A handful of interesting books have arrived in the SunLive newsroom in recent times, some of them look like essential reading for a Kiwi summer on the water.

First up are a couple from esteemed fisho Mark Kitteridge. This bloke really knows his stuff. We had the pleasure of meeting Mark at a fishing festival in Vava'u a few years back and he is a mine of information.

‘Catch More Snapper' explains exactly that. Described by Mark as New Zealand's favourite fish, he methodically details how to consistently and regularly catch snapper, by understanding the fish, habits, preferences and life cycle. Most importantly, what motivates it to eat your bait or lure.

So much has changed with techniques and gear since Mark's first book. This new publication deals with every method, from the traditional cut bait right through to the latest plastics, slow jigs and other new-fangled fishing systems.

This is a comprehensive book with illustrations and colour pictures on every one of the 250 pages.

It has inspired several members of our family to up their game and it has brought results to the dinner table!

‘Knots, Rigs and Baits, A Kiwi Guide' is another great title from Mark, which takes saltwater fishos through the various rigs, tackle and techniques to target popular species in different situations.

Again the book has colour photos and drawings on every page (see pg 208).

Both books are published by The Halcyon Press.

‘Why Trout Usually Win' by Graeme Marshall is dubbed ‘the guides' book of fishing excuses'.

It's a treasure of stories, information, anecdotes and tips for the freshwater fisho.

Graeme says there are easier ways of catching trout, but the fascination of fly fishing endures into the modern era.

'Despite major advances in equipment and countless variations on patterns of fly, the actual method is remarkably faithful to that pioneered by the earliest exponents.”

Graeme draws on a 30-year-plus career of fly fish guiding, plus some input from his peers, to bring to print 220 pages of yarns, tips and some stunning photography.

I was particularly impressed with his attitude to dealing with a relatively new phenomenon on our rivers and lakes – more boats, people, dogs and even the intrusion of industry and farming. 'It's all part of the scene.” This books is published by The Halcyon Press.

‘The Kiwi Surfcasting Guide' is a new release by Andy Mcleod, which he says contains all you need to know to master the art of surfcasting in New Zealand. Even if you're already an accomplished rock or beach fisher, there will be plenty to reel in from reading this.

Andy has fished right around our coastline and has included a guide to the fishing opportunities in all regions. The softcover 144 pages includes plenty of colour and B&W photos from Andy's travels.

The perfect book for the roving fisho or motor-caravanner.

RRP $30 and published by Bateman.

‘New Zealand Whitewater 5: 180 Great Kayak Runs' by Graham Charles takes the adventure seeker on a rollercoaster ride on the best kayaking rivers of the nation.

It is essential reading for any whitewater junkie. Even old school paddlers…I couldn't put this book down until I'd relived scores of wild water expeditions from years gone by.

As the title suggests, it's the fifth revision of the book first written in 1996 and self-published by Graham, based in Hokitika. There are plenty of maps and pictures, mostly B&W in the 332 pages.

The diagrams are particularly useful for those seeking access points, if your put in and out knowledge is a bit rusty. Vitally important from a safety point of view, this book is a one-stop resource to conquering and surviving, New Zealand's best whitewater runs.

‘The Story of the America's Cup 1851-2013'

Sumptuous and extravagant. Probably the best way to sum up this stunning publication by Ranulf Rayner, with extensive paintings by Tim Thompson. This is saloon conversation and coffee table glory at its finest.

A big format, decadent and delightful romp through the annals of history, with the pomp and absurdity; controversy and innovation that we know as the America's Cup.

A must-have title for the most engaged cup fanatics. Probably too flash for my boat; I'll find someone with a varnished stateroom to give it away to!

Full colour, hard cover and 104 pages of posh. Published by Bateman.