For me my number 2 (and it is only just at number 2) would be Arthur Ransome's Rod and Line with Michael Horden.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Arthur-Ransomes ... d+and+line
I particularly like the episode where Mr Horden is fishing the lake district and things aren't going too well. We are then let into the world of the local chap who goes up the small becks with a worm and gets a bag full for the pot...
So, what say you chaps?