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

[@CB-xr1eg]

@@FallonsAngler Coming "alone"...hopefully not.😉

[@davidlittle6600]

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

[@martincallaghan8817]

Hit the nail on the head .

[@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.

[@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 😊

[@CB-xr1eg]

@@kid--presentable Unfortunately Bernard Cribbins passed away about 2 years ago. Therefore Chris Yates is the "Attenborough". His knowledge of fish, birds and wildlife in general is incredible.

[@kid--presentable]

@@CB-xr1eg absolutely

[@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.

[@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.

[@gbadge9275]

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

[@bigmac3959]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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. 👍🏼

[@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.

[@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.

[@gilessexton49]

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

[@chrisb4504]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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 👍👍👍👍

[@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

[@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 😊

[@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. 🙏🏻

[@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, Red Kites, I see and hear green woodpeckers. I hear spotted woodpeckers tapping at the trees. In winter I get robins coming to visit and I feed them maggots or pinkies. In Spring when birds have young ones I get robins or sparrows landing on my bait tubs and helping themselves to pellets and maggots to feed their chicks. I see foxes, rabbits and occasionally muntjacs. I fish at 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.

[@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.

[@johncoombs3128]

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

[@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. ☺️☺️

[@suprio_gonefishing]

Such a relaxed, calm, happy angler. Absolutely wonderful

[@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

[@Aaron80doc]

Time stops and slowly rewinds when Chris speaks.

[@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

[@alexpage7292]

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

[@markleigh1405]

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

[@alexbrown6624]

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

[@carlharrison5939]

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

[@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.

[@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 👌

[@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 ❤

[@needham831]

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

[@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.

[@troutking7986]

Brilliant. So subtle, thought provoking and clever

[@carpypete]

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

[@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 👌

[@alexpage7292]

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

[@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

[@briangascoigne8966]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@john-xx8nc]

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

[@martinbarfield3]

Simply magical, timeless, gentle and deeply thought provoking

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@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

[@baroidrig1435]

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

[@leigh161269]

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

[@stuartlewis8832]

Gives me gose bumps great stories

[@Georgeolddrones]

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

[@stevep19561]

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

[@tbask]

This just made my day. Absolute gold.

[@mikesaul8711]

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

[@marcinswiniarskialvearnik]

Beautiful Places

[@stucrossland3719]

A wonderful man with a passion for angling.

[@robinredscarpfishing7906]

Another masterpiece from Chris Yates.

[@mintysgt]

my latest upload was filmed here partially, what a treat to actually follow in the foot steps of the legend that is Chris Yates,

[@glenpierce777]

Beautiful film.

[@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.

[@quinningtons]

32 people have no soul, what’s not too like? A British fishing institution and a wonderful author.

[@tinker5349]

Fantastic, been a long time waiting for quality filming like this. Look forward to some more great content.

[@johnthornley4016]

Lovely times Mr Yates.

[@callumbrown9084]

Fantastic as always 🎣👌

[@Utopian-Fish]

Exceptional film and what a great score, perfection :)

[@chopperhehehe]

Chris Yates has been a hero of mine for years my favorite passion for angling is when they where fighting for pike pitch and his friend sneaked away early morning and caught a huge one in front of Chris. And Chris said that's not the one I had one yesterday and laffed his pal had last laff already caught that one haha 😂 I think they feal out Chris called him a poacher lol 👍 👍 👍 😜 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🦄🎣😁✌️

[@mattthetaffy6702]

Whys he a hero....how many lives he saved?? U need to give ur head a wobble an re think what a hero is ...if u truly see an angler as a hero your one deluded man

[@ARTY_CARPER]

Quality film, really enjoyed it, do revisit it and catch them wild old tench. 🙂

[@FallonsAngler]

Kind words Jez, one day we hope to return

[@gothicgorey]

Chris Yates has just found out what’s important in life. And that’s simplicity.

[@PaulScowen]

Always a pleasure watching and listening to Mr Yates but there is something not quite right about him listening to football on the radio whilst fishing.

[@DimiHard]

Thank you for this wonderful video!

[@davidlee8999]

The very essence of fishing in 20 minutes

[@FarmerFred1025]

I really do believe that mr. Yates and I would be good friends :), love to do some fishing.

[@stevewallis2712]

Lovely story. I have a feeling that those match anglers would have cheered and clapped if that girl had caught one!

[@skill692]

Thank You Chris Yates its how angling should be.PS read how to fish 3 times so enjoyable.

[@frederiklambrechts7448]

This is therapy

[@johnclark3697]

Yeah nice to catch fish when you go angling..but there's so much more to it than that..Top stuff.

[@MH-rc7om]

A legend 👍

[@beardedrockling]

Lovely, thanks for the video gents!

[@FallonsAngler]

Thanks BR

[@user-xh3lb1ov3t]

This is what fishing is supposed to be...a true fisherman

[@willemritsema7014]

Great video👍😀🎣

[@tonynapoli5549]

Just subscribed my friend lovely video. I love cane rods must admit I have two older than me pleasure using them.

[@ericlhotel1908]

ca me rappel les années 1975 ou je m'étais fabriqué ma première canne a "moulinet " avec une bobine de fil a coudre de ma mère et un bambou ...j'étais alors le roi de la tanche ...

[@AS-jj2bx]

Thats the type of angling i now realise i miss after yrs of chasing money from match fishing .i had forgotten how to enjoy angling properly

[@ВалераКаско]

как в фильме "Увлечённые рыбалкой" только не хватает Боба Джеймса. Люблю те старые фильмы, пересматриваю иногда. И река похожа та же самая))), вот только годы берут своё.

[@richardgodfrey1692]

Wonderful, Fishing's about going fishing and enjoying it, You don't have to spend a fortune or travel for miles,Or take loads of gear, Join a local club and just go fishing, People don't realise what they've got on their own doorstep, I wish I had done this years ago.

[@붕어낚시]

I found your video interesting. I am a person who does freshwater fishing in Korea and runs a small KZbin channel. I think the video beauty and music are the best. I will subscribe and watch your wonderful videos often. I wish you good luck always... I want to fish with you where you stayed. Of course, I am not good at English...

[@FallonsAngler]

We'll check out you channel, thank you.

[@jimconnell8994]

So very enjoyable