Ivan Marks and the Likely Lads

This is a story board about the book I wrote about Ivan Marks and the Likely Lads, a famous Leicester fishing angler and his team.

[burniemaurins]

I was born in Leicester and knew him quite well along with several others in the Likely Lads, I grew up fishing alongside him on the "Straits" in the middle of the city, a real character. I wasn't a match angler, but did occasionally fish the odd match and those lads were generous with their advice. I went on to join the National Association of Specialist Anglers and the Tenchfishers, eventually moving away from Leicester, so lost touch with them all.

[johnclarke-vsqe]

As a kid, Ivan was my sporting hero. Got to meet him as a Leicester Junior, took me to fish the Birmingham Parks match at Cannon Hill. The most generous man with his time and advice. Wonderful, wonderful man.

[dianeirvine]

Ivan spoke to anyone, met him a few times, a true legend RIP

[mg]

This book and it's contents should be the subject of one of Guru tackles podcasts (with Matt Godfrey).
I'm sure the likes of Tom Pickering and Alan Scotthorne would welcome the opportunity to share with viewers some of their memories of Ivan and the Likely Lads.

[johnbloor]

Ivan was my biggest influence ever. As a young man in Manchester in the 70’s, his weekly AT column was a must read along with Billy Lanes “Uncle Bill” column. I moved to Coventry in 1980 because of a job promotion. And I soon found my way to fishing at Coombe Abbey lake which at that time was the Mecca of bream fishing. It was a Wednesday when I first met Ivan. He had been fishing a Stamford Carpets invitation match. At the end of the match, Ivan, after having a not so good match came walking past whilst I was roach fishing on the straight. He asked how I was doing and I told him I was having s fish a chuck. He dropped his basket off his shoulder and sat down next to me, giving his advice on how I could catch better than I was, lol. After that first meeting, Ivan, and I became regular competitors against each other and we formed a friendship I treasure to this day. He taught me so much that I will always be eternally grateful to who I personally believe to be the best angler this country has ever produced.

[terrylomax]

Brought back some memories. Johnny Wilkinson of our old Elthorne club next to Ian Heaps in the England Team photo. Ivan chucking in bucketsful of groundbait at Marco's pit, going back to the tea tent for an hour, then emptying his peg of bream to win. My mate Bob beating Roy Marlow off the next peg at Chertsey using a slow sinking bomb that I devised to keep the bait out of the blanket weed on the bottom of the lake and catch on the drop. Too old for match-fishing now, but still feel the buzz

[andycollings]

I have only just found you on YouTube. What a lovely piece on Ivan Marks. To me he was the greatest angler not to win the world title. His articles in the AT were so inspirational. I did meet him once at the draw for the The Beds Hospital cup. He didn't like his draw so didn't fish. Ivan would have been in the section I was stewarding. Cheers for the memories

[richardbawcombe]

Just bought it. Looks like a good read. Ivan was a hero of mine as a kid. Great

[weebolddavy]

Ivan inspired me and his team were all household names in my house during the '70s

[ianmountcastle]

A Top Match Angler Ivan ! He sure Knew how to catch those big Bream !