Inquisitive Angler

In The Compleat Angler Izaak Walton observes, "Angling is somewhat like poetry, men are to be born so." Migdalski was born so, and then added some 30 years in Yale University's ichthyology department collecting and studying exotic species around the world. A by-product of his career, this book of informed fishing passions is an authoritative lexicon that will delight the angler's senses. Exercising restraint in the glossary format, Migdalski ( Fresh and Salt Fishes of the World ), who like all fishermen knows more than he says, includes practical information on, for example, fresh and saltwater angling techniques, taxidermy, taxonomy and various records. A litmus test for younger readers who wonder if they might be "born so" and armchair pleasure for the seasoned angler, this volume is as much a treasure as would be a book of butterfly collecting by Nabokov.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Most of the science available to fishers is in the form of entomology or trout biology. Migdalski ( Fresh and Salt Water Fishes of the World , Outlet Bk. Co., 1990) fills a vacuum for this audience with a very appropriate subject: ichthyology. His book contains much interesting and generally hard-to-find information. Unfortunately the somewhat grab-bag, disjointed organization of topics running from limnology to taxidermy is disheartening, as is a long undistinguished chapter of brief profiles of 44 fresh and saltwater gamefish families. Informative but padded, it would take a very inquisitive angler, indeed, to bite at this title. Suitable for most nature and fishing collections, but indispensable only to those who feel the unexamined fish is not worth catching.
- David Panciera, Westerly P.L., R.I.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.