Heartfelt and humorous account of a career founded on fishing

With a life as varied and exciting as his, it is little wonder that John Roberts possesses such an exceptional memory. Welcome Home – Fish or No Fish is a memoir that carries readers from the shores of Grimsby across the world’s oceans, charting a remarkable career at sea.

This memoir also serves as a portrait of Britain’s fishing heritage, capturing an industry that was once thriving but later fell into decline. Roberts’ move from fishing vessels to the Merchant Navy – and membership of this Union – demonstrates both his own adaptability and the wider changes faced by seafarers of his generation.

Each chapter is alive with anecdotes, humour, and heartfelt tributes to his crewmates. More than just a record of voyages, this is a deeply human book imbued with the unique atmosphere of fishing vessels and the camaraderie that binds fishermen together.

From triumphant hauls to lean catches, daring rescues to narrow escapes, Roberts’ stories reflect both the challenges and the extraordinary rewards of life at sea, an experience that will resonate far beyond those who have been there themselves.

Welcome Home – Fish or No Fish
By Skipper John Roberts
Self-published (available in the Nautilus Bookshop)
ISBN: 978 18009 49973