My friend SG had this to say on his Facebook post: “This is probably a sure sign that I am getting old, but I absolutely love “Gone Fishing” with Bob Mortimer and Paul Whitehouse. Stunning locations, gentle banter and great fishing – what’s not to like?”
That took me back to the early nineties of the last century and Chris Rea.
I posted this in response to SG and we then exchanged the following messages.
SG: Please watch the programme if you can. It is on BBC 2 here, I think. It is hosted by two aging comedians in their early 60s who are recovering from life threatening health conditions, so a lot of meditations on life and mortality (all presented in a light-hearted way).
I: I have seen a few clips on youtube recommended by some friends. Quite interesting but, not my cup of tea. I am not as old as you are.
(There is over two decades of age difference between us.)
For those interested, the lyrics for Chris Rea’s song:
I’m going fishing
I got me a line
Nothin’ I do’s gonna’ make the difference
So I’m taking the time
And you ain’t never gonna’ be happy
Anyhow, anyway
So I’m going fishing
And I’m going today
I’m going fishing
Sounds crasy I know
I know nothing about fishing
But just watch me go
And when my time has come
I will look back and see
Peace on the shoreline
That could have been me
You can waste whole lifetime
Trying to be
What you think is expected of you
But you’ll never be free
May as well go fishing.
Chris Rea interview – summer 1991, for the song ”Gone Fishing”.
“I know a lot of people have remarked to me they have listened to the record, “I like that song, that’s what we should do, just go fishing, forget about everything”. The funny thing about that song is as I say in the song, I don’t know anything about fishing. he bottom line of the tune is that when you get to the last day of your life and you look back, and you see how many hours you’ve spent in traffic-jams, pushing and shoving, how many hours you’ve spent elbowing people out of the way and being elbowed out of the way; You just thing to yourself I wish I had all them hours back, cos I may as well have gone fishing…”
Fishing has never been my cup of tea either though I did enjoy deep sea salmon and bonita fishing a few times several decades ago. The Bonita fishing was particularly exciting until Bonita sharks decided it ws ok for them to grab our fish as we reeled them in LOL
I have done a fair bit of trout fishing as well as pond fishing for silver carp. When we moved to Pune thirty years ago, the river flowing very near us was easily accessible and my son and I would go fish there too. With increased construction and ‘progress’, it is now difficult to do that and I have given up that very satisfying pastime. I have also done a fair bit of observing trawling on fishing boats.
While I have gone fishing when I was younger and also a bit after my sons were born, but I haven’t been fishing in more years than I can remember. I do remember though that it was fun and very relaxing. Listening to that song brought back fun thoughts about the times we did go fishing. It is a song that does bring peace to one’s heart and is very relaxing. Thanks for sharing.
I too have done a fair bit of trout fishing as well as pond fishing for silver carp. When we moved to Pune thirty years ago, the river flowing very near us was easily accessible and my son and I would go fish there too. With increased construction and ‘progress’, it is now difficult to do that and I have given up that very satisfying pastime. I have also done a fair bit of observing trawling on fishing boats.
now here’s a bit of my history – all new to you and your readers!
It’s the early 70s and I’m about to tie the knot of marriage – I had to buy the wedding ring because my soon to be husband said he was buying me a special present…
I was so excited but when he turned up with this “stick like structure” and said it was the present but it was too hard to wrap, I was a bit stunned.
It was to be my very own small sized fishing rod and then we could fish together!
I never really got the hang of it…I would swing it backwards and then it would connect with a tree or fall directly behind me onto the sand. I couldn’t tie the fiddly knots because of my hands. Finally I gave it up, drove him to his favourite spots and spent my time reading or crafting! He rarely caught enough for us to eat, saying it was for “fun” not for gain. But he kept buying more rods, reels and gadgets…
Golf and fishing addicts are a breed apart. Nothing would give them greater pleasure than to indulge in their passion with their loved ones. I was both and should know. And, like you, my late wife never could understand my passion for either.
oh, you lucky devil!
Certianly you’ve been having a very good life. Knowing this makes me happy!
I had no idea you were a fan of Chris Rea. He lived/lives in Reading, Berkshire, UK, where I studied.
I had a complete collection of Chris Rea’s records during the LP days. I am indeed blessed that I have lived a full life and now in my sunset years have no regrets. Other good things keep happening to me too.