THE LEGENDS COLLECTION • VOLUME ONE
Bob Nudd MBE
The People’s Champion
A PERSONAL TRIBUTE
A Legend, an Angler and a Friend
What can I say about Bob Nudd that has not already been said? A true legend, a great angler and, most importantly to me, a good friend.
I first really got to know Bob through our mutual friend Kevin Ashurst while we were fishing the great Irish festivals. Those were wonderful days in match fishing, when many of Britain’s finest anglers travelled across to Ireland and friendships were formed that lasted long after the matches themselves were over.
Bob and I often talked while fishing international events and over the years we became good friends. Even after my own retirement from serious competition, we continued to speak regularly.
But what has always struck me about Bob is that alongside all the World Championships, international medals and enormous public recognition, he has remained what he always was at heart — an angler who simply loves going fishing.
Clive Branson with his good friend Bob Nudd MBE — one of the greatest and most popular match anglers of all time.
“Four individual World Championships made Bob Nudd one of the greatest match anglers of all time. But his warmth, enthusiasm and popularity with ordinary anglers made him The People’s Champion.”
— Clive Branson
THE STORY BEHIND THE MUSIC
Why I Wrote This Song
Bob Nudd is one of those rare anglers whose name became known far beyond the match-fishing world. Four individual World Championship titles tell you what an extraordinary competitor he was, but they only tell part of the story. His enthusiasm, personality and unmistakable white cap made him a favourite with anglers everywhere.
I have been fortunate to know Bob throughout many of his great years in international fishing, sharing memories of an era when representing your country meant everything. I wrote this song because I wanted to celebrate more than his medals and trophies. I wanted to capture the character, the popularity and the lasting affection that earned him the title of the People’s Champion.
— Clive Branson
THE MUSICAL TRIBUTE
The People’s Champion
As part of Legends in My Lifetime, I wrote an original musical tribute to Bob — celebrating the World Championships, the famous white cap and, above all, the extraordinary affection anglers have always had for him.
Watch the film and hear my musical tribute to one of match fishing’s most remarkable champions.
LISTEN TO THE SONG
Bob Nudd MBE
The People’s Champion
This song forms part of The Legends Collection — original musical tributes celebrating the anglers, personalities and memories that have shaped my lifetime in fishing.
THE MAKING OF A CHAMPION
A Late Start — and a Remarkable Rise
Bob was a relatively late starter in serious match fishing. He once told me that he was around 24 when he really began getting involved in the competitive side of the sport.
He quickly realised that if he wanted to compete with the very best, he needed to master the methods that were beginning to influence top-level match fishing. In particular, he concentrated on the pole and became recognised as one of the finest pole anglers in the country.
Success at home and on the great Irish festivals followed. An England call-up was only a matter of time.
THE INTERNATIONAL STAGE
England Comes Calling
Bob’s opportunity came in 1984 when he was selected for England at the World Championship in Yverdon, Switzerland. He finished second in his section and helped England take the team silver medal.
Just twelve months later, on the River Arno in Florence, Bob won his section as England captured the World Team Championship.
England celebrate their World Championship triumph on the River Arno in Florence in 1985 — Bob Nudd’s first World Team Championship victory.
WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP HISTORY
Four Times World Champion
1990 • 1991 • 1994 • 1999
Winning an individual World Championship once is the dream of every international match angler. Bob Nudd did it four times.
1990
Yugoslavia
Bob captured his first Individual World Championship.
1991
Hungary
One year later he did it again — back-to-back World Champion.
1994
England
Home glory at Holme Pierrepont and a third individual world crown.
1999
Spain
Bob’s fourth world title secured his place in angling history.
“Four World Championships. Four moments in history. And one of the greatest match anglers the sport has ever produced.”
— Clive Branson
THE TRADEMARK
The Famous White Cap
For generations of match anglers, the white cap became almost as famous as the man wearing it. Yet Bob did not always fish in white.
The change began during a hot competition in Florence when advice from an Italian friend persuaded Bob to swap his dark cap for a white one. What started as a practical way of keeping cool became one of the most recognisable trademarks in match fishing.
THERE’S MUCH MORE TO THE STORY
Discover the Full Story
Bob’s four World Championships are only part of the story. My memories of fishing alongside him, the Irish festivals, international events, the stories behind the famous white cap and the remarkable moments that made Bob The People’s Champion form part of the expanded Legends in My Lifetime story.
The complete collection brings together the stories, memories and music celebrating the anglers who have shaped my lifetime in the sport.
Read the Book
Discover the complete stories, personal memories and photographs in Legends in My Lifetime.
Own the Music
Hear the complete collection of original musical tributes on the Legends in My Lifetime CDs.
Download the Collection
Enjoy the songs digitally wherever you listen to your music.
Book, CD and digital collection purchasing options will be available through Legends in My Lifetime.
“The World Championships made Bob a champion. The anglers who followed him made him The People’s Champion.”
— Clive Branson
Continue the Journey
Discover the Complete Legends Collection
Bob’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