I simply don’t know how to begin with this review; such is the difficulty in finding adequate words to describe just how good these angling films really are. Those who already own a copy will know what I mean – there simply aren’t enough superlatives in existence to describe the quality of both content and production contained within each of these six, fifty minute films.
For me, they capture the true essence of angling – and then some! On so many occasions I’ve struggled to try and explain to non-angling friends how angling can become such an addictive pastime, and what it is that drives a person to crawl through bushes or hang out of a tree for hours on end just to get a glimpse of an uncaught specimen. Quite a tall order when the only word that sprigs to mind is ‘madness’. However, this series of stunning films is somehow able to do just that, it captures that indescribable ‘magic’ of angling and then puts it onto film.
I never tire of watching any of the films, and on occasion have lent my box set to friends, their first reaction being “watch a fishing video – You have to be joking!?” Only to find out that they in fact ended up watching all six, and somehow gained an appreciation of how the madness becomes magic. Much of this is down to the fantastic skill behind the lens of award winning cameraman Hugh Miles.
Since the original films featuring Chris Yates and Bob James were aired on television they have lost not of their charm and remain as relevant today as the day they were made, perhaps even more so. In an industry awash with ‘must have’ toys fuelled by an endless stream of marketing I feel a great many so called ‘anglers’ would benefit from taking a few hours out in order to watch these films and rediscover what our great sport is really supposed to be about. It seems many others would agree and in 2003 the release of ‘A Passion for Angling’ back in 1993 was voted the tenth greatest fishing moment of all time – praise indeed!
As a seasoned carp angler obsessed with stalking, I have to say that my personal favourite is the Redmire Legends episode; it’s very typical of some of my own adventures and it never fails to bring a wry smile to my face whenever I watch it. That said, they are all fantastic and I can quite happily watch any one of the six over and over again.
The following episode descriptions are taken from the sleeve;
Childhood Dreams
A journey of rediscovery. Chris and Bob prove the secret of success is not how to catch, but how to enjoy.
Redmire Legends
Record-breaking carp fisher Chris Yates returns to the scene of his triumph to find that carp fishing demands unlikely and amusing techniques if success is to be enjoyed.
In Search of Salmon
On a lighthearted journey through Scotland, Bob and Chris find that there’s more to angling than catching fish.
Autumn Glory
Venturing out to the famous Hampshire Avon we discover that the wonderful autumn fishing described in the angling literature still exists in glorious profusion.
Midwinter Madness
The true angler’s favourite season. Venturing out on a cold winter’s day Chris and Bob find that the legend of the River Kennet is not one fish, but two.
Monster Myths
Inspired by the stories of a record carp that swims in an ancient estate lake, Bob and Chris set out on their ultimate challenge; to capture the monster of the myth.
Each is magical and as I said earlier, it’s quite difficult trying to explain just how good they are. In short, if you have not got a copy – GET ONE!
Box Sets are available in either VHS (£29.50 inc P&P) or DVD (£34.50 inc P&P) format and available through mail order via the Passion for Angling website.
http://www.passionforangling.info
Julian Grattidge
December 2005
