Recreational boaters from Newfoundland to the Equator have probably all had the same thought at some time, that they would like to make the most of their environment while sailing along and catch some dinner to boot. However, fishing under way is not so simple, as countless would-be anglers have discovered after dragging a line for miles with nary a nibble. This comprehensive volume addresses how to improve the odds, and also has enough big fish stories interspersed not only to make it interesting, but without a doubt confirms that the authors really are about as fishy as they come.
One can find here a comprehensive discussion of the details of different techniques, breaking it down to fishing while offshore, anchored, drifting, and wading, and using hand nets, fish traps, spear guns, and the dinghy, not to mention handlining, poling on the flats, and even the best way to set up the boat for “air fishing,” or catching flying fish at night. To call it detailed is an understatement; this book is so comprehensive that author Scott Bannerot could be awarded a doctorate in fisheries, except he already has one. There are also section on processing the catch, which is also detailed and interesting, discussing the relationship between pH and fish quality and flavor and mineral content. One shockingly large section was on the medical considerations for the cruising fisherman, with details of more fish borne diseases and potential health troubles than I knew existed. The book ends, as any successful fishing trip should, with a few good recipes, pared down to the essential elements such as may be found in an on-board galley.
My only complaint about the book is that I don’t live in the tropical regions that are the focus of much of the book. I do eagerly await the next chance I have to troll for mahi-mahi or yellowfin tuna, but until then must make do with the stripers, mackerel and groundfish of coastal Maine. A little more discussion on these northern species would have been have been welcome for this reader, perhaps answering such questions as the best way to rig a live eel for night-time stripers, or how to render a dozen fat mackerel into a tasty dinner anyone would eat, or how to pick some nice offshore spot to jig up a few codfish on the next passage from Boston to Rockland. There is plenty of find-your-own seafood action to be had with some effort along this coast, but it requires a dedicated and informed approach, and some additional northern New England direction in this book sure could have helped me this summer.
Nevertheless, there is much overlap, as much of the gear and the techniques described are useful in any waters. The book is a great read for fishermen and boaters alike, with its comprehensive coverage, and certainly would be an educational and interesting read for anyone who has ever had thoughts of what might be swimming below. This book would be an especially good purchase for the inveterate northern fisherman on his way south for a week or two of vacation, and could mean the difference between a fresh flaky fish dinner and a rusty can of B&M Beans hauled out of the bilge. I would take it along on my next trip, and armed with such in-depth explanation, might even just leave the beans at home.