Last year, at Walvan Lonavla, during a Seminar organised by Tatas on Conservation of the "Mahseer", Dr. V. R. P. Sinha Director of CIFE, Versova -Bombay, made a very pertinent observation that over the world "Scientists and Technologists involved in Pisciculture, Commercial Fishing, Fish Breeding, etc rely quite significantly on information from Anglers". They are considered very observant and spend hours at the Sea, Rivers, Lakes, Estuaries, observing Nature, Tides, Winds, Temperatures, Currents, Foods (by way of baits) Rock Formations, Seasons, Phases of the Moon. It appears that all information is co-related in the minds of the Angler to guide him whilst he is fishing.

       It is precisely this information that Scientists in Fish and Fishery disciplines are apparently using to help them evolve better techniques for Fish Culture, Breeding and Rearing and Harvesting. This is why at Seminars on Fishery Technology Anglers are invited to give their views and experiences. Anglers have written many books that form an essential part of the libraries in many Technical Institutes to do with Fisheries.

       Here in India, Angling is less popular than in most parts of the world because sufficient interest has not yet been generated and the Government Departments have not yet realised its potential as an aid to Tourism.

       Yet from the days of the British Raj till today same dedicated anglers have made very valuable contributions by way of excellent books on Angling in India.

       To read these books some of them written years before we were born is a great pleasure, they tell of the Rivers, the Seas, the Lakes and Streams of India as it used to be - clear, clean and unpolluted, green, lush and fresh. They tell of the Mighty Mahseer, the great game fish of India, the Catla, Rohu, Calabose, etc. They tell of the old "Ringal" fishing rods and Moga line and of Ground Baiting. Most of the books are now antiquated. If you have time to spend searching College Street at Calcutta or New and Second Hand Book Shop Bombay or Flora Fountain foothpaths at Bombay or Bangalore you may chance upon some of these jewels. If you find them you have found a treasure.

       Information on some of these books is given below. Any member who would like to refer to any of these books may contact Mr.Gordon Rodricks

       All books pertain to India.