WHILE MY FLOAT'S STILL COCKED: THE RAMBLINGS OF AN ARTIST-ANGLER. By Maurice J. Pledger.

# 2011 1st edition. Hardback issue. 4to (195 x 254mm). Pp160. Full page colour paintings and b/w drawings by the author. Pictorial end-papers. Gilt-decorated green cloth.

# "While My Float's Still Cocked, by Maurice 'My friends call me Mole' Pledger, is a beautifully illustrated fishing autobiography that is both a witty and whimsical recollection and a record of the successes of Maurice and his friends in pursuit of specimen perch, pike, carp and chub. It is a book about the evolution of an angler, the love of old and eccentric fishing tackle, and the personal quirks and foibles all fishermen suffer from. Above all, it is a book about the fun to be had catching (or just as often not catching) fish." Collector's Edition - limited to numbered 250 hardback copies, signed by the author. Fine in dust-wrapper. There is also a De Luxe edition limited to only 50 leather-bound copies. "The stories from Maurice's boyhood fizz with enthusiasm and there's no doubt that his early experiences and observations were the inspiration for his artistic life. However, what marks this book out as something special is the remarkable series of fish paintings, fish with so much natural beauty and grace that they almost swim off the page." Chris Yates. "... if you must read one angling book before you die, read this. It's thought-provoking and amusing, but most of all, amazingly entertaining. A thoroughly good read, get a copy today. It will not disappoint." Jeff Woodhouse. fishingmagic.