I used to be fishing mad.
From about the age of 11 onwards it was my whole life. Skipping school to go fishing got me into a bit of trouble, but i didn't care.
Getting up at "silly o'clock" with the anticipation of the days catch was addictive. Started off at Gorton reservoir, then the local canals. I had absolutely no money, so helped out in Chris's tackle shop on Hyde road. I joined a few fishing clubs including the Bullshead Reddish. Went on one of the Bobby Charlton's sport school fishing courses. Met Alan/Chris Mayer and was soon match fishing. I was doing ok and was being talked to about England juniors. Trouble was i was nearly 16 by then, so had to start working.
I still fished whenever possible. Me and Cockney Bob the landlord of the Royal Oak (Gorton) started touring the country. I started fly fishing and really enjoyed it. But the one thing i really wanted to do was sea fishing. I had done some shore fishing, but it really wasn't for me. Either was Carp fishing. Like golfers, i find Carp fisherman to be a bit odd!
So i came up with a daft idea to how to get sea fishing and earn some extra money. I bought a big red mini bus. Had it sign written "Sea fishing trips", and drove it around Manchester. Well it worked, because people started phoning me, but were asking if it was a joke. But soon i had dozens of pubs on my books and a lot of the train crews, even the lads at BJ car spares(Gorton) were up for it!
The first few trips were a steep learning curve. But i eventually got the hang of it. I would book trips on my weekends off. Pick a dozen lads up from their local pub, and bus them to the boats. It was mainly Whitby, Ryhl and Anglesey, but we did venture further afield. I think i charged about £35 per head. That included the transport/boat fee. The boat cost me about £150-£180, so i was on £200 to go fishing!
You can imagine a dozen lads, a mountain of beer, and a rocking boat. There are a few stories i could tell, but most trips were hilarious.
Then suddenly when i was about 30, the fishing seemed to stop overnight. I think i just fell out of the habit. I'm 47 now and really want to get started again. None of my mates fish, so i'm out of touch with the whole scene.