just wondering... i get pretty confused by the multitude of fish in --- for example, the california delta.  this field guide seems pretty spot on. i mean, it's written by a scientist.... it lists all fish, from teeny ones, to large ones, lists whether they are native, or introduced ---- and describes the fishes habits - in terms of the fisherman.... also, how to clean, store, cook fish..... it's 530 pages... i only read the parts that interest me. looking at all the fish online is just a maze for me. 

it seems very easy to use, nice format, nice size. i got the revised edition at a used bookstore. $6. score!

I have the following two books:

1)  Inland Fishes of California (Peter B. Moyle - listed as Professor of Fish Biology UC Davis)

2)  Freshwater Fishes of California (Samuel M. McGinnis - listed as Professor of Biology Cal State Hayward)

I mostly use the first book; it is not a field guide.

I also use many online resources as those have photographs.

 

Who wrote your book?  A $6 book is a great deal!

 

13 minutes ago, BASS302 said:

I have the following two books:

1)  Inland Fishes of California (Peter B. Moyle - listed as Professor of Fish Biology UC Davis)

2)  Freshwater Fishes of California (Samuel M. McGinnis - listed as Professor of Biology Cal State Hayward)

I mostly use the first book; it is not a field guide.

I also use many online resources as those have photographs.

 

Who wrote your book?  A $6 book is a great deal!

 

I have your book#2, by McGinnis, published 2006,a revised edition.  I prefer books, such as handy  field guides that I can mark up or insert  book marks....  

why do you prefer the moyle book? i haven't seen it, and only chanced on the mcGinnis book at a library sale. 

Several reasons why I prefer the Moyle book:

1)  My McGinnis book is old - 1984!  My Moyle book is more recent - 2002

2)  For each fish, the Moyle book contains information about identification (stuff like number of fin rays, pharyngeal teeth, gill rakers, etc), taxonomy, names, distribution, life history, etc.

3)  The McGinnis book is (like you stated) a field guide.  So the information is spread out in two, or more sections.

Both books are good, it just depends on what you prefer.  My McGinnis book only has ~300 pages, so your newer edition probably has a lot more info than the edition I have.  You got a bargain.

@BASS302 thanks for the info... the revised mcginnis book has 532 pages. i *think* it has quite a bit of info on each fish - it's amazing (at least to me). the maps showing distribution of especially native fish is pretty cool.  it's kind of geared to fishermen, i'd say, even tho it doesn't say so on the cover. it has many pictures, drawings, etc.

it's pretty thick, and though used, in great shape. i definitely got a bargain! if i use it a lot, the spine will probably have to be strengthened...... it's a thick book, 4.5" w,7" tall, 1 1/2" thick,