Derek Gibson
Well-known member
You know the type, wandering the banks engaging anyone with a willing ear. I have met many over the years, and on ''odd'' occasions the chat has been pleasant and constructive. Some of those characters could be best described as colourful , others, well least said the better.
I recall one in particular that really shook and surprised me. I was fishing for Carp on a small club water, tucked well in beside a large bush floating a crust amongst a few free offerings. When a voice asked,''that's a Mk1V isn't it, I know the guy who designed it''. He then went on to describe his correspondence with **** Walker over many years, and their exchange of ideas. Except that in recent years their contact had been less and less.
Up until this point I was thoroughly enjoying his recollections, but then the conversation went rapidly downhill, when he said, ''Have you considered what effect bread has on Carp''. In what respect I asked, ''Well, it results in them developing the Ague, and that inhibits growth. You should see what it does to Gun dogs, Walker doesn't seem to grasp it'',
I was brought up to respect my elders, so I just nodded, but at the same time felt deeply saddened. Because by this time the penny had dropped, and I realised just who I was talking with. The guy had been a major force in angling for many years. Memorable, but for all the wrong reasons.
I recall one in particular that really shook and surprised me. I was fishing for Carp on a small club water, tucked well in beside a large bush floating a crust amongst a few free offerings. When a voice asked,''that's a Mk1V isn't it, I know the guy who designed it''. He then went on to describe his correspondence with **** Walker over many years, and their exchange of ideas. Except that in recent years their contact had been less and less.
Up until this point I was thoroughly enjoying his recollections, but then the conversation went rapidly downhill, when he said, ''Have you considered what effect bread has on Carp''. In what respect I asked, ''Well, it results in them developing the Ague, and that inhibits growth. You should see what it does to Gun dogs, Walker doesn't seem to grasp it'',
I was brought up to respect my elders, so I just nodded, but at the same time felt deeply saddened. Because by this time the penny had dropped, and I realised just who I was talking with. The guy had been a major force in angling for many years. Memorable, but for all the wrong reasons.