OCCASIONAL Salmon by Bridestowe man Neon Reynolds provides a fascinating insight into the author?s experiences of a lifetime of fishing. The book traces Neon?s interest in fishing from the age of eight on the Scottish Dee, through happy days at the famous Carnarvon Arms Hotel at Dulverton, until he caught his first Scottish salmon on the Spey in 1952. The book then takes us back to Neon?s schooldays at Eton in the 1950?s, and some of the eccentric figures who walked through the corridors of the distinguished school, before returning to the main angling theme. He then settles into stories of fly-fishing in Scotland from a by-gone era. Visits to the Upper Oykel and then the Farrar provide the opportunity to concentrate as much on the characters met as on the fishing itself. In this way, the author avoids the common pitfall of many fishing books namely repetitive stories of fish caught and lost. However, the story of the nine salmon caught weighing 79lbs on one boat on the Upper Oykel in September 1977 encompasses the very essence of salmon fishing. Neon Reynolds was born in London and worked there for many years, before moving to Devon with his wife Jenny 25 years ago. The book also explains the origins of Mr Reynold?s remarkable Christian name, passed on by his father. The author explains that his grandfather, a steamship captain, was by all accounts a bit of a womaniser. ?When his third son was born, he was in the middle of a voyage on which one of his favourite lady passengers, Lady Nea Hamilton was on board. My grandmother was persuaded to name the baby after her, the Christian name being suitably masculinised for the purpose,? he explains. Some readers may find the author is a trifle harsh on the quality of the salmon fishing on the rivers of Devon and the book ends with some controversial comments about ?catch and release?. However, the worthy notion is proposed that all anglers should all do more to ensure the survival of the Atlantic salmon. Occasional Salmon by Neon Reynolds is available direct from the author, price £11.95. For enquiries please ring 01837 861678. RICHARD WEVILL