Pairs Trophy 12-9-15
Since the final bank league of the season four weeks ago flyfishers have been busy on the phone and social media trying to hook up with the ideal fishing partner for the ever popular pairs competition. This is much easier said than done as it is a condition of this competition that none of anglers who finished in the top six of the league can pair up. Also it is important to find a fellow fly fisher who compliments one's own individual style in order to find that elusive winning formula.
As a result then there was some tasty looking partnerships who checked in at the Tingwall boat shed last Saturday morning.
There was no doubt among those present that the odds on favourites were the ominous looking partnership of Gilbert Williamson and Terry Laurenson. Not only "young guns" as Billy Reid pointed out but also "big fish specialists!"
Bobby Irvine had been working quietly behind the scenes to coax top fly guy Kevin Robertson back into his waders. This was only Kevin's third run out this season and he had to pay his S.A.A. membership before being allowed to compete! This was certainly a partnership to be reckoned with.
Billy Reid had recovered from the setback of having his original partner Dale Williamson pull out on him due to unforeseen circumstances to collar top Whalsay angler David John Anderson. This was a combination that could do great things if they got it together on the day.
Another deadly looking partnership was Leslie Barclay and Ian Reid who would undoubtedly set the heather on fire if the stars aligned for them.
The longest serving partnership was present in the shape of Alastair Jamieson and Mark Sandison. Jamieson must take a great deal of credit for sticking with his old buddy through thick and thin!
Jeemie Sandison had his annual outing with Dave Wright and this pairing would definitely pose a threat if they could treat the event as a serious competition and not a glorified picnic.
This left the dark horse pairing of Barry Robertson and Harry Sandison. if these two could bring their considerable experience to bear then anything might be possible.
In a break from the norm most of the teams were fairly open with their intended fishing locations for the day. The only angler keeping his cards close to his chest was the circumspect Leslie Barclay who often has an ace or two up his sleeve!
This was a go where you please competition so the 1030 kick off saw anglers shooting off to the five corners of the Shetland mainland. Most of the major trout lochs would get some attention over the course of the day plus several more besides!
The warm South Easterly wind left little room for complaint.
Time at "da troots" always goes much faster than normal time and this Saturday was no exception with all anglers reporting that the day just seemed to have disappeared on them when they returned for the 1745 check in.
It was immediately clear that several very good baskets of fish had been forthcoming.
Taking first place with an excellent basket from the Deep South was Bobby Irvine and Kevin Robertson with 21 trout for 15 lb, 5 & 1/4 oz. Their winning fly was top Whalsay pattern the "Liquorice Allsort." Bobby has almost made this trophy his own winning it with several different partners over the years! The evergreen Irvine just seems to go from strength to strength!
In a close second place was Billy Reid and David John Anderson who'd been on a magical and whistle stop tour of the Westside to assemble another very good basket of 25 fish for 14 lb, 3 & 1/4 oz. The boy's had found the trout up in the water and keen to come to hedgehogs and "Daddy" imitations.
Third spot went to Alastair Jamieson and Mark Sandison with 13 trout for 12 lb, 4 & 1/4 oz. Alastair holds the record for being the unluckiest angler at this competition having been runner up on more occasions than he cares to remember, sometimes by only a couple of ounces! However Alastair was delighted today to win the prize for the heaviest fish, an absolute beauty of 2 lb, 8 oz. which fell to his old favourite the "Grenadier." Jamieson got a special round of applause from the assembled throng.
In fourth place was Gilbert Williamson and Terry Laurenson with 13 trout for 6 lb, 13 & 1/2 oz.
Barry Robertson and Harry Sandison took fifth place with seven trout for 4 lb, 13 & 1/4 oz. However it was a case of what might have been for the experienced Whalsay duo. With the loch they were in "going like a fair," according to Robertson, Sandison in his excitement had managed to trip over a rock while wading ashore. Putting out a hand to save himself the unfortunate Harry had impaled his thumb on his middle dropper - a "Clan Chief." A disgruntled Robertson had little sympathy for his partner as he had been forced to abandon his angling for the day to accompany Sandison to A & E in order to have the offending hook removed. Reports that Harry had also been treated for a black eye have been greatly exaggerated however!
Sixth spot went to Leslie Barclay and Ian Reid with five fish for 4 lb, 6 & 1/2 oz. There was a moment of controversy when the results were announced as Barclay questioned competition secretary Billy Reid's arithmetic claiming that they had weighed in not five but six fish. However Reid assured Barclay that his adding up was correct and that Leslie must have imagined the missing phantom fish!
On a day when everyone was a winner seventh place went to Jeemie Sandison and Dave Wright with two trout for 1 lb, 9 & 1/2 oz. Both anglers mentioned that they had enjoyed their picnic!
Everyone agreed that they had had a great day with the pairs trophy being the perfect way to round off the competition season.
And finally as Alastair and Mark were driving back in to Lerwick they passed the unlucky Harry Sandison on his way back to Whalsay. Harry gave the boys a big white bandaged thumbs up - so all's well that ends well!
Since the final bank league of the season four weeks ago flyfishers have been busy on the phone and social media trying to hook up with the ideal fishing partner for the ever popular pairs competition. This is much easier said than done as it is a condition of this competition that none of anglers who finished in the top six of the league can pair up. Also it is important to find a fellow fly fisher who compliments one's own individual style in order to find that elusive winning formula.
As a result then there was some tasty looking partnerships who checked in at the Tingwall boat shed last Saturday morning.
There was no doubt among those present that the odds on favourites were the ominous looking partnership of Gilbert Williamson and Terry Laurenson. Not only "young guns" as Billy Reid pointed out but also "big fish specialists!"
Bobby Irvine had been working quietly behind the scenes to coax top fly guy Kevin Robertson back into his waders. This was only Kevin's third run out this season and he had to pay his S.A.A. membership before being allowed to compete! This was certainly a partnership to be reckoned with.
Billy Reid had recovered from the setback of having his original partner Dale Williamson pull out on him due to unforeseen circumstances to collar top Whalsay angler David John Anderson. This was a combination that could do great things if they got it together on the day.
Another deadly looking partnership was Leslie Barclay and Ian Reid who would undoubtedly set the heather on fire if the stars aligned for them.
The longest serving partnership was present in the shape of Alastair Jamieson and Mark Sandison. Jamieson must take a great deal of credit for sticking with his old buddy through thick and thin!
Jeemie Sandison had his annual outing with Dave Wright and this pairing would definitely pose a threat if they could treat the event as a serious competition and not a glorified picnic.
This left the dark horse pairing of Barry Robertson and Harry Sandison. if these two could bring their considerable experience to bear then anything might be possible.
In a break from the norm most of the teams were fairly open with their intended fishing locations for the day. The only angler keeping his cards close to his chest was the circumspect Leslie Barclay who often has an ace or two up his sleeve!
This was a go where you please competition so the 1030 kick off saw anglers shooting off to the five corners of the Shetland mainland. Most of the major trout lochs would get some attention over the course of the day plus several more besides!
The warm South Easterly wind left little room for complaint.
Time at "da troots" always goes much faster than normal time and this Saturday was no exception with all anglers reporting that the day just seemed to have disappeared on them when they returned for the 1745 check in.
It was immediately clear that several very good baskets of fish had been forthcoming.
Taking first place with an excellent basket from the Deep South was Bobby Irvine and Kevin Robertson with 21 trout for 15 lb, 5 & 1/4 oz. Their winning fly was top Whalsay pattern the "Liquorice Allsort." Bobby has almost made this trophy his own winning it with several different partners over the years! The evergreen Irvine just seems to go from strength to strength!
In a close second place was Billy Reid and David John Anderson who'd been on a magical and whistle stop tour of the Westside to assemble another very good basket of 25 fish for 14 lb, 3 & 1/4 oz. The boy's had found the trout up in the water and keen to come to hedgehogs and "Daddy" imitations.
Third spot went to Alastair Jamieson and Mark Sandison with 13 trout for 12 lb, 4 & 1/4 oz. Alastair holds the record for being the unluckiest angler at this competition having been runner up on more occasions than he cares to remember, sometimes by only a couple of ounces! However Alastair was delighted today to win the prize for the heaviest fish, an absolute beauty of 2 lb, 8 oz. which fell to his old favourite the "Grenadier." Jamieson got a special round of applause from the assembled throng.
In fourth place was Gilbert Williamson and Terry Laurenson with 13 trout for 6 lb, 13 & 1/2 oz.
Barry Robertson and Harry Sandison took fifth place with seven trout for 4 lb, 13 & 1/4 oz. However it was a case of what might have been for the experienced Whalsay duo. With the loch they were in "going like a fair," according to Robertson, Sandison in his excitement had managed to trip over a rock while wading ashore. Putting out a hand to save himself the unfortunate Harry had impaled his thumb on his middle dropper - a "Clan Chief." A disgruntled Robertson had little sympathy for his partner as he had been forced to abandon his angling for the day to accompany Sandison to A & E in order to have the offending hook removed. Reports that Harry had also been treated for a black eye have been greatly exaggerated however!
Sixth spot went to Leslie Barclay and Ian Reid with five fish for 4 lb, 6 & 1/2 oz. There was a moment of controversy when the results were announced as Barclay questioned competition secretary Billy Reid's arithmetic claiming that they had weighed in not five but six fish. However Reid assured Barclay that his adding up was correct and that Leslie must have imagined the missing phantom fish!
On a day when everyone was a winner seventh place went to Jeemie Sandison and Dave Wright with two trout for 1 lb, 9 & 1/2 oz. Both anglers mentioned that they had enjoyed their picnic!
Everyone agreed that they had had a great day with the pairs trophy being the perfect way to round off the competition season.
And finally as Alastair and Mark were driving back in to Lerwick they passed the unlucky Harry Sandison on his way back to Whalsay. Harry gave the boys a big white bandaged thumbs up - so all's well that ends well!
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Sandison - Irvine Trophy 15-8-15
You might have thought that the place to be for high octane sporting excitement, commitment and passion last Saturday have been at the Gilbertson Park for the Parish Cup Final between Burra and Whalsay. However you'd be wrong! The place to be was the Bixter Graveyard car park where fly fishers congregated for the final round of the S.A.A. Fly Bank League.
The league itself had been decided at the last competition and Mark Sandison, Bobby Irvine and Darren Laurenson had already secured three of the top six places. However the real drama and excitement concerned the remaining spots for next year's S.A.A. bank team. Five anglers Billy Reid, Tony Li, Frank Watt, Leslie Barclay and Peter Laurenson, with only seven points separating them, were all contesting these three places.
It is worth pointing out that, by a strange quirk of sporting coincidence, the last time Burra won the Parish Cup two of these boys, Peter Laurenson and Leslie Barclay, starred in the winning Burra team - and Billy Reid might have played if he'd been old enough! The question was would the achievements of their Parish cup team inspire the Burra boys today?
Added to the mix was the spice of the "Sandison - Irvine Westside Trophy" being up for grabs. This meant of course that every other competitor would be trying their level best to win, as well as the five chasing team places. It was a dead rubber for no one!
Understandably then tension was already in the air as the first anglers arrived at the check in and this was slowly ratcheted up before the 1030 kick off! Everybody was being very circumspect with their intentions for the day, giving away as little as possible while trying to glean as much information as they could from their opponents.
The atmosphere was lightened somewhat with the appearance just two minutes before kick off of another Parish Cup veteran - Whalsay man Harry Sandison. The absent minded Sandison had driven to Tingwall before remembering that the check in was at Bixter!
Anglers had a choice of all the top lochs on the West side and the starting gun saw competitors fairly evenly spread out over most of them. The spells of heavy rain did little to dampen spirits and it was forecast to dry up in the afternoon.
It was eleven slightly damp but happy anglers who reconvened for the 1745 weigh in. Prize for the longest hike on the day went to Frank Watt who walked from the Bixter graveyard to Clings Water via Kirkhouse and Collaster.
"Cometh the hour cometh the man" however and taking first place and the Sandison Irvine trophy with an absolutely fantastic basket of sixteen trout for 9 lb, 9 & 3/4 oz. was Billy Reid. Billy had fished a team of hedgehogs to devastating effect on Varra and in doing so secured his place in the Bank team for next year.
In second place - and proving that he is no "one weekend wonder" was Barry Robertson with another exceptional basket of nine fish for 5 lb, 10 oz. from Stump. After much humming and heighing Barry decided that his top fly was a "Hammel's Spider" - "the broon wan!"
Third spot went to the irrepressible Leslie Barclay who had once again pulled out all the stops in order to secure a top six league finish with another great basket of ten trout for 5 lb, 1 & 1/4 oz. Leslie's killer fly was one of his creations hot off the vice the previous evening - the "Great Leslie Varra Half Hog Variant" - or "GLVHHV" for short. This original pattern can be purchased from Leslie at "barclayflies.com" for £5 each.
Other anglers weighing in were Mark Sandison, Peter Laurenson, Bobby Irvine, Tony Li, Frank Watt, Darren Laurenson, Ian Reid, Harry Sandison and Dave Wright.
This means that the final league table for the 2015 season is as follows:
You might have thought that the place to be for high octane sporting excitement, commitment and passion last Saturday have been at the Gilbertson Park for the Parish Cup Final between Burra and Whalsay. However you'd be wrong! The place to be was the Bixter Graveyard car park where fly fishers congregated for the final round of the S.A.A. Fly Bank League.
The league itself had been decided at the last competition and Mark Sandison, Bobby Irvine and Darren Laurenson had already secured three of the top six places. However the real drama and excitement concerned the remaining spots for next year's S.A.A. bank team. Five anglers Billy Reid, Tony Li, Frank Watt, Leslie Barclay and Peter Laurenson, with only seven points separating them, were all contesting these three places.
It is worth pointing out that, by a strange quirk of sporting coincidence, the last time Burra won the Parish Cup two of these boys, Peter Laurenson and Leslie Barclay, starred in the winning Burra team - and Billy Reid might have played if he'd been old enough! The question was would the achievements of their Parish cup team inspire the Burra boys today?
Added to the mix was the spice of the "Sandison - Irvine Westside Trophy" being up for grabs. This meant of course that every other competitor would be trying their level best to win, as well as the five chasing team places. It was a dead rubber for no one!
Understandably then tension was already in the air as the first anglers arrived at the check in and this was slowly ratcheted up before the 1030 kick off! Everybody was being very circumspect with their intentions for the day, giving away as little as possible while trying to glean as much information as they could from their opponents.
The atmosphere was lightened somewhat with the appearance just two minutes before kick off of another Parish Cup veteran - Whalsay man Harry Sandison. The absent minded Sandison had driven to Tingwall before remembering that the check in was at Bixter!
Anglers had a choice of all the top lochs on the West side and the starting gun saw competitors fairly evenly spread out over most of them. The spells of heavy rain did little to dampen spirits and it was forecast to dry up in the afternoon.
It was eleven slightly damp but happy anglers who reconvened for the 1745 weigh in. Prize for the longest hike on the day went to Frank Watt who walked from the Bixter graveyard to Clings Water via Kirkhouse and Collaster.
"Cometh the hour cometh the man" however and taking first place and the Sandison Irvine trophy with an absolutely fantastic basket of sixteen trout for 9 lb, 9 & 3/4 oz. was Billy Reid. Billy had fished a team of hedgehogs to devastating effect on Varra and in doing so secured his place in the Bank team for next year.
In second place - and proving that he is no "one weekend wonder" was Barry Robertson with another exceptional basket of nine fish for 5 lb, 10 oz. from Stump. After much humming and heighing Barry decided that his top fly was a "Hammel's Spider" - "the broon wan!"
Third spot went to the irrepressible Leslie Barclay who had once again pulled out all the stops in order to secure a top six league finish with another great basket of ten trout for 5 lb, 1 & 1/4 oz. Leslie's killer fly was one of his creations hot off the vice the previous evening - the "Great Leslie Varra Half Hog Variant" - or "GLVHHV" for short. This original pattern can be purchased from Leslie at "barclayflies.com" for £5 each.
Other anglers weighing in were Mark Sandison, Peter Laurenson, Bobby Irvine, Tony Li, Frank Watt, Darren Laurenson, Ian Reid, Harry Sandison and Dave Wright.
This means that the final league table for the 2015 season is as follows:
Only four points separating 5th and 8th place shows just how close it was for team places
The final fly competition of the season is the ever popular pairs event which takes place on Saturday 12th September with a 1030 check in at the Tingwall shed. Competitors are reminded that it is up to themselves to find a fishing partner and that no one in the top six of the league can pair up with each other.
The final fly competition of the season is the ever popular pairs event which takes place on Saturday 12th September with a 1030 check in at the Tingwall shed. Competitors are reminded that it is up to themselves to find a fishing partner and that no one in the top six of the league can pair up with each other.
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Excursion Cup
In a revamp of this legendary cup anglers had the choice off all the lochs in Shetland (not on the competition sheet)to fish. Therefore there was an abundant amount of lochs to choose from. A few smiles and winks and not much talk aboot Troots was the order off the day last Saturday morning before kick off. It was a cloudy day with light SW winds. Soon anglers were shooting off to every corner off the compass. Would there be a big one? Would there be a plethora off Trouts caught? So it was with added excitement that anglers gathered at the 17.45 weigh in. Smiling exhausted faces could be seen in the throng eager to get there fish weighed in. There was a lot of good catches by all the anglers. In 4th place was the legendary Whalsay angler Barry Robertson with 6 fish for 6lb.13oz. Barry's basket included a Behemothic sea trout off 4lbs which was the largest fish of the day. "It was from some loch near the sea with a burn under the road" was all that Barry said regarding where he was. In an epic battle that Barry likened to "having a tug o war we a big dug for 25 meenits!" Barry landed the beauty and the hook was just held(literally)by the skin off its teeth!! In 3rd place was Frank Watt with an Excellent basket off 16 Trouts for 7lb.6oz from Voxterby, Frank had to prove to fishing partner Dave Wright that he still had the stamina to fish right around one off Shetlands prestigious large lochs which he did with flying colours! In 2nd place with an excellent basket of 15 trouts was the tenacious Billy Reid, who despite the mishaps off his last visit to Roar Water (with Leslie Barclay) decided to exorcise the ghosts and go again. Leslie, after catching 7 trouts in the first hour, let greed get the better off him by Switching lochs thinking he'd catch even more in a different loch ended up with 9 for his day! But he was happy Billy came through the return visit unscathed. In first place with an incredible "PLETHORA" of Trouts was Gilbert Williamson with 23 fish for14lb.2oz which included 2 or 3 fish in the 2lb range from a loch so far away nobody could pronounce its name including Gilbert! Some where east off whiteness and north off Lerwick was the description given off its location! Congratulations to Gilbert on a fantastic win. Conspicuous by their absence at the weigh in was Shetlands top two rods this year. As one Bonny Isle angler put it they are a spent force now this year after having given their all in the title run in! A few anglers will be hoping this is the case with the last bank league off the year taking place this Saturday 15th August in the tightest league run in in Bank League history to make the top six!
In a revamp of this legendary cup anglers had the choice off all the lochs in Shetland (not on the competition sheet)to fish. Therefore there was an abundant amount of lochs to choose from. A few smiles and winks and not much talk aboot Troots was the order off the day last Saturday morning before kick off. It was a cloudy day with light SW winds. Soon anglers were shooting off to every corner off the compass. Would there be a big one? Would there be a plethora off Trouts caught? So it was with added excitement that anglers gathered at the 17.45 weigh in. Smiling exhausted faces could be seen in the throng eager to get there fish weighed in. There was a lot of good catches by all the anglers. In 4th place was the legendary Whalsay angler Barry Robertson with 6 fish for 6lb.13oz. Barry's basket included a Behemothic sea trout off 4lbs which was the largest fish of the day. "It was from some loch near the sea with a burn under the road" was all that Barry said regarding where he was. In an epic battle that Barry likened to "having a tug o war we a big dug for 25 meenits!" Barry landed the beauty and the hook was just held(literally)by the skin off its teeth!! In 3rd place was Frank Watt with an Excellent basket off 16 Trouts for 7lb.6oz from Voxterby, Frank had to prove to fishing partner Dave Wright that he still had the stamina to fish right around one off Shetlands prestigious large lochs which he did with flying colours! In 2nd place with an excellent basket of 15 trouts was the tenacious Billy Reid, who despite the mishaps off his last visit to Roar Water (with Leslie Barclay) decided to exorcise the ghosts and go again. Leslie, after catching 7 trouts in the first hour, let greed get the better off him by Switching lochs thinking he'd catch even more in a different loch ended up with 9 for his day! But he was happy Billy came through the return visit unscathed. In first place with an incredible "PLETHORA" of Trouts was Gilbert Williamson with 23 fish for14lb.2oz which included 2 or 3 fish in the 2lb range from a loch so far away nobody could pronounce its name including Gilbert! Some where east off whiteness and north off Lerwick was the description given off its location! Congratulations to Gilbert on a fantastic win. Conspicuous by their absence at the weigh in was Shetlands top two rods this year. As one Bonny Isle angler put it they are a spent force now this year after having given their all in the title run in! A few anglers will be hoping this is the case with the last bank league off the year taking place this Saturday 15th August in the tightest league run in in Bank League history to make the top six!
North Mainland
25-7-15
The North Mainland was the venue for the penultimate S.A.A. Fly Bank League competition last Saturday. Competitors couldn't complain about the overcast conditions as they checked in at Mavis Grind for the 10.30 kick off although there was certainly a bit of a nip in the air with the North West wind.
It was great to see Jeemie Sandison back in harness and ready for action although his claims that he hadn't had a fly rod in his hands for over a month were met with a certain amount of incredulity.
One angler conspicuous by his absence was the force of nature that is Michael Williamson. The premature Williamson had got his dates mixed up and arrived at Mavis Grind 40 hours early on the Thursday evening raring to go only to be left wondering why no one else had turned up! Michael isn't the first fly fishing competitor to be found guilty of not reading the competition sheet correctly and certainly won't be the last. Williamson however did have the consolation of a chip supper from Britain's most Northerly chippy!
With the league being so tight this year there was obviously a great deal at stake and this led to a few anglers who shall remain nameless (although one of their surnames rhymes with "darkly!") attempting to steal a march with some rather opportunistic parking. Competitors are reminded that a double blast on competition secretary Billy Reid's horn is the signal for the competition to start and that no vehicles should be seen to move off until Billy's pick up is in motion! Any fly fisher flouting this rule in future will have penalty points deducted!
Despite the parking and starting grid chaos anglers were soon shooting off to the five corners of Northmavine and settling down to a day's angling. Fly fishers soon discovered that the Chilly North wind had certainly put the trout off and the angling would be very difficult. A long day lay ahead!
To compound problems those competitors who had elected to fish the mighty Eela Water discovered that S.A.A. secretary, treasurer and all round trouble shooter Alec Miller, along with club stalwart Alan Johnson, were bobbing about in a boat and generally making a nuisance of themselves. It was decided at the weigh in that a letter of complaint should be sent from the association to the two miscreants. However upon further discussion it was realised that this would mean Alec Miller sending a letter of complaint to himself. This seemed to defeat the point somewhat whereupon those in attendance came to the conclusion that it was just a case of "two good boys at a bad age" and that the matter should be dropped! As one wag suggested it was a lot of effort on the part of the two boys to get their name in the paper!
At the 1745 weigh in it was clear that the day had been long and hard with all anglers having struggled and gone through long periods of the day without seeing a single fish.
Taking first place was a delighted Mark Sandison with six trout for 3 lb, 13 oz. taken mainly on that old favourite the "Clan Chief." Sandison's delight turned to unbridled joy as the ever sharp Bobby Irvine pointed out that this meant that he had secured the league as well. Sandison can count himself fortunate that he took two fish in the last 40 minutes of the comp while his main contender for the title, Bobby Irvine, broke in one in the last ten minutes. Slender margins!
In second spot was Darren Laurenson with seven fish for 3 lb, 4 oz, taken on a "Black Midge." This result virtually guarantees Darren a top six finish and a place in next year's bank team.
In third place was Bobby Irvine with four trout for 3 lb, 2 & 1/4 oz. Bobby's top fly was a "Christmas Tree" and his bag also contained the heaviest fish of the day at 1 lb, 7 & 1/2 oz.
Fourth place went to Billy Reid with five fish for 2 lb, 13 oz. which does his chances of a top six finish no harm at all. Billy's top fly was an "Olive Hedgehog."
Other anglers gaining valuable points were Alastair Jamieson, Barry Robertson, Leslie Barclay, Jeemie Sandison, Tony Li, Frank Watt, Ian Reid, Derek Titheradge, Peter Laurenson and Harry Sandison.
This leaves the league table as follows with one competition remaining.
The North Mainland was the venue for the penultimate S.A.A. Fly Bank League competition last Saturday. Competitors couldn't complain about the overcast conditions as they checked in at Mavis Grind for the 10.30 kick off although there was certainly a bit of a nip in the air with the North West wind.
It was great to see Jeemie Sandison back in harness and ready for action although his claims that he hadn't had a fly rod in his hands for over a month were met with a certain amount of incredulity.
One angler conspicuous by his absence was the force of nature that is Michael Williamson. The premature Williamson had got his dates mixed up and arrived at Mavis Grind 40 hours early on the Thursday evening raring to go only to be left wondering why no one else had turned up! Michael isn't the first fly fishing competitor to be found guilty of not reading the competition sheet correctly and certainly won't be the last. Williamson however did have the consolation of a chip supper from Britain's most Northerly chippy!
With the league being so tight this year there was obviously a great deal at stake and this led to a few anglers who shall remain nameless (although one of their surnames rhymes with "darkly!") attempting to steal a march with some rather opportunistic parking. Competitors are reminded that a double blast on competition secretary Billy Reid's horn is the signal for the competition to start and that no vehicles should be seen to move off until Billy's pick up is in motion! Any fly fisher flouting this rule in future will have penalty points deducted!
Despite the parking and starting grid chaos anglers were soon shooting off to the five corners of Northmavine and settling down to a day's angling. Fly fishers soon discovered that the Chilly North wind had certainly put the trout off and the angling would be very difficult. A long day lay ahead!
To compound problems those competitors who had elected to fish the mighty Eela Water discovered that S.A.A. secretary, treasurer and all round trouble shooter Alec Miller, along with club stalwart Alan Johnson, were bobbing about in a boat and generally making a nuisance of themselves. It was decided at the weigh in that a letter of complaint should be sent from the association to the two miscreants. However upon further discussion it was realised that this would mean Alec Miller sending a letter of complaint to himself. This seemed to defeat the point somewhat whereupon those in attendance came to the conclusion that it was just a case of "two good boys at a bad age" and that the matter should be dropped! As one wag suggested it was a lot of effort on the part of the two boys to get their name in the paper!
At the 1745 weigh in it was clear that the day had been long and hard with all anglers having struggled and gone through long periods of the day without seeing a single fish.
Taking first place was a delighted Mark Sandison with six trout for 3 lb, 13 oz. taken mainly on that old favourite the "Clan Chief." Sandison's delight turned to unbridled joy as the ever sharp Bobby Irvine pointed out that this meant that he had secured the league as well. Sandison can count himself fortunate that he took two fish in the last 40 minutes of the comp while his main contender for the title, Bobby Irvine, broke in one in the last ten minutes. Slender margins!
In second spot was Darren Laurenson with seven fish for 3 lb, 4 oz, taken on a "Black Midge." This result virtually guarantees Darren a top six finish and a place in next year's bank team.
In third place was Bobby Irvine with four trout for 3 lb, 2 & 1/4 oz. Bobby's top fly was a "Christmas Tree" and his bag also contained the heaviest fish of the day at 1 lb, 7 & 1/2 oz.
Fourth place went to Billy Reid with five fish for 2 lb, 13 oz. which does his chances of a top six finish no harm at all. Billy's top fly was an "Olive Hedgehog."
Other anglers gaining valuable points were Alastair Jamieson, Barry Robertson, Leslie Barclay, Jeemie Sandison, Tony Li, Frank Watt, Ian Reid, Derek Titheradge, Peter Laurenson and Harry Sandison.
This leaves the league table as follows with one competition remaining.
There were warm handshakes and slaps on the back all round
as those present congratulated Mark Sandison on his success. In a statement to
the press Sandison expressed his relief as he had started to feel that he was
destined to be "always the bridesmaid!" He also went on to thank Alec Miller for advice on flies and tactics on the day.
The final bank league competition, which also doubles up with the Sandison Irvine trophy, takes place on Saturday 15th August with a 1030 check in at the Bixter Graveyard.
The final bank league competition, which also doubles up with the Sandison Irvine trophy, takes place on Saturday 15th August with a 1030 check in at the Bixter Graveyard.
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Shetland Anglers Association v Whalsay Anglers Association Sat 18th July 16 fervent anglers gathered at the Tingwall boat shed last Saturday morning in what can only be described as Piccadilly circus at rush hour. As some off the Whalsay boys maneuvered their pick ups into pole position they blocked off a bewildered tourist who had just parked there ten mins beforehand to read a book. Whalsay captain Barry Robertson had to step in and order the owner off a blue pick up to move in order to let him escape the Carpark! There were 7 anglers from the bonny isle and - despite missing their two top guns to holidays and Unst festivities - 9 from SAA who were determined to wrest the cup from the Whalsay boys ! It was overcast with light sw winds. When 10.30 came vehicles blitzed out off the carpark to South and North like the wacky racers led by Whalsay legends Bobby Irvine and Micheal Williamson. At the 17.45 weigh in 27 Trouts were caught by Whalsay, and 32 caught by SAA. Bobby Irvine was tasked with working out the averages for each team and anounced that SAA averaged 2lb.1oz per angler and Whalsay 2lb.14 oz and therefore retained the cup. Many of their team had trout in the 1lb 5oz range and Micheal Williamson had a 2lb beauty from an un named Ronas Hill loch. That was the biggest fish. The SAA team aplauded the result (some off them through gritted teeth) and congratulated their Conquerers. All that was left was a winners team photo (missing from photo are Willie lowrie and Barry Robertson who had to shoot home early or their tea would be cold!) Well done lads. The penultimate bank league is on sat 25th july 1030-1745 at Mavis Grind , in what is the tightest battle to make the top six in living memory..
West Side 16-7-15
On a Thursday evening far more suited to barbecues and the beach fly fishers checked in at the Bixter graveyard car park for round seven of the S.A.A. Fly Bank League. With the league being so tight this year anglers were understandably very circumspect with their preferred choice of venue for the evening and giving very little away. In all honesty however it wasn't going to matter a great deal in the blazing sunshine and flat calm conditions. The angling was going to be incredibly difficult wherever you were!
It was particularly pleasing to see David John Anderson attending his first bank competition of the year after being buoyed up by his recent success in the inter club match against the D.F.F.A.
As anglers shot off to the various nooks and crannies of the West Side the only hope was that the fish might start to come on as the sun dropped. For some this turned out to be the case. However the setting sun coincided with a caenis hatch in the flat calm which led to the usual frustration in trying to tempt trout which were selectively feeding high in the water on these small flies.
As anglers regrouped at 10.30 for the weigh on a beautiful Shetland's summer evening it transpired that the angling had indeed been very hard with most competitors counting themselves fortunate to have a couple of trout to weigh in!
Taking first place with an amazing four fish for 2 lb, 7 & 1/2 oz. considering the conditions was Frank Watt. Frank had fished Sand Water (West) where his top fly was Orcadian favourite the "Hutch's Pennel." Frank also had the heaviest fish of the evening, a "monster" of nearly one pound!
Runner up was Darren Laurenson with three fish from Lunga Water for 1 lb, 11 oz. One of Darren's killing flies was the relatively unknown "Watson's Bumble."
In third spot was Billy Reid who also had three fish weighing 1 lb, 9 & 1/4 oz. Billy had fished Longa Water and had success with a "Lime Snatcher." Fourth place went to Harry Sandison with two trout for 1 lb, 3 oz. Other successful anglers were Leslie Barclay, Mark Sandison, Tony Li, David John Anderson and Bobby Irvine.
This leaves the league table as follows with only two competitions left in what is turning out to be a very exciting run in.
Mark Sandison 119
Bobby Irvine 110
Billy Reid 92
Leslie Barclay 87
Tony Li 86
Frank Watt 85
Darren Laurenson 84
Peter Laurenson 83
Jeemie Sandison 66
Derek Titheradge 59
Ian Reid 50
Barry Robertson 43
Alastair Jamieson 33
Harry Sandison 31
Johnnie Laurenson 27
Michael Williamson 21
Gary Williamson 20
Graeme Callandar 14
David John Anderson 12
Dave Wright 8
Robert Scougal 4
The main talking point at the weigh in was the early retirement of the experienced Barry Robertson - who will usually fish right to the death! - owing to a slow puncture. Dave Wright, Robert Scougal and Michael Williamson were also posted missing at the weigh in owing to .................. well let's face it, they just got fed up! The next Bank League competition takes place on Saturday 25th July with a 1030 check in at Mavis Grind.
On a Thursday evening far more suited to barbecues and the beach fly fishers checked in at the Bixter graveyard car park for round seven of the S.A.A. Fly Bank League. With the league being so tight this year anglers were understandably very circumspect with their preferred choice of venue for the evening and giving very little away. In all honesty however it wasn't going to matter a great deal in the blazing sunshine and flat calm conditions. The angling was going to be incredibly difficult wherever you were!
It was particularly pleasing to see David John Anderson attending his first bank competition of the year after being buoyed up by his recent success in the inter club match against the D.F.F.A.
As anglers shot off to the various nooks and crannies of the West Side the only hope was that the fish might start to come on as the sun dropped. For some this turned out to be the case. However the setting sun coincided with a caenis hatch in the flat calm which led to the usual frustration in trying to tempt trout which were selectively feeding high in the water on these small flies.
As anglers regrouped at 10.30 for the weigh on a beautiful Shetland's summer evening it transpired that the angling had indeed been very hard with most competitors counting themselves fortunate to have a couple of trout to weigh in!
Taking first place with an amazing four fish for 2 lb, 7 & 1/2 oz. considering the conditions was Frank Watt. Frank had fished Sand Water (West) where his top fly was Orcadian favourite the "Hutch's Pennel." Frank also had the heaviest fish of the evening, a "monster" of nearly one pound!
Runner up was Darren Laurenson with three fish from Lunga Water for 1 lb, 11 oz. One of Darren's killing flies was the relatively unknown "Watson's Bumble."
In third spot was Billy Reid who also had three fish weighing 1 lb, 9 & 1/4 oz. Billy had fished Longa Water and had success with a "Lime Snatcher." Fourth place went to Harry Sandison with two trout for 1 lb, 3 oz. Other successful anglers were Leslie Barclay, Mark Sandison, Tony Li, David John Anderson and Bobby Irvine.
This leaves the league table as follows with only two competitions left in what is turning out to be a very exciting run in.
Mark Sandison 119
Bobby Irvine 110
Billy Reid 92
Leslie Barclay 87
Tony Li 86
Frank Watt 85
Darren Laurenson 84
Peter Laurenson 83
Jeemie Sandison 66
Derek Titheradge 59
Ian Reid 50
Barry Robertson 43
Alastair Jamieson 33
Harry Sandison 31
Johnnie Laurenson 27
Michael Williamson 21
Gary Williamson 20
Graeme Callandar 14
David John Anderson 12
Dave Wright 8
Robert Scougal 4
The main talking point at the weigh in was the early retirement of the experienced Barry Robertson - who will usually fish right to the death! - owing to a slow puncture. Dave Wright, Robert Scougal and Michael Williamson were also posted missing at the weigh in owing to .................. well let's face it, they just got fed up! The next Bank League competition takes place on Saturday 25th July with a 1030 check in at Mavis Grind.
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Inter Club Trophy
A team from the Dounreay Fly Fishing Association (D.F.F.A.) travelled up to Shetland from Caithness last weekend to compete against the Shetland Angler's Association bank team for the annual Inter Club trophy.
The D.F.F.A. represented by Martine Hughes, Tony Chalmers, Toby Bracey, Jan Hughes, Neil Clyne and Ian Cannop arrived in Shetland in buoyant mood on the Thursday to give themselves every chance to acclimatise to the Shetland conditions. They were immediately whisked away by their hosts for an afternoon's angling in one of the last remaining outposts of truly wild brown trout angling in the U.K. They then retired for an early night in order to get the best preparation for the arduous two days competition which lay ahead. Although with several snorers in their company this proved to be easier said than done!
The event would be fished over the Friday and Saturday. A draw paired an S.A.A. angler with a D.F.F.A. angler in an area of Shetland on day one. This would then be mixed up for day two thus ensuring a different partner in a different area.
Friday dawned calm and overcast which left little room for complaint among the anglers. Although the forecast was for the wind to freshen as the day progressed, this should be ideal trooty conditions. Understandably then both teams were champing at the bit to get going. The 9.00 a.m. start saw the various pairings shoot off to the four corners of Shetland with high hopes of a good day's angling.
After eight hours of thrashing lochs the length and breadth of Shetland to a frenzy it was "lines up" at 1730 hrs. The two teams then reconvened in Lerwick for the first day's weigh in. It was immediately evident that despite the rather unseasonable weather so far this summer, several very good baskets of fish had been forthcoming.
A solid team performance by the Shetland boys saw them weigh in 66 trout for 36 lb, 2oz. Top rods for the S.A.A. were Billy Reid with 16 fish for 8 lb, 7 & 1/2 oz, Darren Laurenson with 12 for 7 lb, 3 oz. and David John Anderson with 11 for 6 lb, 2 & 1/2 oz.
The D.F.F.A. weighed in a total of 42 trout for 24 lb, 7 & 3/4 oz. Keeping his team's end up was Tony Chalmers who had called on all his experience to take 19 fish for 10 lb, 2 oz. Such was Tony's dedication to the cause that he had taken a ducking for the team after tripping over one of several strategically placed rocks in the loch! Also doing well for Caithness was Jan Hughes with eight trout for 6 lb, 2 oz. Special mention must also go to D.F.F.A. "action man" Neil Clyne for taking on the punishing "heart attack" hill at Vaara not once but twice in the day! This is an indication of the level of fitness required to compete in this event.
After all the sums were done the S.A.A. had a halftime lead of just under 12 lb - or 2 lb per angler. Everything to play for on day two!
The two teams woke on Saturday morning to another perfect day for angling - overcast skies and a Southerly breeze. With the snorers in the D.F.F.A. having been sorted out the Caithness team were well rested and keen to resume battle. Everybody's fitness and stamina would now be tested as the day wore on with the sun coming out and temperatures soaring. One competitor who certainly wasn't found wanting was D.F.F.A. debutante and triathlete Martine Hughes who set a new record time for hiking the length of Roer Water!
It was twelve tired but happy anglers who reconvened in Lerwick in the early evening having given their all for the cause. The S.A.A weighed in 60 trout for 36 lb, 7 & 1/2 oz. while the D.F.F.A. had 31 fish for 18 lb, 7 oz. Another excellent days angling with many of the Shetland lochs living up to their potential.
This meant that the S.A.A.'s total for the two days were 126 fish for 72 lb, 9 & 1/2 oz. while the D.F.F.A.'s was 73 fish for 42 lb, 14 & 3/4 oz. This gave the S.A.A. a winning margin of just under 30 lb. A strong all round team performance by the Shetland boys.
After a slap up meal at the Grand Hotel, where it was particularly pleasing to see S.A.A. inter club campaign veteran Barry Robertson in attendance, the two teams retired to the S.A.A. clubrooms for the reception. The presentation of trophies and after dinner entertainment were carefully orchestrated by Mr. S.A.A. himself, the redoubtable Alec Miller.
The much coveted inter club trophy was presented to the S.A.A.'s Peter Laurenson. Peter had taken over the captaincy from long time skipper Barry Robertson. There was a lot of pressure therefore on Laurenson's shoulders as these were big shoes to fill but Peter had no hesitation in stepping up to the plate! It was a doubly proud moment for Peter as his son Darren was also in the winning team.
The Viking Shield was then presented to Billy Reid for the heaviest basket over the two days - 30 fish for 19 lb, 6 & 1/2 oz. This was fantastic fishing by Reid over the two days - a top flyfisher at the very top of his game! Best for the D.F.F.A. was Tony Chalmers with 28 fish for 15 lb, 7 oz.
A delighted Billy Reid also accepted the Brian Hunter Memorial trophy for the heaviest fish over the two days - a specimen of 1 lb, 15 oz.
Medals were presented to inter club debutantes Martine Hughes who had stepped into the breach at the last moment for the D.F.F.A. and Darren Laurenson and David John Anderson for the S.A.A.
D.F.F.A. captain Tony Chalmers then thanked the hosts for their hospitality and looked forward to seeing them in Caithness in 2016.
With the formalities over, the frolics, festivities and tall stories continued long into the evening. It was great to see all round good guy, cub reporter and raconteur Leslie Barclay putting in an appearance and adding to the entertainment with his own particular brand of jokes and witty anecdotes.
As ever with an event such as this various flies were mentioned in despatches and there is always an effort to keep certain flies secret from the opposing team. Martine Hughes slipped up however when she emerged from the side of the loch with a Fluorescent Orange "Blob" still waving proudly from her top dropper having neglected to snip it off. "Blobs" are widely use to tempt unsophisticated rainbows from stocked waters on the Mainland but are usually considered to be rather vulgar for their more discerning brown trout cousins. This perhaps explains why D.F.F.A. "Fly Guy" Toby Bracey had anglers searching in vain earlier in the day for Ian Cannop's missing fly patch which must have been crammed full of "Orange Blobs!"
The next Bank League competition takes place on Thursday 16 July with an 1815 check in at the Bixter Graveyard. With places in next year's bank team at a premium this is bound to be a popular competition so anglers are reminded to check in in plenty of time.
Saturday the 18th of July then sees the annual competition between the S.A.A. and the Whalsay Club. The S.A.A. expects a big turn out of members as all hands will be needed at the pump if Whalsay are to be overcome in this long standing grudge match!
A team from the Dounreay Fly Fishing Association (D.F.F.A.) travelled up to Shetland from Caithness last weekend to compete against the Shetland Angler's Association bank team for the annual Inter Club trophy.
The D.F.F.A. represented by Martine Hughes, Tony Chalmers, Toby Bracey, Jan Hughes, Neil Clyne and Ian Cannop arrived in Shetland in buoyant mood on the Thursday to give themselves every chance to acclimatise to the Shetland conditions. They were immediately whisked away by their hosts for an afternoon's angling in one of the last remaining outposts of truly wild brown trout angling in the U.K. They then retired for an early night in order to get the best preparation for the arduous two days competition which lay ahead. Although with several snorers in their company this proved to be easier said than done!
The event would be fished over the Friday and Saturday. A draw paired an S.A.A. angler with a D.F.F.A. angler in an area of Shetland on day one. This would then be mixed up for day two thus ensuring a different partner in a different area.
Friday dawned calm and overcast which left little room for complaint among the anglers. Although the forecast was for the wind to freshen as the day progressed, this should be ideal trooty conditions. Understandably then both teams were champing at the bit to get going. The 9.00 a.m. start saw the various pairings shoot off to the four corners of Shetland with high hopes of a good day's angling.
After eight hours of thrashing lochs the length and breadth of Shetland to a frenzy it was "lines up" at 1730 hrs. The two teams then reconvened in Lerwick for the first day's weigh in. It was immediately evident that despite the rather unseasonable weather so far this summer, several very good baskets of fish had been forthcoming.
A solid team performance by the Shetland boys saw them weigh in 66 trout for 36 lb, 2oz. Top rods for the S.A.A. were Billy Reid with 16 fish for 8 lb, 7 & 1/2 oz, Darren Laurenson with 12 for 7 lb, 3 oz. and David John Anderson with 11 for 6 lb, 2 & 1/2 oz.
The D.F.F.A. weighed in a total of 42 trout for 24 lb, 7 & 3/4 oz. Keeping his team's end up was Tony Chalmers who had called on all his experience to take 19 fish for 10 lb, 2 oz. Such was Tony's dedication to the cause that he had taken a ducking for the team after tripping over one of several strategically placed rocks in the loch! Also doing well for Caithness was Jan Hughes with eight trout for 6 lb, 2 oz. Special mention must also go to D.F.F.A. "action man" Neil Clyne for taking on the punishing "heart attack" hill at Vaara not once but twice in the day! This is an indication of the level of fitness required to compete in this event.
After all the sums were done the S.A.A. had a halftime lead of just under 12 lb - or 2 lb per angler. Everything to play for on day two!
The two teams woke on Saturday morning to another perfect day for angling - overcast skies and a Southerly breeze. With the snorers in the D.F.F.A. having been sorted out the Caithness team were well rested and keen to resume battle. Everybody's fitness and stamina would now be tested as the day wore on with the sun coming out and temperatures soaring. One competitor who certainly wasn't found wanting was D.F.F.A. debutante and triathlete Martine Hughes who set a new record time for hiking the length of Roer Water!
It was twelve tired but happy anglers who reconvened in Lerwick in the early evening having given their all for the cause. The S.A.A weighed in 60 trout for 36 lb, 7 & 1/2 oz. while the D.F.F.A. had 31 fish for 18 lb, 7 oz. Another excellent days angling with many of the Shetland lochs living up to their potential.
This meant that the S.A.A.'s total for the two days were 126 fish for 72 lb, 9 & 1/2 oz. while the D.F.F.A.'s was 73 fish for 42 lb, 14 & 3/4 oz. This gave the S.A.A. a winning margin of just under 30 lb. A strong all round team performance by the Shetland boys.
After a slap up meal at the Grand Hotel, where it was particularly pleasing to see S.A.A. inter club campaign veteran Barry Robertson in attendance, the two teams retired to the S.A.A. clubrooms for the reception. The presentation of trophies and after dinner entertainment were carefully orchestrated by Mr. S.A.A. himself, the redoubtable Alec Miller.
The much coveted inter club trophy was presented to the S.A.A.'s Peter Laurenson. Peter had taken over the captaincy from long time skipper Barry Robertson. There was a lot of pressure therefore on Laurenson's shoulders as these were big shoes to fill but Peter had no hesitation in stepping up to the plate! It was a doubly proud moment for Peter as his son Darren was also in the winning team.
The Viking Shield was then presented to Billy Reid for the heaviest basket over the two days - 30 fish for 19 lb, 6 & 1/2 oz. This was fantastic fishing by Reid over the two days - a top flyfisher at the very top of his game! Best for the D.F.F.A. was Tony Chalmers with 28 fish for 15 lb, 7 oz.
A delighted Billy Reid also accepted the Brian Hunter Memorial trophy for the heaviest fish over the two days - a specimen of 1 lb, 15 oz.
Medals were presented to inter club debutantes Martine Hughes who had stepped into the breach at the last moment for the D.F.F.A. and Darren Laurenson and David John Anderson for the S.A.A.
D.F.F.A. captain Tony Chalmers then thanked the hosts for their hospitality and looked forward to seeing them in Caithness in 2016.
With the formalities over, the frolics, festivities and tall stories continued long into the evening. It was great to see all round good guy, cub reporter and raconteur Leslie Barclay putting in an appearance and adding to the entertainment with his own particular brand of jokes and witty anecdotes.
As ever with an event such as this various flies were mentioned in despatches and there is always an effort to keep certain flies secret from the opposing team. Martine Hughes slipped up however when she emerged from the side of the loch with a Fluorescent Orange "Blob" still waving proudly from her top dropper having neglected to snip it off. "Blobs" are widely use to tempt unsophisticated rainbows from stocked waters on the Mainland but are usually considered to be rather vulgar for their more discerning brown trout cousins. This perhaps explains why D.F.F.A. "Fly Guy" Toby Bracey had anglers searching in vain earlier in the day for Ian Cannop's missing fly patch which must have been crammed full of "Orange Blobs!"
The next Bank League competition takes place on Thursday 16 July with an 1815 check in at the Bixter Graveyard. With places in next year's bank team at a premium this is bound to be a popular competition so anglers are reminded to check in in plenty of time.
Saturday the 18th of July then sees the annual competition between the S.A.A. and the Whalsay Club. The S.A.A. expects a big turn out of members as all hands will be needed at the pump if Whalsay are to be overcome in this long standing grudge match!
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Ronas Hill 27-6-15
Thirteen fly fishers reported for duty last Saturday morning at the Collafirth pier for the annual endurance test that is the "Ronas Hill Trophy." This competition is fished in one of Shetland's last remaining wilderness areas - the expanse of uncharted territory to the North of (or "behind") Ronas Hill. It is the kind of place where it is possible to find a soldier in a foxhole still thinking that the war is on!
Needless to say then it is only the hardiest and toughest of anglers who register for this event. A map, compass, litres of water, scooby snacks, tough walking boots and a positive "can do" attitude are essential for this expedition. The character and quality of both anglers and their equipment will be tested to the extreme!
Anglers were greeted at the 0900 Collafirth pier check in with pouring rain and overcast conditions which saw not only Ronas Hill herself completely shrouded in mist and fog but her little sister Collafirth Hill also covered. This was hardly ideal conditions for venturing into the unknown but the ever optimistic Billy Reid allayed concerns and assured everyone that it would clear up later in the day.
Frank Watt was particularly impressed by the resourceful Mark Sandison. Mark was keen to stay dry for as long as possible and nipped into the Collafirth pier amenities to get changed. Frank likened Sandison to the seventies children's TV character Mr. Ben as he entered the changing room in his civvies and emerged in full trooty expedition gear. If Sandison was "Mr. Ben" then there was no doubt that the "Magic Shopkeeper" was Dale Williamson.
Dale has been conspicuous by his absence at the fly competitions this year however he just couldn't resist the allure of Ronas Hill. He was kitted out with the very best gear and most modern of equipment living up to his reputation as the best dressed fly fisher in Shetland. Williamson's rugged appeal was enhanced by his Up Helly Aa beard which is coming on apace and gave him a certain "Chris Bonnington meets Robinson Crusoe" look which was perfect for the adventure ahead.
It was also great to see the vastly experienced and hard core dry fly fisher Bobby Sandison attending his first competition in a number of years.
Competitors were soon shooting off to access the "back of the hill" by the Uyea track to the North or the more traditional Roer Water track. Billy's forecast was spot on as the low cloud and mist soon started to disperse and with a gentle Easterly breeze this was ideal fly fishing conditions.
However as the day wore on the wind died completely leaving a flat calm and of course the angling became much more difficult.
It was eleven tired but happy anglers sporting a variety of aches and pains and minor injuries who reconvened at the Collafirth pier nearly eleven hours later for the weigh in.
It was immediately apparent that several good baskets of trout had been caught. Anglers reported seeing a lot of action in all the main lochs. A great deal of undersize trout had also been encountered indicating perhaps that there has been a recent good spawning year and is indicative of the continued good health of the area.
Taking first place and the Ronas Hill trophy was a delighted Mark Sandison. Mark had gone "walkabout" and ended up with 17 fish taken mainly on a "Peach Muddler" for 11 lb, 7 & 1/2 oz.
Sandison just pipped the unlucky Billy Reid into second spot who had a fantastic bag of 23 trout for 10 lb, 11 & 1/4 oz. - the difference between the two anglers being only one fish! Billy had concentrated his efforts on the Roer Water area and his top fly was his own "Olive Half Hog."
In third place was Bobby Irvine - a Ronas Hill Veteran who can boast most wins in this competition with his name appearing on the trophy an incredible seven times! Bobby had fished the North Lochs where he had assembled a basket of nine fish for 7 lb, 11 oz. An excellent average. Bobby also had one of the heaviest trout of the day at 1 lb. 11 oz. Irvine had stuck with a "modern" traditional cast of "Clan Chief," "Peach Muddler" and "Blue Zulu."
Fourth place went to Frank Watt with another great basket of 15 fish for 7 lb, 8 & 3/4 oz. taken mainly on a "Olive Cormorant."
Other successful anglers were Ian Reid, Dale Williamson, Willie Lowrie Irvine, Gilbert Williamson - who also had the heaviest fish at 2 lb, 7 oz. taken on a "Gibby's Orange Palmer" - David John Anderson, Barry Robertson and Gary Williamson who also had a big fish at 1 lb, 12 & 3/4 oz.
On a day like today however it was agreed that "everyone was a winner" having spent an excellent days angling in one of the remotest and most beautiful areas in Shetland. Luckily professional photographer Ian Reid was on hand to capture the moment with a souvenir snap of the delighted group before they retired home for some much needed R & R.
Special mention must go to competition secretary Billy Reid for overseeing a big weigh in, in his usual calm and organised manner.
The next Fly Bank Competition is the ever popular "Derek & Dave Doubles" which kicks off at 1030 on Saturday 4th July from the Tingwall Shed.
Thirteen fly fishers reported for duty last Saturday morning at the Collafirth pier for the annual endurance test that is the "Ronas Hill Trophy." This competition is fished in one of Shetland's last remaining wilderness areas - the expanse of uncharted territory to the North of (or "behind") Ronas Hill. It is the kind of place where it is possible to find a soldier in a foxhole still thinking that the war is on!
Needless to say then it is only the hardiest and toughest of anglers who register for this event. A map, compass, litres of water, scooby snacks, tough walking boots and a positive "can do" attitude are essential for this expedition. The character and quality of both anglers and their equipment will be tested to the extreme!
Anglers were greeted at the 0900 Collafirth pier check in with pouring rain and overcast conditions which saw not only Ronas Hill herself completely shrouded in mist and fog but her little sister Collafirth Hill also covered. This was hardly ideal conditions for venturing into the unknown but the ever optimistic Billy Reid allayed concerns and assured everyone that it would clear up later in the day.
Frank Watt was particularly impressed by the resourceful Mark Sandison. Mark was keen to stay dry for as long as possible and nipped into the Collafirth pier amenities to get changed. Frank likened Sandison to the seventies children's TV character Mr. Ben as he entered the changing room in his civvies and emerged in full trooty expedition gear. If Sandison was "Mr. Ben" then there was no doubt that the "Magic Shopkeeper" was Dale Williamson.
Dale has been conspicuous by his absence at the fly competitions this year however he just couldn't resist the allure of Ronas Hill. He was kitted out with the very best gear and most modern of equipment living up to his reputation as the best dressed fly fisher in Shetland. Williamson's rugged appeal was enhanced by his Up Helly Aa beard which is coming on apace and gave him a certain "Chris Bonnington meets Robinson Crusoe" look which was perfect for the adventure ahead.
It was also great to see the vastly experienced and hard core dry fly fisher Bobby Sandison attending his first competition in a number of years.
Competitors were soon shooting off to access the "back of the hill" by the Uyea track to the North or the more traditional Roer Water track. Billy's forecast was spot on as the low cloud and mist soon started to disperse and with a gentle Easterly breeze this was ideal fly fishing conditions.
However as the day wore on the wind died completely leaving a flat calm and of course the angling became much more difficult.
It was eleven tired but happy anglers sporting a variety of aches and pains and minor injuries who reconvened at the Collafirth pier nearly eleven hours later for the weigh in.
It was immediately apparent that several good baskets of trout had been caught. Anglers reported seeing a lot of action in all the main lochs. A great deal of undersize trout had also been encountered indicating perhaps that there has been a recent good spawning year and is indicative of the continued good health of the area.
Taking first place and the Ronas Hill trophy was a delighted Mark Sandison. Mark had gone "walkabout" and ended up with 17 fish taken mainly on a "Peach Muddler" for 11 lb, 7 & 1/2 oz.
Sandison just pipped the unlucky Billy Reid into second spot who had a fantastic bag of 23 trout for 10 lb, 11 & 1/4 oz. - the difference between the two anglers being only one fish! Billy had concentrated his efforts on the Roer Water area and his top fly was his own "Olive Half Hog."
In third place was Bobby Irvine - a Ronas Hill Veteran who can boast most wins in this competition with his name appearing on the trophy an incredible seven times! Bobby had fished the North Lochs where he had assembled a basket of nine fish for 7 lb, 11 oz. An excellent average. Bobby also had one of the heaviest trout of the day at 1 lb. 11 oz. Irvine had stuck with a "modern" traditional cast of "Clan Chief," "Peach Muddler" and "Blue Zulu."
Fourth place went to Frank Watt with another great basket of 15 fish for 7 lb, 8 & 3/4 oz. taken mainly on a "Olive Cormorant."
Other successful anglers were Ian Reid, Dale Williamson, Willie Lowrie Irvine, Gilbert Williamson - who also had the heaviest fish at 2 lb, 7 oz. taken on a "Gibby's Orange Palmer" - David John Anderson, Barry Robertson and Gary Williamson who also had a big fish at 1 lb, 12 & 3/4 oz.
On a day like today however it was agreed that "everyone was a winner" having spent an excellent days angling in one of the remotest and most beautiful areas in Shetland. Luckily professional photographer Ian Reid was on hand to capture the moment with a souvenir snap of the delighted group before they retired home for some much needed R & R.
Special mention must go to competition secretary Billy Reid for overseeing a big weigh in, in his usual calm and organised manner.
The next Fly Bank Competition is the ever popular "Derek & Dave Doubles" which kicks off at 1030 on Saturday 4th July from the Tingwall Shed.
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Tulloch Midsummer
Shield.
Anglers checked in at the Tingwall boat shed last Saturday morning for round six of the S.A.A. Fly Bank League which also doubled up with the "Tulloch Midsummer Shield." There was a lot at stake with valuable league points up for grabs as well as the coveted Midsummer shield itself. The weather certainly wasn't very midsummery however with a chilly North wind and the temperature struggling to reach double figures.
Undaunted, a large crowd of anglers checked in with competition secretary Billy Reid. There was a welcome return to the competition scene for Dave Wright who has been posted missing for a couple of months. Every body has missed the charismatic cockney complete with his own special brand of humour.
With so much at stake there was a certain amount of tension in the air with competitors being particularly guarded regarding their plans and tactics for the day. The laid back Alastair Jamieson certainly wasn't letting the nerves get to him however as he turned up wearing his best smucks!
Anglers had a choice of 18 lochs over the mainland of Shetland. The 1030 start saw the company fairly evenly split between the "Deep South" and the West Side. It was particularly pleasing to see Billy Reid offering to share his vehicle with Mark Sandison. This is of course is very much in keeping with the S.A.A. environmental policy as they seek to reduce angler's carbon footprints.
As the day progressed the angling turned out to be particularly hard. The cold North West wind freshened keeping the temperatures down and to make matters worse "Old Jamaica" made an appearance and decided to stay out for most of the day! It was a particularly weather beaten bunch who reconvened at Tingwall for the 1745 weigh in.
Taking first place and the Tulloch Shield was a delighted Mark Sandison with nine trout for 5 lb, 12 & 1/4 oz. There were a few raised eyebrows and even some calls of foul from the cheap seats as Sandison had initially stated that he had ten fish. The only explanation Mark could come up with for the mix up was that a fish must have fallen out of his bag at some point during the afternoon! This brought a chorus of guffaws from the assembled throng. Sandison's top fly was a "Clan Chief variant."
There was very little to separate the next three places. One more fish for any of these anglers would have made all the difference. Taking second place was Tony Li with eight fish for 4 lb, 11 & 1/4 oz. Tony had scored with a white Cat. In third spot was Billy Reid who also had eight for 4 lb, 8 & 1/2 oz. taken mainly on a "Green Tailed Dunkeld Muddler." In fourth place was Darren Laurenson with seven for 4 lb, 8 oz.
Other anglers among the points were Bobby Irvine, Alastair Jamieson, Jeemie Sandison, Ian Reid, Michael Williamson, Derek Titheradge, Barry Robertson and Leslie Barclay.
With six out of the nine bank league competitions having been fished the table is as follows:
Mark Sandison 119
Bobby Irvine 99
Billy Reid 84
Peter Laurenson 83
Tony Li 73
Leslie Barclay 72
Jeemie Sandison 66
Darren Laurenson 63
Frank Watt 60
Derek Titheradge 59
Ian Reid 50
Barry Robertson 43
Alastair Jamieson 33
Johnnie Laurenson 27
Michael Williamson 21
Gary Williamson 20
Harry Sandison 15
Graeme Callandar 14
Dave Wright 8
Robert Scougal 4
The only remaining business of the day was overseen by Leslie Barclay who was keen to get a photo of the reluctant Sandison for the paper and in doing so demonstrate how to take a photo which includes the ears. Mission accomplished! Well done Leslie!
The Bank League takes a break now for a few weeks. It resumes on Thursday 16th July with an 1815 check in at the Bixter Graveyard. Before that the S.A.A. Bank Team will entertain the Dounreay Fly Fishing Association in their annual inter club match.
Fly fishing competition junkies need not despair however. The Ronas Hill competition takes place on Saturday 27th June with a 0900 check in at the Collafirth Pier. Anglers are reminded to bring a map and compass. Then the following week, Saturday 4th July, sees the ever popular "D & D Doubles" event with a 1030 check in at the Tingwall Boat Shed.
Anglers checked in at the Tingwall boat shed last Saturday morning for round six of the S.A.A. Fly Bank League which also doubled up with the "Tulloch Midsummer Shield." There was a lot at stake with valuable league points up for grabs as well as the coveted Midsummer shield itself. The weather certainly wasn't very midsummery however with a chilly North wind and the temperature struggling to reach double figures.
Undaunted, a large crowd of anglers checked in with competition secretary Billy Reid. There was a welcome return to the competition scene for Dave Wright who has been posted missing for a couple of months. Every body has missed the charismatic cockney complete with his own special brand of humour.
With so much at stake there was a certain amount of tension in the air with competitors being particularly guarded regarding their plans and tactics for the day. The laid back Alastair Jamieson certainly wasn't letting the nerves get to him however as he turned up wearing his best smucks!
Anglers had a choice of 18 lochs over the mainland of Shetland. The 1030 start saw the company fairly evenly split between the "Deep South" and the West Side. It was particularly pleasing to see Billy Reid offering to share his vehicle with Mark Sandison. This is of course is very much in keeping with the S.A.A. environmental policy as they seek to reduce angler's carbon footprints.
As the day progressed the angling turned out to be particularly hard. The cold North West wind freshened keeping the temperatures down and to make matters worse "Old Jamaica" made an appearance and decided to stay out for most of the day! It was a particularly weather beaten bunch who reconvened at Tingwall for the 1745 weigh in.
Taking first place and the Tulloch Shield was a delighted Mark Sandison with nine trout for 5 lb, 12 & 1/4 oz. There were a few raised eyebrows and even some calls of foul from the cheap seats as Sandison had initially stated that he had ten fish. The only explanation Mark could come up with for the mix up was that a fish must have fallen out of his bag at some point during the afternoon! This brought a chorus of guffaws from the assembled throng. Sandison's top fly was a "Clan Chief variant."
There was very little to separate the next three places. One more fish for any of these anglers would have made all the difference. Taking second place was Tony Li with eight fish for 4 lb, 11 & 1/4 oz. Tony had scored with a white Cat. In third spot was Billy Reid who also had eight for 4 lb, 8 & 1/2 oz. taken mainly on a "Green Tailed Dunkeld Muddler." In fourth place was Darren Laurenson with seven for 4 lb, 8 oz.
Other anglers among the points were Bobby Irvine, Alastair Jamieson, Jeemie Sandison, Ian Reid, Michael Williamson, Derek Titheradge, Barry Robertson and Leslie Barclay.
With six out of the nine bank league competitions having been fished the table is as follows:
Mark Sandison 119
Bobby Irvine 99
Billy Reid 84
Peter Laurenson 83
Tony Li 73
Leslie Barclay 72
Jeemie Sandison 66
Darren Laurenson 63
Frank Watt 60
Derek Titheradge 59
Ian Reid 50
Barry Robertson 43
Alastair Jamieson 33
Johnnie Laurenson 27
Michael Williamson 21
Gary Williamson 20
Harry Sandison 15
Graeme Callandar 14
Dave Wright 8
Robert Scougal 4
The only remaining business of the day was overseen by Leslie Barclay who was keen to get a photo of the reluctant Sandison for the paper and in doing so demonstrate how to take a photo which includes the ears. Mission accomplished! Well done Leslie!
The Bank League takes a break now for a few weeks. It resumes on Thursday 16th July with an 1815 check in at the Bixter Graveyard. Before that the S.A.A. Bank Team will entertain the Dounreay Fly Fishing Association in their annual inter club match.
Fly fishing competition junkies need not despair however. The Ronas Hill competition takes place on Saturday 27th June with a 0900 check in at the Collafirth Pier. Anglers are reminded to bring a map and compass. Then the following week, Saturday 4th July, sees the ever popular "D & D Doubles" event with a 1030 check in at the Tingwall Boat Shed.
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Clousta Road 4-6-15
Seventeen anglers congregated at the Bixter hall last Thursday evening to fish round five of the S.A.A. Fly Bank League. Competitors had a choice of lochs in the Clousta road. Theoretically these should be among the most productive lochs in Shetland.
The lochs have been slow to warm up this year however with the cold spring and despite the lovely evening competitors maybe weren't as confident as they might have been. Making the correct choice of loch would be absolutely crucial to success on the evening.
The main talking point at the check in was Harry Sandison's warning to anglers intending to fish Vaara. He'd been there the previous weekend and been chased around the back of the loch by an excited herd of cattle. The quick thinking Harry had managed to avoid the stampede by wading as far as he could into the loch and waving his fly rod at the frisky cows. Harry was at pains to point out that this bovine incident had no connection whatsoever with the bull that went on the rampage in Lerwick a few days later!
Harry didn’t heed his own advice however and seemed especially keen to get back to Vaara. This led to a few raised eyebrows with some anglers suggesting that Sandison's story had all been a bit of a ploy to keep other flyfishers out of his favourite swim!
The 1815 start saw anglers spreading themselves fairly evenly out over the lochs on offer. The angling did prove to very difficult for some with some of the big name venues simply not performing on the evening. Most competitors at the weigh were counting themselves fairly lucky if they’d managed to put two or three trout in their basket over the course of the evening.
Taking first place for the second week running and at a canter was the evergreen Bobby Irvine with eleven trout from Vaara for 6 lb, 10 & 1/4 oz. taken mainly on a Clan Chief. Bobby is looking increasingly dangerous as he slides effortlessly up through the gears - and indeed up through the league table!
In second spot was Frank Watt with three fish for 4 lb, 3/4 oz from Kirkhouse. Frank's basket included the heaviest trout of the evening, a 2 lb, 2 oz. beauty, which fell to a CDC midge with almost his first cast.
Third place went to Leslie Barclay with seven from Vaara for 3 lb, 13 oz., most of which fell to his own "Barclay’s Pearly Sunburst Stingy Bee Half Hog." However it was a case of what might have been for Leslie. He lost valuable fishing time as he was beset by several calamities during the evening including losing his landing net and his watch stopping. The latter disaster meant that he hiked half way around the loch to find out the time only to discover that he still had an hour and a half’s angling time left!
In fourth place was Mark Sandison who also fished Vaara and had six for 3 lb, 5 & 1/2 oz taken mainly on an Orange Litebrite Half Hog.
Other successful anglers were Barry Robertson, Peter Laurenson, Derek Titheradge, Billy Reid, Michael Williamson, Harry Sandison, Jeemie Sandison and Gary Williamson.
With five out of the nine competitions having been fished the league table is as follows:
Mark Sandison 94
Bobby Irvine 85
Peter Laurenson 68
Billy Reid 66
Leslie Barclay 65
Frank Watt 60
Jeemie Sandison 54
Tony Li 52
Derek Titheradge 50
Darren Laurenson 47
Ian Reid 39
Barry Robertson 35
Johnnie Laurenson 27
Alastair Jamieson 20
Gary Williamson 20
Harry Sandison 15
Graeme Callandar 14
Michael Williamson 11
Dave Wright 8
Robert Scougal 4
The next Bank League competition doubles up with the Tulloch Midsummer Shield and takes place on Saturday 13th June with a 1030 check in at the Tingwall Boat Shed.
North Mainland
28-5-15
Blazing sunshine and temperatures in single figures greeted anglers as they congregated at Mavis Grind last Thursday evening for round four of the S.A.A. Fly Bank League. It was far from ideal trooty conditions and certainly did nothing to improve the prospects on the North Mainland lochs which can be difficult at the best of times.
Understandably then it was a decidedly gloomy bunch who gathered at Billy Reid's pickup to check in.
The only incident of note cocerned the ongoing criticism of the official S.A.A. photographer. It seems that most of the competitors who turn up for bank league competitions are also keen amateur photographers in their spare time! Therefore there was a great deal of advice on offer regarding portrait photography and how to ensure the subject was properly proportioned – with ears clearly visible!
Thankfully the 1815 start time quickly came around and flyfishers were soon shooting off to the five corners of Northmavine. The majority of early attention centred on the Mighty Eela Water. A sprint developed between Leslie Barclay, Darren Laurenson and Mark Sandison to get to the fishiest spot in the loch. The outcome of this contest was never in any doubt with Leslie easily outpacing his rivals along the hill track. Barclay even managed to beat Billy Reid, who had the advantage of a 4 by 4, proving yet again that he is an all round athlete at the top of his game!
The stampede to the side of the loch was pretty much in vain however. The sun did disappear behind clouds but this was accompanied by plummeting temperatures punctuated by several heavy downpours of rain. Needless to say the angling was very difficult indeed! Competitors could soon be seen motoring from loch to loch – a sure sign that things aren’t going well.
There is always somebody who gets it right on the night however and taking first place was the ever adaptable Bobby Irvine. Bobby had come up trumps when he changed lochs an hour into the competition and put together an excellent basket of seven fish for 5 lb, 11 oz. Bobby's top flies were a "Peach Muddler" and Leslie Barclay's own "Stingy Bee Half Hog."
Second spot went to Mark Sandison with five trout for 3 lb, 10 oz. Sandison had scored with a "Clan Chief."
In third and fourth places respectively were veterans Derek Titheradge with two fish for 1 lb, 12 & 1/4 oz and Johnnie Laurenson, also with two, for 1 lb, 10 oz. Derek had the heaviest trout of the evening at 1 lb, 2 oz. which fell to a "Clan Chief Muddler."
Other anglers gaining points were Tony Li, Ian Reid, Barry Robertson, Darren Laurenson, Peter Laurenson, Billy Reid and Alastair Jamieson.
This leaves the league table as follows:
Mark Sandison 78
Bobby Irvine 60
Billy Reid 54
Peter Laurenson 54
Tony Li 52
Leslie Barclay 47
Darren Laurenson 47
Jeemie Sandison 45
Frank Watt 39
Ian Reid 39
Derek Titheradge 37
Johnnie Laurenson 27
Alastair Jamieson 20
Barry Robertson 20
Graeme Callandar 14
Gary Williamson 12
Dave Wright 8
Harry Sandison 5
Robert Scougal 4
The weigh in was interrupted by another down pour which sent anglers scurrying for the shelter of their cars before heading home to warm up. This meant that most competitors missed the main incident of the evening which was the disqualification of Leslie Barclay for showing up late! The resilient Leslie took it on the chin however and vowed to be back next week!
The next Bank League competition takes place on Thursday 4th June with an 1815 check in at the Bixter Hall.
Blazing sunshine and temperatures in single figures greeted anglers as they congregated at Mavis Grind last Thursday evening for round four of the S.A.A. Fly Bank League. It was far from ideal trooty conditions and certainly did nothing to improve the prospects on the North Mainland lochs which can be difficult at the best of times.
Understandably then it was a decidedly gloomy bunch who gathered at Billy Reid's pickup to check in.
The only incident of note cocerned the ongoing criticism of the official S.A.A. photographer. It seems that most of the competitors who turn up for bank league competitions are also keen amateur photographers in their spare time! Therefore there was a great deal of advice on offer regarding portrait photography and how to ensure the subject was properly proportioned – with ears clearly visible!
Thankfully the 1815 start time quickly came around and flyfishers were soon shooting off to the five corners of Northmavine. The majority of early attention centred on the Mighty Eela Water. A sprint developed between Leslie Barclay, Darren Laurenson and Mark Sandison to get to the fishiest spot in the loch. The outcome of this contest was never in any doubt with Leslie easily outpacing his rivals along the hill track. Barclay even managed to beat Billy Reid, who had the advantage of a 4 by 4, proving yet again that he is an all round athlete at the top of his game!
The stampede to the side of the loch was pretty much in vain however. The sun did disappear behind clouds but this was accompanied by plummeting temperatures punctuated by several heavy downpours of rain. Needless to say the angling was very difficult indeed! Competitors could soon be seen motoring from loch to loch – a sure sign that things aren’t going well.
There is always somebody who gets it right on the night however and taking first place was the ever adaptable Bobby Irvine. Bobby had come up trumps when he changed lochs an hour into the competition and put together an excellent basket of seven fish for 5 lb, 11 oz. Bobby's top flies were a "Peach Muddler" and Leslie Barclay's own "Stingy Bee Half Hog."
Second spot went to Mark Sandison with five trout for 3 lb, 10 oz. Sandison had scored with a "Clan Chief."
In third and fourth places respectively were veterans Derek Titheradge with two fish for 1 lb, 12 & 1/4 oz and Johnnie Laurenson, also with two, for 1 lb, 10 oz. Derek had the heaviest trout of the evening at 1 lb, 2 oz. which fell to a "Clan Chief Muddler."
Other anglers gaining points were Tony Li, Ian Reid, Barry Robertson, Darren Laurenson, Peter Laurenson, Billy Reid and Alastair Jamieson.
This leaves the league table as follows:
Mark Sandison 78
Bobby Irvine 60
Billy Reid 54
Peter Laurenson 54
Tony Li 52
Leslie Barclay 47
Darren Laurenson 47
Jeemie Sandison 45
Frank Watt 39
Ian Reid 39
Derek Titheradge 37
Johnnie Laurenson 27
Alastair Jamieson 20
Barry Robertson 20
Graeme Callandar 14
Gary Williamson 12
Dave Wright 8
Harry Sandison 5
Robert Scougal 4
The weigh in was interrupted by another down pour which sent anglers scurrying for the shelter of their cars before heading home to warm up. This meant that most competitors missed the main incident of the evening which was the disqualification of Leslie Barclay for showing up late! The resilient Leslie took it on the chin however and vowed to be back next week!
The next Bank League competition takes place on Thursday 4th June with an 1815 check in at the Bixter Hall.
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West Side 14-5-15
Despite another chilly evening 14 flyfishers checked in at the Bixter Graveyard car park last Thursday evening for the third round of the S.A.A. fly bank league.
It was great to see Alastair Jamieson back in action and donning his waders again after his recent excursions. Michael Williamson made his first appearance of the season hoping for a repeat of his success in this competition last year. It was also good to see a new face in the shape of B. Stewart.
After becoming hopelessly lost in the hills of West Burrafirth last year Leslie Barclay had come equipped with a ball of string to help him find his way. Unfortunately he hadn't come equipped with any material to tie up a cast with. Luckily Billy Reid helped the hapless Barclay out by lending him a spool of Flurocarbon. Such is the camaraderie among bank anglers!
Anglers had a huge selection of sixteen lochs to choose from over most of the West Side area. Theoretically this should have worked out at over one loch per angler so nobody should have been tripping over anyone. As always making the correct choice of loch would crucial to success. This is especially so with the evening competitions as there is very little time to remedy an early mistake regarding choice of venue.
Flyfishers were keen to get going at the 1815 start and indeed competitors spread themselves out fairly evenly over the lochs on offer. This initial enthusiasm soon evaporated however as anglers found the trout very reluctant to come to the fly in the cold and calm conditions.
How tough it had been was reflected at the weigh in with only nine anglers weighing in fish with the majority of those only managing one - or a lucky two.
Bucking the trend and taking first place was Tony Li with four fish for 3 lb, 1 oz. from Stump. Tony's basket also included the heaviest fish of the evening at 1 lb, 2 & 1/2 oz. Such was Tony's excitement at his first competition win that he momentarily forgot what his killing flies were. He finally settled on an "Orange Dabbler" and a "Bibio Hedgehog!" Well done Tony on what will undoubtedly be the first of many competition wins.
Second equal were Darren Laurenson and Mark Sandison who both had two fish for 1 lb, 12 & 1/4 oz. Darren had success with a "Claret Muddler" while Sandison's fly of choice was a "Christmas Tree."
In fourth place for the second competition running was the resurgent Jeemie Sandison with three trout for 1 lb, 5 oz. This is also the second competition running where Jeemie has had more fish than those placed above him. Sandison is now suggesting that a form of P.R. would be fairer for competition weigh ins.
Other successful anglers were Billy Reid, Frank Watt, Derek Titheradge, Leslie Barclay and Alastair Jamieson. There were a few laughs when Leslie Barclay attempted to weigh in the sole of his boot which had become unattached at the back of the Hulma Lees.
This now leaves the league table as follows in what is gearing up to be a very exciting campaign:
Mark Sandison 57
Leslie Barclay 47
Jeemie Sandison 45
Billy Reid 44
Peter Laurenson 43
Frank Watt 39
Tony Li 37
Bobby Irvine 35
Darren Laurenson 35
Ian Reid 25
Derek Titheradge 19
Graeme Callandar 14
Gary Irvine 12
Johnnie Laurenson 11
Alastair Jamieson 11
Dave Wright 8
Barry Robertson 7
Harry Sandison 5
Robert Scougal 4
With everyone keen to get home and warm up the only other incident of note was an official complaint by Barclay regarding the quality of photos taken by the official S.A.A. photographer. As Billy Reid pointed out however Leslie was quite at liberty to go and hire a professional photographer for his next winner's portrait!
The next Bank League competition takes place in the North Mainland on Thursday 28th May with a 1815 check in at Mavis Grind.
Despite another chilly evening 14 flyfishers checked in at the Bixter Graveyard car park last Thursday evening for the third round of the S.A.A. fly bank league.
It was great to see Alastair Jamieson back in action and donning his waders again after his recent excursions. Michael Williamson made his first appearance of the season hoping for a repeat of his success in this competition last year. It was also good to see a new face in the shape of B. Stewart.
After becoming hopelessly lost in the hills of West Burrafirth last year Leslie Barclay had come equipped with a ball of string to help him find his way. Unfortunately he hadn't come equipped with any material to tie up a cast with. Luckily Billy Reid helped the hapless Barclay out by lending him a spool of Flurocarbon. Such is the camaraderie among bank anglers!
Anglers had a huge selection of sixteen lochs to choose from over most of the West Side area. Theoretically this should have worked out at over one loch per angler so nobody should have been tripping over anyone. As always making the correct choice of loch would crucial to success. This is especially so with the evening competitions as there is very little time to remedy an early mistake regarding choice of venue.
Flyfishers were keen to get going at the 1815 start and indeed competitors spread themselves out fairly evenly over the lochs on offer. This initial enthusiasm soon evaporated however as anglers found the trout very reluctant to come to the fly in the cold and calm conditions.
How tough it had been was reflected at the weigh in with only nine anglers weighing in fish with the majority of those only managing one - or a lucky two.
Bucking the trend and taking first place was Tony Li with four fish for 3 lb, 1 oz. from Stump. Tony's basket also included the heaviest fish of the evening at 1 lb, 2 & 1/2 oz. Such was Tony's excitement at his first competition win that he momentarily forgot what his killing flies were. He finally settled on an "Orange Dabbler" and a "Bibio Hedgehog!" Well done Tony on what will undoubtedly be the first of many competition wins.
Second equal were Darren Laurenson and Mark Sandison who both had two fish for 1 lb, 12 & 1/4 oz. Darren had success with a "Claret Muddler" while Sandison's fly of choice was a "Christmas Tree."
In fourth place for the second competition running was the resurgent Jeemie Sandison with three trout for 1 lb, 5 oz. This is also the second competition running where Jeemie has had more fish than those placed above him. Sandison is now suggesting that a form of P.R. would be fairer for competition weigh ins.
Other successful anglers were Billy Reid, Frank Watt, Derek Titheradge, Leslie Barclay and Alastair Jamieson. There were a few laughs when Leslie Barclay attempted to weigh in the sole of his boot which had become unattached at the back of the Hulma Lees.
This now leaves the league table as follows in what is gearing up to be a very exciting campaign:
Mark Sandison 57
Leslie Barclay 47
Jeemie Sandison 45
Billy Reid 44
Peter Laurenson 43
Frank Watt 39
Tony Li 37
Bobby Irvine 35
Darren Laurenson 35
Ian Reid 25
Derek Titheradge 19
Graeme Callandar 14
Gary Irvine 12
Johnnie Laurenson 11
Alastair Jamieson 11
Dave Wright 8
Barry Robertson 7
Harry Sandison 5
Robert Scougal 4
With everyone keen to get home and warm up the only other incident of note was an official complaint by Barclay regarding the quality of photos taken by the official S.A.A. photographer. As Billy Reid pointed out however Leslie was quite at liberty to go and hire a professional photographer for his next winner's portrait!
The next Bank League competition takes place in the North Mainland on Thursday 28th May with a 1815 check in at Mavis Grind.
Pottinger Benston Trophy 7-5-15
Four of Shetland's toughest fly fishermen reported for duty last Thursday evening at the Benston Boat park to fish for the "Pottinger Benston Trophy."
If the mental and physical demands of spending four hours on one of Shetland's dourest lochs weren't challenging enough then the plummeting temperatures and gale force winds would see to it that this event would certainly live up to its "extreme" billing.
Rather than highlighting and castigating the absence of several "big names," we should instead concentrate on the fortitude of four legends - Frank Watt, Billy Reid, big fish specialist Terry Laurenson and Mark Sandison. These boys had stepped up to the mark and made the journey to deepest, darkest Nesting despite knowing full well the arduous challenge which lay ahead. The 1815 start found the foursome huddled in the front of Billy's pick up exchanging jokes and flies in an effort to maintain spirits and moral and stay warm. It was Billy himself who took responsibility in a tricky situation and with a few encouraging words got the boys underway.
There is very little to report regarding the fishing itself other than the fact that it was long, hard and freezing cold with the temperatures dropping as low as three degrees and feeling colder in the Westerly gale.
At the 1030 weigh in it was the resurgent Frank Watt who took first place and the "Pottinger Trophy" with a fantastic basket, considering the venue and conditions, of three fish for 2 lb, 9 oz. Frank's victory was all the more impressive as he'd tripped over a rock and gone sub aqua half way through the competition meaning that the rest of the evening became a total endurance test in the freezing conditions.
Frank also revealed that his three trout had come to three different flies, two of which had been donated from the fly boxes of the opposition - Billy Reid and Terry Laurenson - at the start of the competition!
Second spot on the night went to Billy Reid with one fish weighing one pound exactly.
Third equal were Terry Laurenson and Mark Sandison. However, as Laurenson pointed out, on a night like this "everyone was a winner!"
There was no hanging around after the weigh in as our fearless and frigid four shot off to get some much needed warmth!
The next fly bank competition is round four of the bank league which takes place on Thursday 28th May with an 1815 check in at Mavis Grind.
Fly Fishers are also reminded that the annual trout festival takes place next week. The event is bound to be as popular as ever. The trooty fun begins on Tuesday 19th May at 8.30 p.m. with a fly tying demonstration in the Burns Lane clubrooms by international author, fly fisherman and fly tier, Barry Orde Clarke. The festival programme can be found on the S.A.A. website: www.shetlandtrout.co.uk
Four of Shetland's toughest fly fishermen reported for duty last Thursday evening at the Benston Boat park to fish for the "Pottinger Benston Trophy."
If the mental and physical demands of spending four hours on one of Shetland's dourest lochs weren't challenging enough then the plummeting temperatures and gale force winds would see to it that this event would certainly live up to its "extreme" billing.
Rather than highlighting and castigating the absence of several "big names," we should instead concentrate on the fortitude of four legends - Frank Watt, Billy Reid, big fish specialist Terry Laurenson and Mark Sandison. These boys had stepped up to the mark and made the journey to deepest, darkest Nesting despite knowing full well the arduous challenge which lay ahead. The 1815 start found the foursome huddled in the front of Billy's pick up exchanging jokes and flies in an effort to maintain spirits and moral and stay warm. It was Billy himself who took responsibility in a tricky situation and with a few encouraging words got the boys underway.
There is very little to report regarding the fishing itself other than the fact that it was long, hard and freezing cold with the temperatures dropping as low as three degrees and feeling colder in the Westerly gale.
At the 1030 weigh in it was the resurgent Frank Watt who took first place and the "Pottinger Trophy" with a fantastic basket, considering the venue and conditions, of three fish for 2 lb, 9 oz. Frank's victory was all the more impressive as he'd tripped over a rock and gone sub aqua half way through the competition meaning that the rest of the evening became a total endurance test in the freezing conditions.
Frank also revealed that his three trout had come to three different flies, two of which had been donated from the fly boxes of the opposition - Billy Reid and Terry Laurenson - at the start of the competition!
Second spot on the night went to Billy Reid with one fish weighing one pound exactly.
Third equal were Terry Laurenson and Mark Sandison. However, as Laurenson pointed out, on a night like this "everyone was a winner!"
There was no hanging around after the weigh in as our fearless and frigid four shot off to get some much needed warmth!
The next fly bank competition is round four of the bank league which takes place on Thursday 28th May with an 1815 check in at Mavis Grind.
Fly Fishers are also reminded that the annual trout festival takes place next week. The event is bound to be as popular as ever. The trooty fun begins on Tuesday 19th May at 8.30 p.m. with a fly tying demonstration in the Burns Lane clubrooms by international author, fly fisherman and fly tier, Barry Orde Clarke. The festival programme can be found on the S.A.A. website: www.shetlandtrout.co.uk
Bank League 2-5-15
Despite the sunshine and cold eighteen fly fishers checked in at the Tingwall Boat Shed last Saturday morning for round two of the S.A.A. Fly Bank league.
After a week of freezing temperatures there wasn't a great deal to discuss on the trooty front. Fly fishers are generally a fairly well read and knowledgeable group however and therefore seldom at a loss for interesting and meaningful conversation. Topics of the day included Jeemie Sandison's lifelong aversion to stingy bees and - after last week's goings on involving hovering flies and disappearing trailers - the enduring popularity of the Wizard of Oz as a family film! It is difficult to think of another sport where such a diverse range of subjects would be up for discussion on a Saturday morning!
Anglers had a wide range of lochs to choose from in the central mainland and South. Making the correct choice of venue would be crucial and competitors were raring to go at the 1030 kick off despite the less than ideal conditions.
It was particularly pleasing to see Derek Titheradge back in action although he seemed to spend a great deal of time deciding whether he was going to go fishing or just have a Saturday run in the car.
Anglers soon settled down to the task in hand and the fishing was very patchy. Not only was making the correct choice of loch crucial to success but as it turned out picking the correct part of the loch was also of vital importance. Some anglers struggled to put a single fish in their bag from the same loch where other anglers had continuous sport for most of the day.
It was an excited bunch with many a story and tale of woe to tell who reconvened at the Tingwall Shed for the 1745 weigh in. Once all was said and done however there was no denying the fact that it was the Wizard of Oz himself, Leslie Barclay, who had worked his magic on the day and come out on top.
Leslie had a fantastic basket of nine fish for 7 lb, 13 oz. Barclay's achievement was all the more remarkable as he'd hooked his biggest trout, a specimen of 2 lb, 3 1/4 oz., as he was reeling in half way through the afternoon with the intention of changing lochs. Needless to say Leslie stayed where he was! The announcement of victory for the ever popular and endearing Barclay was greeted with a chorus of cheers and hurrahs from the assembled throng.
Taking second place with another great basket of eleven fish for 6 lb, 12 & 3/4 oz. was Bobby Irvine who is obviously back in form after recovering from a heavy cold.
Third spot went to the on fire Peter Laurenson with six trout for 4 lb, 12 1/4 oz. Peter just pipped Jeemie Sandison whose eight fish for 4 lb. 7 oz. gave him fourth place.
Also among the points in what turned out to be a big weigh in despite the conditions were Mark Sandison, Graeme Callandar, Darren Laurenson, Tony Li, Billy Reid, Frank Watt, Ian Reid, Dave Wright, Barry Robertson, Derek Titheradge, Harry Sandison and the "sub aqua" Robert Scougal.
This leaves the league table as follows:
Peter Laurenson 43
Mark Sandison 36
Bobby Irvine 35
Leslie Barclay 35
Billy Reid 29
Jeemie Sandison 29
Ian Reid 25
Frank Watt 25
Darren Laurenson 14
Graeme Callandar 14
Gary Irvine 12
Tony Li 12
Johnnie Laurenson 11
Dave Wright 8
Barry Robertson 7
Derek Titheradge 6
Harry Sandison 5
Robert Scougal 4
With two competitions down it certainly looks like the league will be as exciting and hard fought as ever.
Several flies were mentioned at the weigh in and it was particularly pleasing to see old traditionals such as The Blue Zulu - which took Leslie's big fish - Alexandria, Dunkeld, Teal, Blue & Silver back in vogue alongside the ubiquitous Peach Muddler and current favourite the Olive Nymph.
Neighbour Emma Williamson was the lucky recipient of Barclay's super basket and the troots were soon being displayed proudly on "Face Cloot" before being consumed Bear Grylls style for supper!
The next bank league competition takes place on Thursday 14 May with an 1815 check in at the Bixter Grave yard. The switch to Thursday evening signalling light nights and hopefully balmy spring weather!
Despite the sunshine and cold eighteen fly fishers checked in at the Tingwall Boat Shed last Saturday morning for round two of the S.A.A. Fly Bank league.
After a week of freezing temperatures there wasn't a great deal to discuss on the trooty front. Fly fishers are generally a fairly well read and knowledgeable group however and therefore seldom at a loss for interesting and meaningful conversation. Topics of the day included Jeemie Sandison's lifelong aversion to stingy bees and - after last week's goings on involving hovering flies and disappearing trailers - the enduring popularity of the Wizard of Oz as a family film! It is difficult to think of another sport where such a diverse range of subjects would be up for discussion on a Saturday morning!
Anglers had a wide range of lochs to choose from in the central mainland and South. Making the correct choice of venue would be crucial and competitors were raring to go at the 1030 kick off despite the less than ideal conditions.
It was particularly pleasing to see Derek Titheradge back in action although he seemed to spend a great deal of time deciding whether he was going to go fishing or just have a Saturday run in the car.
Anglers soon settled down to the task in hand and the fishing was very patchy. Not only was making the correct choice of loch crucial to success but as it turned out picking the correct part of the loch was also of vital importance. Some anglers struggled to put a single fish in their bag from the same loch where other anglers had continuous sport for most of the day.
It was an excited bunch with many a story and tale of woe to tell who reconvened at the Tingwall Shed for the 1745 weigh in. Once all was said and done however there was no denying the fact that it was the Wizard of Oz himself, Leslie Barclay, who had worked his magic on the day and come out on top.
Leslie had a fantastic basket of nine fish for 7 lb, 13 oz. Barclay's achievement was all the more remarkable as he'd hooked his biggest trout, a specimen of 2 lb, 3 1/4 oz., as he was reeling in half way through the afternoon with the intention of changing lochs. Needless to say Leslie stayed where he was! The announcement of victory for the ever popular and endearing Barclay was greeted with a chorus of cheers and hurrahs from the assembled throng.
Taking second place with another great basket of eleven fish for 6 lb, 12 & 3/4 oz. was Bobby Irvine who is obviously back in form after recovering from a heavy cold.
Third spot went to the on fire Peter Laurenson with six trout for 4 lb, 12 1/4 oz. Peter just pipped Jeemie Sandison whose eight fish for 4 lb. 7 oz. gave him fourth place.
Also among the points in what turned out to be a big weigh in despite the conditions were Mark Sandison, Graeme Callandar, Darren Laurenson, Tony Li, Billy Reid, Frank Watt, Ian Reid, Dave Wright, Barry Robertson, Derek Titheradge, Harry Sandison and the "sub aqua" Robert Scougal.
This leaves the league table as follows:
Peter Laurenson 43
Mark Sandison 36
Bobby Irvine 35
Leslie Barclay 35
Billy Reid 29
Jeemie Sandison 29
Ian Reid 25
Frank Watt 25
Darren Laurenson 14
Graeme Callandar 14
Gary Irvine 12
Tony Li 12
Johnnie Laurenson 11
Dave Wright 8
Barry Robertson 7
Derek Titheradge 6
Harry Sandison 5
Robert Scougal 4
With two competitions down it certainly looks like the league will be as exciting and hard fought as ever.
Several flies were mentioned at the weigh in and it was particularly pleasing to see old traditionals such as The Blue Zulu - which took Leslie's big fish - Alexandria, Dunkeld, Teal, Blue & Silver back in vogue alongside the ubiquitous Peach Muddler and current favourite the Olive Nymph.
Neighbour Emma Williamson was the lucky recipient of Barclay's super basket and the troots were soon being displayed proudly on "Face Cloot" before being consumed Bear Grylls style for supper!
The next bank league competition takes place on Thursday 14 May with an 1815 check in at the Bixter Grave yard. The switch to Thursday evening signalling light nights and hopefully balmy spring weather!
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Shetland Times
Trophy. 25-4-15
Anglers woke last Saturday morning to be greeted by plummeting temperatures and falling snow. This didn't deter the 13 hardy fly fishers who reported for duty at the Tingwall boatshed. All were well wrapped up in their winter woollies and Long Johns as they knew they were going to need all the help they could in order to get their hands on the coveted Shetland Times trophy.
Conspicuous by their absence were the charismatic Barry Robertson and Derek Titheradge who had taken one look at the snow and decided to return to bed. Many of those present were secretly envious of Robertson and Titheradge who could use all their experience as an excuse to get some extra snoozing!
It was great to see the return of "Cheeky Chappie" Dave Wright who of course added a bit of spice and humour to an otherwise droll gathering.
The only other talking point at the check in concerned competition secretary Billy Reid who had arrived early as usual and promptly manage to bog his car in on a guttery siding when turning. There was a bit of pressure on Billy to get his car out of the hole as he could see the opportunistic Harry Sandison fast approaching down the Tingwall valley and who would undoubtedly have claimed salvage for providing a tow! Luckily for Billy a couple of strategically placed rocks came to his rescue and he was free. - Phew!
The competition was soon underway and fly fishers shot off to the many fishy corners of Shetland. Competitors had a wide range of venues to choose from with all the lochs named in the competition sheet at their disposal. The cold temperatures and cyclonic winds weren't very encouraging but as always with anglers, hope springs eternal!
The day was to get no better from a fishing point of view with anglers having to cope with blazing sunshine, flat calms, swirling winds, whiteout blizzards and plummeting temperatures.
After a gruelling seven hours angling it was a real hardcore of seven who returned to the Tingwall boat shed for the weigh in. Despite the unfishy conditions it seemed that the trout hadn't read the script and some very good baskets had been forthcoming.
When the going gets tough, the tough get going and it was Peter Laurenson with a fantastic bag of seventeen trout for 10 lb, 7 oz. who won the beautiful Shetland Times trophy. Peter's top fly on the day was an old favourite the "Bibio Muddler." Laurenson can do no wrong right now and this is the second competition in a row where he has come up trumps. In fact such is Laurenson's confidence at the moment that he had left a 14 oz. trout in the boot of his car which had gone astray while putting his fish in a new bag. This would have meant that his basket weighed nearer 11 and a 1/2 lb.
Hot on Peter's heels was Mark Sandison with ten fish for 10 lb, 3 & 1/2 oz. Sandison's basket included the heaviest trout of the day at 2 lb, 12 oz. which fell to a "Pearly White Cat."
Taking third place was Billy Reid who had eight fish for 5 lb, 4 & 1/2 oz. Billy's top flies on the day were another old favourite the "Solidier Palmer" and the more modern "Lime Butt Claret Halfhog." After losing two fish when his knots unravelled Reid is going to spend next week practicing his knot tying skills.
In fourth place was Darren Laurenson who had another very good bag (although not as good as his Dad's) of five fish for 4 lb, 8 oz. Fifth spot went to Harry Sandison who had three good fish for 2 lb, 3 & 1/2 oz. from the totally ignored Sandy Loch. Sandison was fairly vague and non committal about his killing fly! Also weighing in were the totally hard core Leslie Barclay and Graeme Callandar.
As we go to press investigations are taking place into a strange phenomena witnessed by Graeme Callandar where his cast of three flies appeared to hover in the air several centimetres above the surface of the water in Tingwall. The only solution anyone could come up with was the strange meteorological conditions which were occurring at the time. If anyone has had a similar experience or indeed can shed any light on this supernatural event then Graeme would be interested to hear from them.
The next Fly Bank League competition takes place on Saturday 2nd May with a 1030 check in at the Tingwall shed.
Anglers woke last Saturday morning to be greeted by plummeting temperatures and falling snow. This didn't deter the 13 hardy fly fishers who reported for duty at the Tingwall boatshed. All were well wrapped up in their winter woollies and Long Johns as they knew they were going to need all the help they could in order to get their hands on the coveted Shetland Times trophy.
Conspicuous by their absence were the charismatic Barry Robertson and Derek Titheradge who had taken one look at the snow and decided to return to bed. Many of those present were secretly envious of Robertson and Titheradge who could use all their experience as an excuse to get some extra snoozing!
It was great to see the return of "Cheeky Chappie" Dave Wright who of course added a bit of spice and humour to an otherwise droll gathering.
The only other talking point at the check in concerned competition secretary Billy Reid who had arrived early as usual and promptly manage to bog his car in on a guttery siding when turning. There was a bit of pressure on Billy to get his car out of the hole as he could see the opportunistic Harry Sandison fast approaching down the Tingwall valley and who would undoubtedly have claimed salvage for providing a tow! Luckily for Billy a couple of strategically placed rocks came to his rescue and he was free. - Phew!
The competition was soon underway and fly fishers shot off to the many fishy corners of Shetland. Competitors had a wide range of venues to choose from with all the lochs named in the competition sheet at their disposal. The cold temperatures and cyclonic winds weren't very encouraging but as always with anglers, hope springs eternal!
The day was to get no better from a fishing point of view with anglers having to cope with blazing sunshine, flat calms, swirling winds, whiteout blizzards and plummeting temperatures.
After a gruelling seven hours angling it was a real hardcore of seven who returned to the Tingwall boat shed for the weigh in. Despite the unfishy conditions it seemed that the trout hadn't read the script and some very good baskets had been forthcoming.
When the going gets tough, the tough get going and it was Peter Laurenson with a fantastic bag of seventeen trout for 10 lb, 7 oz. who won the beautiful Shetland Times trophy. Peter's top fly on the day was an old favourite the "Bibio Muddler." Laurenson can do no wrong right now and this is the second competition in a row where he has come up trumps. In fact such is Laurenson's confidence at the moment that he had left a 14 oz. trout in the boot of his car which had gone astray while putting his fish in a new bag. This would have meant that his basket weighed nearer 11 and a 1/2 lb.
Hot on Peter's heels was Mark Sandison with ten fish for 10 lb, 3 & 1/2 oz. Sandison's basket included the heaviest trout of the day at 2 lb, 12 oz. which fell to a "Pearly White Cat."
Taking third place was Billy Reid who had eight fish for 5 lb, 4 & 1/2 oz. Billy's top flies on the day were another old favourite the "Solidier Palmer" and the more modern "Lime Butt Claret Halfhog." After losing two fish when his knots unravelled Reid is going to spend next week practicing his knot tying skills.
In fourth place was Darren Laurenson who had another very good bag (although not as good as his Dad's) of five fish for 4 lb, 8 oz. Fifth spot went to Harry Sandison who had three good fish for 2 lb, 3 & 1/2 oz. from the totally ignored Sandy Loch. Sandison was fairly vague and non committal about his killing fly! Also weighing in were the totally hard core Leslie Barclay and Graeme Callandar.
As we go to press investigations are taking place into a strange phenomena witnessed by Graeme Callandar where his cast of three flies appeared to hover in the air several centimetres above the surface of the water in Tingwall. The only solution anyone could come up with was the strange meteorological conditions which were occurring at the time. If anyone has had a similar experience or indeed can shed any light on this supernatural event then Graeme would be interested to hear from them.
The next Fly Bank League competition takes place on Saturday 2nd May with a 1030 check in at the Tingwall shed.
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Central Mainland 18-4-15
A beautiful Spring day with the temperature reaching a balmy ten degrees meant a large turnout of 16 anglers at the Tingwall boat shed last Saturday morning for the first S.A.A. fly bank fishing league competition of the season. There was general agreement among those present that competition secretary Billy Reid had made the right call in putting this first competition of the year back two weeks in the schedule. What a difference a fortnight can make!
Usually the first competition of the season provides an ideal opportunity for anglers to compare and contrast new items of tackle and apparel acquired during the close season. However with Derek Titheradge in Hong Kong and David John Anderson and Shetland's best dressed angler Dale Williamson at the darts, there really wasn't very much to discuss. The absence of Dave Wright also meant that their was a strangely subdued atmosphere with a distinct lack of jolly japes and frolics!
Almost making up for Dave's absence however was the larger than life Irishman and boat angler Josh Brush who had turned up by mistake not realising that there was a bank competition on. Josh was very apologetic and promised not to come within 50 yards of any bank angler. Gentleman Josh was true to his word and kept his boat well clear of all bank anglers for the rest of the day displaying perfect etiquette and setting an example for all boat anglers and float tubers to emulate.
Flyfishers had a wide range of lochs to choose from in the central mainland from Petta Water, Sand Water and the dour Benston and Girlsta in the North down through the Tingwall Valley to the Sandy Loch, Trebister and Brindister in the South.
At the 1030 kick off most of the early concentration was on Tingwall. It was these anglers who were to score best as they found trout feeding on midge during the first hour and a half of the competition and eager to come to the fly. As is often the case however the sport in Tingwall tailed off into the afternoon and anglers were soon putting in place plan B, or even C - or in Leslie Barclay and Harry Sandison's case X, Y & Z!
After a hard but enjoyable day's angling it was a rather depleted group who reconvened for the 1745 weigh in.
Taking first place was the Tingwall master himself Peter Laurenson with six trout for 3 lb, 13 & 3/4 oz. Sneaking into second spot after a lucky purple patch in Asta was Mark Sandison, also with six fish, weighing 3 lb, 6 oz.
Billy Reid eased into third place, again with six trout, for 2 lb, 15 & 3/4 oz, just ahead of Ian Reid who had a basket of five fish for 2 lb, 14 & 1/2 oz. Both men had spent their day on Tingwall.
Other anglers among the points were Frank Watt, who also had the heaviest fish of the day at 1 lb, 7 & 3/4 oz., Bobby Irvine, Jeemie Sandison, Gary "Sky" Irvine who had fished the completely overlooked Longa Water, Johnnie Laurenson, and Leslie Barclay.
Several flies were mentioned in despatches on the day including "Slimline White Cat," "Peach Muddler," "Green Tailed Dunkeld Muddler," and "Orange Invicta."
Hard luck story of the day goes to Whalsay Man Jeemie Sandison. Having secured a fish of over one pound in Girlsta, which just missed out on heaviest fish award, he then headed for Sand Water. Here he lost three fish all of which were "near the 2 lb mark" and one of which "came off at the net." A disconsolate Jeemie headed home "in da dorts" (as one of his Whalsay colleagues was heard to quip) and joined brother Harry on an early ferry back to da Bonnie Isle. And who can blame him. Such are the vagaries of competition angling!
Finally, while it was great to see so many spectators in the Tingwall valley, observing anglers as they pursued the noble art, through binoculars and various other devices, the S.A.A. would like to point out that the peeping of horns is considered to be really bad form!
The next bank angling competition is the ever popular Shetland Times Trophy which takes place this Saturday 25 April with a 1030 check in at the Tingwall boat shed.
A beautiful Spring day with the temperature reaching a balmy ten degrees meant a large turnout of 16 anglers at the Tingwall boat shed last Saturday morning for the first S.A.A. fly bank fishing league competition of the season. There was general agreement among those present that competition secretary Billy Reid had made the right call in putting this first competition of the year back two weeks in the schedule. What a difference a fortnight can make!
Usually the first competition of the season provides an ideal opportunity for anglers to compare and contrast new items of tackle and apparel acquired during the close season. However with Derek Titheradge in Hong Kong and David John Anderson and Shetland's best dressed angler Dale Williamson at the darts, there really wasn't very much to discuss. The absence of Dave Wright also meant that their was a strangely subdued atmosphere with a distinct lack of jolly japes and frolics!
Almost making up for Dave's absence however was the larger than life Irishman and boat angler Josh Brush who had turned up by mistake not realising that there was a bank competition on. Josh was very apologetic and promised not to come within 50 yards of any bank angler. Gentleman Josh was true to his word and kept his boat well clear of all bank anglers for the rest of the day displaying perfect etiquette and setting an example for all boat anglers and float tubers to emulate.
Flyfishers had a wide range of lochs to choose from in the central mainland from Petta Water, Sand Water and the dour Benston and Girlsta in the North down through the Tingwall Valley to the Sandy Loch, Trebister and Brindister in the South.
At the 1030 kick off most of the early concentration was on Tingwall. It was these anglers who were to score best as they found trout feeding on midge during the first hour and a half of the competition and eager to come to the fly. As is often the case however the sport in Tingwall tailed off into the afternoon and anglers were soon putting in place plan B, or even C - or in Leslie Barclay and Harry Sandison's case X, Y & Z!
After a hard but enjoyable day's angling it was a rather depleted group who reconvened for the 1745 weigh in.
Taking first place was the Tingwall master himself Peter Laurenson with six trout for 3 lb, 13 & 3/4 oz. Sneaking into second spot after a lucky purple patch in Asta was Mark Sandison, also with six fish, weighing 3 lb, 6 oz.
Billy Reid eased into third place, again with six trout, for 2 lb, 15 & 3/4 oz, just ahead of Ian Reid who had a basket of five fish for 2 lb, 14 & 1/2 oz. Both men had spent their day on Tingwall.
Other anglers among the points were Frank Watt, who also had the heaviest fish of the day at 1 lb, 7 & 3/4 oz., Bobby Irvine, Jeemie Sandison, Gary "Sky" Irvine who had fished the completely overlooked Longa Water, Johnnie Laurenson, and Leslie Barclay.
Several flies were mentioned in despatches on the day including "Slimline White Cat," "Peach Muddler," "Green Tailed Dunkeld Muddler," and "Orange Invicta."
Hard luck story of the day goes to Whalsay Man Jeemie Sandison. Having secured a fish of over one pound in Girlsta, which just missed out on heaviest fish award, he then headed for Sand Water. Here he lost three fish all of which were "near the 2 lb mark" and one of which "came off at the net." A disconsolate Jeemie headed home "in da dorts" (as one of his Whalsay colleagues was heard to quip) and joined brother Harry on an early ferry back to da Bonnie Isle. And who can blame him. Such are the vagaries of competition angling!
Finally, while it was great to see so many spectators in the Tingwall valley, observing anglers as they pursued the noble art, through binoculars and various other devices, the S.A.A. would like to point out that the peeping of horns is considered to be really bad form!
The next bank angling competition is the ever popular Shetland Times Trophy which takes place this Saturday 25 April with a 1030 check in at the Tingwall boat shed.
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