Mr Green's Rod: Chris Yates returns to the Sussex Levels

After nearly 60 years, Chris Yates returns to Waller's Haven on the Sussex Levels to fish the same stretch he visited as a boy. To add to the nostalgia, he is using the very same rod - recently restored - as he tries to outdo his 11-year-old self by catching a bream from this famous venue. As he fishes, so he reminisces and reflects upon the journey that has led him here. With typical humour and charm, Yates gets distracted by perch and eels, while patiently hoping for the fish he has dreamed of for generations.
Read the written story in issue 16 of Fallon's Angler magazine.
Go to www.fallonsangler.net/shop

[@oldschool5037]

How lucky we are to have lived in the time of Chris yates .

[@geraldswain3259]

A little less of the we young man ,I'm 68 and must have been fishing a good few years before it got a grip on Chris .

[@alexpage7292]

Matt 17 I couldn’t agree more, he’s a fascinating man

[@oldschool5037]

Alex Page I could listen to Chris for hours.

[@dl1279]

@@geraldswain3259 You are less than 10 years older than him...if you aren't kidding, you sound like a right pompous so and so.

[@gbwildlifeuk8269]

@@dl1279 "you sound like a pompous so and so" - you sound like an arrogant troll!

[@mikerandall7571]

I have a fishing rod just like that, a 12ft split cane Avon rod. I purchased it in 1956 for 6 guineas, yes, guineas. it now adorns my study wall. I'm still a keen and regular angler but as I'm now in my 89th year, I need a comfortable swim. The days of hacking through the undergrowth to get to the waterside are over. Chris Yates is the "Essence" of angling, nothing more to say.

[@FallonsAngler]

89, keep casting Mike, more films coming alone soon on the channel.

[@paulcorbin7495]

Fantastic it was right brilliantly from the heart

[@mikesaul8711]

Mr. Yates, no big tackle names, pure and simple fishing. TOTAL LEGEND PERIOD. 👍👍

[@davidlittle6600]

Chris Yates brings romance into angling. He's a legend in our sport.

[@martincallaghan8817]

Hit the nail on the head .

[@cliveeariss880]

Mr Yates, is more than an angler, he is happy what ever, and I and you all could listen to him all day, no stress with Mr Yates, thank you sir.

[@herrjanssen8531]

There is no angler who has ever inspired me as much as Chris Yates. His eye for the big picture in nature and the things that you generally miss if you don't take the time to perceive your environment in all its facets, is so incredibly impressing that it almost brings tears to your eyes. Thank you, Mr. Yates!

[@Chazie_]

Hypnotic and peaceful, Chris has such a gentle way about him that I could listen to him for hours…he’s like the David Attenborough of the angling world, superb!

[@kid--presentable]

No cribbins is the Attenborough of the angling world 😊

[@richardhukins1703]

A tonic in the strange world we live in, fantastic, loved it.

[@mikebrennan1140]

Love Chris Yates .the older I am getting the more I just want to sale all my carp gear and just buy a split cane rod and centre pin reel.there is something just so right about his angling

[@adamwilliams8039]

Couldn't agree more, it's timeless.

[@jordivandervegte5983]

Well, that's just what I have done. Sold all my gear, bought 2 rods back, one split cane and one Bruce and walker mark 4 glass rod. 2 classic Abu reels and just enjoy the fishing and the nature much more. No more carloads of stuff to carry around. I am 40, just call me nostalgic but it's the best decision I ever made!

[@andyledger2307]

@@jordivandervegte5983 Quite right. I have some decent modern coarse gear, but I get as much fun from a 60's Rapidex 'pin and an old Daiwa 'Mark Downes' glass rod - I've pared my gear down to a shoulder bag full of bits, a net, a chair and the rod. As long as your end tackle is well presented, the fish don't give a rip about the rod or reel. Incidentally, the Daiwa rod was bought from eBay so I could retire the 42 year old Rodrill float rod that's been my float rod since new. My Dad bought it, and the sentimental value is such that I'd be gutted if anything happened to it now. It comes out for the 16th, but that's it.

[@CB-xr1eg]

Don't forget the porcupine float!

[@laurieharper1526]

I keep telling myself I should do the same when I look at my pile of rods and associated kit. Still have two cane rods, which I have restored myself. They get an occasional outing, but I don't think I could use them exclusively. Perhaps one day.

[@alexisaac9032]

Yates always had a profound effect on fishing for me as a child I love ❤️ Yates he is so patient with it. I would love to be like that.

[@Spacemonkeymk1]

I met him when I was a lad back in the early 80s when I lived in Avon Buildings at the Royalty Fisheries on the Hampshire Avon. Very nice guy.

[@Trilobite4127]

So beautifully narrated and filmed. As we get older we appreciate even more those who were our mentors when we were nippers.

[@johnathanryan2117]

I'd love to spend an hour or two in Mr Yates company. His films, books and stories have an almost supernatural quality. True English gentleman. I particularly liked the idea in Passion for Angling, when they fish and the loser has to buy the ale. Great stuff. A poet and proper man. Video made my day. Take care Chris and God bless you.

[@edcatt9196]

I'm not an angler. Tried. Never been good at it, but I am an ardent birder and amateur naturalist; and I can get into a similar zone like fishing; listening, noticing the fleeting silhouettes of a bird and having a good guess at what it was. Time can freeze in times like that. Birding and fishing seem very similar in some ways. Patience being one similarity. Also, not demanding that an excursion yield a particular bird siting (or fish caught). Being there, in those moments, and being aware --- that's the reward really. This was a wonderful video. Beautiful.

[@zerog5041]

Excellent, excellent, excellent words fail me, I'm 73 now and have fished since I was a nipper, unfortunately not any longer, but given the chance this film has inspired me, and like Chris I still have my original gear!

[@HittingDries]

I hope you can return to the river soon sir! 🙏

[@pauledmonds3249]

Peaceful, gentle and deeply thought provoking. Puts our crazy material seeking lives into perspective. Chris seems at one with nature and his fishing. A hint of melancholy for precious times past. A life of peace and joy, not just an existence.

[@bigmac3959]

Mr yates,living legend who puts everything into perspective & makes it all oh so simple

[@robshaw3655]

Was going to bed 21 minutes and 50 seconds ago..I see 9 commercial match anglers didnt like the video ! Interestingly we cant get many new young anglers joining our club but have had a number of old school anglers joining and refinding their youth. Love fishing with old tackle as it has so much history attached to it even better when its history you have made with it. Thanks for posting video.

[@tikkathreebarrels]

My grandchildren will probably never experience the likes of films like this. Beautifully lit, beautifully recorded and the hypnotic fascination of Chris Yates and his generation of anglers casting a spell on viewers if not always on the fish. Wonderful.

[@kidsstopmecarping2130]

I could watch and listen to chris all day long. Reminds me why I love fishing

[@Taz6688]

I am not sure its the fishing, I could listen to him talk on anything, his books are a good read, his story telling is on par. I just wish I had a friend like him.

[@gbadge9275]

To share the world with Chris Yates is an honor. What a lovely video.

[@northernthrifter8817]

I don't know if it's an age thing, I grew up fishing in the early 80s and regularly would read of Chris's exploits in the angling press. He seems to able to capture the magic and nostalgia of my youth in a way no one else can and I would never call myself a carp angler, he's the antithesis of the modern angling trade. We were so lucky growing up with these characters. A mildly eccentric but interesting bloke.

[@martinrichards2680]

I've just found this link. It simply confirms why I love fishing

[@HittingDries]

Same here

[@rickhook7269]

A man at peace and happy in his life. A legend.

[@simonfreear8466]

Loved this! Took me back to my early teens when I used to watch a Passion for Angling on repeat. Thanks for the vid. 👍🏼

[@anthonymcnamara4002]

Fantastic. Thank you Nick, Garrett and of course, Chris. Somebody have a word with Yates and get him to audiobook versions of all of his work.

[@tonyutting6508]

Ah, the legend that is Chris Yates. Could listen to him forever.

[@CB-xr1eg]

Have you read his books? A great writer as well as a great angler.

[@tonyutting6508]

I have river diaries, deepening pool and casting at the sun. All brilliant. Met him a the total fishing show about twenty years ago. Legend

[@CardSharkOfficial]

This is so peaceful, nostalgic and soothing.

[@kennypartridge1853]

Beautiful film. Really enjoyed it. I know I'm late to the party, but I agree, we are lucky to live in a time where we anglers have Mr Yates. Legend, gentleman, and loved by anglers no matter their favourite favourite angling discipline. 🙏🏻

[@SONGSTICKS]

That was truly wonderful and rather emotional for me too. Brought back so many angling memories from the 60's and 70's and in the present climate, makes you realise how much simpler life was then.

[@davidgoudie9879]

To true i started fishing at the age of 5 1978 and no one went for carp, I was so excited to go fishing and catch bream and roach, its not like that now sadly that excitement has long gone, what a shame.

[@jasonridyardhome]

I'd forgotten how magical Chris's narratives are. Looking forward to some more videos now and probably dust off the signed copy of "Casting at the sun". Thanks vey much for the video. 👍🏼

[@chrisb4504]

Great story! Great filming. Chris Yates always a pleasure. More please!

[@alexpage7292]

Chris Yates & Bob James were my heroes growing up. A Passion For Angling was a masterpiece.

[@adriancartwright3294]

Yatesy is what coarse fishing is all about, enjoying your environment, seeing what is easily missed and catching is a bonus. It that takes me back to my childhood.

[@leemee88]

You watch this and hear the voice.And you are transported back to your first fishing trips.It was so easy then.If you caught,you were delighted.If you blanked.It was a great day just to be outdoors.Thanks for the memories Chris 👍👍👍👍

[@steventyreman3642]

I had as my first ever fishing rod a split cane because thats what they had in the 60s i can still remeber it, someone stole it ,id love to see it just once more,even better to catch a fish on it,,im getting out on the banks but ive never forgotten that beautiful rod that i saved my pocket money to get,,,,tight lines everyone ❤

[@northernninjarunner5506]

I remember watching A Passion For Angling with Chris Yates and Bob James back in the early 90’s. Chris and Bob with their cane rods was a delight to watch. Now 20+ years later a delight to still see him fishing 🎣 as my grandad did with cane roads and centre pin reels. Takes me back to my childhood when my grandad took me up the fields and taught me to fish. Love to have an afternoon with him again fishing, sadly he passed some years ago. Something to show my grand children in the future, then it will have gone full circle for me too.

[@upsidedahead]

As a youngster growing up I had a Chris Yates book all about his carp fishing adventures. I would get lost in that book, whilst eating cheese and crisp sandwiches. Good combo 😊

[@grahamwhalley6372]

Superb film. Chris has this knack of making the fishing seem secondary. We should all remember that on days when we blank. There’s more to fishing than just catching fish.

[@robdennis3721]

I still remember the one where he made a scarecrow of himself in the lake, the fish got used to it and Chris swapped it for himself

[@charlottehull3628]

Me too

[@wolfie498]

It's funny, someone was telling me about that the other day. I think he said it was on a programme called "crazy about angling" or something. Can you remember? I'd love to watch it 🐟

[@dann8280]

@@wolfie498 It's Passion for Angling 👍

[@wolfie498]

@Dan Nicholson Thoroughly decent of you old chap, I shall look it up and have a watch. Thank you 🌊🎣🐟

[@vision3602000]

I have happy memories of watching that with my son who would have been maybe 11 at the time. He’s 25 now lol

[@gilessexton49]

A lovely story. I particularly like the story of the young Lady, I do so wish you get to meet her again Chris.....

[@alexbrown6624]

Miss Bernard his voice and jolly laughter the Passion for Angling is hard to match they were my favourite fishing adventures!

[@simon40607]

Like the way Chris noticed all the wildlife around him as he fished . Brilliant little film

[@CB-xr1eg]

Just how it should be. Where I fish I see buzzards, sparrowhawks, I hear green woodpeckers calling, I hear spotted woodpeckers tapping at the trees. In winter I get robins coming to visit and I feed them maggots or pinkies. I see foxes, rabbits and ocassionally muntjacs. I go to a natural fishery not a purposely built/dug out commercial one.

[@beardwierd2783]

I remember him writing in improve your coarse fishing when I first started fishing and even now 30 years on I can recall the words while sitting on the bank, thank you Mr Yates from the bottom of my heart.

[@jeremyweaver9107]

Brings back memories of trips with the Banstead AS in the late 70s.Fred was still the secretary then and was such a inspiration to me and always willing to help

[@martinbothner3075]

such a wonderful experience. With so much peace and patience. No rush, no competition and a deep bow to our childhood days of fishing

[@suprio_gonefishing]

Such a relaxed, calm, happy angler. Absolutely wonderful

[@burniemaurins2382]

I had the pleasure of meeting Chris at a game fair at Chatsworth, not long after PFA had hit the tv screens, a very charming chap to talk to.

[@darren115]

What a fantastic moving film. I loved watching a passion for angling when I was so much younger. Such a lovely poignant story of the little girl. It's one pastime that I'll never tire of. When I was small I looked upto and admired such honest genuine figures like Chris Yates. We grow up and the years pass and in a corner of our minds we think they look just the same. We forget that just as we've grown old so have they. I wish you so many more enjoyable years fishing. And for the memories you gave me watching you all those years ago, I'm eternally grateful. ☺️☺️

[@henrikbalder]

Im so happy to see mr Yates again. I remember seeing his fishing programs as a boy here in denmark. Im must be over 20 years ago now. It makes me glad to see you again mr Yates. Best of greetings from denmark.

[@needham831]

Magnificent. Mr Yates you are still a legend to me. Such a wonderful film.☺

[@LovecountryCash]

My hero fishing my local Wallers Haven I’m sixty and been fishing it all my life. What a lovely video and the memories it stirs in me.

[@Aaron80doc]

Time stops and slowly rewinds when Chris speaks.

[@davecleggett9371]

How lovely. Echo Matt 17 comments, how lucky are we to have had a childhood in the 50's. Fresh air and nature all around us. Blessed memories of when the sun shone through every school holiday and the backs of calfs' got sore from wearing wellies; scrumping apples; listening to owls as the sun went down; Dick Barton - Special Agent and Snowy; Marmite and toast for supper. Dan Dare in the 'Eagle'; Enid Blyton book at bedtime. Oh my. Thank you so much Chris.

[@markleigh1405]

Chris Yates , A true gentleman in the art of how fishing should be, Chris Yates in my eyes a true legend 💖

[@SuperTonywilliams]

Fabulous film. Lovely. Local water to me, overlooked by me in recent years. Many a Bream, Tench and of course Pike and Perch out of there. Big carp out there too these days, over spill from fisheries around the marsh. Thanks for sharing that nostalgia with us 👌

[@carlharrison5939]

Just a wonderful advert for angling. Chris makes fishing so special.

[@troutking7986]

Brilliant. So subtle, thought provoking and clever

[@browntrouter]

Such a smooth, gentle tale told by an exceptional story teller. Just like fishing should be. Thank you.

[@johncoombs3128]

Brilliantly done..... the music... the scenery......and the legend.....more please🙏

[@bryanjohnston5355]

Fishing with a touch of class ..I always liked Chris's fishing programmes and he certainly is a great fisherman

[@user-kb5cw6wb9n]

An old soul.Thanku Mr Yates.🎉

[@davidgoudie9879]

Don't anyone find it so sad how exciting and beautiful fishing was back in the old days compared to now, chris Yates your brilliant

[@FallonsAngler]

David, you can always fish in the style of old, join a local club and fish without the commercial element. Where we fished with Chris was on a club water - Southdown Angling.

[@tonycamplin8607]

That river is one that I used to know very well back in the early 1950s, it ran through our farm. The piece that I fished was further up at Rickney where it's much narrower. Never ever heard of any tench in it. Main species were perch, roach, bream and pike, not forgetting the thousands of eels which were always kept to eat. Haven't been back since about 1955, I think it would all be quite different now and I'd prefer just to have the memories of a time when it was chocka block with fish..

[@Muushondje]

Many many thanks for making and publishing this great video of the ever inspiring Christopher Yates.

[@FallonsAngler]

Thanks for watching Robert

[@colincowell6833]

Chris Yates a Gentleman Carp Fisher and a all round Eel Wallah,Always a Treat to watch and a great writer of fantastic books, Carry on Carping and tight lines.

[@waynefish7361]

Brings back so many memories of watching A passion for angling, I could listen to Mr Yates story's all day. So relaxing and calming. #Legend

[@thinkFishcatchFish]

I love this video, it totally confirms what I get from fishing. It’s not just the fish, it’s the places, the pursuit, the experiences that are important. I recently returned to the first river I ever fished and was overcome with nostalgia. Wonderful memories 👌

[@crashnburnband]

In June 2019 the world was a much more innocent place, only a few years ago. I fished Waller's haven many years ago for Pike managed a 10lb specimen a giant for me at the time. Often wonder if my deceased sister new him at the art college in Ewell. Love his relaxed simple approach to fishing reminding us that the fish are only a part of the experience.Its a window into a reality that some of us were lucky to be part of where we made our own entertainment being picked up by older members of the local fishing club and taken to exotic places in the countryside like the river Mole the Arun and Rother we had the best of it. But its still there we only have to look.

[@FallonsAngler]

Thanks for sharing

[@carpypete]

that was lovely to watch. anything with chris is worth watching. brings back the true spirit of it all.

[@chepachii]

I love his work but there are two fishermen that are so relaxing that when watching their shows at night always send me into a nana nap... Chris Yates and Bob Nudd.

[@damianrafferty1216]

Beautiful piece of work. It's making me feel quite nostalgic. Superbly shot. Makes me want to shout, "Good Eels!" As I imagine men used to do in Suffolk pubs to show appreciation.

[@FallonsAngler]

We will remember that "Good Eels" to you too sir!

[@ctykckcktyvc7558]

Damian Rafferty I live in Suffolk ( near Ely) and each time I catch an eel I say that in my head😊

[@briangascoigne8966]

Just fabulous, he optimises the joy and tranquility of pleasure angling ,so nostalgic. Brian Gascoigne.

[@alexpage7292]

Wonderful, I’ve watched Chris for years. A passion for angling was a masterpiece all those years ago. Really enjoyed this film too

[@Steve-bo6ht]

Incredible man great to get away from the hustle and bustle and enjoying not only the angling but the environment that is seldom unnoticed in this quick paced world

[@baroidrig1435]

What a lovely little film, really enjoyed that, thank you.

[@john-xx8nc]

Fantastic to see this man back brings back the passion me and my son watch his videos for hours thanks

[@leigh161269]

absolutely loved every minute of it, how fishing should be. thank you

[@LONDONFIELDS2001]

I love Chris Yates - he is the embodiment of what fishing is all about. The platonic ideal. he gets it, really gets it. He's a Zen master. If you want to know what fishing is all about, truly all about, then read every word he writes.

[@martinbarfield3]

Simply magical, timeless, gentle and deeply thought provoking

[@tbask]

This just made my day. Absolute gold.

[@Georgeolddrones]

Excellent video thanks take me back to the 60s 👍🎣

[@thesweetcornkid266]

Beautiful, thanks Nick.

[@FallonsAngler]

thanks Stu

[@ianmiller865]

i know chris is busy as ever but please can we have more,i got a bit fed up with fishing until i saw passion for angling and saw him using cane, from that day i i changed my fishing and brought cane rods, centre pin reals, cane rod rests and landing net and hand made floats, oh happydays.

[@grahamhawthorn7205]

What a beautiful beautiful film. Thank you.

[@mattwhittaker8761]

What a beautiful little film, spellbinding!

[@kieranfoster902]

Lovely film. I find Chris's story telling fascinating.

[@neilgillam900]

What can you say majestic maybe he is a true hero of mine an absolute gent I miss bob don't forget his old friend bob fantastic thanks Chris

[@damianowens5066]

Proper last of the summer wine fishing, it's nice to go back to somewhere from your past that hasn't changed, very rare now a days!

[@wanderinstar1062]

I agree. My own carp fishing journey began nearly fifty years ago, unbeknown to me following in the footsteps of Mr Yates. Fishing for wild carp in a beautiful tree lined pool on the edge of the Black Mountains. Then sitting beneath a large Oak tree where Chris had caught his first twenty pounder. And several years later through a very good friend I had an invitation to fish Redmire, and lo and behold caught one of the old twenty pound carp that had also been caught by Chris. It was only when reading Casting at The Sun I realised I had been following in his footsteps and also managed to capture a fish that he had caught. Thankfully the waters mentioned are still very much as they were all those years ago.

[@callumbrown9084]

Fantastic as always 🎣👌

[@stefanscrivens3234]

A simple life is a good life. I'm learning this the older I get, its not about high tech its about getting back to basics and connecting with your hobby/interest.

[@eastsussexbeesandwildlife5801]

Great. Captures the true essence of fishing. Thankyou

[@martinstevens7359]

Lovely film Nick. Great memories of a great trip. I'd forgotten quite how productive Chris' eel hole turned out to be! That one on dusk had us believing the tench had showed up for a fleeting moment.

[@FallonsAngler]

I hope we do it again soon

[@stuartlewis8832]

Gives me gose bumps great stories

[@marcinswiniarskialvearnik]

Beautiful Places

[@stevep19561]

wonderful memories of times with my dad, fishing the old ways

[@kushalphoenix1]

Took my brand new Battle II 5000 for a spin yesterday for the very first time and I hooked a 20lb yellowtail using a Ugly Stik X2 (medium hard) rod kzbin.infoUgkxM68VkfsQhHaabDce1IwOCXuvumcpbZ_k . This combo was recommended on some website and it did not disappoint me. The reel is smooth, the drag click is pretty cool cause i think it adds to the excitement of fighting the fish, personally the drag is my favorite part. I use braid and 300 yards will fill the entire spool. This combo is my main setup from now on although I have to disclose I am new to fishing.

[@garybrockman5682]

Great video, I have just subscribed after watching the last summer tench and I can’t believe that my angling hero has been filmed fishing my local water! It’s beautiful there and the tench, bream and carp all grow to good sizes. It’s also good for pike too.

[@colinmiller8361]

Chris Yates doing what only Chris Yates can. Always got a story and size of fish doesn't matter. Fantastic!!. But a radio?

[@FallonsAngler]

It was the World Cup!

[@roycarter5717]

Dropped my son at A1pits a few years back carp fishing a bloke had tv ,play station and a beer fridge in his tent ! Luckily my lad saw the light and we just go drowning maggots now pepper fishing 😀

[@roycarter5717]

Pepper? Proper never could spill

[@georgeallen7667]

A transistor radio.......... bringing back 1960's..... wonderful memories

[@glenpierce777]

Beautiful film.