Author: Dominic Garnett
Publisher: D G Fishing (Self-Published) in 2015
Rating: ****
I found Dominic Garnett on Facebook where we discussed his book
and as River Reads is Devon-based and specialises in angling books, he sent me
a copy to review.
As an angler, I am a traditionalist, probably due to my age
and when I first received the self published paperback I looked at it in
trepidation. However, I am relieved and
delighted to say this publication has very few errors (I only noticed a couple
of typo’s) as Garnett wisely collaborated with Garrett Fallon of Fallon’s
Angler fame.
The book is a compilation of articles about Dominic’s
travels to different places ranging from The Exeter Ship Canal, to a concrete
gulley to Central Park in New York.
Dominic makes little mention of fishing tackle and this definitely isn’t a 'how
to' book thankfully, but it does remind us of why we fished in the first
place. The excitement of seeing that
wild fish in a pond or river and how, as children, we plan to catch it.
Many anglers move on to become specimen hunters, even single
species' anglers, but this book shows what thrills are lost by overlooking the
capture of the small fish in unusual places which can be seen and Dominic
manages to extol the joys of angling in a way in which few authors can.
The book is also written by an author with a sound
understanding of English, no doubt benefitting from the books he appears to
have read which he mentioned at various times.
There are a couple of negative points, one mentioned
earlier. The styling is a bit “folk art”
which isn’t my preference but this is highly subjective although I have since
noticed he has had some bound in salmon skin!! I also do not think the occasional
swear word adds anything to the text. When a book is as good as this, I would normally
not hesitate to give it to a youngster to read, but may do with this work.
If you want to be reminded of the joys of simply fishing with
no specific target fish in mind, of the joys of being by the water, or simply
enjoy reading the competent and evocative style of this author, then this book
is for you.