Book Review by Tony Hooper
‘BASS FISHING FROM THE SHORE IN SOUTH EAST WALES, AND MORE!’ BY DEREK TOWNSEND The first edition of this book was privately published by Derek Townsend in 1980. Recently, Derek realised that there was still a demand - copies of the first edition had appeared on ebay and also Amazon. He set about a complete update and revision of the book. This new edition is far more than just a reprint - now with 82 pages (the first edition had 32), 17 chapters and well illustrated with colour, black & white photos and drawings by the author. Its pages include a tour through the history of sea angling in the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s with anecdotes about the development of the ‘Bare Bones Bass Rod’ and his sea angling experiences with well known personalities of the period including the late John Darling, Ian Gillespie, Digger Derrington and others. Derek tells us “when this project to revise and update the 1980 edition began, there was no intention to eulogise the ‘good old days’ , but as the words have developed into paragraphs and then pages, I find myself inevitably drawing on my experiences of yesteryear as the datum against which comparisons with progress to date are made”.
(above) Derek Townsend’s first edition was published in 1980
As the title says, of course, the book is mostly about bass fishing on the north side of the upper Bristol Channel although the principles can be applied to other areas. Only a few general marks are mentioned - The Ogmore Estuary has its own short chapter and there are passing references to Porthcawl and the Aberthaw Power Station. Local anglers will be pleased that Derek has not given too much away about marks. So this is a ’how to’ rather than a ’where to’ book with much to interest bass anglers whether based in South East Wales or elsewhere in the UK. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. Tony
Book Details. 82 pages in A4 Format. Black and white/ colour photographs. Watercolour artwork by Derek Townsend Selling Price £14.99 per Book (plus £1.50 p&p) Distributed by Keens Tackle and Guns 117/119 Bridgend Road Aberkenfig Bridgend CF32 9AP Tel: 01656 722448 Email: sales@keenstackleandguns.co.uk
The 2009 edition of Derek’s book is completely revised and updated
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