Salmon, Trout and Charr of the World

by Rupert Watson

More commonly know as game fish, these fish belong to the Salmonidae family, united by form, physiology, behaviour and habitat preferences. Written for non-scientists, this study encompasses the fishes origins, evolution, diets, migrations, breeding patterns and management. The wider issues of the commercial fishing industry, over-fishing, and conservation measures to prevent the decline of these species are also explored. Individual chapters focus...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 185310888X
• ISBN13: 9781853108884
• Release Date: January 2002
• Publisher: Swan Hill Press
• Length: 272 Pages
• Weight: 1.70 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 7.9" x 10.0"

Customer Reviews

A European perspective on trout & salmon

This provides thorough review of the natural history of most of the salmonids in the world. I found Watson's European/British perspective quite interesting, although the writing tends to repetition. I was hoping for more on the huchen species, which are not discussed. (The title is honest about this.) I much preferred Behnke's book, whose career as a fish biologist is evident in his writing. However, his book concentrates on North America species. This book is worth the read.

Buy this book!

Salmon, Trout, and Charr of the World: A Fisherman's Natural History is a remarkable achievement. Rupert Watson has produced a book that is breathtaking in scope, exquisite in illustration, impeccable in scholarship, and a delight to read. Previous books that seek to communicate the biology of these fishes to those who love them pale by comparison. Perhaps most importantly, Rupert Watson has produced the first book that adequately communicates the science of salmonids to fisherman without a hint of condescension. If you are interested in salmonids for any reason, this book is essential for your bookshelf and will undoubtedly become the flagship of your collection.Salmonids (salmon, trout, and charr) are perhaps the best studied group of fishes in the world. Owing to their commercial, recreational, and spiritual importance, they have been the focus of a vast amount of research over the last 100 years. This research has generated a body of scientific literature that is bewildering in complexity and overwhelming in volume. Over the past decade, I have been immersed in that literature as a researcher and teacher at universities throughout the world. Based on this experience, I can attest to the quality and accuracy of the book's representation. As a fanatical salmon and trout fisherman over the past two decades, I can attest to the book's readability and beauty of presentation. In addition to its copious detailed text, it contains one of the best collections of exquisite salmonid photographs (many taken underwater) that have been collected into a single book.I would recommend this book not only to fisherman but to all who conduct research on salmonids or who deal with their management and conservation. Salmon, Trout, and Charr of the World is not only the best interpretation of salmonid science for fisherman but perhaps also the best simple summary of the biology of this important group of fishes. Buy this book!

The Best of Its Kind

In a lifetime of professional work in the field of fisheries, I have never read a book so complete, informative and lucidly written as Rupert Watsons "Salmon, Trout and Charr of the World". Watson has written for fishermen, environmentalists and all concerned with preserving the remarkable group of species that form the group. He is thorough, complete,and with remarkable photographs and charts. He has personally consulted authorative experts in his extensive travels throughout the Northern Hemisphere and followed member species of the group wherever they appear south of the Equator. His language and explanations are easily understood by non-professionals, and have passed reviews by outstanding authorities. His chapters on Pacific Salmon, Atlantic Salmon, Rainbow and Steelhead Trout are particularly valuable for those of us in the United States and Canada who are concerned with the welfare of salmon resources and the pressure on their essential freshwater environments.,