Caithness anglers net a place in national semis
FIVE Caithness anglers fished the Lake of Menteith last week when they were among the 56 fishermen who took part in the first round of the Scottish Fly Fishing Championships.
With the attraction of becoming national champion and places in the home international teams up for grabs there is always a large entry for this competition and this year was no different.
Well over 400 hopefuls put their names in the hat for the first round which was split into 10 heats starting April 24 through to May 31. Venues include Menteith, Carron Reservoir, Loch Leven, Lintrathen Loch and Loch Harray in Orkney.
Competitors are allowed to choose where they fish rounds one and two but must change venue if they progress to the second round (semi-final).
The final is scheduled for Menteith on September 15 as the lake can cater for more anglers than any of the others.
All the fishing in the championship is on a partial catch-and-release system which on Menteith allows anglers to keep the first three fish which are weighed but is capped at four pounds to prevent a single large fish having a major effect on the results. Thereafter de-barbed or barbless hooks must be used and two pounds is credited for each trout returned.
After a day-and-a-half of practice the Caithness lads were fairly confident for last Tuesday’s showdown.
They had located taking fish that were attracted to Buzzer flies that they then spent the evenings tying.
Representing two clubs, the five worked together during practice by sharing tips and information and in the competition it paid off when they all finished in the top 28, qualifying for the second round.
Dounreay Fly Fishing Association (with support from Caithness Sports Council) had three members at Menteith and best placed was Rob Hawken who was making his first appearance in the Scottish championship. He finished sixth with 11 rainbow trout for 23 lbs 5.6oz.
Toby Bracey secured ninth with 10 for 21 lbs 0.8oz and Tony Chalmers was 17th on eight for 15 lbs 12.6oz.
Highest placed in the Harpsdale Fishery-based Frozen North Angling Club team was Alan Porteous in 10th place on nine for 20 lbs 10.2oz with brother Kevin 22nd on six for 13 lbs 8.4oz.
The two teams now look forward to the semi-final in June when they will travel to Carron Reservoir.