Waterlog - should I let it go?

[Simon F]

Hi Gents and Ladies ,

My good Lady Wife has insisted that I clear my study and make room on my bookshelves for some of the books piled on the floor. This has been a disturbing experience for me as getting rid of any book is something I feel very bad about. But it must be done I suppose. I do wonder what the village hall book Sale made of some of my more esoteric books that I released back in to the Wild with hem last month..

However; on one shelf I have the full set 1 - 100 of Waterlog. Though I dream that I shall, when I retire (3.5 years and counting), sit back and re-read them all, I fear I may not. I have a near full set of Trollope ( still looking for 15 of the 48 folio editions) which I am promising myself to re-read first- and also lots of actual fishing to do, along with old tractors to maintain and a Wife to amuse.

So, what to do?
Is there a market for a set of Waterlogs?
Is there a value to these things?
Should I keep them for myself, and just dip in? I was always wishing that Medlar would publish at the end an index to all the issues?

Suggestions please?

Simon

[Liphook]

I've heard of but never actually seen Waterlog. Should you wish to sell then I could be tempted !

[Pallenpool]

Well - firstly there is a market for the Waterlog issues - No1 and the Birthday editions being the most collectible
They can garner upto £15 per copy. For the rest anywhere between £3-5. As a complete set however one maybe able to achieve a better overall asking price - the only way to determine all the above is try them on the open market - possibly and if not through the TFF then ‘that’ auction site.

The best - well most of the best articles in Waterlog were published by Medlar in book form - so there is an option to retain some of the memories. I have noticed recently some daft prices being asked for this book - so it would pay to have patience.

Whatever you decide it will be the right thing at the time - just remember what we do on one particular day can haunt us the next - and really no one can help with your decision - it is after all very personal.

Peter

[Gobio Gobio]

I sense some doubt in your voice Simon, if thats the case then I would keep them sir. I have regretted parting with all sorts of things over the years. It has taken you a long time to collect so keep them for a rainy day.
Yes there is a market for Waterlog, especially a complete 1-100 set.

[Dave Burr]

I'd keep the magazines and sell the wife.... have you considered that?

I'm certain you can find a bit of room somewhere, maybe a plastic box in a shed or garage, and they will still be waiting for that first wet winter after you retire. They will retain a value but once sold - you will never get them back.

[Northern Eel]

I used to have many of the early waterlogs, I read them front to back and eventually I sold them, I regret it now, I would say keep hold of them.

[Simon F]

I do have the hard-copy 101, I would not get rid of that though.

Will I face the same conundrum when I have the full set of Fallons?

[Olly]

I have the first 125+ of "Fishing" starting in Feb 1963. Articles by Walker, Taylor and others of that period. I have thought of selling but if I did - they would be gone forever! A pain in some ways but they easily fit into a £6 plastic box from Wilko and left in the loft for the future. Stored with anti-bookworm pellets!!

[Aitch]

The only publication I ever bought all of and kept was the Fishermans HandBook... I have all 3 volumes in binders...
I'd say keep the books and mags and swap the missus...

[Beresford]

I'd strongly suggest that you keep them. I have up to around issue 60 and it's a great pleasure to dip into them every now and then.