The Perilous Catch

For centuries Britain's commercial fishermen have ventured out into the ravages of the surrounding seas to bring fish back both to supply a home market and for export around the world. Fishing is one of history's most dangerous jobs, and when disasters occur they can affect whole communities: in 1872 some 129 men were lost in one night alone. Fishermen have lost their lives because of extreme weather, fishing gear entanglement, lack of emergency support and often simply by falling overboard. Today, commercial fishing remains one of the most perilous occupations and still claims the lives of fishermen each year, leaving their families behind. The Perilous Catch is a well-researched, comprehensive and poignant history of the fishing industry written by maritime historian Mike Smylie.

MIKE SMYLIE is a maritime historian who specialises in the fishing industry and has written numerous books and articles on the subject, including Thomas Summers & Co. and Voices from the Shoreline for The History Press. He is also a founder member of the 40+ Fishing Boat association, which was founded to promote and preserve British fishing traditions and vessels, and edits their thrice-yearly newsletter Fishing Boats.