Fred J Taylor MBE

Writer author, angler, keen shot and naturalist Fred J Taylor MBE sadly passed away on May 7th 2008 Our Fred, and for many of us it was our Fred, was born in 1919 in the County of Bedfordshire as a toddler he was taken fishing, so he couldn’t fall into the water a length of rope was attached to young Fred and then to a nearby tree.

During the Second World War Fred served in North Africa as a member of the famed Dessert Rats part of the Eighth Army where in 1941-42, the Desert Rats defeated Rommel's Afrika Korps in the Battle of El Alamein which included him serving during the siege of Tobruk.

After the war he returned home and back to his trade as a baker and pastry cook, in his spare time he returned to his sporting passions in life fishing, ferreting and shooting. When Richard Walker’s book Still Water Angling was published Fred didn’t agree with everything Walker had written, and sent Richard a letter saying so and outlining his thoughts. From that day until the passing of Walker they remained very firm friends.

I first met Fred J as he was affectionately known to his friends and followers in the late 1950's. It was about this time he started working for Efgeeco and company, and starting out on a successful career as a writer. with published articles in the Midland Angler, Creel, Anglers Annual, Fishing, Angling Times and other magazine. I well remember his article on Fishing for Pike with herrings as the bait.

I reckon he was the first man who taught us all, that we could catch big pike on dead baits. Fred gave me many valuable lessons on fishing, ferreting and outdoor cooking. It was through his skills of the latter that I was able to teach others how to live comfortably in the outdoors.

His books have certainly been an inspiration to me and without doubt they have helped me put more and bigger fish in my landing net. The classic I reckon was Angling in Ernest published in 1958 other titles have been Favourite Swims, Fishing for Tench, One for the pot, highly recommended Game and Fish Cookery, Guide to Ferreting, My Fishing Years Reflections on the Water and more. Fred J was a long time member of NASA and supporter of SACG and then the SAA, as well as many other angling associations.

Without a shadow of a doubt Fred will be remembered for his writings on fishing and countryside matters, his kindness and generosity as an individual and a very good friend to many. The world is a poorer place for his passing, but a wealthier place for his having been here. Fred you were a great friend Rest in Peace