Anglers are passionate creatures, and none more so than J. Stewart Smith, the man who brought coarse fishing to New Zealand, introducing rudd, perch and carp to our waterways, often to the fury of angling clubs, Fish & Game and the Department of Conservation.
Stewart was formerly a member of the Communist Party who spent four years in prison during the war. Later he was a commercial fisherman, inventor, fish breeder and owner of the Massey Service Station in Auckland. He remained an ardent member of the fishing fraternity from first catching tiddlers in his East London childhood to his recent death.
A biography is in preparation under Stewart's chosen title of That Bloody Pom! We're looking for memories to include. If you've had any kind of dealings with J. Stewart Smith and you've got an anecdote to share, we'd love to hear it. We'd also welcome contributions to the debate about introduced fish species and your views on coarse fishing as a sport and tourist attraction in New Zealand.
Whether you regarded Stewart Smith as friend or foe, or because you're passionate about coarse fishing yourself, please tell us your tale. All contributions will be fully acknowledged on publication.

Jenny Argante, Tauranga.