To quote Mike Harris’ foreword, “What sets Martin apart from all the others is ... the gift he has ... for inspiring all who meet him.” There are many well-known authors and respected authorities in the angling world, but Martin James’ At the Water’s Edge certainly claims a place as an entertaining and accessible work of fishing literature.

While it is largely autobiographical, there is enough of an element of angling technique and narrative to render it a sort of demi-guide to the sport. This halfway-house approach is, of course, open to accusations that James lacks the resolution to decide what it is he wants to write about. Surely, he should choose one genre or another? But, somehow, James seems immune to such criticism.

If you don’t know Martin James you definitely will after reading this book. His full-on confidence and open manner, when twinned with a wealth of angling experience, create a piece – although neither angling guide nor memoir – that exudes charisma, is informative and thoughtful, and inspires in readers, through his constant joie de vivre, a desire to pursue passions wholeheartedly.

To throw in a few proverbs: it may appear to the analytical reader that James is neither here nor there – on the fence rather than by the water – but he is actually killing two birds with one amiably written, well-produced hardback.

For me, what make this book work – and it certainly does – are the author’s reminiscences of younger days. His cobbled-together gear: tank aerials, cigarette-foil indicators, army blankets and a borrowed ‘love nest’ (read it to find out) are evocative of personal experiences on remote Scottish rock-climbing jaunts with enthusiasm and naiveté to make up for deficits of experience, equipment and sensible weather.

While it should certainly be done, and James no doubt earned it, enduring luxury Bahamian fishing trips isn't much of a feat; the author’s passages relating to the early days (and nights) of dogged carping efforts in the face of financial worry and crippling illness are what make for rousing, and touching reading.

A donation is made to ABF The Soldiers’ Charity for every copy of At the Water’s Edge sold. This charity, to which Martin James has given over the back cover of his book, is dedicated to providing day-to-day, unconditional support for British ex-soldiers who have fallen on hardship, be it financial, family- or injury-related.

As well as its charitable side, his book is most commendable for its entertainment value and inspiring content.

Well worthy of a closing mention are James’ light-hearted humour and amusing whiffs of a ‘man of the world’, along with a refreshing lack of jargon, which afford access for all strata of the angling world. Thus, not only will the fishing readership benefit from James’ book, but it will be an inspiration to beginners, contributing to a strong future for our sport.

Martin does a lot of bait-fishing – but nobody’s perfect.