Whilst some of the programme leaves me a smidgen uncomfortable, in the main RG is participating in fishing the way the 'locals' do it.
Sometimes that doesn't fit entirely with the UK 'ethos' but if that's the way they do it then fair play, we shouldn't impose out moral code on them - particularly when it comes down to survival skills.
And thats the crux of the problem for me...
I have watched Ray Mears catch fish using spears, traps and all sorts, but i do not have an issue with that as he quite clearly states that it is for survival and that he is just showing how the locals do it. He does everything with respect, dignity and with explaination.
RG seems to relish in leaping about, swearing and making a tit of himself...and to a casual watcher, this is how all anglers behave. Going back to the last series, blasting through the Everglads (a National Park and Reserve) on an "air" boat, taking pot shots with a rifle at "Swamp Chickens" (Moorhens) is something no angler should be compared too!
I have very strong convictions when it comes to handling fish and I do not believe that anglers up here are as aware of anti-angling pressure as anglers down south. Anglers have been attacked, pushed in, gear smashed up etc etc. Its a real threat and this plonker is adding to the fuel.
Rant over
Time to go home and get a couple of hours fishing in
