If carp fishing were a religion – and it no doubt, already has some devotees who would agree with that premise – then Confessions of a Carp Fisher is its ‘Book of Genesis’. And BB its first Arch-Bishop.
Confessions of a Carp Fisher stands as the first book devoted to the species and can truly be said to have started a revolution. Now-a-days it is hard to imagine that BB was writing at a time when carp, especially large ones, were considered all but un-catch able . When, by BB’s own estimation, but one carp of 15 pounds was caught each year in the whole of Britain and the British Record – the story of which is in the book – stood at 26lb.
BB’s own enthusiasm for the species was fired by Sheringham writing a generation before him. ‘Confessions’, however, would go on to inspire a generation of it’s own. BB was a carp obsessive and one who rubbed shoulders with fellow, like-minded anglers, of the age. He fished Bernithan Court Pool in the early days after its discovery as a water that held monster carp and is even credited with giving the place its much more famous alias – Redmire. This in response to a request from the then owner to hide the water’s true identity. Confessions of a Carp Fisher had been first published in 1950 – perfect timing for the events that would subsequently unfold in deepest Herefordshire.
The book itself is a mixture of themes. It’s almost as if it can’t make up its mind what it is meant to be. Part ‘how to’, part diary of waters fished, and part paean to the delights of being so taken with ‘carp fever’. It is for the latter which, quite rightly, the book is so fondly remembered. Much of the tackle tips would be discounted in today’s hi-tech age but it must be remembered that BB’s book gives us bait boats (His was a toy clock-work one, used to take out floating crust beyond casting range and which had to be recovered when it beached itself on the other side of the water) and a diagram for making your own electric alarm – this supplied by Dick Walker.
If I have a complaint it is to the repeated references (we’d call them ‘plugs’ into today’s parlance) to one of BB’s earlier works, his Fisherman’s Bedside Book. Something I found mildly irritating. All this is forgiven however when one turns a page and happens upon some peerless prose.
Chapter XIII, ‘The Course of the Affliction’ for example, excerpts of which must have found their way into every angling anthology worthy of the name, is simply divine. The angler at one with nature, is a theme which BB excels at describing and would be the main reason that any ‘modern’ angler should read this classic.
“July is usually a sultry month and the herbaceous gardens are at their best. As I pass along the lane the hollyhocks – the old fashioned and double hollyhocks are coming into bloom, valerian glows upon mellow walls, white butterflies dance over the lavender hedges. Young birds are everywhere, trusting, friendly, not having yet learned their fear of man. Do not be apprehensive of early rising. You will discover a new world and wonder how you could have ever wasted so many precious hours sleeping within four walls with so much fresh loveliness outside. Jaded appetite will return, you will come in ravenous for your breakfast, you will realise that, if any daylight hours are to be spent indoors, it is the midday hours when the noise and dust and heat, the bustle of traffic, and the hurry of feet seem most insistent.
You may take your tea in peace and quietness and then, as the sky mellows over the heavy headed elms, you will journey forth to your pool once more, ‘Wallis Wizard’ in hand and reel on back, and discover yet another calm and lovely world waiting to be enjoyed. No small wonder the old monks were fond of fishing”
From Chapter XVI The Happy Angler
First editions now fetch keen prices – expect to pay around £150 for one in good condition. Thankfully the book is still in print – White Lion Books 1997 (last reprinted 2000) price £20 – though you’ll probably get it cheaper from Amazon!
