Some days ago I reported thatGilbert Frezel passed away aged 85 on September 11th after a seven year battle with cancer. 

In his early years he was the proprietor of a successful car body repair shop in Hereford, whilst at the same time running a fishing tackle shop in the city.

Working in the tackle trade brought him into contact with Bill Morris who was retiring after being full time gillie at the Carrots. Gilbert soon packed in both his business's and took over Bills job, a position that he held for 15 years. He was a very active member of Hereford A A, serving on the committee, managing the work parties and catching a huge number of salmon. In one season taking 57 fish to his own rod. When the Carrots water was sold he moved to Luggs Mouth and was gillie there for another 20 years. Gilbert was a fiercely competitive character and when the queen visited Hereford in 1957 he guaranteed to provide a freshly caught Wye salmon for the royal table. Needless to say, he did not let H R H down.

He saw and caught more Wye salmon that most of us will ever see again and another of the rivers real characters has left us.

His funeral will be held at Hereford crematorium on Friday September 25th at 10-30am

Another fish for Dave Palmers from Handcocks Stream, Golden Mile. 8 lbs on a Willie Gunn Tube.

Also an 8lb fish from Garnons to Ricky Reno.