The Passing of a Legend

[Twinfisher 4.9]

I only just heard of the sudden death of Jack Erskine whilst in the US at the age of 71, an absolute legend of the fishing industry in Australia and more lately, widely recognised and respected worldwide. I first met Jack in 1973 when he was recognised as one of the best rod designers and builders in Oz. He spent no end of time with me as an 18 year old as to the basics of crafting a blank into a beautiful fishing tool and physics behind the deisgn. He was running a very successful business in Sydney but still had so much time for an enthusiastic but ignorant youngster and I will never forget him for that. He was a pioneer of LBG in NSW, particularly at Devils Gorge, which encouraged me to fish that (very dangerous place) place many times. A true legend and will be truly missed. Vale Jack.