• Isn't it so often the way that the most uncomplicated bits of kit are often the best and most useful ? I have got hold of a brand new little book called the "RYA Pocket Guide to Fishing Knots", and I reckon it is just fantastic. Small, simple, uncluttered, very easy to follow and understand, and what's more it is waterproof - this kind of thing really appeals to me. And it's a very cheap book to buy, check out the price here. There are a lot of fishermen out there who could benefit from carrying a little book like this with them - I reckon I am ok on my knots, but there are various ones in there that I had no idea about. Don't they always say that you learn something every day ? The learning process never stops in fishing, indeed that is a huge part of the appeal to me.

  • I have not seen the other two RYA pocket guides on rigs and baits, but if they are anything like the Fishing Knots book then they deserve a proper look at. Ex-Plymouth charter skipper Jim O'Donnell is listed as the technical editor /author for these books, and I know exactly how much work goes into a book of any size or length, so all credit due to the guy for helping the RYA get these things onto the market. From the three books that I have been involved in, I know how hard it is to successfully display diagrams on knot tying that can actually be followed, but this book has nailed it.
  • One thing worries me though about my own knot tying abilities - the two main knots that I use in my fishing are not in there. Does that mean my knots are in fact rubbish, am I tying them wrong, or am I simply in need of a refresher course on tying fishing knots ??!! I will let those who fish with me decide on the right course of action for me to take........whatever the situation, it's a very good book. I like stuff that is to the point.