Britain's oldest fisherman celebrates 70 years at sea despite not eating fish and not being able to swim

The oldest fishermen in Britain celebrated 70 years of netting seafood despite never tasting his catch – because he doesn’t eat fish.

Bill Hocking began fishing in May 1940 as 11-year-old boy and is still hauling lobster and crabs 70 years later.

He starts work at 5am every morning and works seven days a week, weather permitting in the seas off Looe in Cornwall.



He has now retired from gruelling 36-hour trawling trips, because of his age, yet he still goes out to sea in a boat by himself each day to haul in lobster and crab.

But, despite being Britain’s longest serving fisherman, Bill says he doesn’t eat fish and his favourite food is beef.

“I’m not a fish eater as such. I’m not keen on shellfish and I don’t really like any fish to be quite honest. Farmers like fish, I like beef.”

Full story with lots of photos here.