Angling International says farewell to Mel Bagnall after 17 years

Angling International’s loss could be your gain. The best writer in the business is leaving us, but not leaving the trade altogether. Mel Bagnall, our Consultant Editor of 17 years, is parting ways with Angling International and instead will be available to a select list of clients for consulting and copywriting commissions.

“Mel has been the beating heart of Angling International from day one and it is hard to imagine the magazine without his contributions,” said Angling International owner Rob Carter. “It is 100% true to say that we would never have been able to launch the magazine without his guidance and publishing experience. Mel was the steady hand and the voice of reason in those first months as we set out on our journey across very choppy seas.

“And in the years since our launch, we certainly would not have earned our reputation for the best quality B2B content without Mel’s knowledge of angling and his fast, accurate and fair reporting. Times may have changed, but the writing skills of experienced journalists like Mel remain unmatched. Whichever brands Mel works with next will have their content elevated to new levels.”

Mel (centre of main image) joined the Angling International team ahead of the magazine’s launch in 2008 adding his experience as a specialist writer, editor and publisher of angling consumer publications. He became Angling International’s first editor. “But his contribution stretched way beyond that,” adds Carter. “We were a young and ambitious team, fuelled by enthusiasm for a big new project with a global reach. With his experience of publishing magazines, Mel reminded us of the commercial realities of managing a magazine business. 

“We had some testing moments, but Mel’s advice and guidance helped keep us afloat. All while writing the majority of the content for each issue and developing relationships with the advertisers who were paying our bills. Looking back, it was a superhuman effort and we are heavily indebted to Mel to this day.”

Mel has contributed to all but a handful of the 200 issues of Angling International since its launch, switching to his now familiar role of Consultant Editor in support of Editor Anthony Hawkswell (right of main image). The two have formed a powerful partnership over almost 13 years and have become a familiar sight at global trade shows. “And a popular sight too, I am sure of it,” adds Carter. “I am always immensely proud of how Mel and Anthony represent Angling International to our customers, both old and new. 

“Customers always have warm words and a warm handshake for Mel. But he is also a master of uncovering the best stories or encouraging contacts to offer him exclusive news. Both Mel and Anthony have a reputation for being approachable and good natured, but their work ethic and professionalism is unmatched. I am around 20 years younger than Mel, but, believe me, when there are news stories to gather it’s been an effort to keep up with his energy on a show floor. I don’t see any signs of him slowing down even now, not when there are still good stories to write.”

Mel has been making his final contributions to Angling International (for now) and is available on his company email address for a while longer. “I would encourage anybody needing good quality copywriting to drop Mel a line,” added Carter. “You’ll be working with one of the very best.”