DISCOVER KAYAK FISHING: A PRACTICAL MANUAL, ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE FOR FISHING FROM YOUR SIT-ON-TOP KAYAK. By Andy Benham.

2010 1st edition. 8vo paperback (162 x 211mm). Pp138,ads. Colour photographs throughout.

138 pages / This is a detailed introduction to the subject which deals with kayak fishing in British inshore waters. The first such book to be published on this side of the Atlantic. Chapters include; a rod and a kayak; getting started - testing and choosing your boat, paddles, launching considerations; what to wear; safety kit; fitting out - rod rests, storage crates, rudders, hanging out; kayaking with confidence - seamanship and kayak handling; seamanship for kayak anglers - weather, tides, charts; using GPS; see underwater with a fish finder; handheld VHS at sea - including getting the licence; fishing skills - anchoring, downtiding; what to fish for; freshwater fishing - pike and other predators. Packed with information and definitely essential reading, especially in comparison to US books decribing radically different conditions. The book appears to omit any mention of skills and conduct in bad weather or adverse conditions and p37 recommends a modern PFD ["Personal Flotation Device"], telling us "a modern PFD will probably have a little less flotation than a lifejacket and may not turn the wearer face up if they fall in." The section on charts is also more than sketchy. A good and useful book for fair weather, but to be read cautiously, in conjunction with something solid on dinghy cruising (navigation, pilotage and being caught out by bad weather) and an RYA navigation manual.