I have just finished reading a new book, written and self published by Tom Bankes, called ‘from sticklebacks to throwing sticks'.
Tom is an extremely respected yet low key angler, best known perhaps for being the owner of Savay lakes, though his captures are impressive from many waters...including several which are not covered at all in the book.
The book is extremely engaging, the first book that I have really not been able to put down for many years. It is not just a carp book, it is a book about fishing. Bravo, to Tom, this is an invaluable addition to any anglers bookshelf.
Tom is an extremely respected yet low key angler, best known perhaps for being the owner of Savay lakes, though his captures are impressive from many waters...including several which are not covered at all in the book.
The book is extremely engaging, the first book that I have really not been able to put down for many years. It is not just a carp book, it is a book about fishing. Bravo, to Tom, this is an invaluable addition to any anglers bookshelf.
In reply to Post #1
Thanks, have not seen that one
Thanks, have not seen that one
In reply to Post #1
Mine is due to arrive today, really looking forward to it.
Apparently the follow-up is already finished and due for release next year with a third book ready for proof reading for release in 2024.
Mine is due to arrive today, really looking forward to it.
Apparently the follow-up is already finished and due for release next year with a third book ready for proof reading for release in 2024.
In reply to Post #1
First of three books....
Got mine yesterday but just flicked through it. Some impressive fish for sure.
If you go to his website it gives a brief summary of what's coming in the other two books.
One winter 23 and the final one winter 24
Looks like an immense trilogy
First of three books....
Got mine yesterday but just flicked through it. Some impressive fish for sure.
If you go to his website it gives a brief summary of what's coming in the other two books.
One winter 23 and the final one winter 24
Looks like an immense trilogy
In reply to Post #4
I cannot wait for the next installments!
I cannot wait for the next installments!
In reply to Post #4
What's his website address?
What's his website address?
In reply to Post #6
Only available from a handful of retailers. Johnson Ross and bankside tackle being a couple.
https://tombankesangling.co.uk/
Only available from a handful of retailers. Johnson Ross and bankside tackle being a couple.
https://tombankesangling.co.uk/
In reply to Post #7
Thanks, will wait for book 2 and book 3.
Thanks, will wait for book 2 and book 3.
In reply to Post #8
Had it delivered on Tuesday, not opened it yet, can't wait to start.
Had it delivered on Tuesday, not opened it yet, can't wait to start.
In reply to Post #7
Tackle box and a few others as well as those mentioned.
Tackle box and a few others as well as those mentioned.
In reply to Post #8
Wouldn't hang about too long mate, looks like Johnson Ross have sold out already. Possibly a load more in reserve but you know how these first releases go.
Wouldn't hang about too long mate, looks like Johnson Ross have sold out already. Possibly a load more in reserve but you know how these first releases go.
In reply to Post #11
I had the pleasure of first texting him , then a phone call from me a polite request to be considered for Savay ticket . It did not go well , I think he thought he was talking to snotty nose kid , but heyho it takes all-sorts . Got loads of books , and as I never hold grudges , this could end up on my shelf
I had the pleasure of first texting him , then a phone call from me a polite request to be considered for Savay ticket . It did not go well , I think he thought he was talking to snotty nose kid , but heyho it takes all-sorts . Got loads of books , and as I never hold grudges , this could end up on my shelf
In reply to Post #1
Went to Sparsholt with TB back in the late 80's. My book has arrived. The carp anglers carp angler and one of three books in the series.
Went to Sparsholt with TB back in the late 80's. My book has arrived. The carp anglers carp angler and one of three books in the series.
In reply to Post #12
I suspect that he has rather got tired of people asking for a Savay ticket by now!!
I suspect that he has rather got tired of people asking for a Savay ticket by now!!
In reply to Post #14
A letter is what's required. A days ticket isn't as hard to get as some would think.
A letter is what's required. A days ticket isn't as hard to get as some would think.
In reply to Post #15
I wrote a polite letter , and when a friend who was a long time member told me that it was time for new day members I gave him another polite message with a solution to the carpark problem that has happened due to HS2 , it seems I must have caught him on a bad day 🙄 , because although he is an angler of long standing he should know how things work.
Was a member late 80s , early 90s , and I'm getting old and wanted a last crack at it , he may have done me a favour 👍
I wrote a polite letter , and when a friend who was a long time member told me that it was time for new day members I gave him another polite message with a solution to the carpark problem that has happened due to HS2 , it seems I must have caught him on a bad day 🙄 , because although he is an angler of long standing he should know how things work.
Was a member late 80s , early 90s , and I'm getting old and wanted a last crack at it , he may have done me a favour 👍
Picked up a copy in Bankside on Saturday afternoon if anyone's looking for a copy, Tom had dropped off a few boxes that morning and I was in there around 3pm so wouldn't of thought they shifted many after I was in there.
I ordered a copy from Johnson Ross on Thursday and it arrived first thing this morning.
Nice to buy a book that has a bit of weight to it, should keep me busy for a while.
Nice to buy a book that has a bit of weight to it, should keep me busy for a while.
While we're on the subject of new books, any collectors or those interested in UK carp heritage might be interested in "The 'Brook" by Phil Lowry. It's more of a 'zine than a book with about 100 pages I think. A collection of shots and memoires from Conningbrook back in the day. There were only 500 published and most are gone but Invicta Angling still have some left.
In reply to Post #19
I bought this when it was recommended by the guys at Sub. Like you say, it's a bit different from the traditional hardback 300 page affair. Haven't had a chance to read it yet, but look forward to doing so.
I bought this when it was recommended by the guys at Sub. Like you say, it's a bit different from the traditional hardback 300 page affair. Haven't had a chance to read it yet, but look forward to doing so.
In reply to Post #17
Likewise me, but today. The photos alone are amazing.
Likewise me, but today. The photos alone are amazing.
In reply to Post #19
Just tried to get a copy but they've sold out now unfortunately 😕
Just tried to get a copy but they've sold out now unfortunately 😕
In reply to Post #22
Price has just doubled
Price has just doubled
In reply to Post #22
In reply to Post #21
Got a signed one from Bristol Angling. Along with Stevie Alcott, I've been wishing for Tom to write for years.
Got a signed one from Bristol Angling. Along with Stevie Alcott, I've been wishing for Tom to write for years.
In reply to Post #25
I'm more surprised to see one from Tom than Steve Alcott to be fair!
Steve's book would be potentially the greatest of them all. Not just the captures, but his style of writing. His chapter in Basil's Bush was and is my favourite bit of modern carp literature.
I'm more surprised to see one from Tom than Steve Alcott to be fair!
Steve's book would be potentially the greatest of them all. Not just the captures, but his style of writing. His chapter in Basil's Bush was and is my favourite bit of modern carp literature.
In reply to Post #26
Couldn't agree more. Fabulous writer, brilliant angler. He must have one hell of a book in him.
Couldn't agree more. Fabulous writer, brilliant angler. He must have one hell of a book in him.
In reply to Post #27
Agree lads. But I fear it will never happen which is a massive shame.
Agree lads. But I fear it will never happen which is a massive shame.
Really enjoyed it.
just got a copy from tackle den in cirencester.. 2 or 3 more copy's left on their counter
In reply to Post #30
I've started reading mine now. I must say, I think he's got an unusual writing style. Good or bad. Loads of fantastic photos though.
I've started reading mine now. I must say, I think he's got an unusual writing style. Good or bad. Loads of fantastic photos though.
In reply to Post #31
Yes it is an unusual style, a quite individual style of writing. Several times I had to go back and read sections as I was struggling to get to grips with it....in every case, it was worth it. I suspect that he has spent a long time writing this book, a lot of effort and it shows imo. I can't quite get over just how much I enjoyed it.
Yes it is an unusual style, a quite individual style of writing. Several times I had to go back and read sections as I was struggling to get to grips with it....in every case, it was worth it. I suspect that he has spent a long time writing this book, a lot of effort and it shows imo. I can't quite get over just how much I enjoyed it.
In reply to Post #32
The book is Bang on. Refreshing and thought provoking
It's a Great read, with a great many happy capture pictures, he is very passionate about his escapism and angling. That's obvious.
Fishing for one's own pleasure. As it should be.
The book is Bang on. Refreshing and thought provoking
It's a Great read, with a great many happy capture pictures, he is very passionate about his escapism and angling. That's obvious.
Fishing for one's own pleasure. As it should be.
In reply to Post #1
Very much looking forward to getting stuck into this one, carp books have a become a bit boring in recent years but I doubt this one will be!
Very much looking forward to getting stuck into this one, carp books have a become a bit boring in recent years but I doubt this one will be!
I've put it down for now, his writing style is odd, I'm not tempted to pick it up again for the time being.
Very few anglers make good authors and so far,Tom is no different.
Very few anglers make good authors and so far,Tom is no different.
In reply to Post #35
I'd say otherwise
He has a very unique way of writing and a very good and varied use of the English language.
I'm about half way through the book at the moment. It's a book you really have to concentrate and take in everything he is saying to fully appreciate it.
Definitely no pukka, bangers, boshing, mungo, clubbing style text in this book.
Looking forward to the other 2 volumes already.
I'd say otherwise
He has a very unique way of writing and a very good and varied use of the English language.
I'm about half way through the book at the moment. It's a book you really have to concentrate and take in everything he is saying to fully appreciate it.
Definitely no pukka, bangers, boshing, mungo, clubbing style text in this book.
Looking forward to the other 2 volumes already.
In reply to Post #36
No bangers,
worth reading then
No bangers,
worth reading then
In reply to Post #36
My copy is being delivered today so look forward to reading it. Sounds like an interesting book
My copy is being delivered today so look forward to reading it. Sounds like an interesting book
It's a great read. Tom's style of writing is a reflection of his character and when you chat with him on the bank the conversation is rarely about fish.
I take my earlier comments back,this one's growing on me.
In reply to Post #40
Well done for persevering. It's not an easy read, which makes it more rewarding. It will also be one to reread in the future I suspect, as the depth of the writing will continue to reward.
Most carp books over the last few years have been dire, filled with poor grammar and innumerable big carp. Anybody can catch big carp, it's easy. Writing a book like this is a proper feat.
Well done for persevering. It's not an easy read, which makes it more rewarding. It will also be one to reread in the future I suspect, as the depth of the writing will continue to reward.
Most carp books over the last few years have been dire, filled with poor grammar and innumerable big carp. Anybody can catch big carp, it's easy. Writing a book like this is a proper feat.
In reply to Post #41
Just finished the Pike section which has really captivated me. Certainly a distinctive writing style but I am really enjoying it.
Just finished the Pike section which has really captivated me. Certainly a distinctive writing style but I am really enjoying it.
Reading ALL pages