Carping Mad by Spug Redfern

[Golden Paws]

This is a book that smashed the Carp fishing book mould!

It documents his life addicted to carp fishing and the jobs he has done to fund it and the failed relationships that have accompanied it. Spug seems to be like a bull in a china shop and a larger than life character who creates chaos around him.

Spug's best mate died tragically at an early age and his attitude after  that was to live every day as though it was his last. Every session involves copious amounts of wine and a BBQ and lots of fun. His time on Conningbrook was interesting as it seems that the place was frequented by Kent's branch of Alcoholics Anonymous who had a fishing problem! That said, night bites were incredibly rare.

It is probably the most honest book you will read. Every failure in his life is documented from "trouser accidents" to 5 knuckle shuffles in the bivvy.

The rigs section takes up a whole 2 sentences which is refreshing.

I found it an interesting and enjoyable read, the emphasis being on having fun and enjoying your fishing.