IAIN MACMILLAN: YOUR TRIBUTES
“I had the pleasure of meeting Iain at the NAS (Northern Angling Show) with my son and he was one of the nicest blokes we saw that day. Nothing was too much trouble for him. RIP Ting Tong. You will be missed by all in the angling community. PS. his drainpipe dance was awesome!” ANDREW BONOMY
Andrew Bonomy: RIP Tong Tong
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“Back in the days of the original BYCAC, Tong came down to help us all out for a few years. (In this picture) I think I’d been winding him up about his driving slippers and that’s why he looks so angry! Lol.” AMY BUCHAN
Amy Buchan: Tong came to help out in the BYCAC
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“Top man taken way too soon by a horrible illness. He will obviously be missed by so many family and friends. RIP Iain.” CHRIS BILL
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“Had the pleasure of meeting and chatting to Ian a few times at Linear, Fish with the Stars and charity events. He always had time to chat and always had the ability to light up the place. RIP Ting Tong.” STEWART DAVIES
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“Watched many of Iain’s YouTube videos and found his work really relaxed and informative. The man loved fishing and kept to the fun side of it, too. Condolences to his family. RIP Ting Tong.” DEAN RAPP
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“I’ve not forgotten the day I met Iain at one of the shows. He was just one down-to-earth guy; very funny and wouldn’t look out of place as a comedian. But what I remember fondly to this day was when I decided to wear my Wolves top, and as soon as Iain clapped eyes on me in my top, he started to rip the piss out of me for being a Wolves fan. It was his sense of humour that made him such a class act. RIP Iain.” NICK RUDGE
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“I met him at the Big One a few years ago. Such a down-to-earth bloke. Always had time to give advice and tips. Evan when he joined DNA, he would always answer any questions regarding bait. Such a sad loss to the fishing world. May you rest in peace.” ANDY SIMPSON
Andy Simpson: Tong always had time to give advice and tips
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“I never met Tong but my partner, Si Lee Turner, got me into watching his YouTube videos and you could guarantee he would always bring a smile to your face, especially the banter between him and Lee Morris. Iain will be sadly missed by many, but no matter what, he will still be bringing smiles to many faces through the memories they have of him.” LYNETTE LOUISE TURNER
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“My partner showed me the podcast with him being interviewed not so long ago. He talked of his fishing career and his diagnosis, but wow, so soon. Cancer has no place in this world, no place at all. RIP Iain.” JEN WOODHEAD
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“Tongy was doing a tutorial on B2 one weekend and my son, Cal, was in the peg next to him. Early hours of the morning, a voice said: “Cal, is that you?” as a kiting fish on Cal’s left-handr od wiped out all of Tongy’s and his friend’s six rods! May you rest in peace, Iain.” JASON GUTTERIDGE
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“I met Iain on Monks Pit. He helped with so many things and had a wicked sense of humour. He was also one of the tidiest anglers on the bank. A fantastic man. RIP.” DAVID STEPHENSON
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“I loved watching Tong on YouTube with Mozza. Such a methodical and organised angler. I would have loved to have met him in person. Such a natural, funny guy. RIP Tong, your legend will live on. Sending love to all you have left behind.” DAVE GOULD
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“Always smiling. His banter and humour were second to none on screen with his partner in crime, Mozza. RIP Tong. Gone too soon. Always remembered. Enjoy your porridge up there and keep them lines wet.” DENISE HALEY
DENISE HALEY: His banter was second to none
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“I met Iain a few times on the bank over the years. Helped me with my five-turn grinner (was ever so funny) and only spoke with him just after he came out of hospital when he had sepsis. I’m truly devastated knowing I’ll not share a brew again with him. The Delks have been switched off. RIP buddy.” JIM OLIPHANT
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“A friend once asked me, if there was one top angler that I would like to have the chance to fish with, who I would be? I said Iain. I sent Iain a message some time ago after watching one of his Facebook videos, telling him how much his positivity had inspired me to keep going during my struggle with my own mental-health problems. To my surprise, he messaged me back and told me if his videos helped just one person, it was worth it and to stay strong. He also thanked me for my message and support. Rest in peace, Iain, and thank you. My thoughts are with your family and friends at this time. Rest easy.” DAMIAN WHEWAY
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“When I was running UB Baits, Iain was the highest-profile angler that I supplied. He was also the nicest, most grounded, funny and likeable guy you could imagine. We had many a chat about all things carpy and, in particular, about hookbaits. When I brought out the ‘Ting Tongs’ I wasn’t sure how he would react to the name, but he was totally brilliant about it. A real gent who has been an inspiration for how he has faced up to adversity and kept enjoying life through it all. Bless you, Iain; go catch some monster carp in the big lake in the sky, mate.” MATT POWLES
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“I never met Iain, but followed him on YouTube (being a dinosaur, I don’t do Instagram or TikTok) and found the films to be both humorous and informative at the same time. He shared his time and knowledge with many and in doing so made carp fishing a better place. I was diagnosed with cancer in January and post-op found myself watching a lot of fishing on YouTube during my recovery. Some days Iain got me out of some dark places, as his humour and laughter were infectious. My condolences go to Iain’s family and friends; the world was a better place for Iain. Rest in peace and safe journey; perhaps you can teach me the drainpipe on the other side.” MICHAEL WALTON
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“I never personally met Iain, but through his online advice and his educational videos, I’ve definitely caught more fish. The German rig, dumbbell wafter and small bag of pellets is now my main tactic and works a treat. Thanks, pal; your legacy will live on in us all.” JULIAN DELICATA
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“Will be sadly missed by the fishing world. Met him a few years ago at a show; he was a true gent. Condolences to his family and friends. RIP TONG.” VIC HARBIGE
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“I first heard of Iain when I watched a DVD he did called The Tuition; it is one of the best videos for anglers getting into carp fishing I have seen. He was, of course, a top bloke and will be missed by all.” GEOFF RIVETT
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“I never had the pleasure to meet Iain, but watching all his films growing up had a huge influence on my carp fishing! I have now been carp fishing for close to 20 years. Literally loved watching all the DNA Open-Access Series.” BEN QUINN
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“I loved watching him and Mozza on YouTube. The pair of them are so funny together. RIP lain.” DEAN MURRAY
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“Unfortunately, I never had the pleasure of meeting Iain, but from his early days on Thinking Tackle, I took to him straight away. His sense of humour always made me laugh and he was so knowledgeable and informative, I could sit there and listen to him for hours. What a lovely man. My condolences go out to all his family and friends. RIP Ting Tong.” PAUL SHIELDS
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“A true legend and gent. Catch all the big ’uns up there.” TONY PARSLOE
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“A truly genuine guy and a great ambassador for carp fishing.” IAN CANNON
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“He gave me advice on Pascale Lake. I had fish of 64lb, 58lb, 51lb and 48lb. RIP Tong.” CHARLIE COWBURN
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“Unfortunately, I never met Iain, but followed his journey from when he was a younger lad up to the present time. I lost my mum to cancer and if i could have taken some pain away from her, I would have done, and the same goes for Iain, just so he could spend more time with his family. You were one in a million, Iain. Love to the family; you will be missed by many.” IAN ELVERSTONE
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“I had the great pleasure of meeting Iain several times and even did a magazine article with him: ‘How Not to Spod’. Iain had a great sense of humour and was always willing to help. RIP Iain.” IAN BARDELL
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“I messaged Tong about our trip to Dawford last October after seeing his piece earlier in the year. He was happy to help and give advice. This was one of four beautiful fish. He was buzzing for me. A real top guy who will be sadly missed. RIP Tong!” ROBERT SMITH
ROBERT SMITH: One of four Dawford carp Tong helped me catch
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“My tutorial at Linear with him when he was still at Nash. He was a complete gent – so patient and so understanding!! I will always be grateful for the Liverpool and Stoke banter. RIP.” STEFAN CARTWRIGHT
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“My favourite ‘celeb angler’ to watch. OAS is brilliant viewing and it’s entirely down to Tong. Sad times.” JAMIE READ
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“Back in early 2000s on Linear, I was given the nickname ‘The Gimp’ by Iain. Why? That’s another story! We used to meet up down there and had a right old laugh. I ordered a gimp mask and used to frighten the life out of him when he’d come knocking for a fag and brew and generally put the world to rights.” LEE WHITTAKER
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“I loved watching him on YouTube. His passion was my inspiration to get out on the bank and enjoy. Will be sorely missed.” GARY TILLETT
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“Met him at Merrington a couple of times. An all-round nice bloke. RIP Iain. Thoughts go out to his family.” BEN MCCARRON
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“A no-nonsense, straight-talking angler. Watched many a clip with Ting Tong talking about the importance of the basics in carp fishing, many of which are overlooked these days. RIP Iain. My thoughts are with your family and friends.” STEVE SEATON
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“I first met Iain on Monks Pit about 10 years ago. He was fishing the Chatroom, a very sociable swim near the car park where you pretty much talk to everyone who turns up, which suited him perfectly. He gave everyone he met the time of day and was one of the friendliest people you could wish to meet. We probably fished about six or seven of the same popular circuit waters home and abroad as the years went by and he was always happy to give advice and tips if I wanted a heads up on a new venue that he’d already fished. The last time I saw him was on his last fishing session before his cancer diagnosis, and although he didn’t quite feel 100%, he was on top form as ever and even poached, I mean caught, a forty from ‘his’ swim. Okay, I’ll give you that one, Tong! It’s a great last memory of a truly lovely bloke. RIP mate.” PERRY ALABASTER
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“I didn’t get a picture with him, but I had a 24-hour tuition with him and it’s down to him that I caught my first 20-pounder. RIP Tong.” JAMES HUNTER
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“I never met Iain, but loved watching all his video. Not only did they make me laugh (a lot), but he inspired me to take a look at my own fishing – why, where and how. He will be so very much missed within the angling and wider community. RIP Iain. Our hearts and thoughts are with your family and friends. God bless.” ANDREW PREECE
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“I first met Iain in 2004 when he was the Armaled rep. He used to visit our tackle shop regularly when in the area. I kept in touch with him and met up with him at shows. A lovely, genuine human being. He will be missed by many.” SIMON HAYWARD
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“One of the funniest and serious anglers I ever met. He was a natural and the Open-Access Series was the best double act and most entertaining.” MICHAEL KETTLETY
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“I never met Iain, but I followed him on YouTube and I’ve got loads of tips that I use in my fishing. He was a top bloke. RIP fellow carper. You will be missed but not forgotten, that’s for sure.” IAN SOUTAR
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“I always looked forward to every piece of angling content Iain was involved in. Not only was he entertaining but always came across as a true gentleman and a true inspiration. Rest in peace, Tong; you will forever be a legend.” AARON MCILWAINE
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“I met him in the mid-90s on Hardwick at Linear. He helped me out with my fishing on there. Always willing to help. Great guy. Will be sadly missed.” COLIN CHAPMAN
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“RIP young man. Gone far too soon, but he will never be forgotten.” ANDY TYTHERLEIGH
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“I’ve read Iain’s articles for many years and recently I’ve really enjoyed the Open-Access videos Iain was involved in; they almost made you feel like you were along for the trip. So much more enjoyable than a straight instructional video. Iain’s character and warmth really shone through. He will be sadly missed and my thoughts are with his friends and family.” CHRIS DRAPER
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“A true gent and genuine with it. Struggling to find words really but I feel honoured to have known him. Keep flying my friend.” MATT @ SPICE RODS
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“I had the pleasure to meet Iain on two occasions at shows and had numerous chats with him online. He was a true gentleman with a wicked sense of humour. The angling world has lost a true legend. Keep sticking them baits out up there and catching them big old girls.” MARK PATRICK SHEARS
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“His name will ring around the banks known as a good genuine man. Whether you knew him or not, it’s such a sad day for the fishing community. RIP Iain.” JASON GORMAN
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“I’ll watch a Ting Tong video tonight as a tribute to the man. He had so many carp-catching years ahead of him. Never met the man, but he is a great loss to the carp community. Rest in peace, Iain.” MATT SMITH
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“An amazing guy, an amazing fisherman and someone great to have to be part of the fishing community.” CHARLIE PADFIELD
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“My friend and I met Iain when he joined a syndicate we were already on. He had never seen the place before and asked many questions. I was in awe, but treated him like any other angler. He appreciated that and thanked us both. Total respect for the guy. Taken much too soon with still so much to give and offer. RIP Tong.” KEV JONES
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“From the second he walked into our tackle shop all them years ago, we liked him immediately. We used to run a small tackle company called Armaled and it wasn’t long before we asked Iain to come work for us. Iain was a fantastic people person and did an amazing job for Armaled, and myself and Jill have always felt proud to have been a part of what turned out to be a very successful fishing career. I’m glad now that I told him how proud I was of him. RIP Mush.” TONE WALKER
