Esox Ecosse - Issue 55 May. 2014 | Page 25

EsoxEcosse Magazine 25 An interview with an angler An Interview with an angler > Jon-Paul Neafcy > Pike Pro Consultant > 2014 AGM Guest Speaker Q: Jon how long have you been Pike fishing? late great James Holgate for all his help with my angling writing. Fish your socks off, keep a diary, ask the magazine editors for help or guidance or other angling authors most people are helpful. Q: As an angling author what attracts you to this, what are the pros & cons and what tips would you give budding authors? Q: What do you see as the current challenges for Pike fishing? A: Hi, I'm 41 and have fished since age 5 catching my first pike aged 7. Q: What attracts you to Pike fishing? A: The Pike is an ancient species, top of the freshwater aquatic food chain, the fresh water shark or water wolf which sets the mind racing. Add to this the fantastic scenery we can find ourselves fishing and it's not difficult to see why we become hooked. Add to that I have a very demanding and stressful job as a senior manager so fishing is a form of escape for me. Q: During your fishing career what changes have you seen? A: I've seen many changes, many for the better including the wealth of specimen and specialist tackle available particularly for fish welfare with unhooking matts etc. being common place. However not all changes in my opinion are for the better including bait restrictions that we have seen in England in the lake district and the live bait ban in Scotland. Q: Who are/or were your angling heroes & why? A: My late uncle Graham Boyle who taught me how to fish a very secretive angler, Dick Walker; Redmire carp record amongst other achievements, Chris Yates again a carp record holder and a proper old school angler, Pike wise has to be the late great Barry Rickards for