I've just been on a fantastic fishing trip but I didn't leave the house. I was taken on this journey by Jon Berry's wonderful book called "Beneath the Black Water"
The content of the book is basically all about Jon's obsession with Ferox trout but it is actually much more than that. It's actually a glimpse into the last thirteen years of Jon's life.
Although I certainly do not have a passion for ferox trout nor do I ever intend to hunt for these mysterious creatures I really did find this book compulsive reading. His whole obsession and compulsion really struck a chord with me. I defy any passionate fisherman who reads this book not to deny that they see a bit of themselves within these pages. Jon captures the essence of fishing and in some part explains the theory that there really is more to fishing than catching fish. It's about the journey, the landscapes, the planning, the anticipation, the people you fish with, the unknown and sheer escapism.
My only criticism of this book is that it wasn't long enough; I never wanted the journey to end. To be honest I think Jon's journey hasn't really ended he has only paused to collect his thoughts.
As you may have guessed I can't recommend this book highly enough.
Less than £8 on Amazon.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Beneath-Black-Water-Search-Ancient/dp/075245837X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1319575510&sr=8-1 (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Beneath-Black-Water-Search-Ancient/dp/075245837X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1319575510&sr=8-1)
I had a read of the preview pages and it's now on my Christmas list :D
Cheers CC!
Thanks Allan. That's another one to add to my burgeoning pile of winter reading! :D
I noticed this book during the summer and intend getting a copy at some point cheers for the reminder
Quote from: Clan Chief on October 25, 2011, 10:16:59 PMI defy any passionate fisherman who reads this book not to deny that they see a bit of themselves within these pages. Jon captures the essence of fishing and in some part explains the theory that there really is more to fishing than catching fish. It's about the journey, the landscapes, the planning, the anticipation, the people you fish with, the unknown and sheer escapism.
My only criticism of this book is that it wasn't long enough; I never wanted the journey to end. To be honest I think Jon's journey hasn't really ended he has only paused to collect his thoughts.
Aye, a good read. I saw myself and a fair few others within it's pages. I'd go as far as to say this isn't a fishing book as such rather a biographical introspective reflection of the mans personal journey thus far and fishing is the vehicle used to highlight the way points, get beyond the fishing and there is much food for thought.
I read it in a single sitting and I too wouldn't have minded it lasting for a few more.
Quote from: Buanán on October 26, 2011, 10:19:50 AM
get beyond the fishing and there is much food for thought.
Then it's definitely on my list. Fishing books, by and large, tend to be petty dull stuff.
On my Christmas list.
Just bought it. New, hardcover, £7.94 inc P+P Amazon.
Quote from: admin on October 26, 2011, 10:31:48 AM
Then it's definitely on my list. Fishing books, by and large, tend to be petty dull stuff.
It's no manual Fred far from it, but there is a nugget or two for those seeking the ferox. Whats wonderful is the way these nuggets reveal themselves.
It's one of the best books I've read for some time. I'm sure I'll read it again before the winter is oot.
I read it in two sittings.
Thanks for the link. Have just bought from Amazon for reading in Tenerife. :lol:
Billy
I just got my copy. Pretty fast delivery! :D
Just arrived. :D Cannae wait to read it. Off to the sun tomorrow :wave2
Billy
Look forward to reading your comments chaps, wont be long, as I reckon you will read it in one or two sittings
Its certainly a good read i tried to make it last as long as i could. I'm sure anyone of us who are totally hooked on fishing will see will see some of themselves in jon and his book.
Got to agree with everyone.I heard about the book on the site on tuesday,ordered it and had it delivered thursday.I tried to keep it till the weekend as i was off to the caravan :roll:opened it thursday for a wee preview and didnt put it down till it was finished.Excellent book and a must read.
kevin
I flew through the first 4 chapters last night. It is a very easy book to read, well written in a clear and interesting style.
I have now finished this book. Like all the best fishing books (imo) it is written around fishing, not about fishing (which, also imo, tends to be dull).
A tale of disillusionment with life, work and stocked fishing, personal bankruptcy, broken relationships and obsession. Most of us will see some element of ourselves in there.
This is not a fly fishing book, the fishing element is trolling for ferox, but I'd say if you only intend to read one fishing related book this year, you could do worse than pick up this one. Well written and extraordinary easy to read.
Thanks for the input on this book :) As some of you know my passion is trolling for Ferox. Will order a copy tonight :D
Andy
Quote from: trout n about on November 12, 2011, 07:03:21 PM
Thanks for the input on this book :) As some of you know my passion is trolling for Ferox. Will order a copy tonight :D
Andy ,
I got my copy on Amazon. Hard back, £7.94 inc P+P. You'll love it, it's a great read. :8)
Quote from: admin on November 12, 2011, 07:09:35 PM
Andy ,
I got my copy on Amazon. Hard back, £7.94 inc P+P. You'll love it, it's a great read. :8)
Cheers Fred thats it ordered :D
Andy
I will have to put his theory of trolling the black water to the test next year. :wink:
Quote from: fergie on November 12, 2011, 10:44:32 PM
I will have to put his theory of trolling the black water to the test next year. :wink:
Up to Shin then is it? :D
Its on my "To Do" list fred. :lol:
Don't know if you can launch your own boat there fergie, but the Lairg club boats are top notch. You can at least take your own engine to save a bit on the hire costs. It's a long way to pull a boat anyway. Shin is a big intimidating water, but it is stuffed with fish. :8)
Ive only heard good stuff about the boat hire and the fishing fred. :D like you say its a long way so it would have to be a long weekend minimum.Ive a old vw camper so wouldnt need accommodation .Do they still have that No sunday fishing pish up there.?
Quote from: fergie on November 12, 2011, 11:37:10 PM
.Do they still have that No sunday fishing pish up there.?
Not as far as I know. I have fished shin on a Sunday anyway, perhaps some of the others will know if the boats are out on Sundays.
No info on their site, but the boat hire is cheap if you have your own engine.
http://www.lairganglingclub.co.uk/about-us (http://www.lairganglingclub.co.uk/about-us)
Id take my wee 4hp yam so thats sorted.There must be some monsters in there.Must have a look at it on google earth and the bathymetric maps site. I believe theres a fair size fish farm operating on the loch. :roll:
Quote from: fergie on November 13, 2011, 12:19:47 AM
I believe theres a fair size fish farm operating on the loch. :roll:
In common with most big highland lochs, both ends, or at least there were. Still we anglers obviously need them as SANA has to get its stockie basher's competition sponsorship somewhere. :roll:
I had a look at the overskaig hotel website there. Plenty of nice wild brownies on there All dead :? take it catch and release isnt part of the agenda up there.Rows of dead fish in a car park does nothing for me. I think if i make it up there i will give the hotel a miss.
No need to go anywhere near the Overscaig hotel Alan. Just go to the Lairg club huts, that's where the boats are. Just a mile or two out of Lairg on the left. You can't miss it. The Overscaig hotel is almost up at the other end of the loch, a long way. I heard that Martin, the owner has it on the market anyway. Some have said he was not really tuned-in with the vagaries of we fishermen anyway. :D If you have a camper van you'll easily find somewhere to park up. Near the Lairg end and the pub. :8)
Catch and kill is still the way with many, especially in these lunatic fly fishing competitions - mass slaughter - many of the fish end up in the bin. Now that said you could kill all you catch on Shin and not make a dent in it, however killing big ferox is just plain wrong to my mind. These fish are treasures of the highlands. If you want to eat fish that's fair enough of course, no one can argue against that. However it makes more sense to me to take fish up to about a pound or so as they taste better and preserve the big breeding stock.
Received the book in the post today :D The wife wanted to put it away for Christmas :roll: no way was that going to happen :lol: When ive read it this weekend, she can then wrap it if she wants :lol:
Andy
I dont think i will get to Ireland next year so Shin might just be on the cards. :D
I was looking at it on google earth and the Bathymetric maps its a huge expanse but ive all winter to do some home work on the place.
Give Shin a go mate, Ive never fished it but like Fred said its stuffed with fish from what ive been told over the years. If you are looking for new lochs to try, ive got four new lochs to try next season Fergie, permission for one or two days pending on the loch. If you are interested let me know, there will be a space in one of the two boats.
Andy
Thanks mate id definitely be up for that .Just give me the dates if you have them and i will make sure im available.
:D :D
As for shin i think i will almost definitely give it a bash next year.I think stevie is up for it.
I see we have a new member.The man himself. ? :D
just finished reading this book ,i would echo all the praise its recieved .best fishing related book ive read for a while
Garry
Dear all,
Thank you for the kind comments about the book - a pal told me about the thread here,and not only was I delighted to see such generosity towards the book but also how civilised a forum this is - as many of you will know, they can be real bear pits at times.
I hope I can contribute something here, anyway - i'm Inverness-born but work in southern England (missionary work, Ron Greer called it) and so I head north to the wild waters of the Highlands every chance I get, or to Wales and the Lakes when time is short.
Once again, many thanks - I shall be back!
best,
Jon
And thank you for your kind comments about the forum Jon. We have a policy of zero tolerance of bears, star wars characters and other idiots who degrade what should really be a pleasurable experience. It works better for us than it does for them. :D
Due to the recommendations on this thread, I'm currently a couple of chapters into the book.
It is indeed a cracking read and so, thanks Jon, firstly for writing it in the first place and secondly for visiting us.
Alex
Judging by the Amazon parcels that have arrived here, SWMBO AKA "Santa's Little Helper" has ensured that my copy will be opened on December 25th. I can give you a pretty exact time as well. After Christmas lunch, the nice bottle of malt my brother-in-law provides will be opened. SWMBO, mother-in-law and the badly-behaved-dug will settle down to watch some shite on the telly and all fall asleep. I turn the volume down, pour a second malt and open my book.
Can't see anything wrong with that......
Great to read the author's comments, nice touch! :)
A fine book jon well done. :D :applause
Have been spurred on by the reviews to get a copy via Amazon for going under the tree for xmas !
Should be here by Saturday so might have a wee sneak preview :)
Got mine too and tucked under the tree for a Xmas read.
Brian
This was one of two outstanding presents I got this year. I'm about 30% of my way through it and I am already sure it's going to be joining my small list of truly great fishing books.
Quote from: Malcolm on January 02, 2012, 11:33:06 AM
I am already sure it's going to be joining my small list of truly great fishing books.
It's already on mine Malcolm. Fishing books should be about more than fishing. This one is.
Have to agree with everyone else - a really excellent read. I'm two thirds of the way in and have actually forced myself to put it down a few times so as not to use it all up at once, if that makes any sense?
Not sure if it's this book or Fergie and Andy's presence on the forum but I'm finding myself inexorably drawn towards trolling Shetland's only ferox loch next season! :worms :lol:
Quote from: Guddler on January 02, 2012, 10:54:27 PM
Have to agree with everyone else - a really excellent read. I'm two thirds of the way in and have actually forced myself to put it down a few times so as not to use it all up at once, if that makes any sense?
Not sure if it's this book or Fergie and Andy's presence on the forum but I'm finding myself inexorably drawn towards trolling Shetland's only ferox loch next season! :worms :lol:
Go for it Guddler :D You know it makes sense. :wink:
Whats the name of the loch .?
It's the Loch of Girlsta, Fergie. The only loch in Shetland, as far as I know, with char and ferox. Here's a 6lber that came out of it a few years ago and ended up stuffed and mounted.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/burnyman30/3776814875/#sizes/l/in/photostream/ (http://www.flickr.com/photos/burnyman30/3776814875/#sizes/l/in/photostream/)
I was off in the boat two seasons ago and ended up waiting into the darkness when I came ashore, a little concerned for two other guys I'd seen out spinning in a very small skiff. They eventually appeared looking pretty shellshocked having had a lengthy tussle with the biggest troot they'd ever hooked before losing it.
My mate has a downrigger and holders that we've spoken about trying before but never got round to - this could be the year to get ourselves started!
I don't know whether the presence of char is essential for Ferox. I do know that there are some mightily big trout in Shetland lochs. I haven't seen any huge fish myself myself but some very good fishermen I know have had them. The biggest I've seen a picture of came from Benston.
QuoteMy mate has a downrigger and holders that we've spoken about trying before but never got round to - this could be the year to get ourselves started!
Looking at the bathymetric map it looks pretty good to troll. http://maps.nls.uk/bathymetric/view/?sid=74400548 (http://maps.nls.uk/bathymetric/view/?sid=74400548) The best way to troll a loch like this is by keeping the boat into the deeper water with the downriggers. With the loch having shallow margins this then gives you the opportunity to put out a planer board to troll the shallower areas at the same time.
QuoteI don't know whether the presence of char is essential for Ferox.
It was the case at one time Malcolm. Not so much now as there has been other species of fish introduced to lochs which the Ferox are now preying on.
Andy
Just finished the book, very good. I'll read it again in years to come.
I find ferox the most intriguing and mysterious of fish and while I have had a few big trout only one - a 7lb Rannoch fish I caught on a spinner in the late 70s - was from a classic ferox loch.
Quote from: Guddler on January 03, 2012, 12:08:10 AM
It's the Loch of Girlsta, Fergie. The only loch in Shetland, as far as I know, with char and ferox. Here's a 6lber that came out of it a few years ago and ended up stuffed and mounted.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/burnyman30/3776814875/#sizes/l/in/photostream/ (http://www.flickr.com/photos/burnyman30/3776814875/#sizes/l/in/photostream/)
I was off in the boat two seasons ago and ended up waiting into the darkness when I came ashore, a little concerned for two other guys I'd seen out spinning in a very small skiff. They eventually appeared looking pretty shellshocked having had a lengthy tussle with the biggest troot they'd ever hooked before losing it.
My mate has a downrigger and holders that we've spoken about trying before but never got round to - this could be the year to get ourselves started!
That sounds promising Id fish it early season get a few of these in medium size and troll round the burn mouths
just on the drop offs.
http://www.harrissportsmail.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=18377 (http://www.harrissportsmail.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=18377)
They will take a 6inch trout bait and take the guesswork out of rigging deadbaits.
If that doesnt work get into the deep water with the riggers as andy says.If you put the hrs in you will get the ferox. :D
Thanks very much for all the advice, gents. I hope I can have something to tell you about later in the year :D
Davie, you won't go wrong listening to Fergie and Andy, they are Ferox 85 dudes.
Only one fluff chucker has ever got into that elite band as far as I know - yes - you guessed it.
Stan!
I mean, who else could it have been? :lol:
Im just pleased to be able to contribute to the forum as theres so much advice freely given on here.
Hope to see a nice shetland ferox in the reports page during the season. :D :D
On account of all the early praise posted here, I had set aside 'Beneath the Black Water' for a rainy day
I was woken this morning to Mother Nature's own Rolls Royce jet engines roaring through the Ochils making most of the local roads all but impassable ........ hell, no need to go anywhere, so I lit the fire, and settled back in my armchair. That rainy day had come :roll: so I entered the world of Jon Berry
What a wonderful world. :D
The book was read in a single sitting (ok there was a few visits to the loo, a couple of coffees, a few scoops of coal for the fire and about 3pm a nice big tumbler of malt). I loved the book from beginning to end ; Jon's relationships particularly with Ricky, the joy of being on water, the clear passion for Ferox and the excitement of every capture. My favourite section being the description of the drive in the old Peugeot from Wiltshire to Altness to the soundtrack of Teenage Fanclub .......utter magic!
I should mention at this point I am not really a fan of angling literature which mostly seems to fall into either the Paul Procter/Stan Headley school of technique/scenery description, self importance or endless wordy tomes on technique. In fact I think it is a trait common with so many other outdoor pursuits particularly fishing and mountaineering/climbing.
This sits with Robin Ade's superb 'Fisher in the Hills: A Season in Galloway' as one of the best Scottish and Trout Angling books that I have read. Best of all its a book that I look forward to reading repeatedly in the years ahead
I did not learn anything that I didn't already know about trolling or ferox fishing but that is exactly the point! This is all about Jon's own (and our own) experience of life and how he (and we) find fishing a solace, focus, inspiration, retreat and/or consolation for his (our) experience of life.
When I think back over my, probably, 35 years of enthusiastic consumption of books about outdoor pursuits this book sits proudly with the likes of:
* Tom Patey's superb posthumous collection 'One Man's Mountains',
* Martyn Farr's inspirational history of British cave diving and brilliantly titled 'The Darkness Beckons' (though apart from a few ducks under sumps not quite inspirational enough to make me take up cave diving!)
* Dennis Gray's 'Rope Boy' a wonderful account of hard climbing in the 1950s and 1960s (much more than an account of climbing but is a record of young lads growing up, working hard, playing even harder, drinking, partying, making friends, falling out, laughing, fighting and where getting to the hills was as much an adventure as any climb undertaken there)
* Dave Brown and Ian R. Mitchell brilliant evocation of Scottish Mountaineering 'Mountain Days and Bothy Nights'.
I am looking forward a decade or so for the follow up :D
Quote from: tomcatin on January 04, 2012, 01:16:07 AM
I should mention at this point I am not really a fan of angling literature which mostly seems to fall into either the Paul Procter/Stan Headley school of technique/scenery description, self importance or endless wordy tomes on technique.
Could not agree more. I for one stopped reading that kind of stuff years ago. Reading any article written by someone who has no genuine passion for or affinities with the places they are writing about other than catching fish leaves me cold. I suppose there must be a place for it though as it's what makes up the bulk of magazine articles.
There's a limit to the number of manuals I can digest on any subject. You have to get out and do it. Beneath the Black Water conveys that wonderfully in my opinion, out there doing it, the places the people and the relationships, the obsession. It's a book that inspires you to get out. That chance meeting or casual observation, that can make all the difference, isn't going to happen sat in the house.
No elitism either, all about the journey. That really struck a chord. Doug Scott in his book "Big Wall Climbing" talks about "being out there" as an end in it's self, and observes that no matter the standard with which we operate or pursue our interest (he was talking climbing of course but a point I think relevant to most things in life), getting "out there" and doing it brings us all to the same place: the extreme mountaineer on his last legs operating at the edge of their ability on the roof of the world shares with the hillwalker lost in the Pentlands with poor weather struggling to find a way off the hill; a similar extreme experience. They are literally in the same place mentally despite the difference in technical ability or location. They're both out there.
It's similar with fishing I think, some are better than others at the actual techniques involved etc, some have more enthusiasm, but the vast majority of the overall experience is often common enough to all who take part, enough to enable us to identify ourselves as fishermen regardless of competence level. I think thats what I saw in Jon's book; a good bit of myself and good bit of the others I'm known to fish with, or not as the case maybe.
Enjoyed this very much, nice to be able to connect with many of the places. Particularly liked the chat with Ron Greer. Thanks WFF............
Some rave reviews indeed. Tomcatin's, combined with me finally making some headway through my winter reading pile, has finally pushed me over the edge - ordered from Amazon for less than a tenner - nae bad. Cannae wait. :D
Andy T
I got round to starting it the other night and am thoroughly enjoying it. Jeesh, Shin is a hell of a place to catch your 1st ferox :shock:
Finished the book last night, I don't usually enjoy fishing books as they can go on a bit at times but this was a good read as well as being about fishing.
Just to add my tuppence worth to all of the above. I really, really enjoyed this book. A nice, easy read and one that will resonate with lovers of wild fish (particularly Brown trout) and wild places anywhere. The author also ensures that it's not just about the fishing and bears just enough of his soul to make for a really interesting read and give most folk plenty that they can identify with.
I'd almost say it's a must read. Really nice also to be able to relate not just to the love of fishing aspect, but to have it based on Scotland and the Highlands almost makes it feel personal.
Top drawer, and looking forward to reading it again in a few months. I'm just hoping I can resist the daft thoughts now formulating in my head about fruitlessly chasing Ferox in the near future. . . . :roll:
Andy T
Note re the above post: embarressingly enough, I hadn't realised John Berry was a member and had actually contributed to this thread :oops:. Doesn't change any of the above though.
Strangely, my missus picked up the book the other night, having never shown any interest in anything fish/fishing related the entire time I've known her. She hasn't put it down since and says she's really enjoying it - now that is a recommendation :shock: :lol: