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Number 2: Kevin Ashurst

The two biggest stars of fishing in the 1970s were Ivan Marks and his ‘big brother’ Kevin Ashurst.

Kevin Ashurst removing hook from fish mouth

Kevin was winning matches in the 1960s and is still winning them today, returning to his beloved River Weaver for the autumn roach fishing, spending summers in the Emerald Isle.

The most consistent English performer of the Stan Smith era, with a better record than even Ivan Marks, octogenarian Kevin would make most people's squad of the best half a dozen English anglers of all time.

Kevin pioneered modern pole fishing as we know it, not to be confused with the London roach pole fishing of the 19th century. If the England team in the 1960s had been selected purely on ability rather than nominations following national championship results, Kevin would have represented his country perhaps eight or ten more times. Denying Steve Gardener his current record of 27 international appearances.

A famous individual victory on the Newry canal in 1982, just pipping Captain America was followed by three individual silver medals plus several team golds and silvers. Just like Ivan, Kevin isn't noted as the neatest or tidiest of anglers, but he sure knows what matters at the business end.

You can find out more about Kevin here.

Last Edited: 06 June 2019

photo of a location on the canals
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