Bernard Venables’ “Crabtree Goes Fishing” first appeared as a serial in the Daily Mirror and spanned over 25 years, marking a significant era in fishing literature. The first edition of this iconic work is noted for having a Luron advertisement inside the back cover, a detail cherished by enthusiasts.
Crabtree Goes Fishing (ebay ad)
The book, which became the world’s best-selling fishing book after Izaak Walton’s “The Compleat Angler”, inspires anglers even today. It captures the essence of fishing adventures and offers a comprehensive guide on various aspects of fishing, emphasizing the importance of learning before specializing in areas like carp fishing.
The book’s influence extends beyond mere techniques, as seen in the Crabtree Challenges and the blog posts by James Buckley, star of Series 2 of “Fishing in the Footsteps of Mr. Crabtree”. Lac Meunier in France, featured in the series, stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of the Crabtree style of fishing.
As winter approaches, the book’s advice remains relevant, especially for riverbank fishing and using up-to-date methods and tackle. The legacy of “Crabtree Goes Fishing” is not just in its content, but in its ability to continually inspire anglers to explore the joys of fishing, just as Mr. Crabtree did.
