RIVER PIKING. By John Sidley. Edited by Barrie Rickards.

1987 1st edition. 8vo (160 x 240mm). Ppx,131. B/w photographs, illustrations by David Lumb. Red boards, spine titled in silver-gilt.

Based largely on the author's experiences on the Lower Severn, most notably the area in and around Tewkesbury. A useful, informative and highly sought-after book. "I have been river pike fishing for thirty or more years, yet instead of having three times John Sidley's experience I have only a fraction of it. That much I recognised from the very first reading of his typescript." (From the foreword is by Barrie Rickards who also edited the book). Chapters include:- King of the river; Location of river pike; Tackle; Rigs; Methods; Landing, unhooking, weighing and photography; Feeding times, weather and water conditions; Safety afloat; Rivers and localities. Appendices on the PACGB, addresses of pike tackle dealers, addresses of water authorities and good catches by the author.