A Man Ahead of His Time

Ray Mumford was one of the most extraordinary characters I ever encountered during my lifetime in match fishing.

A brilliant innovator, a fierce individualist and a true pioneer, Ray helped introduce continental pole-fishing methods, specialist floats, accessories and groundbaits to British anglers long before they became commonplace.

His revolutionary approach to catching bleak and small fish helped prove that success was not always about catching the biggest fish. He was a man who questioned tradition and dared to think differently.

Despite his extraordinary knowledge and ability, Ray never achieved his ambition of representing England in a World Championship. I have always believed he deserved that opportunity.

The Ray Mumford I Knew

I first met Ray at Roath Park Lake in Cardiff, and over the years we became good friends.

One of my happiest memories was spending time together on the River Arno in Florence in 1985, when Ray and his wife Maureen joined my wife Pat and me before the World Championships.

Ray taught me some extraordinary fishing techniques, including flicking small stones around the float to attract carp!

And I shall never forget the night in Switzerland when he stood beneath a full moon, howling like a werewolf and keeping the Welsh team awake!

There was never a dull moment with Ray Mumford.

Why I Wrote This Song

I wanted to pay tribute to Ray because he was one of the most remarkable anglers I ever knew. His pioneering ideas helped change British match fishing, yet his greatest ambition of representing England at a World Championship remained unfulfilled. Ray was eccentric, outspoken, brilliantly inventive and, above all, a good friend. I treasure our memories of Florence, his unusual fishing lessons and the laughter we shared. This song celebrates a man who was never afraid to be different, and whose influence on the sport will never be forgotten.