The Tweed Fisheries Act of 1857 makes it illegal to fish for salmon in fifty square miles of open sea off the mouth of the River Tweed, save by the grace of the Tweed Commissioners - a ban not to the liking of local fishermen. Night poaching is one answer but Adam Horsburgh, schoolmaster and would-be author, has another idea. He believes the Act should be challenged openly and so finds himself involved in a salmon war.
When Hazel Scott, daughter of the local M.P. who is also one of the Tweed Commissioners, champions in his cause, and poaching gangs from the cities, Berwick-for-Scotland enthusiasts, and even the Royal Navy join in, Adam begins to have second thoughts but by then it is too late.
An exciting adventure story, told with vigour and humour and set against the authentic background of the Berwickshire and Northumbrian coasts and the ancient embattled town of Berwick-upon-Tweed.