Three good literary catches for trout fishers

Three new trout fishing books on the market make ideal travelling companions for the New Zealand holidaymaker or tourist.

Troutfishing Tips
By Ron Giles
(Reed, $19.99)

Fishing advice doesn't come any better or more concise than this. Giles, prominent author of troutfishing guide books, crams 30 years' experience into a nutshell. The bare-bones writing and tight editing make for easily found, quick references without having to wade through heavy water.

It is a slim, handy volume ideal for the beginner, veteran, car glovebox, bedside table or traveller's backpack. If you think you know it all, this will prove you wrong.


Spin-fishing for Trout and Other Fish
By Tony Orman
(Spring Creek, $22.99)

The best information book yet published in New Zealand about spin-fishing and the limitless opportunities it presents. Spinning is often derided by flyfishers (who should know better), but veteran angler-writer Orman gives this exciting sport its rightful place through his knowledge and expertise.

He overturns myths that the threadliner is limited in the lures that can be used and the type of fish caught. He shows how wet and dry flies and nymphs can be just as effective as spoons, minnows and wobblers.

Using the lightest tackle possible, Orman catches snapper up to 8kg , trout up to 4kg, and just about every other fish you can think of from river perch and salmon to trevally, moki, tarakihi, piper and the splendid fighting kahawai. "The possibilities of seafishing," he writes, "are endless."


In Pursuit of Trout
Edited by Bob South
(Halcyon, $36.95)

This is the second book in the Fish & Game New Zealand Collection series, collated by the editor of the prizewinning magazine from which these chapters are taken.

It covers a wide variety of trout fishing subjects from the perspective of talented and experienced angling writers such as Tony Entwistle, Peter Church, David Moate, Zane Mirfin, Ross Millichamp, John Hayes and others, supported by the outstanding photography of David Hallett.