Steve Fitzpatrick,

Angling Times Editor-in-Chief

JOHN Wilson was the man who inspired me to go fishing. Watching from the edge of the sofa at my Nan’s house in the mid-1980s, his Go Fishing TV series had me hooked from the first bars of the theme tune.

He was my childhood angling hero, and it’s with a very heavy heart that I introduce this special tribute issue of Angling Times this week.

The tragic news of his passing has hit the sport hard, and the thousands of comments made across social media and via seemingly endless calls and messages to the Angling Times offices confirm how much he was loved, and how he inspired us all.

I first met him at an Angling Times show in the 1990s and enjoyed his company, so I was a little lost for words when he asked if I’d like to come out and see how one of the Go Fishing TV shows was created.

We met on the banks of a tiny river in West Sussex and had a magical day catching chub – a memory which I will treasure forever.

I’ll also treasure the conversations we shared over the years, about all aspects of angling, his greatest moments and, most recently, his excitement about attending our shows in 2019.

Our sincere condolences go to his family, friends, and all anglers around the world who enjoyed his TV shows and his fishing exploits, and were lucky enough to enjoy his company too.

When you’re out on the bank this weekend, catch your fish, remember Wilson (and his infectious laugh) and have a glass or two in his honour.

Sometimes the word ‘legend’ just isn’t enough. Rest in peace my friend.