IF YOU think footy is Australia's favourite sport, think again - with 3.5 million participants that accolade goes to the noble sport of fishing.
And for anyone hooked on the pastime there's a must have book - The Complete Fishing Bible by Alistair McGlashin now in its fourth edition with more than 500 pages devoted to the battle between human and fish.
From choosing rods, reels, lures, baits and other tackle to rigs and casting tricks, this book will appeal equally to the newby and the lifelong fisherman.
There are sections on fresh and saltwater fish species, where to find them, the best season and the best techniques to use.
Fly fishing, sport fishing, boat fishing in lakes, night fishing and even back country canoeing all get as mention in this well written and easy to read book.
Australian hotspots from Southern Tasmania to Cairns, the Great Barrier Reef and the Corroboree Billabong will give locals and travellers alike enough information to have an enjoyable day's fishing.
A book like this wouldn't be complete without a section on safe boating and it's capped off with a selection of fish recipes with some of the McGlashan family's favourite fish tucker just asking to be tried.
With photos in full colour this book makes a great gift for the fisher in your life - or just treat yourself.
"There is something very humbling about fishing. It's a skills that is not taught at school, it is passed through generations. For many, like myself, it's a ritual and the love of the water and the fish we chase becomes an obsession." Alistair McGlashan
The gods do not deduct from man's allotted span the hours spent in fishing. ~ Babylonian Proverb
- The Complete Fishing Bible, New Holland Publishers $49.99
