I used to work with John (I was a sound mixer) on his sell through videos and I can honestly say he was one of the nicest blokes to work with. We used to have to add on the splashes of the fish and he'd often say "No - that fish wouldnt make that splash!" ... would make me laugh! He loved a bottle of red in the afternoon and he'd tell me lots of stories about his life ... not just about fishing. Its been 20 years since we worked together ... but I'm glad I got the chance to do so. RIP John.

R.I.P John..So sad to hear of his passing..The angling world and the world as a whole have just lost a legend..

Sir John Wilson.. The best TV angler ever!! Sparked my interest in fishing as an 8 year old boy, trapped my heart in angling and tought me how to fish, now 41 still fishing it is all down to this man. Anglia need to pull their finger out and show these programmes for us all who enjoyed John's fishing exploits.. His wit and that laugh! The nostalgia behind all this for me is incredible.. Thanks John you are a legend. Anlgia dont be stupid.. Show these programmes already !!

I think john is ingrained in a lot of peoples minds go fishing was the first fishing programme I ever watched back in the 1980s and you couldn't wait to go fishing after watching an episode used to say to my fishing mates at school did you watch go fishing last night and they all did R.I.P hope you took a rod with you

RIP John Wilson, the angling world has lost a true ambassador and legend. Maybe now you can catch that 3lb roach trotting in that river in the sky, without cormorant or otter to predate on our beloved fish.

His laugh was infectious and skills second to none. Big part of my life watching his shows in my early years. Rip Mr Wilson....

RIP John Wilson. I can honestly say he was the most inspirational angler to me as a youngster through his tv programme many years ago. Thank you John!

What a legend John is i grew up watching go fishing and i took up the sport as a kid. Well done ad 👍 nice to see him back again 🎣🎣🎣

Loved watching the fishing programmes. This man is a true legend. Very articulate, could listen to him for ages . And definitely looking good for his age . One of my heroes.

Sad to hear this news.. when ever I see the tv title Gone Fishing come up on my tv screen I use to get excited Hehe ... He done so much good for fishing....RIP dear John.

Go fishing was the best fishing programme ever! by a country mile, So much better than that awful I can shout louder than you programme on itv, you actually felt like you were there I really miss it

R.I.P John. You will be Truly missed 😢

Thank you AD for making this. Absolute pleasure to watch this and listen to a true angling pioneer. Go Fishing was classic TV in the 90’s. This man is a genuine fishing legend. Thanks again.

Very shocked to hear that John Wilson has passed on... he certainly inspired me pleased to see him one more time and I have fished the small lake where this interview was filmed. RIP john.

John inspired me in the 80’s to get out and fish. Me and a group of friends would night fish on the Thames. We were only teenager and loved the freedom our parents gave us. I got my friend Paul into fishing and he got addicted to it. We used to sit on the bank doing impressions of John “oh that is a nice fish” and a laugh. RIP John and Paul.

How good to see John again. I had the pleasure to meet him a tackle shop many years ago and he gave me some useful ideas and I still use his rods to this day. I think he took over from Dick Walker and added another dimension and brought fishing to wider audience with his personality. Answering John’s question, I would love to see the rivers go back to the time when they had depth and flow not abstracted to death, so we could float fish in the flow or ledger as needed. Growing up in Norfolk it breaks my heart to see the dried up ponds and rivers that I used to fish as a boy! Also the chance to go beach fishing with a good chance of catching a decent cod, people might not realise but 20lb fish were not rare from the east coast beaches. Oh and the chance to catch tope from Cromer pier again where the big fish could make your Penn multiplier scream as they emptied the spool on the first run. Nearest thing to a big game fish fight!! I hope John keeps his health and enthusiasm fo fishing. Tight Lines for a long time John

What a guy. I grew up watching John on the tv. Shame that he isn’t blessing our screens anymore. But the amount of tactics that I have learned from his films is priceless. I would love to see the fishing more wild and tranquil but also kull the otters and cormorants. The amount of fish I have caught with stab wounds in is unreal. I love to sit buy a river or a untouched lake or pond with no man made structure in eye shot. Nothing but nature. Fishing isn’t all about catching the biggest fish for me it’s about escaping the rat race and being at one with my inner peace. And then BOOM my tip pulls round and Life is fun again 👌🏻🎣

RIP big John. Thanks for all you did for angling.

It's 2020 in mid corona but John is still bringing joy about fishing.... to my day anyway

A truly great fisherman. My dad died when I was 9 years old. He taught me the basics but I had to learn everything on my own. I remember avidly reading 'catch' magazine which featured Johnny and also watching 'Go fishing' to the point where I knew it word for word! The biggest mistake I made when I was a kid was thinking that every species of fish lived in my local river! I recall an illustration in a magazine where he explained the location of where each species of fish was located in a river. I took this as gospel! I remember making my own boilies and trying to catch a carp from the River Derwent. A fisherman saw me and pointed out there were only Trout and Grayling in the river. It finally clicked and I've never looked back since! I class John Wilson as the modern day Godfather of fishing. I only wish he would do another series. Only yesterday I was fishing with my friend for Trout and a few of Wilson's catchphrases were exchanged for comedic effect! Absolute magic..

R.I.P. John you taught me loads about fishing, loved your programmes

RIP John you were a pure pure legend. I owe all my love of fishing to you and what you did for the sport A pure pure legend

Huge respect to John. Such a massive part of the fishing scene in my lifetime. Thank you so much for all the viewing pleasure you've given us over the years.

what an amazing interview,so good to see him again

I think it’s time for johns complete series to be screened again for the younger generation coming up. RIP john 🙏🙏

I have watched John Wilson from a young lad.(in case you are wondering looking at the picture that is my wife’s account). John Wilson is the most popular angler of modern times not only with his fishing knowledge but also he’s knowledge of the country side.there are probably thousands of men and women between 30/50 yrs of age who would hang on all of johns knowledge. I do not think there will be another angler who will have as much impact on fishing as John Wilson .god bless rest in peace thanks for all the memories.

I remember going to John's fishing shop in Norfolk while on holiday and asked him for somewhere local to fish for Barbel. He kindly directed me to a Cottisey Mill and a Mrs Shultis. So sorry to hear that he has moved on. He was an inspiration.

John Wilson was a huge influence on my love for fishing growing up, always have and always will enjoy watching his fishing programmes. Thanks John you are a true legend.

RIP John Wilson, I loved watching Go Fishing in the 80's, and watched them many times on VHS!!

The legend, R.I.P John you was the 1 i watched when i was younger although iv stopped fishing for many species since and stick to carp now...i need to get back upto scotland on the lochs and maybe even have another trip to norfolk broads, havent been for about 20 years!

R.I.P Mr Wilson. A true angling legend and an inspiration. Tight lines and may you now catch your three pound Roach trotting.

I’m glad my question was on here. Grateful to Angling Direct that the got me a signed hat from John. One of my childhood hero’s and still was. Very sad he’s gone. Thank you for everything you have done in fishing. RIP John. Very sad day indeed. (To answer Johns question, I’d like to see natural venues like canals and rivers return to there former glory, nothing like catching roach on a waggler)

Such sad news yesterday about John Wilson the angling legend and inspiring gentleman,you will be sorely missed ❤️

John wilson the best angler. Genuine chap. Go fishing was a treat to watch growing up. I hope my new john wilson barbel quiver rod ive had today serves me well .im sure it will. Sad loss. Rip

It really hurt watching this film of my dear friend John, just the thought I’ll never see him again. He was a tremendous wise fella and fantastic company I’ll always think of him with a smile x

Sunday mornings were the best with John Wilson on Home and Leisure. Angling royalty.

Always remember seeing John Wilson at a book signing at tewin trout farm. And he told me to piss off for asking for an autograph. Respected the man ever since. 💙

I would love to have spent a day fishing with John. Like most do the comments on here RIP John. You moulded my youth around fishing and I now take my 5 year old, I will watch Go Fishing with him and I know he will enjoy you and the fishing as much as I did. God bless you John, and thanks.

I could listen to him for hours...you will be missed John. Cheers from Holland.

Well done John :) from your very early 'Go Fishing' that made me go out and start fishing myself, though it was not so easy as you made it look ha,.many years later and still i'm learning.....Only one John Wilson.

If you have Amazon prime guys check out John Wilson Fishing - The early days... Sad to watch it now and a little reflectice but still holds up today

I still read many of Johns books and watch his programmes; what a sad thing that what we have now will be the last. His simple approach to Angling was and is the best way to fish and no other angler has brought that to the screen in the same way. Tight lines, John, a true legend of the past time and, in a very real way, mentor. RIP

"Legend" is bandied around so much these days but John Wilson is certainly, in the truest sense of the word, an angling legend. So many people have so much to thank him for :)

I'm so sorry to hear of the passing away of John Wilson. What an inspirational angler , I learn' t so much from this man watching go fishing in the 80's, I'm still using my J W avons. RIP Sir....

This was the guy who sparked my interest in fishing as a 8 year old boy back in 1986 watching go fishing a lovely guy I learnt so much from John Wilson a great angler R.I.P

Sad day yesterday such an inspiration to me and millions of others. Rest easy John and thanks for everything you gave angling. Its a clonker!! 🎣 🐠

Absolutely the best angling legend to have graced the banks.Go fishing on a friday night was my buid up to a weekend of fishing and had me hooked from the very first show and 30 years on it still has the same appeal.What a man! Will never forget him, a sad time in the angling world as one of its top ambassadors has now departed to the big lake in the sky.RIP MR WILSON.

Really wonderful to see JW again. The man who inspired my angling life. I wish he'd make another series for British TV and transfer some of his magnetic enthusiasm for nature to a new generation. John Wilson ,you are a legend!

i grow up wanting to be this man, what a guy and im still loving fishing to this day because of him...RIP Mr Wilson....

Thanks for everything John👏

I absolutely love John Wilson. His fishing programs were the first I ever had on VHS. A present from my gran. A true legend. His personality, laugh and love for all things nature make him a true British icon.

RIP John you made fishing exiting and taught me most of what I know. Tight lines brother 🎣

75 and looks the same as when I watched go fishing all those years back. A great man and a true fishing legend. Thank you John Wilson for all you have done for fishing. Xx

RIP John. A true legend, met him for the first time when I was a teenager in his tackle shop. He spent ages giving me tips on how to fish, and signed a VHS tape of his television series. A real gentleman.

Implementing everything you taught me, growing up on your wonderful shows, here now in the U.S. A lot of the methods we used in England work great here! John Wilson.....an inspiration and a true gentleman!

I used to watch Go Fishing with my sister on a sunday night on Anglia TV and would laugh so hard when he was reeling in a catch. The unintended double entendre's were my favourite. He had a very gentle way of presenting and a very calming voice. RIP John.

John was a fishing hero! Any angler worth his salt knew of John Wilson His exploits are legendary I would hope his programs will be re-shown many times RIP John

John Wilson made some of the best fishing programmes on television in the 1980s (several years before 'A Passion For Angling'). His programmes were probably the first to show the joys of simply being on the riverbank or a beautiful lake, and that there is so much more to fishing than just catching fish. Gone to fish the endless match on The Styx. No doubt he will soon be setting up his gear next to Rod Hutchinson's bivvy. RIP both of them.

So sad this man has passed, had such a positive influence on so many young people growing up. I remember watching all his stuff on TV as a kid. More should be done to promote and protect fishing in this country, its a fantastic sport. Wonderful man, sadly missed.

What the hell! I just decided to look up a bit of john for nostalgia and I'm just finding out he died last month. Can't believe it. Another piece of my childhood gone forever. I love this guy. He got me into fishing...although I haven't fished in years. I bought his vids on vhs and spent so many happy hours watching him. He was such a great chap. I feel like a cry is in order. RIP John. You made a difference to my life.

Superb ... John Wilson the second most influential man in my angling ( after my father ) & I still turn to his books from time to time for tips & tricks. I would love to see kids and adults alike float fishing again... for perch,roach,bream and gudgeon on the rivers & canals learning true watercraft ,stealth , learning the essence of being an angler instead of 3.5 tc rods, big bit reels and bivvies. I totally agree with John's sentiments on predation to ensure the balance and future of the ecosystem and our sport. I am saddened that most new comers to the sport will never sit quietly on an old kreel handed down the generations fibre glass rod in hand on the river or canal starring with relentless will at a float or quivertip , with every dip or shudder being like an electric shock to the senses just enjoying being there in that moment.I wanna see that excitement come back into fishing.God bless.

RIP John you brought Magic to all us Angler’s when we were kids watching your programmes Thanks for the memories 👍👍👍👍

Thank you for the wonderful interview. It really is an absolute pleasure to watch John chatting again, I used to be glued to the TV when Go Fishing came on, he spoke about weir pool magic, I remember it so well, and the Mahseer programme which was fantastic. So good to see him looking so well and enjoying the autumn years he richly deserves. They don't make them like that any more.

Watching John speak warms my heart. He inspired me to start fishing as a lad.RIP John Wilson.

I used to watch all his programs as a kid he was an inspiration. He will not be forgotten.

Absolutely gutted at John, s passing he was a gentlemen and ambassador for our sport. Thoughts go out to Jo, Lee and Lisa who must be heartbroken. RIP JW hope your wetting a line on golden pond. Tony Ashton

RIP John 😞 what a sad loss to the fishing world. I loved watching your fishing programmes & you taught me so much, not just about fishing, but how to enjoy it & everything that goes with it, the wildlife & the flora. You will be sadly missed.

As I child I grew up watching Johns fishing programes , he inspired me to take up fishing , even now I'll watch some old videos brings Back best memorys, RIP Sir.

RIP John, you were a huge part of my childhood growing up and I loved watching your programs. What a legend.

i wish they would put all the shows on to dvd go fishing was a life line to me when i was a kid i was bullied and go fishing was an escape for me but sadly they never put them on dvd id love to have the show to watch again

wonderful person meet him twice in his shop always found time to talk and give advice my hero

RIP John what a smashing bloke time for anybody who wanted to chat experienced or not fishing was his love God bless.

Back in the early to mid eighties Johns shop in Norwich was the in place for anything to do with specimen angling. John was always free with his knowledge and offered me and my friends tips and ideas galore. Happy memories.

I used to watch country file in the 70s, at least i think that is what it was called. Then Gone fishing came a long with JOHN WILSON,great show great fisherman. RIP THE LEGEND

I am so sad knowing that John has passed away. I am an Enfield born and bread lad myself and watched john as a kid on channel 4 before cable and sky tv. He has been such an influence in my life when it comes to angling I owe a lot to the man and I wish I had the chance to meet him. He is the sole reason that I started making fishing videos on my channel. R.I.P John Wilson you legend you will be missed so very much x

Fishing icon and legend..... enough said..... thanks for the memory’s John.

Just last week I went fishing with a Mk1 John Wilson avon (a lovely dark green rod) that I actually bought from John in Norfolk some 30 years ago. I learnt so much from him. Thanks for the interview.

RIP John - Angling legend I used to love your angling shows on TV and I learnt so much from your exploits.

John was well known here in New Zealand and through his media encouraged many coarse anglers to participate in the noble art. You will be missed with that laugh and humour but will live on through the many films that will be enjoyed for a long time to come.

Good to see the legend back. Loved the Go Fishing series.. 🎣🎣

God bless you and thank you for the memories. Never forgotten. Leave the racism and politics out of the comments, please.

Gutted...great loss of an inspiring human being, articulate and caring, my thoughts are with his family. Wonderful guy, What a credit !

I don't fish anymore but I loved Go Fishing and John Wilson was the reason I wanted my Grandad to take me out fishing! The voice of my childhood RIP John!

What a true legend! and great to see John on the screen again, like others have said i too grew up watching Go Fishing and got into it thanks to him, i would love to travel back in time and relive my youth days fishing on rivers, magic memories for me.

What a great watch, used to love watching his programs as a teenager. Great to see him again.

Nice to see you John you are a great ambassador for the sport of angling and always will be tight lines to you mr Wilson.

You know what I'd like too see John Wilson. I've had the pleasure of fulfilling a child hood dream.in the last couple of year's what is now a very close friend of mine in his corse fishing tackle shop on the isle of Wight. It's situated with 2 lovely lake's one general pleasure with mixture and a specimen carp lake. Ok I'm 33 next week. Grew up watching your programs waking up early to watch them and your self. You taught so me much.. I had the pleasure of learning fishing the proper way... Learning water craft etc getting up at stupid times in the morning to go fish a little lake.. gaining experience threw out.. I done sea fishing aswell which was awesome. I see this every day when ever I'm in the shop. People who have literally watched one TV program and become carp fishing people over night. These people don't know how to use a drag or clutch whichever term you want to use.. never sat behind a float and learnt how to plumb the depths of the swim.. had the enjoyment of watching a float.. What I'd like too see in fishing is people willing too learn our amazing hobby/sport. Instead of running straight into wanting to catch a 30lb+ carp.. when they never felt the power of a 10lb carp or playing carp on light gear.. or playing crucians .. I'd love too see people wanting to learn and take in our beautiful surroundings go back with memories even though they blanked.. Thank you for being a inspiration not only to me to thousands of people around the world over the years and still to this day. I hope one day I have pleasure of meeting you Mr Wilson. Tight lines

Really sad to hear John Wilson has passed, I have many happy memories of watching him with my dad and using lots of his techniques.

Great to see John back in the UK, temporarily or not - his passion is infectious. If John isn't planning to make any new programmes, it'd be great to see Go Fishing 'remixed' as he described.

Miss you Wilson 😢

John Wilson is my absolute fishing hero. I first started watching him around 1988 on his show Go Fishing on Channel 4. Talking about things that went wrong, I remember an episode of Go Fishing where he was pike fishing from a boat. At the very end of the programme who will standard upholding a pike that was probably 20 lbs +. The pike then thrashed around and he dropped it on his rod snapping it completely in half. All you could hear was the crew laughing before the credits came up. Really great to see John, I was only thinking about him the other day and was wondering how he was. I'm going fishing tomorrow and will be using my John Wilson Avon rod which I bought over 20 years ago and is still one of my favourite fishing rods..

I find it very saddening that John passed away just a few months after this interview....he looks so fit, healthy & full of life😞 A massive miss in the Angling world & he was just one of the reasons why I took up fishing over 35 years ago, his programmes & videos were so inspirational. RIP John - A fishing legend of the highest calibre❤️

R.i.p John Wilson you made my fishing what it is today I learned so much from you I am all over KZfaq watching reruns of go fishing my favourites series you made especially the double figure bream episode it sill amazes me to this day I hope your up there on a golden river catching some cracking roach rest in peace my friend and your legacy will live on in me and my children who love your programs my deepest condolences to your family god bless

Pure true angler sad how times change. God bless John and your family. Inspiration to every aspect of of angling. LEGEND. 👍👍

I'll miss the joyous laughter of every catch. An inspiration. R.

What a sad loss it is to a true legend . I used to watch him all the time I can still remember the day he was at my local tackle shop having an open day I was just going in to get some bait and bumped into him with a pint of reds and one of his books all about bream fishing and we started to talk about fishing he saw my book and ask me about what I was gonna go for and I said bream and it was all down to John and still to this day I love my bream fishing . Thank you John for passing on your knowledge you are a true inspiration and legend. RIP john you will be missed 😟🎣🎣🎣🎣🎣

I HAD EVERY GO FISHING EP ON VHS ! TO THIS DAY I STILL FISH TWO RODS FEEDERS ! I REMEMBER THE TENCH ESTATE LAKE THE BRICK WALL JOHNS SAT AT ! A LEGEND ! SOME OF JOHNS GO FISHING SHOWS ARE SPELL BOUNDING ! MAGICAL TO A YOUNG BOY LIKE ME THEN WHEN THATS THE ONLY SHOW TO LEARN TECHNIQUES FROM ! THANK YOU JOHN ! ALL THE MATE CLASS !! : ) : )

Mr Crabtree (Mr Venables} and John Wilson two of the very best angling guys. RIP both.

RIP John,your passion is addictive

John, thanks for getting me into fishing and keeping me hooked. RIP.