I agree with "Mystic's" review. If you are looking for just some generalized information about surfcasting, this is a nice little intro. It's handy to have on your bookshelf; but it is by no means a "Compleat" look at the subject. Novices will come away with too much generalization to make good decisions, and experienced surfcasters won't find the detail they need to confront specific issues about tackle, fish species or techniques. Like too many "how to" publications, it's written with an orientation toward East Coast lore, techniques, attitudes, and species of fish. If you fish the Pacific Coast, this book will add nothing to your knowledge, and will in fact mislead you. Yes, the information is dated, but since surfcasting books are VERY rare, this one gets points for just attempting to cover the subject. It's a book to have, but treat it as an introductory primer only.