AD EXCLUSIVE - John Wilson Interview 2018

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AD EXCLUSIVE - John Wilson Interview
We catch up with John Wilson, for an exclusive interview on his return to the Uk, asking him a whole host of questions about his life in fishing.

[@timrushent]

I used to work with John (I was a sound mixer) on his sell through videos and I can honestly say he was one of the nicest blokes to work with. We used to have to add on the splashes of the fish and he'd often say "No - that fish wouldnt make that splash!" ... would make me laugh! He loved a bottle of red in the afternoon and he'd tell me lots of stories about his life ... not just about fishing. Its been 20 years since we worked together ... but I'm glad I got the chance to do so. RIP John.

[@FishWithBish]

Your a lucky man Tim he will be missed

[@dlaughlin732]

Lucky man Tim the bloke is a legend

[@iseeolly9959]

I don't fish very often, one day I had a bad day at work....got in late...turned the TV on and it was Go Fishing....and I sat and wept with joy..."you silly thing" said my girlfriend....lovely man.

[@ManchesterMick123]

Nice story mate .Thanks for sharing

[@timrushent]

I wont say John was a big drinker at all! I think it was the boredom of a sound mix etc ... things took a while back then ... not so much reliance on computers etc ... thinking back we used to do a lot of it on tape still! So by afternoon ... he'd be up for a drink .... I'm not into fishing at all ... so I just took John on his persona ... and his speaking voice reminded me very much of my dad ... i think he came from North London like my dad. We'd spend a full day at a time ... so there was lots to chat about over 12 hours. I still feel super lucky.

[@gamevidz6319]

John inspired me in the 80’s to get out and fish. Me and a group of friends would night fish on the Thames. We were only teenager and loved the freedom our parents gave us. I got my friend Paul into fishing and he got addicted to it. We used to sit on the bank doing impressions of John “oh that is a nice fish” and a laugh. RIP John and Paul.

[@AnglingDirectTV]

He was a true legend of our sport, who inspired a generation of anglers. Thank you for taking the time to leave a nice comment.

[@Private-Hudson]

R.I.P John..So sad to hear of his passing..The angling world and the world as a whole have just lost a legend..

[@kevslife]

Sir John Wilson.. The best TV angler ever!! Sparked my interest in fishing as an 8 year old boy, trapped my heart in angling and tought me how to fish, now 41 still fishing it is all down to this man. Anglia need to pull their finger out and show these programmes for us all who enjoyed John's fishing exploits.. His wit and that laugh! The nostalgia behind all this for me is incredible.. Thanks John you are a legend. Anlgia dont be stupid.. Show these programmes already !!

[@shooter7577]

I think john is ingrained in a lot of peoples minds go fishing was the first fishing programme I ever watched back in the 1980s and you couldn't wait to go fishing after watching an episode used to say to my fishing mates at school did you watch go fishing last night and they all did R.I.P hope you took a rod with you

[@CB-xr1eg]

Oh you went to school? It doesn't show in your bad grammar and total lack of punctuation.

[@mattetheridge6580]

What a wanker you are.

[@user-zc5ft9nw9b]

@@CB-xr1eg What a fucking cock you are.

[@user-zc5ft9nw9b]

@@shooter7577 Ignore that cretin Clive, hes trolling, he must be jealous of Johns fishing ability.

[@matt01506]

I agree John. My absolute favourite episode was also "Weir pool magic". THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU DID FOR ANGLING. RIP JOHN 🎣 ("2.3 Audi quattro". What a difference from the knackered old white estate car in episode 1) 😁 PS. do you all remember how everyone wanted a centrepin reel after watching the first series !

[@Rubydoo691]

It's 2020 in mid corona but John is still bringing joy about fishing.... to my day anyway

[@waynedyble159]

His laugh was infectious and skills second to none. Big part of my life watching his shows in my early years. Rip Mr Wilson....

[@royclose946]

What a legend John is i grew up watching go fishing and i took up the sport as a kid. Well done ad 👍 nice to see him back again 🎣🎣🎣

[@AaronUnknownPerformance]

Roy Close Rip :(

[@gonefishing5142]

RIP John Wilson. I can honestly say he was the most inspirational angler to me as a youngster through his tv programme many years ago. Thank you John!

[@wardis8303]

I think it’s time for johns complete series to be screened again for the younger generation coming up. RIP john 🙏🙏

[@barriejones8259]

Loved watching the fishing programmes. This man is a true legend. Very articulate, could listen to him for ages . And definitely looking good for his age . One of my heroes.

[@myke.h2913]

Very shocked to hear that John Wilson has passed on... he certainly inspired me pleased to see him one more time and I have fished the small lake where this interview was filmed. RIP john.

[@andypiper8066]

RIP John Wilson, the angling world has lost a true ambassador and legend. Maybe now you can catch that 3lb roach trotting in that river in the sky, without cormorant or otter to predate on our beloved fish.

[@rossco254]

Sad to hear this news.. when ever I see the tv title Gone Fishing come up on my tv screen I use to get excited Hehe ... He done so much good for fishing....RIP dear John.

[@Gary_OC]

Thank you AD for making this. Absolute pleasure to watch this and listen to a true angling pioneer. Go Fishing was classic TV in the 90’s. This man is a genuine fishing legend. Thanks again.

[@frankwarwick8068]

It really hurt watching this film of my dear friend John, just the thought I’ll never see him again. He was a tremendous wise fella and fantastic company I’ll always think of him with a smile x

[@sophie751]

Miss you Wilson 😢

[@robholt8333]

Really sad watching him talk about only coming back to the UK if poor health required it knowing he died later that same year. RIP John you are truly missed!

[@nicholaswade9610]

Go fishing was the best fishing programme ever! by a country mile, So much better than that awful I can shout louder than you programme on itv, you actually felt like you were there I really miss it

[@leerisebrow1480]

I wish I could like this comment twice! Couldn’t agree with you more.

[@salmonninja7223]

A truly great fisherman. My dad died when I was 9 years old. He taught me the basics but I had to learn everything on my own. I remember avidly reading 'catch' magazine which featured Johnny and also watching 'Go fishing' to the point where I knew it word for word! The biggest mistake I made when I was a kid was thinking that every species of fish lived in my local river! I recall an illustration in a magazine where he explained the location of where each species of fish was located in a river. I took this as gospel! I remember making my own boilies and trying to catch a carp from the River Derwent. A fisherman saw me and pointed out there were only Trout and Grayling in the river. It finally clicked and I've never looked back since! I class John Wilson as the modern day Godfather of fishing. I only wish he would do another series. Only yesterday I was fishing with my friend for Trout and a few of Wilson's catchphrases were exchanged for comedic effect! Absolute magic..

[@AndysEastCoastAdventures]

Most rivers have a small carp population due to overspill feom lakes due to flooding.

[@easyfishing1936]

How good to see John again. I had the pleasure to meet him a tackle shop many years ago and he gave me some useful ideas and I still use his rods to this day. I think he took over from Dick Walker and added another dimension and brought fishing to wider audience with his personality. Answering John’s question, I would love to see the rivers go back to the time when they had depth and flow not abstracted to death, so we could float fish in the flow or ledger as needed. Growing up in Norfolk it breaks my heart to see the dried up ponds and rivers that I used to fish as a boy! Also the chance to go beach fishing with a good chance of catching a decent cod, people might not realise but 20lb fish were not rare from the east coast beaches. Oh and the chance to catch tope from Cromer pier again where the big fish could make your Penn multiplier scream as they emptied the spool on the first run. Nearest thing to a big game fish fight!! I hope John keeps his health and enthusiasm fo fishing. Tight Lines for a long time John

[@daleHarrison93]

The legend, R.I.P John you was the 1 i watched when i was younger although iv stopped fishing for many species since and stick to carp now...i need to get back upto scotland on the lochs and maybe even have another trip to norfolk broads, havent been for about 20 years!

[@nosnam30]

RIP big John. Thanks for all you did for angling.

[@davesmith3875]

R.I.P. John you taught me loads about fishing, loved your programmes

[@valegoat468]

I would love to have spent a day fishing with John. Like most do the comments on here RIP John. You moulded my youth around fishing and I now take my 5 year old, I will watch Go Fishing with him and I know he will enjoy you and the fishing as much as I did. God bless you John, and thanks.

[@jordantheallroundangler85]

What a guy. I grew up watching John on the tv. Shame that he isn’t blessing our screens anymore. But the amount of tactics that I have learned from his films is priceless. I would love to see the fishing more wild and tranquil but also kull the otters and cormorants. The amount of fish I have caught with stab wounds in is unreal. I love to sit buy a river or a untouched lake or pond with no man made structure in eye shot. Nothing but nature. Fishing isn’t all about catching the biggest fish for me it’s about escaping the rat race and being at one with my inner peace. And then BOOM my tip pulls round and Life is fun again 👌🏻🎣

[@colinphilpott3700]

Huge respect to John. Such a massive part of the fishing scene in my lifetime. Thank you so much for all the viewing pleasure you've given us over the years.

[@w3st80]

what an amazing interview,so good to see him again

[@MrCrossyTV]

John Wilson was a huge influence on my love for fishing growing up, always have and always will enjoy watching his fishing programmes. Thanks John you are a true legend.

[@carldyke76]

RIP John you were a pure pure legend. I owe all my love of fishing to you and what you did for the sport A pure pure legend

[@leegarner6013]

I’m glad my question was on here. Grateful to Angling Direct that the got me a signed hat from John. One of my childhood hero’s and still was. Very sad he’s gone. Thank you for everything you have done in fishing. RIP John. Very sad day indeed. (To answer Johns question, I’d like to see natural venues like canals and rivers return to there former glory, nothing like catching roach on a waggler)

[@traceyfeltham6691]

I have watched John Wilson from a young lad.(in case you are wondering looking at the picture that is my wife’s account). John Wilson is the most popular angler of modern times not only with his fishing knowledge but also he’s knowledge of the country side.there are probably thousands of men and women between 30/50 yrs of age who would hang on all of johns knowledge. I do not think there will be another angler who will have as much impact on fishing as John Wilson .god bless rest in peace thanks for all the memories.

[@relaxingwoody05]

RIP John Wilson, I loved watching Go Fishing in the 80's, and watched them many times on VHS!!

[@stuntznfx]

Implementing everything you taught me, growing up on your wonderful shows, here now in the U.S. A lot of the methods we used in England work great here! John Wilson.....an inspiration and a true gentleman!

[@MudMaxMetalDetecting]

Thank you for the wonderful interview. It really is an absolute pleasure to watch John chatting again, I used to be glued to the TV when Go Fishing came on, he spoke about weir pool magic, I remember it so well, and the Mahseer programme which was fantastic. So good to see him looking so well and enjoying the autumn years he richly deserves. They don't make them like that any more.

[@bargainboymakem1]

What the hell! I just decided to look up a bit of john for nostalgia and I'm just finding out he died last month. Can't believe it. Another piece of my childhood gone forever. I love this guy. He got me into fishing...although I haven't fished in years. I bought his vids on vhs and spent so many happy hours watching him. He was such a great chap. I feel like a cry is in order. RIP John. You made a difference to my life.

[@smonclark2270]

This was the guy who sparked my interest in fishing as a 8 year old boy back in 1986 watching go fishing a lovely guy I learnt so much from John Wilson a great angler R.I.P

[@DnoelP77]

I used to watch Go Fishing with my sister on a sunday night on Anglia TV and would laugh so hard when he was reeling in a catch. The unintended double entendre's were my favourite. He had a very gentle way of presenting and a very calming voice. RIP John.

[@CaptainJacksFishingShack]

i wish they would put all the shows on to dvd go fishing was a life line to me when i was a kid i was bullied and go fishing was an escape for me but sadly they never put them on dvd id love to have the show to watch again

[@matt01506]

There are episodes on yt.

[@marcpatchett2690]

I still read many of Johns books and watch his programmes; what a sad thing that what we have now will be the last. His simple approach to Angling was and is the best way to fish and no other angler has brought that to the screen in the same way. Tight lines, John, a true legend of the past time and, in a very real way, mentor. RIP

[@jordantheallroundangler85]

R.I.P John. You will be Truly missed 😢

[@leecooper4030]

I absolutely love John Wilson. His fishing programs were the first I ever had on VHS. A present from my gran. A true legend. His personality, laugh and love for all things nature make him a true British icon.

[@Snoekvisser1972]

I could listen to him for hours...you will be missed John. Cheers from Holland.

[@Trojwaterman]

I used to watch all his programs as a kid he was an inspiration. He will not be forgotten.

[@gez1972]

I'm so sorry to hear of the passing away of John Wilson. What an inspirational angler , I learn' t so much from this man watching go fishing in the 80's, I'm still using my J W avons. RIP Sir....

[@Penn1969]

John Wilson is my absolute fishing hero. I first started watching him around 1988 on his show Go Fishing on Channel 4. Talking about things that went wrong, I remember an episode of Go Fishing where he was pike fishing from a boat. At the very end of the programme who will standard upholding a pike that was probably 20 lbs +. The pike then thrashed around and he dropped it on his rod snapping it completely in half. All you could hear was the crew laughing before the credits came up. Really great to see John, I was only thinking about him the other day and was wondering how he was. I'm going fishing tomorrow and will be using my John Wilson Avon rod which I bought over 20 years ago and is still one of my favourite fishing rods..

[@notmanynamesleft]

Such sad news yesterday about John Wilson the angling legend and inspiring gentleman,you will be sorely missed ❤️

[@johncharlton5230]

Absolutely the best angling legend to have graced the banks.Go fishing on a friday night was my buid up to a weekend of fishing and had me hooked from the very first show and 30 years on it still has the same appeal.What a man! Will never forget him, a sad time in the angling world as one of its top ambassadors has now departed to the big lake in the sky.RIP MR WILSON.

[@KeefsCattys]

Really wonderful to see JW again. The man who inspired my angling life. I wish he'd make another series for British TV and transfer some of his magnetic enthusiasm for nature to a new generation. John Wilson ,you are a legend!

[@darkwaterblue]

So sad this man has passed, had such a positive influence on so many young people growing up. I remember watching all his stuff on TV as a kid. More should be done to promote and protect fishing in this country, its a fantastic sport. Wonderful man, sadly missed.

[@markhepworth4804]

Thanks for everything John👏

[@jess1990cat]

John was a fishing hero! Any angler worth his salt knew of John Wilson His exploits are legendary I would hope his programs will be re-shown many times RIP John

[@jonnymclaughlin477]

As I child I grew up watching Johns fishing programes , he inspired me to take up fishing , even now I'll watch some old videos brings Back best memorys, RIP Sir.

[@teec3385]

Well done John :) from your very early 'Go Fishing' that made me go out and start fishing myself, though it was not so easy as you made it look ha,.many years later and still i'm learning.....Only one John Wilson.

[@rayburman8219]

I remember going to John's fishing shop in Norfolk while on holiday and asked him for somewhere local to fish for Barbel. He kindly directed me to a Cottisey Mill and a Mrs Shultis. So sorry to hear that he has moved on. He was an inspiration.

[@AnglingDirectTV]

Lots of us here at Angling Direct have fond memories of John in his tackle shop at Bridewell alley in Norwich 🙂

[@offthescalemagazine8599]

"Legend" is bandied around so much these days but John Wilson is certainly, in the truest sense of the word, an angling legend. So many people have so much to thank him for :)

[@retrobob3802]

Great to see John back in the UK, temporarily or not - his passion is infectious. If John isn't planning to make any new programmes, it'd be great to see Go Fishing 'remixed' as he described.

[@chrisdarling5004]

RIP John what a smashing bloke time for anybody who wanted to chat experienced or not fishing was his love God bless.

[@leestannard3345]

RIP John. A true legend, met him for the first time when I was a teenager in his tackle shop. He spent ages giving me tips on how to fish, and signed a VHS tape of his television series. A real gentleman.

[@martinsmith49]

Just last week I went fishing with a Mk1 John Wilson avon (a lovely dark green rod) that I actually bought from John in Norfolk some 30 years ago. I learnt so much from him. Thanks for the interview.

[@Js_a_random_acc]

75 and looks the same as when I watched go fishing all those years back. A great man and a true fishing legend. Thank you John Wilson for all you have done for fishing. Xx

[@tutts999]

Back in the early to mid eighties Johns shop in Norwich was the in place for anything to do with specimen angling. John was always free with his knowledge and offered me and my friends tips and ideas galore. Happy memories.

[@ptaylor5014]

What a true legend! and great to see John on the screen again, like others have said i too grew up watching Go Fishing and got into it thanks to him, i would love to travel back in time and relive my youth days fishing on rivers, magic memories for me.

[@robertbransby]

What a great watch, used to love watching his programs as a teenager. Great to see him again.

[@712mook]

i grow up wanting to be this man, what a guy and im still loving fishing to this day because of him...RIP Mr Wilson....

[@Rob01978]

Sunday mornings were the best with John Wilson on Home and Leisure. Angling royalty.

[@AJ-zr6us]

John wilson the best angler. Genuine chap. Go fishing was a treat to watch growing up. I hope my new john wilson barbel quiver rod ive had today serves me well .im sure it will. Sad loss. Rip

[@G78-w6z]

RIP John you brought Magic to all us Angler’s when we were kids watching your programmes Thanks for the memories 👍👍👍👍

[@101maiden]

Watching John speak warms my heart. He inspired me to start fishing as a lad.RIP John Wilson.

[@alexprentice6648]

If you have Amazon prime guys check out John Wilson Fishing - The early days... Sad to watch it now and a little reflectice but still holds up today

[@portcullis5622]

John Wilson made some of the best fishing programmes on television in the 1980s (several years before 'A Passion For Angling'). His programmes were probably the first to show the joys of simply being on the riverbank or a beautiful lake, and that there is so much more to fishing than just catching fish. Gone to fish the endless match on The Styx. No doubt he will soon be setting up his gear next to Rod Hutchinson's bivvy. RIP both of them.

[@raymondthompson2908]

I'll miss the joyous laughter of every catch. An inspiration. R.

[@GUMBOOTS9]

Sad day yesterday such an inspiration to me and millions of others. Rest easy John and thanks for everything you gave angling. Its a clonker!! 🎣 🐠

[@andrewcartwright6272]

Superb ... John Wilson the second most influential man in my angling ( after my father ) & I still turn to his books from time to time for tips & tricks. I would love to see kids and adults alike float fishing again... for perch,roach,bream and gudgeon on the rivers & canals learning true watercraft ,stealth , learning the essence of being an angler instead of 3.5 tc rods, big bit reels and bivvies. I totally agree with John's sentiments on predation to ensure the balance and future of the ecosystem and our sport. I am saddened that most new comers to the sport will never sit quietly on an old kreel handed down the generations fibre glass rod in hand on the river or canal starring with relentless will at a float or quivertip , with every dip or shudder being like an electric shock to the senses just enjoying being there in that moment.I wanna see that excitement come back into fishing.God bless.

[@davidlee-tv9jf]

wonderful person meet him twice in his shop always found time to talk and give advice my hero

[@peterwetton2655]

Really sad to hear John Wilson has passed, I have many happy memories of watching him with my dad and using lots of his techniques.

[@samhill2474]

RIP John, you were a huge part of my childhood growing up and I loved watching your programs. What a legend.

[@SteveWilliams-un1cx]

Good to see the legend back. Loved the Go Fishing series.. 🎣🎣

[@richpeas1924]

RIP John 😞 what a sad loss to the fishing world. I loved watching your fishing programmes & you taught me so much, not just about fishing, but how to enjoy it & everything that goes with it, the wildlife & the flora. You will be sadly missed.

[@jpashini8158]

I used to guide for John Wilson at kamistastin lake, labrador, Canada in 1997, summer. fished for chars and lake trout. He was aa good man. he enjoyed his stay with us. RIP John.

[@waynesworldfishing]

I am so sad knowing that John has passed away. I am an Enfield born and bread lad myself and watched john as a kid on channel 4 before cable and sky tv. He has been such an influence in my life when it comes to angling I owe a lot to the man and I wish I had the chance to meet him. He is the sole reason that I started making fishing videos on my channel. R.I.P John Wilson you legend you will be missed so very much x

[@stevensad38]

John was well known here in New Zealand and through his media encouraged many coarse anglers to participate in the noble art. You will be missed with that laugh and humour but will live on through the many films that will be enjoyed for a long time to come.

[@martinstevenson7462]

Nice to see you John you are a great ambassador for the sport of angling and always will be tight lines to you mr Wilson.

[@JimmyRetro]

John, thanks for getting me into fishing and keeping me hooked. RIP.

[@darrenfreer3013]

Fishing icon and legend..... enough said..... thanks for the memory’s John.

[@IntrinsicPalomides]

RIP John, still have many of your videos, wish i had them all! Surprised they never released a DVD box set of every show you did.

[@roylewis5540]

RIP John - Angling legend I used to love your angling shows on TV and I learnt so much from your exploits.

[@JPB90]

I don't fish anymore but I loved Go Fishing and John Wilson was the reason I wanted my Grandad to take me out fishing! The voice of my childhood RIP John!

[@stuellis4460]

Absoloute awesome bloke.Me and my dad called him the laughing man,used to always watch Go fishing.Learned alot of from watching his series and dvds and reading his books.The only Angling personality id love to meet.wish him well in all his future endeavours.

[@arthurgatward7369]

Good to see you again. I had Weirpool Magic on video sadly it does not appear to be on DVD but I still watch the fuzzy looking version that is on You Tube now and again.

[@00markelliott00]

Legend. Could listen to him all day. Standing in the river trotting a float down the swim takes some beating.

[@tattoos1988]

R.i.p John Wilson you made my fishing what it is today I learned so much from you I am all over KZbin watching reruns of go fishing my favourites series you made especially the double figure bream episode it sill amazes me to this day I hope your up there on a golden river catching some cracking roach rest in peace my friend and your legacy will live on in me and my children who love your programs my deepest condolences to your family god bless

[@jezkyd7651]

Gutted...great loss of an inspiring human being, articulate and caring, my thoughts are with his family. Wonderful guy, What a credit !

[@peterperfect1956]

This brought back many happy memories of watching go fishing with my Brother and my Dad on the tele. When we went fishing and hooked into a fish we always shouted " were in Wilson "

[@Tony-outdoors]

I remember his first ever series of go fishing, what a gentleman and so knowledgeable and passionate , I agree with every word he said about youngsters learning rivercraft and nature, also couldn't agree more about the cormorants and otters .

[@philiprobbins8835]

Very sad news to hear of his passing. His programmes are legendary and certainly influenced my style of fishing. Thoughts with his family at this very sad time.

[@p.p.8113]

Pure true angler sad how times change. God bless John and your family. Inspiration to every aspect of of angling. LEGEND. 👍👍

[@tonyashton780]

Absolutely gutted at John, s passing he was a gentlemen and ambassador for our sport. Thoughts go out to Jo, Lee and Lisa who must be heartbroken. RIP JW hope your wetting a line on golden pond. Tony Ashton

[@ryan976david]

R.I.P Mr Wilson. A true angling legend and an inspiration. Tight lines and may you now catch your three pound Roach trotting.