FINDING THE TIME TO CAST. Compiled by Chris Currie.

2013 1st edition. Large 8vo (177 x 252mm). Pp392. Colour photographs, colour and b/w illustrations by Gordon Howes. Textured black boards, upper board and spine titled in silver-gilt.

"Finding The Time To Cast is a collection of carp stories written by the ordinary man on the bank, who has to juggle his fishing time with family and work commitments. Chris Currie became increasingly frustrated while reading carp magazines that constantly perpetuate the 'time equals fish' theory by reporting on the captures of 'names' who are able to fish full-time. He decided that it was time the average-Joe, little-known angler had their stories told, so he set about talking to them and attempted to persuade them to take part in a particular venture that he had in mind. It took over two years for Chris to find enough of the kind of people who would fit his criteria to write chapters in this book, and he found some truly entertaining characters who not only understood the concept behind the project, but who were also willing to put pen to paper to tell the angling world of their experiences. The results of their combined contributions confirm, as Chris already knew, that a lot can be achieved on very limited time, if you have the will and determination to juggle the various aspects of your life. Chris also relates his own angling tale, from when he was an eight-year-old with a special birthday present, an Argos fishing kit, on which he caught a 2lb rainbow trout - and consequently ate it for his tea - to a magnificent 44lb-plus leather; 'a special, inspiring carp from an enigmatic place'. Magic stuff!" Chapters include:- Out to pasture by Matt Eaton; Jewel of the Medway by Mark Willcocks; The lady of the manor by Jim Mathews; Perseverance (Wraysbury Two) by Dan Cleary; The grafty carper by Rick Golder; Heaven is a place on earth by Darryl Dunn; One extreme to the other by John Waller; Days like these by Shaun 'Jarvo' Jarvis; Richmond Park by Gavin Barrett; Woolpack wonder by Gordon Howes; The Clear Water Pit by Paul Wortley; Systematic by Spencer Wright; Sutton haze by John Elmer; Paradise found by Dan Chart; King of the castle by James Parry; The rock-hard syndicate by Chris Currie; Changing times by Paul Palmer; A balancing act by Dave Forward; A paradise lost by John Bird; Kingdom of rust by Jon Pack.