John Wilson MBE was more than just a legendary angler; he was a pioneer, storyteller, and passionate ambassador for fishing in Thailand. His countless books, films and television programs introduced anglers around the world to the beauty and thrill of fishing, particularly in Thailand where he played a significant role in propelling the country onto the global angling stage. This article written by Eddie Mounce founder of Fish Thailand, reflects on their journey from Fish Thailand guiding John in Thailand to John guiding Eddie in England; their shared adventures and the lasting legacy John Wilson left on the Thai fishing scene.
A Friendship Forged by Fishing Thailand
My journey with John began in Thailand where he had been visiting for years, filming some of the earliest fishing content that reached the Western world. His work played a key role in creating awareness of Thailand as a fishing holiday destination, showcasing the incredible species and experiences the country had to offer. It’s important to also mention John’s brother Dave Wilson, whose passion for fishing and his contributions to the Thai fishing scene were equally significant. Dave was an avid angler whose enthusiasm for fishing in Thailand was contagious and his presence both as an angler and as a person added to the shared love for fishing that we all experienced together.
At the time I was co-developing and co-owning Jurassic Mountain Resort & Fishing Park, to which John took a keen interest in this ambitious project. Having fished all over the world, John had a unique ability to recognize the potential of a fishery and his early visit to Jurassic while it was still under excavation showed his keen eye for a great fishing destination. His first words upon seeing the developing lake were “Good luck,” knowing full well the monumental effort it would take to transform it into the premier fishing destination it is today.
John’s Biggest Arapaima from Jurassic Mountain Fishing Park
When John later returned to fish Jurassic after its completion, his smile and excitement spoke volumes -he had found a new playground in Thailand. Jurassic quickly became one of John and Dave’s favorite lakes, a place where they could relax, fish and enjoy the camaraderie that angling brings. On one unforgettable occasion John and Dave joined me for a session that perfectly captured the magic of those days. I remember vividly the moment John hooked into a huge arapaima.
I remember the day very well because even though we were a bunch of old friends hanging out, catching up and enjoying some fishing together; to see the famous John Wilson smile evolve across the most familiar face in angling coupled with the chuckle that has resonated out of so many television sets across the UK and now out across our fishery created a moment of surrealism.
A short lull in action was disturbed by a positive run on the dead bait rod. As John bent into the fish it was met with a violent response – sure to be an arapaima! Spirits were extremely high now as Dave, John and I were all having such a great time. This was truly a very special moment in angling – if for nobody else then for us four. A usually nervous moment for anyone playing such a big fish would have been as it fought its way around the corner into the southwest bay of the lake. But for me at least it was rather amusing seeing John crash through the undergrowth keeping up with the fish as he leapt around palm trees, witnessing how the lure of a monster fish could lead a man to oust the same physical acrobatics he did in his thirties with such flawless agility and lack of exertion.
The serious moment was soon upon us after John had tamed the arapaima and was coaxing it in closer as its fighting circles diminished. Even so a fish clearly well over 150lb still had some powerful energy surges left in store and a failed netting or miss-netting could easily result in a lost fish. John took his time, the fish seemed to follow suit and I kept cool as we all waited for the correct moment which did not come at first pass. On the second pass the fish surfaced much more cleanly than the first and its direction of lie was good with its body floating parallel to the bank. The net scooped over the fish’s head calmly at which time I secured the tail and body section of the arapaima. It was indeed safely netted – big relief as who on earth wants to be remembered as ‘the guy who lost John Wilson’s big arapaima?!’
During the photos and handling of John’s arapaima it was quickly noticed that the hook had actually fallen out of the fish’s mouth during the netting. Thankfully, great photography was taken and the unthinkable did not occur. Instead, this fish was returned full of fight again after being held until it had breathed and recovered.
Something that John said next topped off the perfect end to the perfect day: “Well, it’s not often I get a new personal best anymore.” Meaning, of course that to my absolute joy and amazement, guiding John to Jurassic Fishing Park for the day secured his biggest-ever arapaima.
Beyond Borders: Fishing Adventures from Thailand to Norfolk
As our bond grew over the years, our friendship was not limited to Thailand; we also spent time fishing together in England. One particularly memorable trip saw us fishing at Homersfield Lake and John’s own lake at his Norfolk home, known as Lake House.
Homersfield Lake – Go Fishing Style Floater Fishing
Remembering the “Go Fishing” TV series John had filmed some years back at Homersfield Lake in Norfolk, it was hugely exciting to find myself there with John fishing floating dog biscuit at range; which incidentally proved to be the winning tactic during what locals described as a particularly difficult week. I was the first to hook up and after a powerful fight on relatively light tackle a stunning 27lb 08oz leather carp graced the banks. The commotion put the fish on edge for a while but we were more than content with our success. With the morning’s stalking session complete we headed to lake owner Norman Simmons’ house overlooking the estate for a well-earned lunch. The plan to fish the afternoon soon dissolved after a few glasses of red wine and great conversation – something that often seemed to happen when fishing with John.
Lake House – John Wilson’s Norfolk Home
The next morning at 5 a.m we pulled up at John’s Lake House still a little sleepy-eyed only to be greeted by a hugely enthusiastic and highly organised John, who had already made up several rods and had a couple of swims pre-baited.
John’s lake was a hidden gem, a truly mature and natural oasis – an idyllic setting for early morning tench fishing. While many anglers might have been more focused on the carp, I was secretly hoping to get through to one of the large English tench that resided in this peaceful hideaway. My wish was granted when I landed a beautiful 6lb 8oz tench using a peacock quill float fished lift method style right beside a bed of lily pads, surrounded by a cauldron of pin-head-sized fizzing bubbles. If you asked me which catch was more memorable – the 27lb 8oz carp from Homersfield or this perfect tench – I would choose the latter, though I cherished both just the same.
Lake Garden – John Wilson’s Thailand Home
John and his wife Jo had long been planning their move to Thailand, swapping their beloved Norfolk home where they had lived for 30 years for their new dream retreat – Lake Garden in Chumphon. This stunning four-acre lake fringed by lush jungle was stocked with Siamese carp, arapaima, Amazon redtail catfish and many other exotic species. It was the perfect setting for John’s next angling adventure.
It wasn’t long after that I collected John, his wife Jo and their dog Zac from Bangkok airport when they made the move to Thailand. From that moment on our friendship deepened – we shared many bottles of red wine, countless laughs and unforgettable moments both on and off the water.
Casting Together: A New Chapter with Martin Bowler
It was through John that I also met Martin Bowler and introduced him to fishing in Thailand, whom also became a very close friend as he still is to this day. Together the three of us filmed a very special fishing documentary in Thailand, this unique film which was never commercially released remains one of the most treasured memories and pieces of fishing media we created all together. It captures the essence of our adventures and the deep bonds formed through a shared passion for angling.
The story of my journey with Martin is another of great adventure and epic angling tales, which I will endeavor to dedicate a separate article as it’s far too long to detail here; you can however watch the documentary here.
John Wilson’s Impact on Fishing in Thailand
John Wilson’s legacy in Thailand extends far beyond our personal fishing experiences. Through his numerous TV shows, books, and films he showcased the magic of guided fishing in Thailand; highlighting the country’s diverse and exciting freshwater species. His work significantly contributed to Thailand’s status as a premier fishing holiday destination, bringing international recognition and attracting anglers from all over the world.
A Tribute to a True Angling Legend and Friend
John was not just an exceptional angler; he was a mentor, a friend and an inspiration. His contributions to Fish Thailand and the Thai fishing scene as a whole are immeasurable. From Jurassic Fishing Park to his own Lake Garden, from England to Thailand; John’s spirit of adventure and love for fishing will continue to inspire future generations.
As we remember John we celebrate not just the fish he caught but the memories, friendships and legacy he built. His passion for angling lives on in the waters he fished, the people he influenced and the stories he told. I also think of Dave his brother whose own love for fishing and contributions to the sport in Thailand should never be forgotten. Both of them left a lasting mark on the fishing community.
For those of us lucky enough to have known and fished with them, their laughter and love for the sport will forever echo in our hearts. I will miss them both deeply – not only as legends in the fishing world but as true friends.
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