In this episode Joff heads south to meet up with wild carp fanatic Dan Rudgley. Dan, has become well known in recent years for his dedication to tracking down hidden pools in his hunt for wild carp - carp that are descended from ancient fish stocked into stew ponds, moats, and lakes, as a food source for 14th century monasteries, farmers, and well off landowners. 

Dan writes for the quarterly magazine Fallons Angler and is the star of two of their short films Wildie II, and Desert Tench both of which can be viewed on the website fallonsangler.net  Garret Fallon, founder of the magazine, was the guest on episode #9 of this podcast. 

Local information, folklore, pub tales, and a sixth sense will often find Dan pushing through long wet grass, past crumbling boat houses and onto the banks of pools where these prussian blue shapes glide between snaking stems of lilies in the dappled shade of willows and scum filled corners. 

While stalking surface feeding carp Dan shares his journey from childhood on the Romney Marsh, fishing ancient drainage ditches, to his current passion for tracking down waters, sometimes tiny, that contain this elusive fish. Aided by OS maps and Google Earth, he discovers potential waters, securing permission in one instance for just a five-hour fishing window. 

Dan discusses his seasonal approach to other species - wild carp in summer, tench, then chub and perch in winter. 

Press play and transport yourself to the bankside to enjoy the excitement punctuated by a backdrop of glorious May birdsong.

Welcome to episode nine where Joff delves into the world of angling through the lens of Garrett Fallon, creator of Fallon's Angler magazine. Born in County Meath, Ireland, Garrett's passion for fishing began at just five years old, watching salmon jump in the river near his family home. Following in his father's footsteps - a journalist, author, and passionate angler who wrote "Fly Fishing for Irish Trout" - Garrett has created more than just a magazine; he's crafted a celebration of fishing culture. Fallon's Angler isn't just about catching fish, but about the stories, landscapes, and experiences that make angling special. With a beautifully designed print publication, a compelling YouTube channel featuring over 30 videos with 600,000 views, and a stable of talented writers such as  Chris Yates, Garrett has built a platform that captures the very soul of angling.

Jean Williams shares her lifelong connection to Usk, having been born and raised in the town. She worked at Sweets Fishing Shop for 60 years, starting in the early 1960s, and became an integral part of the local fishing community. The shop, originally owned by Harry Powell and later run by Lionel and Molly Sweet, was an important hub for game fishing enthusiasts. In this episode Jean talks to Joff and recalls working closely with Lionel Sweet, who was not just a shop owner but also an accomplished fly-tier and casting instructor. The shop developed several notable fly patterns, including the Scrub and Amber Nymph. They served many famous customers, including celebrities like Jeremy Paxman and Vanessa Redgrave, who appreciated the shop's discretion and tranquil atmosphere. A significant part of Jean's life was her involvement with the Brownies, where she was known as 'Brown Owl' for over 55 years. She loved watching generations of children grow up and become interested in fishing and outdoor activities. The shop specialised in game fishing equipment, offering expert advice and local river information. When Jean finally closed the shop in 2022, it marked the end of a significant era in Usk's fishing history. She continues to sell fishing tickets and maintain connections with the local fishing community. We mention that the shop is for sale. I believe it is now sold.

In this episode Joff Elphick is up at 2:30 in the morning to travel the 250 miles through Somerset, and Devon before and passing through Cornwall to its southern tip and Penzance. From here a 28 mile journey by  ferry, plane, or helicopter gets me to the Isles of Scilly an archipelago of over 200 islands lying 28 miles off Cornwall's coast. The Islands have been part of the Duchy of Cornwall since the 14th century with the Duchy owning most of the land and approximately one-third of residential buildings across the islands, of which only five are inhabited: St Mary's, Tresco, St Martin's, St Agnes, and Bryher.

Joff is here to meet Jof Hicks a Designer/maker from St Agnes who fishes commercially for lobsters  without the help of internal combustion engines, rowing or when possible using wind power to get his zero plastic lobster pots and gear to the most productive locations around the Island. Any angler who enjoys using traditional tackle such as cane rods or centrepin reels should enjoy the ingenuity Jof employs with his methods and materials to get his hand-crafted pots amongst the rocks and reefs that surround these beautiful islands. 

We discuss Pilot Gigs. Inkwell Lobster pots and their construction. Manilla rope and cork buoys. And Bait. You can hear the storm raging outside Jof’s workshop.

Tourism dominates the local economy, accounting for 85 percent of economic activity and employing 70 percent of the population. Flower farming, particularly the cultivation of scented narcissi, has been significant since the 1860s. At its peak in the early 1900s, over 40 tonnes of flowers were shipped weekly to London markets. The islands' mild climate, characterized by rare frost and snow, creates ideal growing conditions in the sheltered, small square fields.

Designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in 1975, the islands feature pristine beaches, granite headlands, white sandy coves, and rugged moorland. The Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trust manages 60 percent of the area, including uninhabited islands, paying a symbolic annual rent to the Duchy of one daffodil.

And yes. That's two Jof/Joffs!

 

 

 

 

In this episode of CREEL podcast from EFGEECO.COM Joff talks to Phil Jackson from The Tenchfishers. 

We get visits from Hugh Tempest Sheringham. Mr Crabtree and Peter, Izaak Walton and The Rev William Houghton.

Phil tells us where the fishing bug started for him. How he thought he may have been 'a bit of an annoying little prat' in Ted Oliver's shop Olivers of Knebworth. He was at school with Dick Walker's sons and to this day regrets failing to take up the offer of a visit to Dick's house to get some cutting edge carp fishing advice. 

He discusses the start of The Tenchfishers, it's demise, and its resurrection in the late sixties.

Phil remembers well his first visit to The Tenchfishers AGM where he got to waggle a rod with Len Head.

Other names from the world of tench fishing get a mention too. Pete Jackson. Barrie Rickards, John Ellis, Harry Green, Les Millington, Tony Marris, Dai Gribble, Jack Walpole, Kenny Parsons, and Pete Davis.

The Tenchfishers book TINCA TINCA gets discussed as does Tenchfishers TV which along with the website is a shop front for the group.

We discuss the bulletin, The national Tench Heritage Alliance, and Sywell Resevoir.

Many thanks to Phil for taking time out to discuss his fishing life and the group.

To find out more go to www.tenchfishers.com

 

 

 

In this episode of Creel Podcast from EFGEECO.COM Joff Elphick talks to Fennel Hudson of The Wild Carp Trust. At a young age Fennel was invited to join the prestigeous group of anglers The Golden Scale Club and soon found himself rubbing shoulders with the likes of Bernard Venables, Richard Walker, Maurice Ingham, Peter Stone, Mike Winters, and Peter Wheat.

The discussion covers a range of subjects including 'on being a traditional angler' - The inception of The Wild Carp Trust - Breeding wild carp - What are wild carp? - Creating a wild carp 'ark' - The surprising challenges of collecting fry - The perils of a hot summer -  Everything you need to know about the trust.

Other anglers get a mention too - Rafe Gabriel of Piscators Journal. Steven Murgatroyd former guest on this podcast. John Bailey President of the trust, and Chris Yates who first invited Fennel into the Golden Scale Club.

Izaak Walton is persuaded to pop in to the studio and gives his recipe for producing your own boilies (you'll need some flesh of a cat or a rabbit) and offers instructions on making what must have been the worlds first shelf-life boilie. 

Rev. William Houghton offers his thoughts on the history of carp in the UK.

Fennel is put on the spot and gives his ideal rod and reel if only restricted to one of each.

If your float has wavered or you interest been piqued go to www.wildcarptrust.org 

Fennel can be found at Fennels Priory here.

Did you know we have a Facebook page here.

We're on instagram too. Simply search  for Efgeeco.

My guest in this episode is Steven Murgatroyd. We connected on a zoom call to discuss his book THE LAST CHANCE FISHING CLUB profits of which he is donating to The Wild Carp Trust.

Stephen has been a fanatical fisherman for over fifty years and these days he fishes almost exclusively with the fly rod; eagerly pursuing game, coarse and saltwater species. He also enjoys listening to music and documenting his various piscine escapades, resulting in his first book.

His writing has been featured in a variety of well-known fishing-related print and digital publications, having won various awards including first prize in the Balvenie ‘Story to Tell’ competition, the Grayling Society Righyni Roose Award for excellence in the written word, and first place in the Fish and Fly writing competition.

He is a trustee of The Wild Carp Trust and a life member of The Wild Trout Trust.

He lives on the Welsh borders with his family and at the bottom of the garden, youve guessed there's a trout stream!! 

Go to Efgeeco.com to read articles about or related to traditional angling and to listen to more episodes of this podcast.

Joff

 

 

 

Hello and welcome to episode three from EFGEECO.COM. home of Creel podcast. I'm Joff Elphick an angler from Gloucestershire with a passion for split cane, centrepins, and half a pint of gentles.  If you’ve listened to the previous episodes, thank you for coming back again. If it’s your first visit do have a listen to the previous recordings.

In this episode - Most anglers will know of the River Severn. A water known for its barbel, chub, salmon , and roach fishing it’s a river with a rich history dating back centuries, and it’s played a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of England and Wales. Stretching approximately 220 miles, it stands as the longest river in the United Kingdom. 

The ancient Celts named it Sabrina, a nod to their mythology where a nymph named Sabrina drowned in the river, giving it a name that resonates through time. The Welsh named it Hafren. The River Severn serves as a natural boundary between England and Wales for a significant portion of its course. Its waters have witnessed pivotal moments in history, from Roman invasions to medieval trade routes. The river's strategic importance endured through the ages, contributing to the establishment and growth of settlements along its banks.

Navigating through picturesque landscapes, the Severn has been both a lifeline and a barrier, fostering diverse ecosystems and shaping the identity of the regions it touches. It's currents hold tales of trade, folklore, and industrialization, making the River Severn a living testament to the intertwined histories of England and Wales.

A year ago I collaborated with Gloucestershire based poet Juliette Morton and musician Oonagh Davies to work as field recordist/audio editor and producer for Juliettes reimagining of  the story of Hafren/Severn/or Sabrina first told in Geoffrey of Monmouth’s History of the Kings of Britain (1136) which recounts how one of the first Kings of the Britons, Locrinus, fell in love with Estrildis, a Hun prisoner of war. He kept her underground in a cave and after seven years of their affair, Estrildis gave birth to a daughter she called ‘Habren,’ another name for Hafren/Severn/Sabrina. Discovering her husband’s adultery, Locrinus’s wife – Gwendolen – raised an army, killed her husband and drowned Habren and Estrildis in the river in revenge. 

On her website Juliette Morton  says "...as well as reaching back to one of the founding myths of Britain, the poem connects with the goddess worship cults that were indigenous to the iron age Dobunni and hybridised in Romano-Celt culture – which speak to different ways of connecting with the land".

Juliette supplies the words, Oonagh the music, and I stitch it all together adding field recordings which I hope add atmosphere and sense of place. 

 

In this episode of the podcast from Efgeeco.com Joff talks to Peter Wise a writer from north London in the UK. Via his publishers Cranthorpe Millner Peter has just released his first book Disturbing the Water - thirteen original ghost stories concerning fish, fishing, and fishy places. With reviews in Country Life and Anglers Mail already this book is sure to be in everyone's bivvy for Christmas. A new genre of reading for us at Efgeeco HQ we found each chapter had the hairs rising on our arms chapter after chapter. Peter's knowledge and interest of the past shines through with his accurate portrayal and description of historical periods such as WorldWar II, The Great Patriotic War, and Ukraine.  Though based around fish and fishing the stories will appeal to anglers and non anglers alike - rigs and methods aren't described but locations whether real or imagined lead the reader into a believable world that will have them excitably turning the pages and trying to consume all thirteen chapters in a single sitting.

Here's Peter's description of the book...

'This is my first book, a collection of original ghost stories all themed around fish, fishing and fishy places. It's just not aimed at anglers, however, and there's very little actual fishing in it. You certainly don't have to understand or like angling to appreciate it - but you might know a little bit more about what makes us tick by the end of it.

Fish naturally have twists in their tail and so do these stories. Think Roald Dahl's Tales of the Unexpected, with a touch of MR James and Edgar Allan Poe, and just a sprinkling of Izaak Walton.

There's also a goodly amount of real history intertwined with several of them - as befits the story of how it came to be written.

Inspired by a history podcast

Over the years I had vague thoughts of writing fiction but never anything concrete. Then one day in 2021 I was in the bath listening to a podcast called The Rest is History. The subject was the history of ghosts. Suddenly I knew what I wanted to write about.

I resisted the temptation to leap out of my bath like Archimedes and shout 'Eureka' while running through the streets, this being a bit much, even for bohemian Stoke Newington in London where Tive.

My idea was to write ghost stories. But not just your standard stories set in Gothic graveyards, haunted houses or mysterious mansions. All my life I have loved fishing. And it's a pastime that often involves remote places, being on your own, the wind rising, darkness falling....

I spent the rest of the day researching online. It turns out that yes, lots of anglers do claim to have seen ghosts. Over the years, there's been the odd ghost story set in the world of angling.

But there's never been a whole collection of original ghost stories about fish, fishing and fishy places. So I decided to write it.

Elements of real history

As a big fan of history I also knew that I would include elements of history, both real and fictionalised, within the book. The English Civil War, World War II, the Witch Craze and even a Victorian serial killer all put in an appearance.

There are also a couple of other historical episodes which it would spoil the plots to mention here.'

 

In this first episode of CREEL podcast Joff Elphick heads down to Essex where lifelong angler Steve Chambers has taken it upon himself to start a collection. Not just any collection,  but one that takes centre stage in the development and history  of UK carp fishing. Steve’s collection is one built on pure passion and a love of angling during the period from the late 1940’s and into the 50’s. His aim is to bring together tackle, writing, rods, reels, and other memorabilia  from the single species study group The Carp Catchers Club. Other iconic itms join the show. For a collection that was started just a few years ago Steve has already made impressive inroads in putting together what will in future be a very important collection. 

We talk about Dick Walker, Gerry Berth-Jones, May Berth-Jones, Bernard Venables, Maurice Ingham, Chris Yates, and lots more. 

Joff gets his filthy mitts on some historic cap rods. He has a waggle with Bernard Venables' landing net - the very net that graces the cover of Mr Crabtree Goes Fishing. He has a pick through Bernard's tackle box, as well as donning the very hat that Chris Yates wore when he caught the record 'Bishop' from Redmire Pool. Some of the earliest electronic bite alams are also discussed. Too many exciting and interesting things to mention. Sit down in front of the fire, make a cup of tea, and and enjoy an hour of angling history. 

Go to the EFGEECO website for more interesting articles about traditional angling.