Book review: The Adaptive Angler

The Adaptive Angler

Ontario OUT of DOORS contributor Bob Bailey is, first and foremost, a well-respected scientist. Before his storied career, he spent a few formative seasons as a fishing guide, and he has been a dedicated angler ever since.

So, it should come as no surprise that he wrote a scientific book on fishing.

The Adaptive Angler is not your typical fishing book, however. It is not species or technique specific. Nor does it offer many flowery anecdotes or simple solutions to try next time you are out. Instead, I liken it to a textbook on fishing. It covers a lot of ground. The 388-page book provides scientific perspectives on the things anglers already think about. But more importantly, it delves into ideas that are not commonly discussed, such as how fish are adapting to increased fishing pressure and catch and release, and much more.

A science-based approach

Throughout, Bailey introduces a science-based approach that the reader can use to catch more and bigger fish of whatever species they target. This encourages anglers to understand the environment they are fishing in, as well as their target species, and how they have adapted.

Bailey said he wrote it “to empower anglers to make better decisions at every level of the game, from choosing a lure to identifying a selected target species.”

At the heart of this book is Bailey’s belief that the angler’s most potent fishing tool is their brain. Adaptive asks the angler to think, using experience and the facts at hand, to adapt to the angling situation laid out in front of them.

“The idea is to encourage anglers to cope with change while making constant improvements in their angling craft,” Bailey said.

MSRP: $49.95 (softcover) www.adaptiveangler.com

Published in Ontario OUT of DOORS' Fishing Annual 2024

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