Birds - Simon Harrap
“As anglers, we witness nature at its best every time we go fishing. For me, it's an important part of why I go fishing and a good book helps to identify just what it was, I often carry a small bird book with me when I am fishing.” - Ade Kiddell
A colourful guide aimed at new bird-watchers, this little pocketbook is great to keep in your fishing coat or carryallto refer to when you are waiting for that line to twinge and you spot a new bird across the horizon.
Delve into a wholly new area of angling or indulge your passion that little bit further with a guaranteed good read. Angling Direct no longer sells angling books but we are always happy to hear about fishing books you wildlife guides that help us appreciate the bankside more. If you can’t find anything from this list to suit your tastes right now or know of a great book to read at the bankside that we have failed to list above, let us know via social media!
