Since the Viking ascendancy in the Middle Ages, the Atlantic has shaped the lives of people who depend upon it for survival. And just as surely, people have shaped the Atlantic. In his innovative account of this interdependency, W. Jeffrey Bolster, a historian and professional seafarer, takes us through a millennium-long environmental history of our impact on one of the largest ecosystems in the world. While overfishing is often thought of as a contemporary problem, Bolster reveals that humans were transforming the sea long before factory trawlers turned fishing from a handliner's art into an industrial enterprise. The western Atlantic's legendary fishing banks, stretching from Cape Cod to Newfoundland, have attracted fishermen for more than five hundred years. Bolster follows the effects of this siren's song from its medieval European origins to the advent of industrialized fishing in American waters at the beginning of the twentieth century. Blending marine biology, ecological insight, and a remarkable cast of characters, from notable explorers to scientists to an army of unknown fishermen, Bolster tells a story that is both ecological and human: the prelude to an environmental disaster. Over generations, harvesters created a quiet catastrophe as the sea could no longer renew itself. Bolster writes in the hope that the intimate relationship humans have long had with the ocean, and the species that live within it, can be restored for future generations.

Finding the perfect beach to fish and learning its secrets.

The tranquil beauty of a morning sunrise over the Atlantic Ocean is in direct contrast to the savage acts taking place beneath the water's surface. Powerful tails propel half-ton blue marlin at nearly 50 mph, as their bills slash at baitfish. The razor-sharp teach of wahoo cut unsuspecting prey in half. And these predators become the hunted, when anglers venture forth in Offshore Pursuit. Experience what the ultimate sport fishing has to offer: surface eruptions on trolled baits, rods bent in half, drags screaming, and adrenaline pumping. Whether you call blue water your regular fishing grounds or want to experience the thrill for the first time, don't leave success in the hands of Lady Luck. Knowledge and experience are necessary to produce results, and Offshore Pursuit has the information you need to catch big game fish in offshore waters. What baits each species prefers, methods of trolling, types of spreads, how to chunk for tuna, and when and how to use a kite are all covered in detail. Proven methods learned through years of experience are clearly explained to help you catch more fish. From rigging techniques to tips on how to fight trophy fish, it's all in this book.

Readers will learn everything they need to know to join in the deep-sea fishing adventure safely and successfully and land a big one. The necessary equipment, clothing, gear, tackle, techniques, etiquette, procedures, and safety precautions are all detailed, as is the incredible range of saltwater fish that can be pursued on the ocean.

Deep-sea fishermen know the big fish are always in the oceans. In this exciting book, readers are taken out on the waters of the world’s biggest oceans in search of a great catch. From marlin to swordfish, this book shows readers what kind of equipment they’ll need to catch the big one. From bait to boat, readers will be ready for an outdoor adventure of their own when they’re done!

A thoroughly practical guide to catching, preparing and cooking sea fish, from the bestselling River Cottage Handbook series From renowned fishing expert Nick Fisher comes this concise and beautifully illustrated guide to fishing along British coastline. All that's needed is a beach, pier, harbour, estuary or boat. Nick covers all the basics, such as when and where to go fishing, and then profiles the sea fish that you are likely to catch (each one clearly photographed), covering their conservation status, season, habitat and method of catching. Next he gets down to the nitty gritty, with a guide to tackles, rods, reeds, rigs, knots and bait, and step-by-step advice on all the sea fishing techniques. And for once you've made your catch, there are 30 delicious recipes from River Cottage.

Every yachtsman or motorboater has at some point entertained the idea of catching their own supper, but until now there hasn't been a book to guide them through it. This unique handbook fills the gap. Fishing whilst cruising along the coast or at anchor isn't as easy as it might at first seem, but this practical, photographic guide shows the novice how to set up their tackle, bait the line correctly and how to work with the tide to best effect. Different fishing techniques, tackle, weights and (importantly) bait are required when sailing at speed, or drifting along the coast or fishing whilst at anchor - this book presents them all with helpful step-by-step photos and diagrams. It also details how to kill, de-scale, fillet, skin and cook your catch. There is also a fish identification section that shows every type of fish that can be caught between Scotland and Gibraltar. With this book, some perseverance and a little luck, anyone trying their hand will soon be able to plan for the pleasure of fresh fish cooked aboard.