SALMON COUNTRY. By Jack Byrne.

1980 1st edition. 8vo (140 x 218mm). Pp174. Colour and b/w photographs, illustrations, folding chart, bibliography. Brown boards, spine titled in gilt.

Flyfishing and spinning for quinnat or chinook salmon in New Zealand's South Island". Part I is for the reader whose prime objective is to catch a limit bag of big salmon. It covers weather and water conditions; the main salmon rivers and where to go; how to identify the most promising features of a typical reach of water; the techniques of spinning and fly fishing; selecting the deadliest gear; striking, playing, and landing the great fish; gutting and cooking it; and hints on clothing and safety. Part II fills in the background: the salmon species and the quinnat life-cycle; introduction of salmon into New Zealand; research and management problems; threats to the fishing and some brighter prospects; notes on New Zealand's sockeye and Atlantic salmon, brook trout, and the mackinaw of Lake Pearson. ...The author's long years of successful salmon fishing and his tireless work for the fish and the fishery guarantee the book's soundness and usefulness. His verve and humour make it also a delight to read".