Based on scientific studies (as well as the authors' lifelong experience) this book explores the science of why fish in the sea behave the way they do, and shows how to use this information to increase the quantity and size of the catch.

By translating the observations of fisheries scientists and their own experiences as life-long anglers into practical tactics, Mike and his pals have paved the way for saltwater lure and fly fishing to become widely accepted as mainstream methods. Whether you take your rod to the sea every day or once or twice a year, this book will reduce the number of 'blanks' and improve the quality of your catches. Above all, it will give you a good read and a feeling as near to wetting a line in the sea as you can get without leaving your house. -- Mel Russ Of Sea Angler Magazine From the Foreword by Mel Russ, Editor of Sea Angler magazine

Mike Ladle is a leader in the field of marine ecology and fish behaviour, and is a National Anglers' Council instructor. He has contributed to numerous radio and television programmes on angling and river life, and writes regularly for Sea Angler, Angler's Mail and Trout & Salmon amongst other magazines. Steve Pitts is also a lifelong angler, conservationist and journalist, and is a consultant to the European Anglers' Alliance.

Foreword Acknowledgements 1 - Bass: Everyman's Fish 2 - Bream and Wrasse: Toothy and Tough 3 - Cod, Haddock and Ling: Greedy but Discerning 4 - Eels and Lampreys: Ancient Fish with Modern Problems 5 - Flatfishes: Wonders of the Undersea World 6 - Mackerel, Scad, Shad Mullet and Garfish: The Light Tackle Angler's Dream 7 - Pouting, Whiting, Pollack and Coalfish: Pests and Powerhouses 8 - Sharks, Rays and Dogfish: Swimming Circuit Boards 9 - The Science of Lures and Baits: Well We Never Knew That! 10 - What's Your Line: And the Reel to Hold It 11 - Hooks and Weights: The Vital Links 12 - The Beginning and the End: Sea Angling Then and Now