How We Fish: The Love, Life and Joy of the Riverbank

by Paul Whitehouse, John Bailey, Bob Mortimer (Introduction)

Paul Whitehouse and fishing expert John Bailey celebrate the timeless joy of fishing.

Paul Whitehouse and John Bailey have been devout fishermen for longer than they care to remember. A hobby, past time or sport—call it what you want—they have felt the pull of the water ever since they were kids and have never missed the chance to set up on the bank and try their luck.

In this wonderful book, the two fishermen collaborate to celebrate the rich tapestry that is fishing—from mentors to memories; from philosophy to modern jargon; from watercraft to becoming self-styled ‘Fishing Detectives’.

Punctuated by brilliant stories, beautiful illustrations by Carys Reilly-Whitehouse, and recollections from fishing day trips past, How We Fish is the perfect tome for the veteran fisherman or the budding angler—warm, funny and rich in the wonders of the riverbank.

Genres: Nature

298 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 14, 2023

About the author

Paul Julian Whitehouse is a Welsh actor, writer, presenter and comedian. He was one of the main stars of the BBC sketch comedy series The Fast Show, and has starred with Harry Enfield in the shows Harry & Paul and Harry Enfield & Chums. He has appeared with Bob Mortimer in the BBC series Mortimer & Whitehouse: Gone Fishing, and has also acted in films including Corpse Bride (2005), Alice in Wonderland (2010), and The Death of Stalin (2017).

In a 2005 poll to find The Comedian's Comedian, he was in the top 50 comedy acts voted for by comedians and comedy insiders.

[With thanks to Wikipedia]

Reviews

[Simon Gosden · Rating 4 out of 5]

A delicious compendium of fishing tips, fishing lore and all round fishing stories from Paul Whitehouse and John Bailey who both worked on Gone Fishing.
It’s a true delight.

[Geoff Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

I came to the book How We Fish: The Love, Life and Joy of the Riverbank, written by Paul Whitehouse and John Bailey, with introduction by Bob Mortimer, via the gentle comedy and iconic central relationship of the BBC television series Mortimer and Whitehouse: Gone Fishing starring Bob Mortimer and Paul Whitehouse, with fishing consultancy from John Bailey. My non-fishing partner is perhaps even a bigger fan than I am.
As well as for fans of the Mortimer and Whitehouse, this book is good for people who are thinking they might like to try fishing as a hobby or return to a previously enjoyed but lapsed hobby, for anglers who think they might like to try other branches of fishing, and for any anglers who are happy to spend time with experienced fishermen, appreciate their approach, enjoy their anecdotes, learn from their tips and guidance. Their knowledge, enthusiasm and dedication shine through.
What is missing from the book – as with all or almost all of the fishing books on my bookshelves – is any recognition of the ethical issue of doing something for pleasure that may cause another living being pain. They do not bring up or address the question of whether fish feel pain while being played, and if so, how much pain. It was this issue, as well as changes in family circumstances (kids), despite being a dedicated fly-fishing and fly-tying enthusiast during the late 80s and 90s, that caused me around the turn of the millennia to hang up my rods and put away my beloved fly-tying equipment.

[Andrew Dine · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun book with a clear joy for the world of fishing, for those who are match anglers or regular course anglers we sadly don't fare well here as it clearly isn't one of the interests of the authors. But some fantastic anecdotes and tips around getting into the hobby

[Chris H · Rating 5 out of 5]

After a 30 year hiatus, this book (and Gone Fishing) were enough to get me back onto the bank. Maybe it'll do the same for you!

[Mike · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great for anglers. Full of great stories.

[Emma Jackson · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very enjoyable read about a sport that the authors clearly love as their enthusiasm and respect for fishing shines through on every page.