A little book of riverside moments, stories and fascinating facts about river wildlife and especially about trout. The stories are written by wild trout anglers, but they aren't all about fishing. They are about the wonderful wildlife experiences that happen when you become part of the river-y world; still, quiet, watching and waiting. Complementing the stories are lots of bite sized facts about wildlife and, of course, trout.
Surprise TV hit Mortimer and Whitehouse Gone Fishing captured a nation’s hearts with its unlikely subject matter, but it was the warmth of the two men’s friendship played out in beautiful surroundings that so enchanted viewers. Not Really Fishing: A Little Book of Riverside Moments aims to find a similar audience while agreeing with Bob and Paul that there is more to fishing than catching fish. Twenty-five writers describe their favourite fishing encounters with wildlife in 160 words or less. Some are published for the first time, others are seasoned pro’s, but for all it is a chance to let their creativity swim free and channel their inner poet.
Stories include Kevin Parr putting down his fishing rod to watch the ghost-like beauty of the barn owl hunting beside his river and Michelle Werrett’s two kingfishers split by the cast of her line: "in a starburst of amber and sapphire exploding over the river in a flash of refracted light". Otters, water voles, grass snakes, weasels and badgers all make an appearance in the little book.
Profits go to support the Wild Trout Trust’s work to make river habitats better for fish and all wildlife.