Linda Mellor talks to Ian Gordon

In this episode of the Gamekeepers’ Welfare Trust Podcast, host Linda Mellor speaks with Ian Gordon, a renowned Speycasting expert and fly-fishing guide, who joined the conversation from Iceland. With over 40 years in the fishing world, Ian shares how a boyhood fascination with rivers and salmon shaped a lifelong journey steeped in skill, connection, and deep respect for the water and the fish.

Ian reflects on the simplicity of his early days on the river, and how that quiet freedom carved out something lasting and meaningful. He speaks with honesty about the powerful sensory and emotional experience of salmon fishing: the feel of the water, the soundscape, the rhythm, and the unspoken connection to place.

Beyond the technicalities of casting, Ian discusses what makes a great mentor on the river: patience, humility, and a love for passing on knowledge. He’s passionate about shifting the culture away from catch numbers and ego, and toward a more thoughtful, soulful relationship with rivers and fish.

Earlier this year, Ian’s recent social media video about his skin pre-cancer diagnosis struck a chord about the importance of protecting your skin and how it’s never too early to start.

From hosting guests in stunning Scottish lodges to running international casting courses, Ian remains a teacher at heart, grounded in nature, generous with his knowledge, and forever moved by the wildness of the river.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.