ANGLING GUIDES Greatest bankside buddies
This week an angler paid £850 at a fundraising auction to spend a day with Drennan Cup champion Rich Wilby. It got us thinking – if you could spend the day fishing with one person, past or present, who would it be? Angling Times readers, and staff, share their picks...
Marks the maestro for me
I’d choose the late Ivan Marks, both for his sense of humour and overall fishing knowledge. I’d pay whatever it would have taken to get him on the bank.
Alan Driver
My wish would be Wilson
Without a doubt it would be John Wilson for me. I would have sold a kidney for day out on the bank with John!
Aaron Chuck
Tea and cake for three!
I’d pick Paul Whitehouse and Chris Yates, on a secluded river, with lots of hot tea and an enormous lemon drizzle cake!
Paul Johnson
I’d like to meet with Pete
I’d love to spend a day with carp angling legend Sir Pete Springate, preferably while fishing on Wraysbury or Kingsmead lakes.
James Griffiths
Bob on for ‘Passion’ fan
I grew up watching Passion For Angling, time and time again, so my choice would be Bob James.
Ryan Richardson
Walker my inspiration
I’d have loved a day with Richard Walker on Redmire. He could inspire me with stories of pioneering carp fishing techniques and tackle. And I could teach him about fish care and conservation.
Martin Law
Nuddy’s a shoo-in
Bob Nudd, coarse fishing legend and full of info and experience. Lovely gent too. Money wouldn’t be an issue either!
Daz Woody
Time with a tench legend
A tench fishing session with Alan Wilson. I got the Angling Times Book of Coarse Fishing for Christmas in 1987 which contains a picture of his British record 12lb tench from Tring. I still remember being amazed by that fish
Jamie Sharp
Jack Hargreaves all right!
For me it would be the late great Jack Hargreaves, just for the stories he would tell.
Geoffrey Smallman
Two ‘Lamps’ light me up
A day chub fishing with Terry Lampard would have been an awesome experience. My dad was a Chelsea fan, so hearing (football legend) Frank Lampard on the TV and reading about Terry Lampard’s chub catches in the press was a common household occurrence back in the day when I was growing up. Maybe that’s the reason I have such a massive passion for chub!
Phil Mapp
Any of these three for me
It would have to be Dick Walker, Bernard Venables or Chris Yates. Dick for the innovation, Bernard for the chat and Chris for the tradition. I’d happily pay £350 for a day with any of them!
Rich Power
I miss that crazy laugh
My pick would be John Wilson. He was so funny and bubbly and not only knew about fishing, but the plants and wildlife around him too. RIP.
Robert Cox
It takes all sorts...
I wouldn’t pay a penny to fish with someone else, as I‘d rather learn by myself in my own time.
James Ashley
I’d love to hear Rod’s tales
I’d have loved a day on the bank with carp fishing legend Rod Hutchinson. Spending time in his company would have been special, just for his stories alone!
Ady Paul
Bowler’s unbeatable!
My choice of bankside buddy would have to be Martin Bowler, as he’s quite simply the best all-rounder there is. I love his thought processes too.
Alex Jaques
Ali and Dean’s double act
For me it would be Ali Hamidi and Dean Macey, just because I think they’re so funny.
Reggy Brook
So much to ask Dick about
A day with former carp recordholder Dick Walker would have been an absolute dream. I’ve got loads of questions I would love to have asked him. It would be a priceless experience.
Dave Dowson
Top carper Terry’s my pick
I’d pick Terry Hearn. I love to listening to him talk about the sport with such passion and drive.
Jak Hulley
Grandad comes first
My first choice would be my grandad, as he, along with my dad, was the person who took me on my first fishing trip at the age of 11. In second place it would have to be a day’s roach fishing on the Wensum with John Wilson.
Andrew Major