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Post by Hoppy on Aug 9, 2007 21:41:46 GMT -1
The Sea Trout Diaries R.W. Mountjoy Theory, strategy, tactics and sea trout A self confessed obsessive fisherman describes how he came to specialise in angling for sea trout. Determined to develop the skills and knowledge to lure this most challenging of fish he sought out previous generations of Tavy fishermen in the hope that they would give away their secrets. Culturing these cantankerous ‘old timers’ proved as difficult as catching the fish they pursued, but persistence paid off and gradually they began to share their knowledge. Joining these eccentrics as darkness fell by running waters, the author was introduced to the cult of West Country peal fishermen. Waiting for that magic time when colour seeped from the valley and under a cloak of darkness the fish may move to the fly, he was party to discussions on philosophy, psychology, sociology, even anthropology, and fishing. The advice and guidance imparted by the ancients and treasured by the author, is supplemented by his own experience and preserved in The Sea Trout Diaries. It convincingly explains, for possibly the first time, why a fish programmed not to eat while in fresh water may be tempted to take a lure. Clearly set out strategies, for both day and night fishing are detailed with given tactics for all conditions. This is a real fishing book for serious fisherman. The writer is passionate about his fishing and expresses his opinions without little hesitation. It is unashamedly controversial! Published by The Crapstone Press at £19.99. 168 pages, 11 diagrams and 126 photographs. Available on line through Amazon or can be collected from the Snowbee Tackle Shop in Plymouth.
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Post by Hoppy on Aug 12, 2007 15:03:44 GMT -1
I received my copy of the book yesterday, and have just started to read it.
I Love it...
I love its layout, the writing style, the pictures, the humour, the tales and the reason for its publishing.
Im only at the 2nd Chapter, but im hooked...i will write a longer reviwew in time,
Mr Mountjoy - re the quote on Page 4 re 1986 - it happens everywhere in the Uk, its annoying at the time, but looking back - extremely amusing!
Hoppy
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Post by tavyrod on Oct 28, 2007 15:03:34 GMT -1
I think the author has been touched by Hoppy's kind words. He enjoys this web site very much and finds it helps with the withdrawl symptoms that are already biting during the close season. Although there is some salmon fishing available on the Plym until December 15th - it is not the same. Roll on March 2008.
The book is now available from Coch-y-bonddu Books as well as on line through Amazon.
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Post by Hoppy on Oct 28, 2007 17:14:13 GMT -1
I really think this book is a must for the sea trout fan, a definate for the xmas stocking!
Hoppy
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Post by avalonangling on Oct 29, 2007 15:26:14 GMT -1
Asked me other "tormentor" (nicely) for an early stockin' stuffer , told 'er where to go (no ! Not there..;after more than 30 years I know better than that?) I mean I gave directions to Amazon as per your post alas I(she) can not find it there! Any sug's Still stickin'.....Andrew
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Post by tavyrod on Oct 31, 2007 11:55:51 GMT -1
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Post by Hoppy on Oct 31, 2007 14:08:47 GMT -1
Tavyrod, i can confirm that Coch-y-bonddhu has the books as he's tried to sell me one today!
Paul said he really likes the book
Hoppy
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Post by avalonangling on Oct 31, 2007 23:40:46 GMT -1
tavyrod&Hoppy: Have already been pm.'d by another forum member with a 'link' to Blackwell's ,I believe!{ I will refrain from mentioning the members name: suffice it to say that said member has been of the utmost assistance to my endeavours on this forum since my initial post!}(excluding Hop) if any forum member would like to venture a guess as to whom/who this may be I am willing to offer up one o' me "common 'ouse flies"to the first correct answer! ;D That being said I will venture to remain on the good side ov' me other "tormentor"(at least 'till me stockin' gits stuffed and maybe even a while longer as I will also be awaiting a copy of ov'WM's edition!!!!? Still stickin'.....Andrew
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Post by Hoppy on Nov 1, 2007 7:34:28 GMT -1
I can guess, in fact it wouldn't be a guess - i know how helpful that man is!
Hoppy
ps Nice one SI!
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Post by silverinvicta on Nov 1, 2007 7:44:50 GMT -1
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Post by avalonangling on Nov 1, 2007 21:56:45 GMT -1
I guess the "house fly" iz yours' Hop All's I needs now by'e iz yer "snail mail" addy Still stickin' Andrew ps.BTW wot's wit' da "chat" icon at the top right of the page? If I can git me typin' speed up a bit & can figger out da time diff's from 'ere ta d'ere :-XI might enter some evenin'
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Post by avalonangling on Feb 7, 2008 21:14:01 GMT -1
My signed copy arrived yesterday ...almost finished ...later tonite maybe will give impressions and feedback upon completion or maybe when I return from me daily therapeutic session on 'da Waterford tomorrow ;D ;D Still stickin'...Andrew
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Post by avalonangling on Feb 8, 2008 15:35:34 GMT -1
Just completed the intake & download into me own "grey matter" and must say that I thoroughly enjoyed a GOOD read! Forthright presentation in its' delivery . Especially can relate to the chapt. on tackle and the authors' own expressions on the topic coincide with those of this reader. Any novice intending to take up the sport of sea trout angling should easily relate to the terminology (or lack thereof)as presented without all the usual commercialism as noted which is so prevelant in much of todays writings.The author can certainly not be accused of "name-dropping". Chapter 9 being my fav."The Limit"( although being listed in the contents page as being on page115 it actually begins on page 133 ) I have been given a bit more of an insight into why we as anglers pursue our quarries. Excellent photos...(that tail definetly appears to be that of "salmo salar Hop and not that of "tormentus truttacus ) Tavyrod... the pics on page 8 are eerily reminiscent of scenes from many of the local communities and bays that I fish on this side o' da pond..... Isle of the Blessed.... indeed keep checkin' y'er post f'er some o' dat tuff stuff Still stickin'.....Andrew
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lb1
Smolt
Posts: 72
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Post by lb1 on Mar 23, 2008 0:40:04 GMT -1
Just finished my copy, a nice lazy day's read if you can spare it.
Felt in touch with author rather being in awe of a pro.Writes like a friend rather than a professor .
A score well spent and some lovely photography - the deer standing in river towards the back pages is a lovely shot.Talk about right place at the right place!
lb1
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Post by bluecharm on Mar 23, 2008 19:26:39 GMT -1
I totally agree with what everyone has said about this book. This is quoted from a message that I sent to Plotter on 22 Feb 08:
"Nevertheless, I would recommend that you get yourself a copy of a relatively new publication called 'The Sea Trout Diaries' by a guy called R. W. Mountjoy (Bob). I also have copies of the books by Hugh Falkus and Moc Morgan and, whilst perhaps not right up there with them, this latest addition is really well worth 20 quid.
Sadly Bob Mountjoy did not get the publishing backing that he deserved, mainly because his 'diaries' are confined to the three main rivers of the syndicate to which he has belonged for many years, namely the Tavy, Walkham & Plym in Devon. And so the book contains only B & W photos, is not hard-backed, and has not been particularly well proof-read.
It is however packed with top-tips and personal theories from a passionate man who quite obviously has spent a very significant amount of time and thought on the subject of catching sea trout. Much of what he says is, I'm sure, of huge value to sea trout-fishers anywhere in the British Isles.
Buy a copy - there's bound to be something in there for you."
Despite the slight criticisms above, I reckon this will become a 'classic' in time. It is written in a very different style to other books of its genre, the B & W photos are good, and many of the copies sold by Coch-y-Bondhu books are signed by the author.
'The Sea Trout Diaries' inspired me to get my hands on copies of the books he refers to by Bluett and Dawson, both also relaxing reads.
BC.
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Post by flashyal on Mar 24, 2008 9:28:35 GMT -1
Totally agree with you BC. Pity he couldn't get a better publication deal. The layout I thought was pretty amateurish, a better publication deal and it would have been a wonderful book. The flies would have been nice if the photos had been in colour. I also didn't like his condemnation of anglers who spend a few bob on good gear. I've been angling for a long time and I only buy the best, it doesn't mean for one moment that you're not a half decent angler. I didn't like that aspect of his book.
Still, after reading the book I still enjoyed it and there are some interesting points in it. A nice addition to seatrout literature. Not a great book but a good book.
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Post by bluecharm on Mar 24, 2008 19:58:08 GMT -1
Flashyal,
I'm inclined to agree about your comments regarding the author's view on 'expensive' kit. Well made, modern kit comes at a price and, like you, I buy the best I can afford. Not to show off, but because I think buying the cheap stuff (with rare exceptions) is a false economy. Most of my stuff is therefore good, middle range quality which I hope will perform well and will last.
Being proud of old, frugal kit and scorning those that don't follow suite smacks somewhat of inverse snobbery. However, to be fair, I'm not totally convinced this is the message that the author of this book really meant to convey.
Even if I won the lottery, I'm not sure I could bring myself to part with 500 quid plus for a Loop reel for example. I'd be terrified of loosing it one dark night ......
BC.
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Post by Paul Dunstan on Mar 29, 2008 6:02:17 GMT -1
My copy of The Sea Trout Diaries was waiting for me when I got home yesterday and what a lovely book it is.
I'd had a brief look at Hoppy's copy previously and had made a mental note to get one for myself but - in common with lots of things, I'd forgotten! It was only when I read lb1's post that I remembered.
I love the layout and the 'style' of the book and I particularly like the fact the illustrations and images are black and white (with the exception of the fly sequences where there is an unfortunate loss of definition and detail.)
Most of all there is an intimacy about the writer's writing which is really engaging and anyone who picks up the book and spends a while flicking through the pages will quickly get an authentic appreciation about the nature of sea trout fishing.
I can see that I'm going to have many happy hours with this book and I will return to it again and again to immerse myself in the pictures - a book with a real 'feel good factor'.
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