The first being an unusual new specialist rod from Mike Willis Fly Fishing Products Tel 01525 222644.

Except this revolutionary 12 foot Collett System rod is not for fly fishing. It has been custom designed for the angler who might wish to quiver tip for chub one week, and then go for barbel, tench, big pike, carp or catfish the next.

Because the butt section, which can be extended below the reel seat from 16 to 28 inches [via a simple’ half turn of a knurled nut and pull’ to lengthen] accommodates every forearm length requirement from close range to long range ledgering, and comes with no less than four tips.

A 1.75 lbs test curve quiver tip, a 1.75 lbs, standard tip, plus others of 2.25lbs and 2.75lbs. This incredibly versatile rod costs £235-00 and comes in its own crush proof tube.An absolute must for the travelling big fish man.

How about some top of the range Polaroid glasses from famous Costa Del Mar of Daytona Beach Florida, USA, that are available in the 400 series and 580 [top of the range] and in no less than six shades of lens colour which deliver 100% polarisation and 100% UV protection, with a choice in simply hundreds of frame options. I chose the 400 series sunrise lens [yellow] and the PE -DA Pescador frames which have clear lens side frames to let all the available light in, [£135-00 retail] and they are so very, very comfortable.

Whats more, they come with holes pre-drilled [behind your ear] to take swivelled lanyards, [provided] and all Costa Del Mar glasses come with an unconditional lifetime warranty. For additional information and your nearest stockist, Tel 01628 623100 or e-mail info@seapower.uk.com

Now for a really super single species book from the crowood stable, [tel 01672 520320] entitled ‘Nile Perch’, the ultimate guide for anglers.

This lavishly illustrated, large format book costing £19-95[ evocative and inspirational colour plates of both wildlife and Nile perch both on Lake Nasser and on the River Nile itself] of 190 pages, contains just about anything you want to know about this enigmatic species [one of the planets largest fresh water fish] via the experiences of two veritable experts.

Tim Baily who out of Aswan has run fishing safaris for one and a half decades all over 300 mile long Lake Nasser in Egypt, and is directly responsible for so many anglers capturing their largest freshwater predator, myself included.

And Dr Barrie Rickards, who has spent more time on the lake than most visitors and who as a geologist  understands these spiritual rocks intimately.

For Lake Nasser is of course a flooded desert. And as such is as unique as the Nile perch itself. A truly monumental work and most absorbing read.