Suddenly his rod slammed over, and a powerful force began a frantic dash around the river before being unceremoniously gaffed and lifted onto the bank, a bar of silver that would haunt that boy's memory for the rest of his life. So ignited the obsession with angling that has stayed with Tony Bailey across his life and ensured he has spent seventy-five years gladly indulging his passion for angling. In this enjoyable memoir, he looks back over a life spent fishing, and considers what lights the spark that turns a human being into an angler - circumstance, social contact or genetics? Packed with memories and peppered with useful tips and observations, this engaging book explores the full gamut of angling possibilities from the wildest stream to the most enigmatic of farm ponds, each tied to their histories and legends, each capable of providing the thrill of a lifetime or the peace and tranquillity to connect with nature and soothe the mind. AUTHOR: Tony Bailey is a retired headteacher and lifelong angler. In his time as a secondary teacher, he used his Mountain Leadership qualification to introduce children to the outdoors, from pond dipping to mountain walking. He is a member of several angling clubs, including Preston Anglers. For many years, he has written articles for the club magazine, spring and autumn editions. He lives in Lancashire. 33 colour, 65 b/w illustrations