Since I was 4 years old (I'm now 60). My dad would tie me down with a belt and attach it to a stake. I still can’t swim and sometimes use a life belt if near deep water.
Is it in the family?
Yes my dad, brothers, sister, sons (until they discovered beer and women). I now take my grandson fishing. My wife doesn’t like it – she’s afraid of frogs. I would say 9.5/10 of anglers learn from family and the hobby is passed on.
Where do you angle (has it always been in Brigg)?
Almost always Brigg (I don’t drive) and it's usually the old river. In the past I've visited the Trent and Witham on odd occasions. I take all my gear down to the river in a barrow.
How frequently do you go angling?
As much as possible but it’s a winter hobby.
Do you go rain or shine?
Wind, rain, snow, ice. I have -10°c coats. As long as you’re wrapped up in the right clothes you don’t notice the weather.
Have you been a competitive angler?
Yes and I’ve won prizes. In matches they use roach poles (different to pike anglers). John (Brigg resident) was the first person in the area to get a pole (around 40 years ago), I was the second. They can cost as much as £8,000 now (carbon fibre). The cheaper ones are heavier and difficult to handle (for small folk like me).
What do you think of competitive anglers today?
I have a problem with some competitive anglers and the way they treat pike. Sometimes they will catch and because they don’t count in a match they will throw them over the bank into the field. It's cruel. They don’t think of the pleasure anglers who actively catch pike. Match fishermen have an ego. They shouldn’t degrade other anglers and should respect them despite their age.
Pike anglers are seen as being ‘the dark side’.
What types of fish do you catch?
I specialise in pike (big fish) and am a member of ‘Pike Anglers of Great Britain.’ People have a bad perception of pike because of their teeth but they are actually timid.
The larger fish are females, males are usually up to 10lbs. The females weigh most pre-spawing - but we are of course really careful with them and put them back in good health.
Pike play an important part of the ecosystem. They take sick, diseased or dead fish and they can sense distressed fish too.
What was the size / weight of the biggest fish you have caught so far?
Pike – 29lbs 2oz in the Ancholme (2003). Unlikely I will catch one like that ever again. In one season your aim is to catch one fish over 20lbs. On a normal days fishing I aim to catch one over 10lbs.
I keep a note of fish I catch (size, weight etc) as well as the weather conditions so I can refer back. It’s a personal record and don’t share this info with anyone.
Have you eaten any of the fish you have caught?
Yes, eels. I brought them home and cooked them myself. Eels are rare now and no fish can be killed or taken away from the river these days.
What type of equipment do you use?
Specialist pike catching equipment that only catches pike. We look after the fish and teach youngsters the ‘code of conduct’ – we’re passing on the techniques and tricks e.g. removing hooks without damaging the fish.
I use soft mesh net, barb less hooks and bean mats. I make my own hooks – I know that they will work, they are reliable and better for the fish. I also make my own lures.
The bait is sardines, herring, lamprey, squid (sea fish) – this for big pike. (known as dead bait). Using live bait (small fish from the river) is banned on the Ancholme (Scunthorpe Association rule).
I do have ‘blank’ days where I catch nothing but still have an enjoyable day. I have a passion for the old river and happy even when there's no catch.
I would definitely say I am a ‘tackle tart’. I have matching clothing, bags, hats, trolly and boots.
Are there essential items (in addition to the normal tackle) for a successful angling trip? e.g. good lunch, special clothing, handy gadgets
Wire cutters, recliner chairs, electric buzzers, forceps, long nosed pliers, stove, soup, radio, book, beans, and spaghetti. Warm clothes are essential.
A cook bag (with stove) is essential, as well as a first aid kit and hand sanitizer.
Many people perceive fishing to be boring. What would you say to them? What do you find enjoyable about angling?
Apparently more people go fishing than go to football matches. Almost everyone has been fishing once in their life (just to add, I’ve done some beach casting too).
I enjoy the wildlife, feeding the swans (they come to you and they know they get left over bait at the end) and also friendly robins to feed.
Read more about issues facing the Ancholme today in Under discussion.
