Of Ghosts and Greats

**philtherod** · 24-03-2008, 17:41

This is my one thousandth post, and I thought I would use it to thank those same men listed in Mike's Article mentioned on the welcome page, as I owe a lot to them, and whether the younger anglers realise it or not, these pioneering innovators are those I and you have to thank for giving time, trouble, and good advice through the written word. All when asked for advice, replied personally all for the cost of an SAE.
Many became firm friends, and I fished, laughed, cooked, ate, learned, and thoroughly enjoyed the company of these legends. Sadly, I saw some pass on, I visited Ian at his home a few weeks before his heart gave out, and had the sad task of attending John's Funeral a few years ago after a brain tumour beat him, probably the first thing that did!!

Happily, big Clive is still with us, and a repaired knee means he can fish more like he used to. Brian still loves his nymphing, and Dennis, who taught JD and me the George Brown casting methods, is now back into Carp, as sciatica has caught up. He posts regularly on another forum site.
No advice, but a big thank-you from the heart from this old guy for these old guys

Philtherod

**trigger** · 24-03-2008, 17:54

Nice one Phil

Trig

**Fester** · 24-03-2008, 18:54

Well said!

Pioneers of modern angling, and tackle.

Who inspired the rest of you when you were starting out?

Mine were...

Mike Millman
Anthony Pearson
Clive Gammon
Trevor Housby
Bruce McMillen

Oh yes, not forgetting Mike Thrussel!

**tamhem1** · 24-03-2008, 20:32

well said phil ,as a boy I read and dreamed of emulating some of the greats.

**Naughtydorf18** · 24-03-2008, 20:41

Mine was Ray Foresberg. Predicted cod shortage in his 1974 Beginners Guide to Shore Angling and taught me the infamous "When you use two rods, expect big fish on tiddlers rod and a little flatty or whiting to swallow the big fish setup and you don't even know its on until you reel it in.

**Phil Arnott** · 24-03-2008, 21:14

Originally Posted by Naughtydorf18

Mine was Ray Foresberg. Predicted cod shortage in his 1974 Beginners Guide to Shore Angling and taught me the infamous "When you use two rods, expect big fish on tiddlers rod and a little flatty or whiting to swallow the big fish setup and you don't even know its on until you reel it in.

I knew Ray reasonably well as we both came from Hull. He was a very nice chap and wrote some good practical advice. You might be interested in reading his autobiographical book "Means Test Kid" which is a good read.

**gtozski** · 25-03-2008, 17:53

Originally Posted by philtherod

This is my one thousandth post, and I thought I would use it to thank those same men listed in Mike's Article mentioned on the welcome page, as I owe a lot to them, and whether the younger anglers realise it or not, these pioneering innovators are those I and you have to thank for giving time, trouble, and good advice through the written word. All when asked for advice, replied personally all for the cost of an SAE.
Many became firm friends, and I fished, laughed, cooked, ate, learned, and thoroughly enjoyed the company of these legends. Sadly, I saw some pass on, I visited Ian at his home a few weeks before his heart gave out, and had the sad task of attending John's Funeral a few years ago after a brain tumour beat him, probably the first thing that did!!

Happily, big Clive is still with us, and a repaired knee means he can fish more like he used to. Brian still loves his nymphing, and Dennis, who taught JD and me the George Brown casting methods, is now back into Carp, as sciatica has caught up. He posts regularly on another forum site.
No advice, but a big thank-you from the heart from this old guy for these old guys

Philtherod

Some very nice words written with much feeling and I think "GRATITUDE".

**JudgeP** · 25-03-2008, 20:02

And not a flotation suit in sight. Love those jumpers.

**Fester** · 25-03-2008, 20:31

How could I forget, Tut tut!

Paul Kerry.......Yes, I had a Moonraker!

John Holden, Won his Book and Video in a Sea Angler Mag Comp when I was 14.

And Mike Ladle, Hours of reading in amazement and awe!

**Limanda** · 31-03-2008, 11:09

Many thanks to Mike T for writing such a very interesting article that perfectly evoked the spirit, dedication and ability of these "greats" of sea fishing. A most enjoyable and nostalgic trip down memory lane from a byegone (but not forgotten) era!
Cheers.