Rod Crafting - Jeffrey Hatton
I chose this title as April's Book of the Month for two reasons. Firstly, it proved absolutely invaluable in the investigation of the rods acquired both last month and this (see Latest News) but also because it's a book that revives one of the great pleasures for childhood, - looking at the pictures!
Jeff's book is packed with detailed photos and descriptions of fishing rods from both sides of the Atlantic, spanning the periods from the early wood and cane rods of the artisan era to the splendid casting tools of the "Golden Age". Come to think of it, it also makes a perfect foil to George Black's "Casting a Spell" (last month's BotM) in that you can actually see examples of the rods made by the personalities that Black describes.
Another remarkable aspect of Jeff's book is its continued availability. So many titles on the history of rod making and rod makers are now out of print, it's refreshing to find a tile that you can go out a buy off the shelves right now. So what are you waiting for...?
Jeff's book is packed with detailed photos and descriptions of fishing rods from both sides of the Atlantic, spanning the periods from the early wood and cane rods of the artisan era to the splendid casting tools of the "Golden Age". Come to think of it, it also makes a perfect foil to George Black's "Casting a Spell" (last month's BotM) in that you can actually see examples of the rods made by the personalities that Black describes.
Another remarkable aspect of Jeff's book is its continued availability. So many titles on the history of rod making and rod makers are now out of print, it's refreshing to find a tile that you can go out a buy off the shelves right now. So what are you waiting for...?