BENNY ASHURST
The Pioneer Who Changed the Game
Legends in My Lifetime — A Musical Tribute by Clive Branson
A Pioneer of Match Fishing
Benny Ashurst was one of the great innovators of British match fishing. A former Lancashire coal miner, he became a leading match angler and helped transform the sport through his pioneering work with sinking casters and the development of stick-float fishing.
His achievements included victory in a 1,000-angler competition in 1949, winning the National team championship with Stoke in 1969 alongside his son Kevin, and winning the Trent Championship in 1971.
Why I Wrote This Song
Although I never had the pleasure of meeting Benny Ashurst, I came to appreciate his remarkable contribution through anglers who knew him and through his son Kevin, who became my all-time angling hero and a good friend.
As a youngster on the River Taff in Cardiff, I watched Kevin win a competition using casters alone. It was the first time I met him. An older local angler called Pete had already shown me their value at a time when many anglers simply threw them away.
I wrote this song because Benny deserves to be remembered not only for the trophies he won, but for the way he helped change our sport.
Watch the Musical Tribute
Listen to the Song
Continue the Journey
Discover the Complete Legends Collection
Benny’s tribute is part of a much larger celebration of the anglers, champions and characters who have shaped my life in fishing.
Discover the book and explore the music collection on CD, USB and digital download.
EXPLORE THE LEGENDS COLLECTION →
The Anglers • The Stories • The Memories • The Music
The Anglers • The Stories • The Memories • The Music