There's Always a First Fish

Bob Smith was born in 1928 in Rosyth, Scotland. His father's folk were fishermen and seamen and his mother's folk farmers and artisans, so he was brought up with 'one foot in a cowpat and the other on a drifter's gunnel'. After secondary school, he was apprenticed as a quantity surveyor, but gave that up for a life in agriculture. His ambition to farm on his own account ultimately stalled through lack of capital, and he instead entered Edinburgh University. After graduation, he spent spent twelve years in teaching. He was then appointed curator of Auchindrain Museum of Country Life in Argyll. In these changes of employment, he admits, he often opted for the position which would allow 'time and opportunity for fishing'. In this intelligent memoir, Bob Smith explores the neglected theme of the 'first fish' (and much else besides). Angling enthusiasts the world over will welcome this feast of colourful tales.