Fantasy fishing powered by human curiosity

Last night I attended a charity preview of the new British film, Salmon Fishing in the Yemen – in aid of the Yorkshire Sculpture Park... Not such a tenuous connection as you may think, as sculpture isn’t naturally associated with Yorkshire. In fact, you may be inspired to travel up north to experience the first major UK exhibition of Miro’s sculpture, set amongst 500 acres of Capability Brown style grounds that are probably unaffected by the hosepipe ban.



And if you’re looking for somewhere to stay, how about Holdsworth House, a rather grand Jacobean Manor - with curiously reasonable room rates.

Alternatively, you may decide to head off to Scotland, where there’s also plenty of water, to try your hand at some salmon fishing. Fly fishing gets a curious makeover in the new film based on the book by Paul Torday:

Having read the book when it first came out, I was expecting something a little more touching – even spiritual - from Lasse Hallstrom (director of the award winning Cider House Rules, amongst many other films and videos). The characters portrayed by the star-studded cast are suitably endearing, especially Kristen Scott Thomas as Patricia Maxwell, but the condensed version with its updated script seems somehow watered down. The book was compelling enough to read in barely more than one sitting, whereas the movie lumbers along like a salmon struggling for its life. Nevertheless, the ‘visionary’ sheik is convincing, despite his far-fetched ambitions. Though his natural powers of insight, presumably acquired from thousands of years of Middle Eastern philosophical tradition, are not conveyed nearly as well as in the book.

The positive message is that fishing is a great leveller, overcoming distinctions of class, colour and creed. Having a dream and the determination and ability to see it through are paramount – ie faith transcends purchasing power. And no amount of money will make a seemingly impossible project work if narrow minded civil servants don’t possess sufficient curiosity to look beyond the world they live in.

This story captures the essential conflict between scientific and human endeavour. The sheik’s wealth can’t buy something that’s not physically possible, but faith and a conviction in belief can go a long way towards getting anything imaginable done. The rest is pure luck. Or is it?

Anyway, if the film spawns a sudden salmon fishing frenzy, ShopCurious has just the thing – a pair of vintage fly fishing hook cufflinks. You never know, they may even turn out to be especially lucky.

Will you?

Fishing around for Father's Day?

I was sorry to hear about the flood of sewage, caused by heavy rain last weekend, reportedly killing around 20.000 fish between Kew and the Albert Bridge. When the tide’s out, I’ve occasionally seen the odd angler bravely wading out into the River Thames – a tradition that must stretch back to time immemorial. According to a local fishing club, The Wandle Piscators, even Nelson fished the Wandle (a tributary of the Thames), with his good arm, until his death at Trafalgar.






I can see the appeal of fishing in the event of being marooned on a desert island - but why do people, especially men, become so obsessed with this curiously uneventful pastime? I decided to have a go myself – in an attempt to discover the allure of the strange sport… though being a fair-weather sort, I opted for a deep sea fishing trip in the sunny Caribbean. Not such a great idea if it’s not sunny, but STORMY.


Bravely overcoming my strong desire to bug out, I spent several hours inhaling stomach churning diesel fumes and foul fishy aromas, as the boat pitched at crazy angles. The vessel was equipped with all manner of curious fishing paraphernalia, which the captain and his mate put to use with professional nonchalance, even when the boat was at 45 degrees in a squall.




















Despite feeling a little queasy, I was determined to maintain my sartorial elegance throughout - but, boy was I glad when I saw the beach rapidly zooming towards us, as the boat accelerated back to shore at breakneck speed. And we actually brought in a reasonably decent catch - including a 25 pound Wahoo - a very tasty trophy.






















By the way, if your Dad’s a keen fisherman, then look no further than these fabulous vintage fly fishing cufflinks from ShopCurious, which would make the perfect Father’s Day present.



Anyway, there was I thinking that a more sedate form of fishy activity, like a trip to see Selfridges Project Ocean, might be a little less dangerous than deep sea fishing – but my curiosity to capture these strange chaps on film caused me to fall off the end of the escalator:

Will you?

PS If your Dad’s into something other than fishing, check out my special selection of unusual gifts for Dabbling Dads.

Hunters and gatherers

As we know, men are natural hunters - and if economic circumstances worsen any further, they may even find themselves out foraging for food. Of course, men also have something of a herd instinct, tending to follow each other in terms of many things - including their dress. Continuing with our vintage theme, let’s take a look at some slightly more original clothing for the man who likes to stand out from the rest of the pack, but retain his classic country style:


If you’re a man, I presume it’s quite easy to choose what to wear every day. After all, there are only a few items you need to pick out: a pair of trousers, a shirt, perhaps a jacket, maybe a tie – it can all be very simple, as men tend not to like unnecessary bother.





But style doesn’t have to be overly complicated. Even when out and about practising the curious country pursuits that some enjoy, men can still jazz up traditional country cords and tweeds by adding quirky and individual touches. I’ve noticed fellow men complimenting associates on their fashion sense and, at some predominantly male sporting events such as clay pigeon shoots, they often have prizes for the best dressed man (or ‘gun’, as these are dangerously called).

So why not add a bit of personality to your weekend attire with an unusual pair of vintage cufflinks, or a stylish recycled vintage silk cravat from ShopCurious?


Of course, hunters have to be ready for all eventualities and all weathers. And, when left to their own devices, they love nothing more than to behave like a bunch of overgrown kids -



tinkering around, messing about with their toys, having a bit of horseplay and stopping off every now and then for a bite to eat … and occasionally for a drop to drink. Best of all: to tinker, play, scoff and quaff all at the same time.




I'm not a pheasant plucking sort myself, but us girls can lark about too and dress up in eclectic style for a bit of outdoor fun, as I did when fly-fishing in Scotland - though I doubt many men would be so bold as to team up purple hair with oiled dungarees, a Barbour and waders. Let us know the most original thing you've worn for a sporting occasion...

Will you?