Research Trophy 16-9-17
19 fly fishers assembled at the Tingwall boat shed last Saturday morning for the Penultimate bank fly fishing trophy of the year the illustrious Research trophy plus cash prizes for heaviest basket and heaviest fish,, the wind was Northerly 20 knots with sunny intervals and was decidedly chillier than of late, there was a good contingent from the bonny isle as Allways,and it was good to see the legendary Magnie Reid in attendance whoever was Going to win this trophy would need to be at the very top of there game with such a strong field challenging for the trophy, mark Sandison had a spring in his step and a big smile on his face , after playing second fiddle for most of the season to Irvine, Reid, and Barclay, he showed he was bye no means a spent force winning the pairs trophy with Alastair Jamison the Previouse week "swatting" Barclay aside in the process, before they knew it the starting gun went off at 10,30 and 19 glory hunting anglers sped of to the 5 corners of Shetland, after good Fishings the Previous week a strong contingent of anglers headed south, mark Sandison was being closely monitored bye Gillbert Williamson and Leslie Barclay who were trying to home in on marks swim but they were soon stopped in there tracks when they saw what Lengths Sandison would go to to try and win! the crafty sandison had sneaked bye a herd of cows and a 3 ton bull! that was close to the waters edge,, Leslie and Gilbert both agreed that the distance between the bulls eyes was like the front bumper of a mini.they both headed at speed in the opposite direction up to brew leaving a grinning sandison netting his first fish of the day.. at the 5.45 weigh in 11 Successfull weather beaten anglers gathered along with one of Shetlands most elite photographers "john Coutts"who was there to experience and photo all the goings on at a SAA weigh in(look out for a mag article in future!)in 3rd place despite his reckless bravery was the new born on fire Sandison who amassed a basket of 7 trouts for 5lb 3oz marks top fly was his own red chested Sandisons slayer, in 2nd place was the up and Comeing young Whalsay angler Liam winatallcosts wealan who had a fantastic basket of 4 fish for 5lb 5oz which included the heaviest fish a specimen at 2lb 4oz liams top fly was a black headed claret Mothy thing,,Cometh the hour Cometh the man(of the season)and taking first place was none other than Burras finest Billy(building a new cabinet to hold all his trophys)Reid, Billy has dominated this years bank competitions and has ended as he started bye winning! as he Recieved his trophy to a standing ovation every one present agreed it had been a great days fishing, billy top fly was his own 20 legged olive Sedgehog, other successfull anglers were harry sandison, alistair jamison, bobby irvine, dj anderson, leslie barclay, dave wright, Billy morrison, and gilbert williamson. john coutts who took in all the proceedings understands now why this prestigious sport is at the top of Shetlands sporting Callendar year after year, thats it nearly for another season next Saturday 30th there is the end of season trophy 8,30 from Laxo or Tingwall weigh in 4.30 Laxo. which will be everybodys last chance at a touch of glory ,Billy Reid is in Glasgow that weekend(fur a mercy harry sandison could be heard muttering!)so it promises to be one of the most wide open cups off this year ....
19 fly fishers assembled at the Tingwall boat shed last Saturday morning for the Penultimate bank fly fishing trophy of the year the illustrious Research trophy plus cash prizes for heaviest basket and heaviest fish,, the wind was Northerly 20 knots with sunny intervals and was decidedly chillier than of late, there was a good contingent from the bonny isle as Allways,and it was good to see the legendary Magnie Reid in attendance whoever was Going to win this trophy would need to be at the very top of there game with such a strong field challenging for the trophy, mark Sandison had a spring in his step and a big smile on his face , after playing second fiddle for most of the season to Irvine, Reid, and Barclay, he showed he was bye no means a spent force winning the pairs trophy with Alastair Jamison the Previouse week "swatting" Barclay aside in the process, before they knew it the starting gun went off at 10,30 and 19 glory hunting anglers sped of to the 5 corners of Shetland, after good Fishings the Previous week a strong contingent of anglers headed south, mark Sandison was being closely monitored bye Gillbert Williamson and Leslie Barclay who were trying to home in on marks swim but they were soon stopped in there tracks when they saw what Lengths Sandison would go to to try and win! the crafty sandison had sneaked bye a herd of cows and a 3 ton bull! that was close to the waters edge,, Leslie and Gilbert both agreed that the distance between the bulls eyes was like the front bumper of a mini.they both headed at speed in the opposite direction up to brew leaving a grinning sandison netting his first fish of the day.. at the 5.45 weigh in 11 Successfull weather beaten anglers gathered along with one of Shetlands most elite photographers "john Coutts"who was there to experience and photo all the goings on at a SAA weigh in(look out for a mag article in future!)in 3rd place despite his reckless bravery was the new born on fire Sandison who amassed a basket of 7 trouts for 5lb 3oz marks top fly was his own red chested Sandisons slayer, in 2nd place was the up and Comeing young Whalsay angler Liam winatallcosts wealan who had a fantastic basket of 4 fish for 5lb 5oz which included the heaviest fish a specimen at 2lb 4oz liams top fly was a black headed claret Mothy thing,,Cometh the hour Cometh the man(of the season)and taking first place was none other than Burras finest Billy(building a new cabinet to hold all his trophys)Reid, Billy has dominated this years bank competitions and has ended as he started bye winning! as he Recieved his trophy to a standing ovation every one present agreed it had been a great days fishing, billy top fly was his own 20 legged olive Sedgehog, other successfull anglers were harry sandison, alistair jamison, bobby irvine, dj anderson, leslie barclay, dave wright, Billy morrison, and gilbert williamson. john coutts who took in all the proceedings understands now why this prestigious sport is at the top of Shetlands sporting Callendar year after year, thats it nearly for another season next Saturday 30th there is the end of season trophy 8,30 from Laxo or Tingwall weigh in 4.30 Laxo. which will be everybodys last chance at a touch of glory ,Billy Reid is in Glasgow that weekend(fur a mercy harry sandison could be heard muttering!)so it promises to be one of the most wide open cups off this year ....
Loch Ordy Muddler. Legs Eleven. Bibio Hedgehog.
Pairs Trophy 9-9-17
It had been three weeks since the last fly fishing competition so understandably the 14 anglers who turned out last Saturday morning for the annual pairs competition were pretty "charged up" and ready for action.
It is a stipulation of this competition that competitors who have finished in the top six of this years bank league cannot team up. As a result then there were some pretty interesting and attractive looking partnerships who rocked up at the Tingwall Shed.
Foremost amongst these was undoubtedly this year's Bank League champion Billy Reid and Shetland's "Godfather" of fly fishing Stephen Breivik. Reid had pulled out all the stops to prise a reluctant Breivik out of retirement especially for the event. All of Billy's carefully laid plans were almost scuppered at the eleventh hour however by one of their main opponents Terry Laurenson. Terry had almost succeeded in sabotaging Breivik's comeback when he visited the sage the previous evening. Thankfully Laurenson's sneaky scheme failed and Billy and Stephen, with full breakfast on board, both reported for duty looking resplendent in matching baseball hats. Breivik it has to be said was unusually quiet but this was put down to big game nerves.
With Bobby Irvine still being "aff," last year's champions were unable to defend their trophy so Kevin Robertson had to find a new partner. This resulted in some tasty looking pairings from the Bonnie Isle. Kevin hooked up with big fish specialist Gilbert Williamson. Greig Anderson teamed up with David John Anderson, who had also come out of retirement for the day, while the experienced Harry Sandison had convinced the on fire Ian Reid that they would be a good match.
There was no doubt in every one's mind however that the runaway favourites were the dream team "young gun" duo of long term buddies and big fish specialists Terry Laurenson and Marvin Tait. Their jolly banter and nonchalant swagger round the Tingwall car park couldn't even be deflated by Marvin's flat battery. The confidence of youth!
Keeping their powder dry however and also staying unusually quiet was Leslie Barclay who had teamed up with the ever consistent Tony Li. This could certainly be a very dangerous combination if they got their act together!
This left the seventh pairing of Alastair Jamieson and Mark Sandison who can claim the award for being the most frequent runners up at this event - However as everyone knows, there are no prizes for second place!
The word on the grapevine was that Spiggie had been fishing well so the 1030 starting gun saw the majority of teams head for the deep South while a couple of the pairings took a gamble on the wild West.
The day was overcast with a Northerly breeze which would leave no room for complaint. However it wasn't long before "Old Jamaica" put in an appearance which would last for most of the afternoon and make the angling just that bit more tricky.
Fourteen tired but satisfied fly fishers reconvened seven hours later for the 1745 weigh in. It was immediately clear that despite the sunny afternoon some very good baskets of trout had been forthcoming.
An exciting and extended weigh in involving several big bags of fish was, as ever, professionally and efficiently managed by competition secretary Billy Reid despite numerous distractions. Once all the weights had been noted and the addition sums done, the results were announced.
In top spot and taking the pairs trophy for the first time were an absolutely delighted Alastair Jamieson and Mark Sandison who had 38 trout between them for 21 lb, 8 & 1/4 oz. Their top flies were an "Olive Nymph Thingy" and a "Bibio Hedgehog."
Runners up were Tony Li and Leslie Barclay with a fantastic 27 fish for 15 lb, 14 1/2 oz. They had scored with a "White Cat" and "Olive Hadgehog" The boys were incredibly unlucky as in most previous years this would have been easily enough for the top spot.
In third place were the "Chuckle Brothers" Terry Laurenson and Marvin Tait who had 21 for 13lb 10 1/2 oz. This included the heaviest trout of the day, a beauty going 1 lb, 14 oz. which fell to Marvin's "Colourful Sparkly Thing." Laurenson had success with an "Olive Dabbler."
Other successful pairs were Kevin Robertson & Gilbert Williamson, David John Anderson & Greig Anderson, Harry Sandison & Ian Reid and Billy Reid & Stephen Breivik.
All that remained now was for the Whalsay boys to shoot off and catch the ferry while the champions dallied for a souvenir photo. An ecstatic Alastair Jamieson proclaimed that "by the law of averages we had to win it sooner or later!" - and went on to say that he had "become fed up of being the bridesmaid!"
His partner Mark Sandison pointed out that "everything just fell into place." Sandison related that he had been in the usual race with old adversary Leslie Barclay for the prime stretch of bank in the loch. He had then heard a cacophony of yelling and shouting from further up the bank - but no sign of Barclay! Mark only discovered at the weigh in that a herd of frisky cows and then a flock of sheep, including half a dozen rams (obviously thinking that his fishing bag was full of ewe nuts!), had taken a fancy to Barclay and chased him all the way up the park and away from the prime fishing spot, leaving it to Sandison! The cows and sheep had only given Sandison a cursory glance as he ambled past to the next fishy point! "When your luck's in, your luck's in!"
The final fly bank competition of 2017 is the famous "Research Trophy" which takes place on Saturday 16th September with a 10.30 check in at the Tingwall shed.
Spiggie Specials.
Barry Robertson Memorial Trophy 19-8-17
The inaugural fly fishing competition for the Barry Robertson Memorial Trophy took place last Saturday. In a twist to the normal format anglers were required to fish with a friend for the day. Then at the weigh in participants would be drawn with a partner and their combined weights added together to decide which partnership would lift the trophy.
Competitors could check in at either Tingwall or Laxo at the slightly earlier than usual time of 10 a.m. and the weigh in would also be slightly earlier in order for the Whalsay boys to catch the ferry as the S.A.A. officials would obviously need extra time for all the additional maths required to work out the winners.
Needless to say then there was a great deal of confusion on the Saturday morning with many anglers not reading the competition sheet, or worse, not bothering to check last week's Shetland Times! Some anglers turned up without a pal, other anglers didn't realise that there were two check in points, some anglers turned up after the competition had already started while other had the wrong finish time!
It has to be pointed out that one of the main offenders was the S.A.A. Press secretary himself Mark Sandison who fell short on at least two of the above counts and had even advertised the wrong weigh in time. Luckily Derek Titheradge, who always carefully scrutinises the competition sheet, was on hand to set everyone right. A hasty phone call to competition organiser Kevin Robertson at Laxo cleared things up and most anglers were good to go with a 10.00 a.m. start.
The majority of anglers did manage to hook up with a pal although Peter Laurenson was left "pal-less" after his son Darren failed to show up. However for the sake of even numbers Peter was paired with the tardy Tony Li, even though neither of them knew that they'd been pals for the day!
Once everyone got going and settled down to the serious business of fishing it transpired that the angling would be very difficult. To add to the difficulties "Old Jamaica" putting in an appearance round about mid day pretty much put paid to any serious trooty prospects.
At the 1730 weigh in was clear that the day had been a struggle for most competitors. There were a few anglers who had bucked the trend but this was very much down to the venue that they'd chosen.
The weigh in and subsequent draw was an exciting affair with the usually jolly japes and witty banter provided by Leslie Barclay and Dave Wright. Special mention must go to S.A.A. competition secretary Billy Reid who managed to carry out his duties with his trademark calmness and efficiency despite the many distractions on offer.
Once all the sums had been done Mark Sandison announced the results.
In top spot and first winners of the Barry Robertson memorial trophy was a delighted Billy Reid who had been drawn with the retiring Peter Laurenson. The Burra pair had15 fish for 11 lb, 3/4 oz. The all conquering Billy Reid also had the heaviest basket of the day of14 trout going 9 lb, 14 & 3/4 oz. while Peter had the heaviest fish at I lb, 2 oz. Well done Billy and Peter!
Runners up, despite having two more fish than the champions, were Kevin Robertson and Mark Sandison with 17 for 9 lb, 14 & 1/4 oz. Third place went to da isles "Big Guns" Gilbert Williamson and Greig Anderson with 14 for 8 lb, 4 & 2/4 oz.
Other successful pairs were Derek Titheradge and Harry Sandison, Derek Robertson and Leslie Barclay, Tony Li and Dave Wright and Charlie Umphray and Jeemie Sandison.
An S.A.A. spokesman thanked Kevin Robertson for putting up a magnificent trophy in memory of his father, donating the prizes and organizing a special event that all present had thoroughly enjoyed - especially the banter at the weigh in! A total of £70 was raised for C.L.A.N.
Competitors can now take a well earned break before the ever popular pairs competition which will be fished on Saturday 9th September with a 10.30 a.m. check in at the Tingwall shed. Participants are reminded that they must organise their own partner and that no one in the top six of the bank league can pair up.
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Sandison/Irvine Westside Trophy 12-8-17
As Leslie Barclay pointed out the "tension could be cut with a knife" as fly fishers assembled at the Bixter Graveyard last Saturday morning for the final round of the S.A.A. Fly Bank League. The league title itself had been sewn up long ago by champion Billy Reid with Bobby Irvine claiming the runner up spot and Leslie Barclay safe on 104 points.
However with Ian Reid rocking up after initially thinking that he might be "aff," this left four anglers chasing the remaining three positions for the six man team to fish in Caithness next year. The pressure was well and truly on now for what boiled down to the fly fishing equivalent of the shootout at the OK Coral. It was certainly going to be a case of who would blink first between Ian Reid, Greig Anderson, Tony Li and Mark Sandison.
Leslie Barclay, who knew he was mathematically safe for the team, wasted no time in ratcheting up the tension among his rivals with his own particular brand of wit and mind games. Barclay didn't get it all his own way however as the accuracy of a recent competition report was called in to question with one senior member suggesting Leslie might be better suited to writing fantasy novels!
Adding to the spice of the occasion was the small matter of the Sandison/Irvine Westside trophy being up for grabs which meant of course that all anglers present would be trying their utmost to lift this coveted piece of silverware.
The forecast was for blazing sunshine but the 1030 kick off saw overcast skies and a calm North Westerly wind. Understandably then anglers were keen to get going and make the most of this cloud cover while it lasted in what seemed to be, on paper at least, pretty good trooty conditions.
Competitors had a wide choice of all the major lochs in the West Mainland. As ever making the correct choice of venue would be crucial to success and there was certainly enough water on offer to make sure that anglers wouldn't be tripping over each other.
The forecast blazing sunshine never really materialised. However the majority of anglers found the fishing very tricky with the trout not really keen to come to the fly. Competitors were soon pursuing their plan B - or indeed C & D! This was evident in the amount of vehicles with rod racks seen touring around the Westside among the Walls show traffic.
Not succumbing to the intense pressure was the dogged Ian Reid who didn't blink and stuck resolutely to his Plan A. Ian ended up with an fantastic bag of ten trout from Clings Water for 6 lb, 15 oz. taken mainly on a Peach Muddler. This meant first place for Ian who lifted the "Westside trophy" and most importantly qualified for the 2018 bank team by ending up on 110 points.
Second place went to the resurgent Harry Sandison who can do no wrong at the moment. Harry had taken a tour of the Westside and picked up eight fish for 4 lb, 4 & 1/4 oz. Harry's top fly was that Whalsay favourite the "Hammel's Spider." As one wag pointed out "just think what Harry could have done if he hadn't retired early in several of the previous league competitions!"
In third place was Kevin Robertson with six trout from the Hulma Lees for 3 lb, 14 & 3/4 oz. This included the heaviest fish of the day going 1 lb, 6 & 1/2 oz which fell to another Whalsay favourite the "Liquorice Allsort." Kevin's accomplishment was all the more notable as he'd only started fishing at midday!
Now we were getting down to the nitty gritty, or what Alex Ferguson famously described as "squeaky bum time!"
A relieved Mark Sandison was delighted to discover that his four fish was good enough for fourth equal position, along with Bobby Irvine, giving him an invaluable two points which would take him over the 100 mark. This would be good enough for qualification provided that other competitors were positioned between himself and Tony Li and Greig Anderson. Luckily for Sandison it was Alastair Jamieson and Billy Reid to the rescue as they claimed 6th and 7th places respectively with Tony and Greig in 8th and 9th followed by Derek Titheradge and Leslie Barclay.
This left the final bank league table for 2017 as follows.
As Leslie Barclay pointed out the "tension could be cut with a knife" as fly fishers assembled at the Bixter Graveyard last Saturday morning for the final round of the S.A.A. Fly Bank League. The league title itself had been sewn up long ago by champion Billy Reid with Bobby Irvine claiming the runner up spot and Leslie Barclay safe on 104 points.
However with Ian Reid rocking up after initially thinking that he might be "aff," this left four anglers chasing the remaining three positions for the six man team to fish in Caithness next year. The pressure was well and truly on now for what boiled down to the fly fishing equivalent of the shootout at the OK Coral. It was certainly going to be a case of who would blink first between Ian Reid, Greig Anderson, Tony Li and Mark Sandison.
Leslie Barclay, who knew he was mathematically safe for the team, wasted no time in ratcheting up the tension among his rivals with his own particular brand of wit and mind games. Barclay didn't get it all his own way however as the accuracy of a recent competition report was called in to question with one senior member suggesting Leslie might be better suited to writing fantasy novels!
Adding to the spice of the occasion was the small matter of the Sandison/Irvine Westside trophy being up for grabs which meant of course that all anglers present would be trying their utmost to lift this coveted piece of silverware.
The forecast was for blazing sunshine but the 1030 kick off saw overcast skies and a calm North Westerly wind. Understandably then anglers were keen to get going and make the most of this cloud cover while it lasted in what seemed to be, on paper at least, pretty good trooty conditions.
Competitors had a wide choice of all the major lochs in the West Mainland. As ever making the correct choice of venue would be crucial to success and there was certainly enough water on offer to make sure that anglers wouldn't be tripping over each other.
The forecast blazing sunshine never really materialised. However the majority of anglers found the fishing very tricky with the trout not really keen to come to the fly. Competitors were soon pursuing their plan B - or indeed C & D! This was evident in the amount of vehicles with rod racks seen touring around the Westside among the Walls show traffic.
Not succumbing to the intense pressure was the dogged Ian Reid who didn't blink and stuck resolutely to his Plan A. Ian ended up with an fantastic bag of ten trout from Clings Water for 6 lb, 15 oz. taken mainly on a Peach Muddler. This meant first place for Ian who lifted the "Westside trophy" and most importantly qualified for the 2018 bank team by ending up on 110 points.
Second place went to the resurgent Harry Sandison who can do no wrong at the moment. Harry had taken a tour of the Westside and picked up eight fish for 4 lb, 4 & 1/4 oz. Harry's top fly was that Whalsay favourite the "Hammel's Spider." As one wag pointed out "just think what Harry could have done if he hadn't retired early in several of the previous league competitions!"
In third place was Kevin Robertson with six trout from the Hulma Lees for 3 lb, 14 & 3/4 oz. This included the heaviest fish of the day going 1 lb, 6 & 1/2 oz which fell to another Whalsay favourite the "Liquorice Allsort." Kevin's accomplishment was all the more notable as he'd only started fishing at midday!
Now we were getting down to the nitty gritty, or what Alex Ferguson famously described as "squeaky bum time!"
A relieved Mark Sandison was delighted to discover that his four fish was good enough for fourth equal position, along with Bobby Irvine, giving him an invaluable two points which would take him over the 100 mark. This would be good enough for qualification provided that other competitors were positioned between himself and Tony Li and Greig Anderson. Luckily for Sandison it was Alastair Jamieson and Billy Reid to the rescue as they claimed 6th and 7th places respectively with Tony and Greig in 8th and 9th followed by Derek Titheradge and Leslie Barclay.
This left the final bank league table for 2017 as follows.
Everyone took a few deep breaths as they recovered from the tension of a dramatic weigh in. There was then warm rounds of applause for competition winner Ian Reid and Bank League champion 2017 Billy Reid. - Two accomplished fly fishers who are at the very top of their game. Well done boys!
The league is over but fly fishing competitors need not despair as their are several trophies still to fish for. The first of these is the inaugural Barry Robertson Memorial trophy which takes place on Saturday 19th August. Anglers are reminded that the format of this event requires them to "fish with a friend" and also note that it is a 10 a.m. check in at Tingwall.
The league is over but fly fishing competitors need not despair as their are several trophies still to fish for. The first of these is the inaugural Barry Robertson Memorial trophy which takes place on Saturday 19th August. Anglers are reminded that the format of this event requires them to "fish with a friend" and also note that it is a 10 a.m. check in at Tingwall.
Hammel's Spider. Liquorice Allsort. Peach Muddler.
Excursion Trophy 5-8-17
10 o'clock last Saturday morning 9 of the islands foremost anglers gathered at the Tingwall boat shed for the coveted EXCURSION trophy where anglers have a choice of any loch in Shetland but not one that's listed on the competition sheet. sounds easy but in actual fact a lot of scratching of heads had taken place prior to the event in order to come up with suitable venues. gone was the previous weeks scorching sun and light southerly winds, to a dull and rainy day with NW force 6 winds . back from holiday was this years bank league champion the all conquering Billy Reid, no sooner had he arrived a relieved looking mark Sandison handed over the competition secretary book and scales. soon the starting gun went off and the 9 fervent anglers spread out to the 4 corners off Shetland. a hard and for some "wet" days angling followed with most having something to show for there efforts. in 3rd place was the Whalsay trout catching juggernaut that is Gilbert Williamson, who had 9 fish for 4lb 15oz Gilbert had had success on some loch 20 mins SE from brae up abun a loch and then to some secret water abun that,, was his explanation!.. in 2nd place was this years top man the all conquering Billy Reid who amassed a fantastic basket off 14 trouts for 6lb 9oz weight billy had been mostly in the Eshaness area .. but taking 1st place and the EXCURSION TROPHY was the incredible Bobby Irvine, bobby had an excellent basket of 7 fish for 8lb which included the heaviest fish a 3lb 6oz specimen bobby had spent most of the day on some secret location some y north o Mavis grind was the only info that was forthcoming, bobby also had one at 2lb 4oz as well, and had his line snapped after and epic fight"bye a trout at least twice the size off his biggest 1 , over the hearty round off Applause he was receiving you could hear Harry Sandison muttering "am gainta get a blody drone ta track him.!" other anglers successful were mark Sandison, Leslie Barclay, harry Sandison, Dave(crafty cockney )wright and Robert Sqougall were disqualified for being 40 seconds late at the 17.45 weigh in Robert had endured a terror white knuckle ride from out west bye dave to catch the weigh in with his 3 fish , but he took it on the chin when he saw he wasn't denting Bobbys basket. .mark had a good basket of 10 fish for 4lb 2oz he had to have(literally)an early bath he realised he needed 3 tubes of aquasure not 2.! to fill all the leaks, and likened it to wearing a wet suit without the flippers,he also had a fish that weighed 4and 3/4 oz which breaks the SAA record of lightest trout ever landed at a SAA weigh in, well done mark!, Leslie Barclay was also spotted torso up in a field at the southend of Burra on Saturday afternoon , Leslie had stood on a grass covered bog at some secret location and nearly went out off sight! Leslies (often ridiculed) king size landing net stopped him sinking and he was able to scramble free. the next bank competition is the famous west side trophy on Saturday 12th august 10.30 17.45 which is also the final bank league competition with the closest run decider in recent memory to make the final 3 places for the bank league team that travels to thurso next year. contributed......L.B.
10 o'clock last Saturday morning 9 of the islands foremost anglers gathered at the Tingwall boat shed for the coveted EXCURSION trophy where anglers have a choice of any loch in Shetland but not one that's listed on the competition sheet. sounds easy but in actual fact a lot of scratching of heads had taken place prior to the event in order to come up with suitable venues. gone was the previous weeks scorching sun and light southerly winds, to a dull and rainy day with NW force 6 winds . back from holiday was this years bank league champion the all conquering Billy Reid, no sooner had he arrived a relieved looking mark Sandison handed over the competition secretary book and scales. soon the starting gun went off and the 9 fervent anglers spread out to the 4 corners off Shetland. a hard and for some "wet" days angling followed with most having something to show for there efforts. in 3rd place was the Whalsay trout catching juggernaut that is Gilbert Williamson, who had 9 fish for 4lb 15oz Gilbert had had success on some loch 20 mins SE from brae up abun a loch and then to some secret water abun that,, was his explanation!.. in 2nd place was this years top man the all conquering Billy Reid who amassed a fantastic basket off 14 trouts for 6lb 9oz weight billy had been mostly in the Eshaness area .. but taking 1st place and the EXCURSION TROPHY was the incredible Bobby Irvine, bobby had an excellent basket of 7 fish for 8lb which included the heaviest fish a 3lb 6oz specimen bobby had spent most of the day on some secret location some y north o Mavis grind was the only info that was forthcoming, bobby also had one at 2lb 4oz as well, and had his line snapped after and epic fight"bye a trout at least twice the size off his biggest 1 , over the hearty round off Applause he was receiving you could hear Harry Sandison muttering "am gainta get a blody drone ta track him.!" other anglers successful were mark Sandison, Leslie Barclay, harry Sandison, Dave(crafty cockney )wright and Robert Sqougall were disqualified for being 40 seconds late at the 17.45 weigh in Robert had endured a terror white knuckle ride from out west bye dave to catch the weigh in with his 3 fish , but he took it on the chin when he saw he wasn't denting Bobbys basket. .mark had a good basket of 10 fish for 4lb 2oz he had to have(literally)an early bath he realised he needed 3 tubes of aquasure not 2.! to fill all the leaks, and likened it to wearing a wet suit without the flippers,he also had a fish that weighed 4and 3/4 oz which breaks the SAA record of lightest trout ever landed at a SAA weigh in, well done mark!, Leslie Barclay was also spotted torso up in a field at the southend of Burra on Saturday afternoon , Leslie had stood on a grass covered bog at some secret location and nearly went out off sight! Leslies (often ridiculed) king size landing net stopped him sinking and he was able to scramble free. the next bank competition is the famous west side trophy on Saturday 12th august 10.30 17.45 which is also the final bank league competition with the closest run decider in recent memory to make the final 3 places for the bank league team that travels to thurso next year. contributed......L.B.
North Mainland 22-7-17 (Barometer Trophy)
Eight fly fishers reported for duty at Mavis Grind last Saturday morning to fish round eight of the S.A.A. Bank Fly League. With league winner Billy Reid and runner up Bobby Irvine taking a break this was an excellent chance for other anglers to pick up some much needed points for a top six finish and the chance to represent the S.A.A. in Caithness next year.
Very conspicuous by his absence was the force of nature that is Dale Williamson. Williamson however was still recovering from jetlag after travelling through three time zones the previous week as he returned from Canada with the Jarl Squad.
Jetlag however certainly wasn't an issue for Leslie Barclay as he also travelled through several time zones on his way up the road from Lerwick and for once arrived in good time at the check in! In a week where the appointment of a new Doctor Who has been a main talking point, the B.B.C. could do much worse in the future than look towards the time travelling Barclay!
With Billy Reid missing, Mark Sandison was promoted to competition secretary. It was clear from the outset that he was going to stand for no nonsense as he brought his years of primary teaching experience to bear on the event and ensure that likely lads Harry Sandison, Dave Wright and Derek Titheradge didn't step too far out of line.
Competitors had no reason for complaint with all the major lochs in the North Mainland on the list. With the number of anglers in single figures this also meant that competitors wouldn't be tripping over each other for the prime fishing spots. The problem might be the weather with a blazing sun glaring down through increasingly broken clouds.
The 1030 kick off saw anglers shooting off to the various corners and hidey holes of North mavine and soon settling down to a day's angling. The weather would be an issue for some with the bright sunshine and soaring temperatures giving way to cloud cover and then mist and rain in the late afternoon. Only in Shetland!
Anglers at the top of their game have no problem adapting to changing conditions however and this was born out at the 1745 weigh in.
Taking first place and the Barometer Trophy was the on fire Greig Anderson with an excellent basket of seven trout for 4 lb, 6 & 1/2 oz. from the mighty Eela Water. Greig had scored with that famous Whalsay pattern the "Red Hammels Spider."
In second place was another angler who can do no wrong at the moment. Splitting his time between Burraland and Housetter, Harry Sandison had five fish for 3 lb, 4 & 1/2 oz. This included the heaviest trout of the day at 1 lb, 1 & 3/4 oz. caught on that old favourite, the "Clan Chief."
Third spot went to Tony Li who has also chosen the right tome to find a rich vein of form. Tony weighed in four fish for 2 lb, 5 oz. taken mainly on a "Clan Chief" variant.
Other anglers among the points were Ian Reid, Leslie Barclay, Derek Titheradge, Dave Wright and Mark Sandison.
This leaves the table as follows with one league competition remaining:
Eight fly fishers reported for duty at Mavis Grind last Saturday morning to fish round eight of the S.A.A. Bank Fly League. With league winner Billy Reid and runner up Bobby Irvine taking a break this was an excellent chance for other anglers to pick up some much needed points for a top six finish and the chance to represent the S.A.A. in Caithness next year.
Very conspicuous by his absence was the force of nature that is Dale Williamson. Williamson however was still recovering from jetlag after travelling through three time zones the previous week as he returned from Canada with the Jarl Squad.
Jetlag however certainly wasn't an issue for Leslie Barclay as he also travelled through several time zones on his way up the road from Lerwick and for once arrived in good time at the check in! In a week where the appointment of a new Doctor Who has been a main talking point, the B.B.C. could do much worse in the future than look towards the time travelling Barclay!
With Billy Reid missing, Mark Sandison was promoted to competition secretary. It was clear from the outset that he was going to stand for no nonsense as he brought his years of primary teaching experience to bear on the event and ensure that likely lads Harry Sandison, Dave Wright and Derek Titheradge didn't step too far out of line.
Competitors had no reason for complaint with all the major lochs in the North Mainland on the list. With the number of anglers in single figures this also meant that competitors wouldn't be tripping over each other for the prime fishing spots. The problem might be the weather with a blazing sun glaring down through increasingly broken clouds.
The 1030 kick off saw anglers shooting off to the various corners and hidey holes of North mavine and soon settling down to a day's angling. The weather would be an issue for some with the bright sunshine and soaring temperatures giving way to cloud cover and then mist and rain in the late afternoon. Only in Shetland!
Anglers at the top of their game have no problem adapting to changing conditions however and this was born out at the 1745 weigh in.
Taking first place and the Barometer Trophy was the on fire Greig Anderson with an excellent basket of seven trout for 4 lb, 6 & 1/2 oz. from the mighty Eela Water. Greig had scored with that famous Whalsay pattern the "Red Hammels Spider."
In second place was another angler who can do no wrong at the moment. Splitting his time between Burraland and Housetter, Harry Sandison had five fish for 3 lb, 4 & 1/2 oz. This included the heaviest trout of the day at 1 lb, 1 & 3/4 oz. caught on that old favourite, the "Clan Chief."
Third spot went to Tony Li who has also chosen the right tome to find a rich vein of form. Tony weighed in four fish for 2 lb, 5 oz. taken mainly on a "Clan Chief" variant.
Other anglers among the points were Ian Reid, Leslie Barclay, Derek Titheradge, Dave Wright and Mark Sandison.
This leaves the table as follows with one league competition remaining:
In previous years breaking the 100 point barrier has meant securing a place in the next year's Bank Team. However this is certainly not the case this time around. Everything still to fish for, including the famous Westside Trophy, on Saturday 12th August.
The next bank competition is the Excursion trophy when fly fishers can fish any loch not on the competition sheet. This takes place on Saturday 5th August with a 1030 check in at the Tingwall Shed.
The next bank competition is the Excursion trophy when fly fishers can fish any loch not on the competition sheet. This takes place on Saturday 5th August with a 1030 check in at the Tingwall Shed.
INTER CLUB v DOUNREAY 2011
Last weekend, Shetland Anglers Association (SAA) were hosts to a visiting team of 6 anglers from the Dounreay Angling Club (DFFA). The team were in Shetland to fish a two day bank fishing competition for the Inter Club Trophy. This is the 20th time that this event has been fished and the results have traditionally been close.
The members of the visiting team were paired with a local angler and each pair was then allocated a specific area of the Shetland Mainland in which they could fish.
Fishing conditions on the first day were difficult with bright sunshine and a good S.E. breeze. As a result only 26 trout were weighed-in. The best baskets were taken by Bobby Irvine (SAA) with 4 fish from the West side lochs including the heaviest fish weighing 1lb 7oz from Clousta and for DFFA Neil Clyne had a good basket of 7 fish weighing 4lb 2oz A strong team effort by the DFFA team was rewarded with a first day lead of 4lb over their SAA rivals.
Day two of the competition opened with torrential rain and strong winds. In some angling circles these fishing conditions are welcomed – however, most of these “enthusiasts” eventually end up in a padded cell! The conditions must have put down the heads of the DFFA team members because at the weigh-in, their overnight lead was overtaken by the SAA team who weighed-in 47 fish giving them a competition total weight of 30lb 11oz, beating the 27lb 2oz total of the DFFA team. On the second day, Ian Reid had the heaviest basket for SAA with 8 trout weighing 5lb 8oz from Asta Loch. Other SAA team members were Greig Anderson, Toy Li. Harry Sandison and Mark Sandison.
During the trophy presentations, Alec Miller SAA, reminded everyone that Bobby Irvine had qualified to fish in every one of the 20 competitions, and, this year having won the heaviest fish prize for the 3rd time and the heaviest basket prize for the 6th time, he would henceforth be known as the “Federer of Fishing”. With at least 4 DFFA team members falling into the lochs, it was also suggested that they should now also consider entering an inter-county swimming team!
Members are reminded that a Bank Fishing competition will be fished in the lochs north of Mavis Grind tomorrow – check-in 10.30.
Last weekend, Shetland Anglers Association (SAA) were hosts to a visiting team of 6 anglers from the Dounreay Angling Club (DFFA). The team were in Shetland to fish a two day bank fishing competition for the Inter Club Trophy. This is the 20th time that this event has been fished and the results have traditionally been close.
The members of the visiting team were paired with a local angler and each pair was then allocated a specific area of the Shetland Mainland in which they could fish.
Fishing conditions on the first day were difficult with bright sunshine and a good S.E. breeze. As a result only 26 trout were weighed-in. The best baskets were taken by Bobby Irvine (SAA) with 4 fish from the West side lochs including the heaviest fish weighing 1lb 7oz from Clousta and for DFFA Neil Clyne had a good basket of 7 fish weighing 4lb 2oz A strong team effort by the DFFA team was rewarded with a first day lead of 4lb over their SAA rivals.
Day two of the competition opened with torrential rain and strong winds. In some angling circles these fishing conditions are welcomed – however, most of these “enthusiasts” eventually end up in a padded cell! The conditions must have put down the heads of the DFFA team members because at the weigh-in, their overnight lead was overtaken by the SAA team who weighed-in 47 fish giving them a competition total weight of 30lb 11oz, beating the 27lb 2oz total of the DFFA team. On the second day, Ian Reid had the heaviest basket for SAA with 8 trout weighing 5lb 8oz from Asta Loch. Other SAA team members were Greig Anderson, Toy Li. Harry Sandison and Mark Sandison.
During the trophy presentations, Alec Miller SAA, reminded everyone that Bobby Irvine had qualified to fish in every one of the 20 competitions, and, this year having won the heaviest fish prize for the 3rd time and the heaviest basket prize for the 6th time, he would henceforth be known as the “Federer of Fishing”. With at least 4 DFFA team members falling into the lochs, it was also suggested that they should now also consider entering an inter-county swimming team!
Members are reminded that a Bank Fishing competition will be fished in the lochs north of Mavis Grind tomorrow – check-in 10.30.
S.A.A. v Whalsay
10.30 last Saturday morning saw the annual inter club take place between SAA and the Whalsay fly fishing club it was cloudy and mild with a fresh sw wind, competitors had the freedom of any loch on the mainland to choose from, the SAA team had a few of their stalwarts missing due to holidays and other commitments, the SAA team captain still hadn,t turned up with 10 mins to go from the start but they needn,t have worried as leslie screeched in to the carpark citeing housework for his hold up. the 5 that turned up for the SAA team knew they would have to be at the top of there game if they were to retain the trophy that they won last year after years of Whalsay dominance and it was good to see bank league rivals barclay and sandison discussing tacticts and flys before the start they knew we all had to pull together to pull this off.., as ever the Whalsay club were extremely well organized with most of their " big hitters" in attendance and the 8 that turned out for Whalsay had a steelly glint in there eyes ,and there cards close to their chests as to which secret water they were heading. the result at the end of the day would be worked out on an aggregate basis so every trout caught would be worth its weight in gold. everybody was champing at the bit to get going and a double blast on stand in competition secretary mark sandisons horn was the signal for anglers to shoot off to the 5 corners of shetland. as the two teams reconvened for the 17.45 check in it was immediatly apparent it was going to be a very close run thing. top rods for the SAA were mark sandison and leslie barclay, mark fished spiggie all day for a fantastic basket of 8 fish for 5lb 13oz a superb effort for the team, leslie had success on asta and tingwall 7 fish for 4lb 12oz , best Whalsay anglers were the incredible bobby irvine who fished in 8 lochs for 8 fish 5lb 15oz and gilbert williamson from some peerie hill loch 25 mins due north from lerwick 10 fish for 6lb 2oz . there was a tense wait as officials from the two clubs added up the weights and worked out the averages --scrutinised carefully by whalsay stalwart jeemy sandison then it was anounced by the competition secretary that Whalsay had won, before allistair jamison shouted out saying that cant be right recount it.! to counter shouts from the bonny isle squad, and thats what they did and to whoops off delight from the SAA team the red faced but happy competition secretary announced that the SAA average was 56oz per man Whalsays average was 54oz per man .there were warm congratulations all round before the winning team stood on the pier for their winners photo. gilbert williamson won the biggest basket prize(bottle of rum) and edward leask had the heaviest fish 1lb6oz , the Whalsay team were humble in defeat but vowed to regain it back next year.. the penultimate bank league competition takes place on saturday 22nd of july in the northmavin area with a 1030 check in at the mavis grind .Anglers will have the added incentive of fishing for the " barometer trophy "in the meantime this years S,A,A bank team will face the D,F,F,A this weekend on our home lochs. We wish our lads the very best of luck! - L.B.
10.30 last Saturday morning saw the annual inter club take place between SAA and the Whalsay fly fishing club it was cloudy and mild with a fresh sw wind, competitors had the freedom of any loch on the mainland to choose from, the SAA team had a few of their stalwarts missing due to holidays and other commitments, the SAA team captain still hadn,t turned up with 10 mins to go from the start but they needn,t have worried as leslie screeched in to the carpark citeing housework for his hold up. the 5 that turned up for the SAA team knew they would have to be at the top of there game if they were to retain the trophy that they won last year after years of Whalsay dominance and it was good to see bank league rivals barclay and sandison discussing tacticts and flys before the start they knew we all had to pull together to pull this off.., as ever the Whalsay club were extremely well organized with most of their " big hitters" in attendance and the 8 that turned out for Whalsay had a steelly glint in there eyes ,and there cards close to their chests as to which secret water they were heading. the result at the end of the day would be worked out on an aggregate basis so every trout caught would be worth its weight in gold. everybody was champing at the bit to get going and a double blast on stand in competition secretary mark sandisons horn was the signal for anglers to shoot off to the 5 corners of shetland. as the two teams reconvened for the 17.45 check in it was immediatly apparent it was going to be a very close run thing. top rods for the SAA were mark sandison and leslie barclay, mark fished spiggie all day for a fantastic basket of 8 fish for 5lb 13oz a superb effort for the team, leslie had success on asta and tingwall 7 fish for 4lb 12oz , best Whalsay anglers were the incredible bobby irvine who fished in 8 lochs for 8 fish 5lb 15oz and gilbert williamson from some peerie hill loch 25 mins due north from lerwick 10 fish for 6lb 2oz . there was a tense wait as officials from the two clubs added up the weights and worked out the averages --scrutinised carefully by whalsay stalwart jeemy sandison then it was anounced by the competition secretary that Whalsay had won, before allistair jamison shouted out saying that cant be right recount it.! to counter shouts from the bonny isle squad, and thats what they did and to whoops off delight from the SAA team the red faced but happy competition secretary announced that the SAA average was 56oz per man Whalsays average was 54oz per man .there were warm congratulations all round before the winning team stood on the pier for their winners photo. gilbert williamson won the biggest basket prize(bottle of rum) and edward leask had the heaviest fish 1lb6oz , the Whalsay team were humble in defeat but vowed to regain it back next year.. the penultimate bank league competition takes place on saturday 22nd of july in the northmavin area with a 1030 check in at the mavis grind .Anglers will have the added incentive of fishing for the " barometer trophy "in the meantime this years S,A,A bank team will face the D,F,F,A this weekend on our home lochs. We wish our lads the very best of luck! - L.B.
Westside 6-7-17
Twelve flyfishers checked in at the Bixter Graveyard last Thursday evening for round seven of the S.A.A. Fly Bank League.
Although the league title itself has come down to a two horse race between Billy Reid and Bobby Irvine, there are several anglers chasing the remaining four top six positions which will mean a place in the S.A.A. team to face the Dounreay Fly Fishing Association in Caithness next year.
Most of these contenders were in attendance realising perhaps that with only three league competitions remaining it's now or never if they were going to make a serious challenge for a team place. Conspicuous by his absence however was the force of nature that is Dale Williamson. Dale is currently in Canada representing Shetland with the Jarl Squad. No doubt he will return refreshed and ready to fight for a top six place in the final run in at the end of the summer.
With overcast conditions and a gentle Southerly wind anglers had no room for complaint as they set off along the A971 to the wild west. However, despite having a wide choice of waters which can all fish well on their day, the Westside Lochs are notoriously temperamental and as ever making the correct choice of venue would be crucial to success.
As the evening progressed the conditions deteriorated into a dreach rainy night which meant the end of any serious involvement for Derek Titheradge and "chuckle brothers" Jeemie and Harry Sandison.
As competitors reconvened for the 1030 weigh in it was clear that for most it had been a hard slog.
Bucking the trend however as he has done all season was the amazing Billy Reid with a superb basket of seven trout for 3 lb, 12 oz. In a superhuman effort Billy had fish from three different lochs taken mainly on a Claret Hedgehog.
Not only did this give Billy First place on the evening but it also meant that he was crowned champion with two competitions remaining and an unprecedented 139 points. A fantastic achievement! There were congratulations and warm handshakes all round for a worthy and popular winner. Billy has won his third league title at a canter this season with some virtuoso displays of fly fishing.
Runner up was Leslie Barclay with five fish from Longa Water for 2 lb. 11 & 1/2 oz. on a "Lime Headed Olive Halfhog." The indomitable Barclay has chosen the right time to move up through the gears in his quest for a top six finish. Although Barclay will be looking over his shoulder he will now be thinking that one more weigh in should see him clear to next year's team.
Third place went to Tony Li who has done his own chances of a team place no harm at all with three trout from Lunga Water for 1 lb, 10 & 1/2 oz. on an "Orange Hedegehog."
Other anglers gaining points were Kevin Robertson, Greig Anderson, Ian Reid, Mark Sandison, Bobby Irvine and Dave Wright.
This leaves the league as follows:
Twelve flyfishers checked in at the Bixter Graveyard last Thursday evening for round seven of the S.A.A. Fly Bank League.
Although the league title itself has come down to a two horse race between Billy Reid and Bobby Irvine, there are several anglers chasing the remaining four top six positions which will mean a place in the S.A.A. team to face the Dounreay Fly Fishing Association in Caithness next year.
Most of these contenders were in attendance realising perhaps that with only three league competitions remaining it's now or never if they were going to make a serious challenge for a team place. Conspicuous by his absence however was the force of nature that is Dale Williamson. Dale is currently in Canada representing Shetland with the Jarl Squad. No doubt he will return refreshed and ready to fight for a top six place in the final run in at the end of the summer.
With overcast conditions and a gentle Southerly wind anglers had no room for complaint as they set off along the A971 to the wild west. However, despite having a wide choice of waters which can all fish well on their day, the Westside Lochs are notoriously temperamental and as ever making the correct choice of venue would be crucial to success.
As the evening progressed the conditions deteriorated into a dreach rainy night which meant the end of any serious involvement for Derek Titheradge and "chuckle brothers" Jeemie and Harry Sandison.
As competitors reconvened for the 1030 weigh in it was clear that for most it had been a hard slog.
Bucking the trend however as he has done all season was the amazing Billy Reid with a superb basket of seven trout for 3 lb, 12 oz. In a superhuman effort Billy had fish from three different lochs taken mainly on a Claret Hedgehog.
Not only did this give Billy First place on the evening but it also meant that he was crowned champion with two competitions remaining and an unprecedented 139 points. A fantastic achievement! There were congratulations and warm handshakes all round for a worthy and popular winner. Billy has won his third league title at a canter this season with some virtuoso displays of fly fishing.
Runner up was Leslie Barclay with five fish from Longa Water for 2 lb. 11 & 1/2 oz. on a "Lime Headed Olive Halfhog." The indomitable Barclay has chosen the right time to move up through the gears in his quest for a top six finish. Although Barclay will be looking over his shoulder he will now be thinking that one more weigh in should see him clear to next year's team.
Third place went to Tony Li who has done his own chances of a team place no harm at all with three trout from Lunga Water for 1 lb, 10 & 1/2 oz. on an "Orange Hedegehog."
Other anglers gaining points were Kevin Robertson, Greig Anderson, Ian Reid, Mark Sandison, Bobby Irvine and Dave Wright.
This leaves the league as follows:
Billy Reid now takes a well earned break as he heads off to the British Grand Prix at Silverstone with his good lady wife Kathy to celebrate their Silver wedding anniversary.
With Bobby Irvine safe in second place and also missing the next league competition this means that everyone else will be desperate for the available points with the remaining four of the top six places up for grabs.
The penultimate bank league competition takes place on Saturday 22nd July in the Northmavine area with a 1030 check in at Mavis Grind. Anglers will have the added incentive of fishing for the "Barometer Trophy."
In the meantime this year's S.A.A. bank team will face the D.F.F.A. this weekend on our home lochs. We wish our lads the very best of luck!
With Bobby Irvine safe in second place and also missing the next league competition this means that everyone else will be desperate for the available points with the remaining four of the top six places up for grabs.
The penultimate bank league competition takes place on Saturday 22nd July in the Northmavine area with a 1030 check in at Mavis Grind. Anglers will have the added incentive of fishing for the "Barometer Trophy."
In the meantime this year's S.A.A. bank team will face the D.F.F.A. this weekend on our home lochs. We wish our lads the very best of luck!
Orange Hedgehog. Lime Headed Olive Halfhog. Claret Hedgehog.
D & D Doubles
Last Saturday morning Shetlands elite anglers gathered at the Tingwall boat shed for the prestigious D&D doubles trophy, where the top and bottom five seeds were drawn out of a hat. This provided some some tasty looking partnerships including; Mark Sandison and Tony Li who looked like they could do some real damage, also present was Kevin Robertson and the formidable, all-conquering Billy Reid, another pairing to look out for was trout catching machine Bobby Irvine and the indomitable Leslie Barclay, not to be underestimated were Dave "the crafty cockney" Wright and Harry "Snakebite" Sandison and last but not least Derek Titheradge, who was was to go solo due his partner Jimmy Sandison hurting his back lifting a wardrobe the day before. All teams had the freedom of any loch in Shetland.
Before they knew it the they knew it the the starting gun went off and a race to the back of Tingwall Loch was on, between opposing members Mark Sandison and Barclay. Once more the sneaky Sandison got in Barclays swim before him, according to Leslie this was due to him being leg heavy from queuing for two rounds (for around three hours) at a Mareel function the night before. As they passed each other they had a war of words, not for the first time this season. Luckily for Sandison Leslie walked away shaking his head. The strain is showing on Sandison as his top three place in the league is under pressure this year, with Wright and the classy Barclay both piling the pressure on. Sandisons air of invincibility seems to be coming to an end, the clashes with Barclay are showing this.
Seven and a half hours later, after zig-zagging from loch to loch the five teams gathered at the Tingwall boat shed, several teams had scored good numbers of trouts. In fourth place was Wright and Sandison with seven fish for 4lb 2oz, dave and harry who had fished several lochs in the Clousta road ran out of sandwiches bye dinner time resulting in low energy levels for the latter stages,of the day, third place was reid and Robertson with 16 fish for 7lb 8oz, billy and kevin took the arduous journey to the mighty roar water with a break neck dash later in the day to Eashaness in persuit of a big one in there quest of glory,,in second place was Li and Sandison with 15 fish for 9lb 4oz mark and tony stayed on tingwall all day and amassed a fantastic basket marks top fly was a norski lad variant tony had success with a peach Mothhog,, but to break there hearts and to take first place and bring home the D&D doubles trophy was none other than the incredible Bobby Irvine and a jocular Leslie Barclay. who after being forced out off Tingwall in the morning made the desision to go down to the often temperamental Spiggie to get 15 fish for 13lb 7oz bobby had the biggest fish at 1lb 13 oz leslie had one at 1lb 8oz Bobbys top fly was a red tailed harray ant leslie had success with his very own stingy bee olive HalfHog, to take the trophy.. as they stood on the pier to get there winners photo to a round of aplause(some with gritted teeth)from the gathered throng at the weigh in. all there agreed it had been a great days fishing.. the next bank league competition what is building up to be the most exciteing in recent years with the top 2 fighting it out for the championship and about 8 peaple in contention for a top 6 finish to make the intercounty team that travels to caithness next year is on thursday 06/07/17 at 1815-2230 at the bixter grave yard. followed with the ever popular WHALSAY v SAA at the tingwall boat shed 1030-1745 on saturaday 8th of july. contributed..L.B.
Last Saturday morning Shetlands elite anglers gathered at the Tingwall boat shed for the prestigious D&D doubles trophy, where the top and bottom five seeds were drawn out of a hat. This provided some some tasty looking partnerships including; Mark Sandison and Tony Li who looked like they could do some real damage, also present was Kevin Robertson and the formidable, all-conquering Billy Reid, another pairing to look out for was trout catching machine Bobby Irvine and the indomitable Leslie Barclay, not to be underestimated were Dave "the crafty cockney" Wright and Harry "Snakebite" Sandison and last but not least Derek Titheradge, who was was to go solo due his partner Jimmy Sandison hurting his back lifting a wardrobe the day before. All teams had the freedom of any loch in Shetland.
Before they knew it the they knew it the the starting gun went off and a race to the back of Tingwall Loch was on, between opposing members Mark Sandison and Barclay. Once more the sneaky Sandison got in Barclays swim before him, according to Leslie this was due to him being leg heavy from queuing for two rounds (for around three hours) at a Mareel function the night before. As they passed each other they had a war of words, not for the first time this season. Luckily for Sandison Leslie walked away shaking his head. The strain is showing on Sandison as his top three place in the league is under pressure this year, with Wright and the classy Barclay both piling the pressure on. Sandisons air of invincibility seems to be coming to an end, the clashes with Barclay are showing this.
Seven and a half hours later, after zig-zagging from loch to loch the five teams gathered at the Tingwall boat shed, several teams had scored good numbers of trouts. In fourth place was Wright and Sandison with seven fish for 4lb 2oz, dave and harry who had fished several lochs in the Clousta road ran out of sandwiches bye dinner time resulting in low energy levels for the latter stages,of the day, third place was reid and Robertson with 16 fish for 7lb 8oz, billy and kevin took the arduous journey to the mighty roar water with a break neck dash later in the day to Eashaness in persuit of a big one in there quest of glory,,in second place was Li and Sandison with 15 fish for 9lb 4oz mark and tony stayed on tingwall all day and amassed a fantastic basket marks top fly was a norski lad variant tony had success with a peach Mothhog,, but to break there hearts and to take first place and bring home the D&D doubles trophy was none other than the incredible Bobby Irvine and a jocular Leslie Barclay. who after being forced out off Tingwall in the morning made the desision to go down to the often temperamental Spiggie to get 15 fish for 13lb 7oz bobby had the biggest fish at 1lb 13 oz leslie had one at 1lb 8oz Bobbys top fly was a red tailed harray ant leslie had success with his very own stingy bee olive HalfHog, to take the trophy.. as they stood on the pier to get there winners photo to a round of aplause(some with gritted teeth)from the gathered throng at the weigh in. all there agreed it had been a great days fishing.. the next bank league competition what is building up to be the most exciteing in recent years with the top 2 fighting it out for the championship and about 8 peaple in contention for a top 6 finish to make the intercounty team that travels to caithness next year is on thursday 06/07/17 at 1815-2230 at the bixter grave yard. followed with the ever popular WHALSAY v SAA at the tingwall boat shed 1030-1745 on saturaday 8th of july. contributed..L.B.
Ronas Hill 23-6-17
Only six fly fishers gathered at the Collafirth pier last Saturday morning to fish for the Ronas Hill trophy. No doubt everyone had been put off by the terrible forecast of gale force winds and torrential rain. The exception was the incredible Bobby Irvine who was on the sick list and missed out on achieving 22 Ronas competitions in a row!
Needless to say then it was only the toughest and bravest anglers who had made the journey North. Foremost amongst these heroes of the outdoors were of course Leslie Barclay and Dale Williamson. Indeed Williamson was so excited by the prospect of a day's fishing behind Ronas Hill that he had been up since the early hours engaging in some special warm up exercises. He was also equipped with the very latest in base layer design which meant that he was more than ready to face anything that mother nature threw at him!
The big hearted Leslie Barclay had also prepared well by making his own extra special egg sandwiches, not only for himself but also for pick up companions Billy Reid and Mark Sandison. Reid and Sandison would be more than grateful for Barclay's sandwiches before the day was done!
It was also great to sea Bonnie Isle men David John Anderson and Ronas Hill specialist Willie Lowrie Irvine in attendance.
Before the start, the traditional Ronas Hill competition debate took place regarding who was the oldest competitor on the day. With Bobby Irvine missing this accolade went to a delighted Leslie Barclay who beat Willie Lowrie Irvine by a year.
The area behind Ronas Hill is one of the last true wilderness areas in Shetland (if not the world!) where the intrepid angler equipped with a map and compass can expect to fish many lochs, lochans and puddles over the course of the day. Add to this the promise of a horrendous forecast and it was all the extreme flyfisher could ever want!
As our six intrepid adventurers set off none of them were under any illusion as to the severity of the test which they would be facing. To say that it was a tempest when they started out would be an understatement and this was soon to get worse with the wind increasing by several knots and bringing with it monsoon rains!
The best of the fishing would be had during the first two hours of this marathon competition before the storm front really hit hard and casting a fly became particularly hazardous.
Having gone "walkabout" and not seen another living soul for eight hours Mark Sandison finally touched based with Billy Reid at 5 p.m. only to be greeted by the news that they were the last men standing!
Willie Lowrie Irvine and David John Anderson had given up midway through the afternoon and had left their catch at the Collafirth pier. As Billy pointed out, "They don't make Whalsay men like they used to!"
Dale Williamson had also stuck it out until half way through the afternoon. A particularly severe gust of wind had caused him to trip over a boulder in Roer Water whereupon electing to sacrifice his nose instead of his fly rod he bashed his face on a rock and went sub aqua. Luckily his fantastic beard saved him from any serious injury. However his designer base layer couldn't prevent hypothermia from setting in and deciding that "discretion was the better part of valour" Dale headed for home, a warm bath and a check in the mirror to ensure that his chiselled film star features were still intact.
On his way out Dale encountered the unfortunate Barclay who had discovered that his waders were leaking, and having finished his egg sandwiches, decided that "enough was enough" and jumped at Dale's offer of a lift.
The Burra gene is strong though and Reid and Sandison realising that there was everything still to fish for with an hour and a half of the competition remaining set about casting with renewed vigour and enthusiasm.
As they staggered back to Billy's pick up at 7 p.m. in the driving rain both boys knew that they had given their all to the cause and nothing more could be asked of them!
That hour and a half was all that Billy had needed. In that time he took a further three trout to give him a total basket on the day of twenty fish for 10 lb exactly and with it the much coveted Ronas Hill trophy for the second year running. Billy can do absolutely no wrong at the moment and already this season he has amassed an impressive array of silverware!
For everyone else it was just a question of what might have been - especially for those anglers who had given up early!
Runner up was Willie Lowrie Irvine who had eight fish for 8 lb, 14 & 1/2 oz. A fantastic average. Willie Lowrie's basket included the heaviest trout of the day - a monster going 2 lb, 11 & 1/2 oz. Third place went to Mark Sandison with 14 for 8 lb, 12 oz. and fourth spot went to David John Anderson with ten for 7 lb, 7 oz.
After that the placings became a bit unclear with conflicting texts from Leslie and Dale adding to the confusion. Leslie stated that he had seven trout to Dale's five. However Dale's text claimed that they had six each. We are probably splitting hairs however on a day when "everyone was a winner!" - unless of course you went home early, fell in, or ran out of egg sandwiches!
With only Billy and Mark present at the weigh in it was difficult to gauge successful fly patterns but both men had scored with "Hedgehogs" in a variety of hues.
The boys now have a week to dry out, nurse any aches and pains and get themselves back to full fitness before the "D & D Doubles trophy" which takes place on Saturday 1st July with a 1030 check in at the Tingwall shed. This is bound to be a popular event and anglers are reminded to arrive in plenty of time for the seeded draw to take place.
This is followed by round seven of the Bank League on Thursday 6th July with an 1815 check in at the Bixter Graveyard
Only six fly fishers gathered at the Collafirth pier last Saturday morning to fish for the Ronas Hill trophy. No doubt everyone had been put off by the terrible forecast of gale force winds and torrential rain. The exception was the incredible Bobby Irvine who was on the sick list and missed out on achieving 22 Ronas competitions in a row!
Needless to say then it was only the toughest and bravest anglers who had made the journey North. Foremost amongst these heroes of the outdoors were of course Leslie Barclay and Dale Williamson. Indeed Williamson was so excited by the prospect of a day's fishing behind Ronas Hill that he had been up since the early hours engaging in some special warm up exercises. He was also equipped with the very latest in base layer design which meant that he was more than ready to face anything that mother nature threw at him!
The big hearted Leslie Barclay had also prepared well by making his own extra special egg sandwiches, not only for himself but also for pick up companions Billy Reid and Mark Sandison. Reid and Sandison would be more than grateful for Barclay's sandwiches before the day was done!
It was also great to sea Bonnie Isle men David John Anderson and Ronas Hill specialist Willie Lowrie Irvine in attendance.
Before the start, the traditional Ronas Hill competition debate took place regarding who was the oldest competitor on the day. With Bobby Irvine missing this accolade went to a delighted Leslie Barclay who beat Willie Lowrie Irvine by a year.
The area behind Ronas Hill is one of the last true wilderness areas in Shetland (if not the world!) where the intrepid angler equipped with a map and compass can expect to fish many lochs, lochans and puddles over the course of the day. Add to this the promise of a horrendous forecast and it was all the extreme flyfisher could ever want!
As our six intrepid adventurers set off none of them were under any illusion as to the severity of the test which they would be facing. To say that it was a tempest when they started out would be an understatement and this was soon to get worse with the wind increasing by several knots and bringing with it monsoon rains!
The best of the fishing would be had during the first two hours of this marathon competition before the storm front really hit hard and casting a fly became particularly hazardous.
Having gone "walkabout" and not seen another living soul for eight hours Mark Sandison finally touched based with Billy Reid at 5 p.m. only to be greeted by the news that they were the last men standing!
Willie Lowrie Irvine and David John Anderson had given up midway through the afternoon and had left their catch at the Collafirth pier. As Billy pointed out, "They don't make Whalsay men like they used to!"
Dale Williamson had also stuck it out until half way through the afternoon. A particularly severe gust of wind had caused him to trip over a boulder in Roer Water whereupon electing to sacrifice his nose instead of his fly rod he bashed his face on a rock and went sub aqua. Luckily his fantastic beard saved him from any serious injury. However his designer base layer couldn't prevent hypothermia from setting in and deciding that "discretion was the better part of valour" Dale headed for home, a warm bath and a check in the mirror to ensure that his chiselled film star features were still intact.
On his way out Dale encountered the unfortunate Barclay who had discovered that his waders were leaking, and having finished his egg sandwiches, decided that "enough was enough" and jumped at Dale's offer of a lift.
The Burra gene is strong though and Reid and Sandison realising that there was everything still to fish for with an hour and a half of the competition remaining set about casting with renewed vigour and enthusiasm.
As they staggered back to Billy's pick up at 7 p.m. in the driving rain both boys knew that they had given their all to the cause and nothing more could be asked of them!
That hour and a half was all that Billy had needed. In that time he took a further three trout to give him a total basket on the day of twenty fish for 10 lb exactly and with it the much coveted Ronas Hill trophy for the second year running. Billy can do absolutely no wrong at the moment and already this season he has amassed an impressive array of silverware!
For everyone else it was just a question of what might have been - especially for those anglers who had given up early!
Runner up was Willie Lowrie Irvine who had eight fish for 8 lb, 14 & 1/2 oz. A fantastic average. Willie Lowrie's basket included the heaviest trout of the day - a monster going 2 lb, 11 & 1/2 oz. Third place went to Mark Sandison with 14 for 8 lb, 12 oz. and fourth spot went to David John Anderson with ten for 7 lb, 7 oz.
After that the placings became a bit unclear with conflicting texts from Leslie and Dale adding to the confusion. Leslie stated that he had seven trout to Dale's five. However Dale's text claimed that they had six each. We are probably splitting hairs however on a day when "everyone was a winner!" - unless of course you went home early, fell in, or ran out of egg sandwiches!
With only Billy and Mark present at the weigh in it was difficult to gauge successful fly patterns but both men had scored with "Hedgehogs" in a variety of hues.
The boys now have a week to dry out, nurse any aches and pains and get themselves back to full fitness before the "D & D Doubles trophy" which takes place on Saturday 1st July with a 1030 check in at the Tingwall shed. This is bound to be a popular event and anglers are reminded to arrive in plenty of time for the seeded draw to take place.
This is followed by round seven of the Bank League on Thursday 6th July with an 1815 check in at the Bixter Graveyard
Tulloch Midsummer Shield.
Hard to believe that this time of year is upon us again as fly fishers congregated at the Tingwall shed last Saturday morning to fish for the "Tulloch Midsummer Shield" and also round six of the S.A.A. fly bank league.
The turnout was down on previous years but what was lacking in quantity was more than made up by quality with some legendary anglers checking in. Foremost amongst these was Dale "Ed Sheeran" Williamson who had set aside house building duties to be present. As one wag suggested it could only be a "Lego House!" Cheeky chappy Williamson has made it his mission to "psych out" other competitors before the start of competitions by feeding them false information with regard to his choice of fishing venues. However Williamson really will have to do better as all the "old heads" present have heard it all before.
Leslie Barclay had had a moment of panic in the morning as he gathered together his tackle. He couldn't find his wading boots and quickly came to the obvious conclusion that he'd left them in a passing place somewhere in the Clousta road after last week's competition. Imagine his relief when he remembered that he'd left them drying in the sun in his kitchen window!
The 1030 kick off time soon came round and anglers led by Dale Williamson were champing at the bit to get going. Competitors had a choice of all the premier waters on the Shetland mainland. As ever making the correct choice of loch would be crucial to success on the day. With no venues really "setting the heather alight" at the moment many of the lochs on the list would receive some attention over the course of the day.
In an amazing twist of fate Mark Sandison, who was on his way to Spiggie, met Rae Tulloch out for a walk in Quendale. It was Rae who originally presented the "Tulloch Midsummer Shield" to the S.A.A. Sandison took this as a very good omen indeed and strode down the park to the loch with an extra spring in his step! Surely this would be his day!
Sandison hadn't reckoned with Leslie Barclay however who also rocked up at Spiggie only to discover that he had left his "trooty bag" at home despite checking all his gear into the car the previous evening. A visit to the Dunrossness shop proved fruitless, where despite "having everything but the kitchen sink," they had no trooty bags. Barclay was forced to head back to the town to pick up his missing piece of kit.
However, when your luck's in your luck's in. The indomitable Barclay soon turned this setback to his advantage. Having lost enough time already he elected to fish Asta and Tingwall where he amassed seven trout for 4 lb, 4 & 1/4 oz. which was enough to give him second place and valuable league points towards next year's team. Leslie is a shining example of the never say die attitude that exemplifies his generation. As he pointed out he never forgot his personal motto "it aint over till the fat lady sings!"
Another angler taking a leaf out of Barclay's book is the brilliant Billy Reid. Billy can do no wrong at the moment and his fantastic basket of twelve trout from Vaara and Tingwall for 7 lb, 15 & 3/4 oz saw him win the competition and the "Tulloch Midsummer Shield" at a canter. Billy has won nearly everything going so far this season - and all with a dodgy knee! Imagine what he could do if he was fully fit!
Billy and Leslie both had success with an "Olive Hedgehog" although Leslie's version was a bit on the chewed side!
Third spot went to the ever consistent Greig Anderson with seven fish from Clings Water for 3 lb, 11 oz. taken mainly on a "Hammel's Spider."
Other anglers among the points were Dave Wright, Mark Sandison, Bobby Irvine, Dale Williamson and Harry Sandison, Leaving the league as follows:
Hard to believe that this time of year is upon us again as fly fishers congregated at the Tingwall shed last Saturday morning to fish for the "Tulloch Midsummer Shield" and also round six of the S.A.A. fly bank league.
The turnout was down on previous years but what was lacking in quantity was more than made up by quality with some legendary anglers checking in. Foremost amongst these was Dale "Ed Sheeran" Williamson who had set aside house building duties to be present. As one wag suggested it could only be a "Lego House!" Cheeky chappy Williamson has made it his mission to "psych out" other competitors before the start of competitions by feeding them false information with regard to his choice of fishing venues. However Williamson really will have to do better as all the "old heads" present have heard it all before.
Leslie Barclay had had a moment of panic in the morning as he gathered together his tackle. He couldn't find his wading boots and quickly came to the obvious conclusion that he'd left them in a passing place somewhere in the Clousta road after last week's competition. Imagine his relief when he remembered that he'd left them drying in the sun in his kitchen window!
The 1030 kick off time soon came round and anglers led by Dale Williamson were champing at the bit to get going. Competitors had a choice of all the premier waters on the Shetland mainland. As ever making the correct choice of loch would be crucial to success on the day. With no venues really "setting the heather alight" at the moment many of the lochs on the list would receive some attention over the course of the day.
In an amazing twist of fate Mark Sandison, who was on his way to Spiggie, met Rae Tulloch out for a walk in Quendale. It was Rae who originally presented the "Tulloch Midsummer Shield" to the S.A.A. Sandison took this as a very good omen indeed and strode down the park to the loch with an extra spring in his step! Surely this would be his day!
Sandison hadn't reckoned with Leslie Barclay however who also rocked up at Spiggie only to discover that he had left his "trooty bag" at home despite checking all his gear into the car the previous evening. A visit to the Dunrossness shop proved fruitless, where despite "having everything but the kitchen sink," they had no trooty bags. Barclay was forced to head back to the town to pick up his missing piece of kit.
However, when your luck's in your luck's in. The indomitable Barclay soon turned this setback to his advantage. Having lost enough time already he elected to fish Asta and Tingwall where he amassed seven trout for 4 lb, 4 & 1/4 oz. which was enough to give him second place and valuable league points towards next year's team. Leslie is a shining example of the never say die attitude that exemplifies his generation. As he pointed out he never forgot his personal motto "it aint over till the fat lady sings!"
Another angler taking a leaf out of Barclay's book is the brilliant Billy Reid. Billy can do no wrong at the moment and his fantastic basket of twelve trout from Vaara and Tingwall for 7 lb, 15 & 3/4 oz saw him win the competition and the "Tulloch Midsummer Shield" at a canter. Billy has won nearly everything going so far this season - and all with a dodgy knee! Imagine what he could do if he was fully fit!
Billy and Leslie both had success with an "Olive Hedgehog" although Leslie's version was a bit on the chewed side!
Third spot went to the ever consistent Greig Anderson with seven fish from Clings Water for 3 lb, 11 oz. taken mainly on a "Hammel's Spider."
Other anglers among the points were Dave Wright, Mark Sandison, Bobby Irvine, Dale Williamson and Harry Sandison, Leaving the league as follows:
The league now takes a break for a few weeks. However fly fishing junkies need not despair. The ever popular Ronas Hill trophy will be fished on Saturday 24th June with a 09.00 hrs check in at the Collafirth pier. As ever flyfishers are reminded to pack their maps and compasses!
Chewed Olive Hedgehog. Hammel's Spider. Olive Hedgehog.
Clousta Road 1-6-17
Fourteen flyfishers gathered at the Bixter Hall last Thursday evening for round five of the S.A.A. Fly Bank League.
There was the usual shenanigans as competitors tried to gain an advantage with clever parking, although it has to be said that Leslie Barclay having learned his lesson after his official warning last week was placed well back on the grid.
Competitors were being very circumspect regarding their plans for the evening and were determined to give away as little as possible with the lochs and flies they were intending to fish.
Dale Williamson was still erring on the trigger happy side as his excitement threatened to bubble over. However he did manage to hold it together long enough for the statutory two blasts on the competition secretary's horn which signalled the official start of the competition.
A beautiful summer evening with an easing Southerly breeze would leave no room for complaint and anglers were looking forward to an evening’s sport on what on paper at least should be some of the most prolific trooty waters in Shetland.
The majority of anglers initially headed to the mighty Vaara. After everyone settled down however it soon became clear that despite the ideal conditions the trout maybe weren't going to be as cooperative as expected.
As competitors reconvened for the 10.30 weigh in it was clear that the evening had been a hard struggle for some.
Taking first place was Ian Reid with a fantastic basket of 10 fish from Clings water for 5 lb, 13 & 1/4 oz. Ian had scored with that legendary Whalsay pattern, the "Red Hammels Spider." The popular Bonnie Isle angler received a warm round of applause from the assembled throng for his efforts.
Runner up was the ever consistent Bobby Irvine with eight trout from Vaara for 4 lb, 12 & 1/4 oz. Hot on Bobby's heels was Billy Reid with five fish, also from Vaara, for 2 lb, 14 & 1/4 oz. Both anglers had success with that old favourite the "Clan Chief" and variations thereof.
Other successful anglers were Mark Sandison, Dale Williamson, Tony Li, Jeemie Sandison, Harry Sandison, Dave Wright, Craig Smith, Alastair Jamieson and Derek Titheradge.
This leaves the league as follows:
Fourteen flyfishers gathered at the Bixter Hall last Thursday evening for round five of the S.A.A. Fly Bank League.
There was the usual shenanigans as competitors tried to gain an advantage with clever parking, although it has to be said that Leslie Barclay having learned his lesson after his official warning last week was placed well back on the grid.
Competitors were being very circumspect regarding their plans for the evening and were determined to give away as little as possible with the lochs and flies they were intending to fish.
Dale Williamson was still erring on the trigger happy side as his excitement threatened to bubble over. However he did manage to hold it together long enough for the statutory two blasts on the competition secretary's horn which signalled the official start of the competition.
A beautiful summer evening with an easing Southerly breeze would leave no room for complaint and anglers were looking forward to an evening’s sport on what on paper at least should be some of the most prolific trooty waters in Shetland.
The majority of anglers initially headed to the mighty Vaara. After everyone settled down however it soon became clear that despite the ideal conditions the trout maybe weren't going to be as cooperative as expected.
As competitors reconvened for the 10.30 weigh in it was clear that the evening had been a hard struggle for some.
Taking first place was Ian Reid with a fantastic basket of 10 fish from Clings water for 5 lb, 13 & 1/4 oz. Ian had scored with that legendary Whalsay pattern, the "Red Hammels Spider." The popular Bonnie Isle angler received a warm round of applause from the assembled throng for his efforts.
Runner up was the ever consistent Bobby Irvine with eight trout from Vaara for 4 lb, 12 & 1/4 oz. Hot on Bobby's heels was Billy Reid with five fish, also from Vaara, for 2 lb, 14 & 1/4 oz. Both anglers had success with that old favourite the "Clan Chief" and variations thereof.
Other successful anglers were Mark Sandison, Dale Williamson, Tony Li, Jeemie Sandison, Harry Sandison, Dave Wright, Craig Smith, Alastair Jamieson and Derek Titheradge.
This leaves the league as follows:
With over half the league competitions having now been fished it looks very much like a two horse race for the title between Billy Reid and Bobby Irvine. A battle is also developing further down the league as anglers attempt to secure a top six finish which will mean representing the S.A.A. in Caithness next year. It is certainly going to be a very interesting run in over the summer.
The next Fly Bank League competition doubles up with the famous “Tulloch Midsummer Shield.” This will be fished on Saturday 10th June with a 1030 check in at the Tingwall shed.
The next Fly Bank League competition doubles up with the famous “Tulloch Midsummer Shield.” This will be fished on Saturday 10th June with a 1030 check in at the Tingwall shed.
C
Clan Chief Variant. Hammel's Red Spider. Clan Chief.
North Mainland 25/5/17
Despite the almost perfect evening for angling a relatively poor turnout of a dozen flyfishers checked in at Mavis Grind last Thursday evening for round four of the S.A.A. Fly Bank League. This number apparently included Craig Smith who was attending his first Bank League competition for a few years. However as he was late for the check in and went home early the only evidence that he had actually attended the event was his £4 entrance fee that he left with Derek Titheradge.
It was also great to see Kevin Robertson back in the fold after a long time away.
Cheeky chappy Dale Williamson provided the main talking point at the check in when he seized one of Billy Reid's fly boxes from Billy's jacket pocket to inspect his "killing patterns." Before Billy could stop him Dale had opened the fly box to reveal an assortment of Mepps spinners among the flys. Reid hastily retrieved his fly box and got it squirreled away but not before a few eyebrows were raised! Billy was heard to mutter something about being "for da bairns" but a cloud remains over the incident with several pertinent questions left hanging in the air!
On a more serious note however Williamson himself received an official warning due to over excitement before the official kick off - as did Leslie Barclay for parking too far away from the recognised check in point. Competitors are again reminded that the competition does not officially start until the competition secretary has given two blasts on his horn and his vehicle is actually in motion!
It was indeed a lovely Shetland summer's evening and anglers had no complaints with the warm gentle South Westerly breeze and overcast conditions. In what is traditionally a very hard competition competitors had the choice of a wide range of lochs in Northmavine and Muckle Roe. The majority of initial efforts were probably concentrated on the mighy Eela Water and it wasn't long before some rods could be seen bending into their first fish.
A pleasant evening's angling ensued and all too soon competitors were reconvening at Mavis Grind for the weigh in.
Taking first place with a fantastic basket of eleven trout for 5 lb, 9 oz. was the ever incredible Bobby Irvine. Bobby had split his time between Eela Water and Lochend where his killing fly was a Peach Halfhog.
Hot on Bobby's heals was Billy Reid with six fish from Eela Water for 3 lb, 4 & 1/4 oz. taken on a Clan Chief variant.
This years league is fast developing into a battle between these two competition heavyweights with neither angler giving an inch in their bid for the championship.
Third spot went to Mark Sandison who had five for 2 lb, 7 & 3/4 oz also on a Clan Chief variant.
Other successful anglers were Ian Reid, Dale Williamson, Derek Titheradge, Leslie Barclay, Kevin Robertson and Dave Wright.
This leaves the league as follows:
Despite the almost perfect evening for angling a relatively poor turnout of a dozen flyfishers checked in at Mavis Grind last Thursday evening for round four of the S.A.A. Fly Bank League. This number apparently included Craig Smith who was attending his first Bank League competition for a few years. However as he was late for the check in and went home early the only evidence that he had actually attended the event was his £4 entrance fee that he left with Derek Titheradge.
It was also great to see Kevin Robertson back in the fold after a long time away.
Cheeky chappy Dale Williamson provided the main talking point at the check in when he seized one of Billy Reid's fly boxes from Billy's jacket pocket to inspect his "killing patterns." Before Billy could stop him Dale had opened the fly box to reveal an assortment of Mepps spinners among the flys. Reid hastily retrieved his fly box and got it squirreled away but not before a few eyebrows were raised! Billy was heard to mutter something about being "for da bairns" but a cloud remains over the incident with several pertinent questions left hanging in the air!
On a more serious note however Williamson himself received an official warning due to over excitement before the official kick off - as did Leslie Barclay for parking too far away from the recognised check in point. Competitors are again reminded that the competition does not officially start until the competition secretary has given two blasts on his horn and his vehicle is actually in motion!
It was indeed a lovely Shetland summer's evening and anglers had no complaints with the warm gentle South Westerly breeze and overcast conditions. In what is traditionally a very hard competition competitors had the choice of a wide range of lochs in Northmavine and Muckle Roe. The majority of initial efforts were probably concentrated on the mighy Eela Water and it wasn't long before some rods could be seen bending into their first fish.
A pleasant evening's angling ensued and all too soon competitors were reconvening at Mavis Grind for the weigh in.
Taking first place with a fantastic basket of eleven trout for 5 lb, 9 oz. was the ever incredible Bobby Irvine. Bobby had split his time between Eela Water and Lochend where his killing fly was a Peach Halfhog.
Hot on Bobby's heals was Billy Reid with six fish from Eela Water for 3 lb, 4 & 1/4 oz. taken on a Clan Chief variant.
This years league is fast developing into a battle between these two competition heavyweights with neither angler giving an inch in their bid for the championship.
Third spot went to Mark Sandison who had five for 2 lb, 7 & 3/4 oz also on a Clan Chief variant.
Other successful anglers were Ian Reid, Dale Williamson, Derek Titheradge, Leslie Barclay, Kevin Robertson and Dave Wright.
This leaves the league as follows:
Despite his earlier warning the desperate Dale Williamson was still "at it" as he tried several times to weigh in a fish that was clearly several millimetres under the statutory ten inch limit. Experienced trout measurer Leslie Barclay was having none of it however. As Barclay pointed out "4 mm under size is always going to be 4 mm undersize!" no matter how many times Williamson attempted to rearrange the fish on the board.
The next Bank league competition is in the Clousta Road area next Thursday 1st June with an 1815 check in at the Bixter Hall.
The next Bank league competition is in the Clousta Road area next Thursday 1st June with an 1815 check in at the Bixter Hall.
Clan Chief Variant. Peach Halfhog. Clan Chief Variant.
West Side 11-5-17
Last Thursday evening saw round three of the S.A.A. Fly Bank League taking place on the West side. The first bank league evening competition is a sure sign that summer is in the air. Indeed the 16 competitors who checked in at the Bixter Graveyard car park had little room for complaint on what was a fairly pleasant May evening.
After a two year break from competitive fly fishing in order to give everyone else a chance, it was great to see the return of West side expert, crofter and all round Viking Dale Williamson. Williamson was soon taking issue with the S.A.A. press secretary pointing out that James Henrys killing fly in Benston last week was not a "Pink Tailed Purple Bumble" as advertised but rather his own "Viking Bumble." As fly tiers have discovered in the past however it is nigh on impossible to patent a fly design. Wag Leslie Barclay was quick to suggest that it should really be christened "Perky's Pink Tailed Palmer!" As we went to press Dale was off to "sort things out" with James Henry.
It was also great to see Derek Titheradge in attendance. He'd turned up at the Bixter Graveyard on the previous Thursday only to discover that he should have been at the Benston Boat Park. Second time lucky Derek!
The 6.15 start saw anglers racing off the grid and West along the A971. Competitors had a choice of all the major waters in the Wild West from the mighty Mousavord and Burga Water, down to Stump and up to Sulma Water, with a wide range of lochs in between.
Despite the mild evening this competition is always a hard slog and tonight was no exception. In an evening competition getting initial tactics and venues correct is of crucial importance as there is very little time to put a plan B into effect.
In theory at least there should have been nearly enough lochs for one per angler! This didn't stop Leslie Barclay and Mark Sandison getting their wires crossed with both likely lads ending up on the often overlooked Djuba Water. There were some remonstrations between the pair as to how they’d ended up tripping over each other with so much water to choose from. Luckily for Barclay however it didn’t come to blows and the pair managed to settle their differences amicably and find their own swims in the lochs!
As competitors reconvened for the 1030 weigh it was clear that the angling had been very difficult as predicted.
Taking first place was the evergreen Bobby Irvine with an excellent seven fish for 3 lb, 11 oz. Bobby had scored with a Peach Muddler on his favourite Sulma Water. Sneaking into the second spot was Mark Sandison with four for 2lb, 11 oz. from Djuba Water. Now that they were pals again Sandison had taken Barclay's advice and fished a "Clan Chief." In third place and continuing his rich vein of form was Billy Reid with three fish for 2 lb, 3 oz. Reid had utilised his "Olive Hedgehog" to deadly effect in Longa Water.
Other anglers among the points were Derek Titheradge, Dale Williamson, Dave Wright, Leslie Barclay and Greig Anderson leaving the league table as follows:
Last Thursday evening saw round three of the S.A.A. Fly Bank League taking place on the West side. The first bank league evening competition is a sure sign that summer is in the air. Indeed the 16 competitors who checked in at the Bixter Graveyard car park had little room for complaint on what was a fairly pleasant May evening.
After a two year break from competitive fly fishing in order to give everyone else a chance, it was great to see the return of West side expert, crofter and all round Viking Dale Williamson. Williamson was soon taking issue with the S.A.A. press secretary pointing out that James Henrys killing fly in Benston last week was not a "Pink Tailed Purple Bumble" as advertised but rather his own "Viking Bumble." As fly tiers have discovered in the past however it is nigh on impossible to patent a fly design. Wag Leslie Barclay was quick to suggest that it should really be christened "Perky's Pink Tailed Palmer!" As we went to press Dale was off to "sort things out" with James Henry.
It was also great to see Derek Titheradge in attendance. He'd turned up at the Bixter Graveyard on the previous Thursday only to discover that he should have been at the Benston Boat Park. Second time lucky Derek!
The 6.15 start saw anglers racing off the grid and West along the A971. Competitors had a choice of all the major waters in the Wild West from the mighty Mousavord and Burga Water, down to Stump and up to Sulma Water, with a wide range of lochs in between.
Despite the mild evening this competition is always a hard slog and tonight was no exception. In an evening competition getting initial tactics and venues correct is of crucial importance as there is very little time to put a plan B into effect.
In theory at least there should have been nearly enough lochs for one per angler! This didn't stop Leslie Barclay and Mark Sandison getting their wires crossed with both likely lads ending up on the often overlooked Djuba Water. There were some remonstrations between the pair as to how they’d ended up tripping over each other with so much water to choose from. Luckily for Barclay however it didn’t come to blows and the pair managed to settle their differences amicably and find their own swims in the lochs!
As competitors reconvened for the 1030 weigh it was clear that the angling had been very difficult as predicted.
Taking first place was the evergreen Bobby Irvine with an excellent seven fish for 3 lb, 11 oz. Bobby had scored with a Peach Muddler on his favourite Sulma Water. Sneaking into the second spot was Mark Sandison with four for 2lb, 11 oz. from Djuba Water. Now that they were pals again Sandison had taken Barclay's advice and fished a "Clan Chief." In third place and continuing his rich vein of form was Billy Reid with three fish for 2 lb, 3 oz. Reid had utilised his "Olive Hedgehog" to deadly effect in Longa Water.
Other anglers among the points were Derek Titheradge, Dale Williamson, Dave Wright, Leslie Barclay and Greig Anderson leaving the league table as follows:
The next bank league competition takes place on Thursday 25th May with an 1815 check in at Mavis Grind.
Olive Hedgehog. Peach Muddler. Clan Chief Variant.
Pottinger Benston Trophy 4/5/17
A record 16 flyfishers rocked up at the Benston Boat park last Thursday evening to fish for the prestigious "Pottinger Benston Trophy." This is arguably the toughest competition in the S.A.A. calendar, being fished on one of the dourest and most temperemental waters in the islands. Needless to say then any angler lifting this trophy can certainly claim that they are truly at the pinnacle of Shetland flyfishing.
No surprise then that given the nature of the event and venue there were several "specimen hunters" in attendance in the shape of Terry Laurenson, Gilbert Williamson, Greig Anderson and Karl Tulloch as well as the "hardcore" element of Leslie Barclay, Harry Sandison, Dave Wright and Tony Li. Add to this heady mix the usual "half pounder" brigade and an interesting evening's competition was in store.
The 6.15 start saw a lovely warm Shetland Spring evening with the sun high in the west and a gentle ripple on the loch. It was such a still night that anglers voices were heard carrying over the calm water and it was clear from the splashes, whoops of joy - and in some cases, curses! - that some anglers were aware of fish almost right away.
As the competition wore on however and the sun disappeared behind the hill, the temperature dropped and the night became decidedly chilly. This was too much for some who had forgotten their thermal underwear and could now be seen heading for the relative warmth of their vehicles. It was those hardy souls who weren't daunted by the cold conditions and fished on regardless who were going to be rewarded at the weigh in.
As competitors reconvened at 1030 there was the usual moans and groans aimed at competition secretary Billy Reid re. the competition going on for too long on such a hard loch and would it not be best to determine the winner on the basis of a "Golden Fish?" - i.e. the first angler to catch a fish would be the winner! Reid has heard all this before however and simply shook his head in disdain.
Taking first place and the "Pottinger Benston Trophy" was the on fire Greig Anderson who can do no wrong at the moment. Greig had an excellent basket of four trout for 4 lb, 1 & 1/2 oz. Grieg had scored with that great all rounder, the "Peach Muddler." The affable and popular Skerries man received a well deserved round of applause.
In second place with another very good basket was the tenacious James Henry with three fish for 3 lb, 1 & 1/2 oz. James's top fly was his own "Pink Tailed Purple Bumble."
Third spot went to defending champ. Tony Li who had two trout for 2 lb, 2oz. Tony's bag also included the heaviest trout of the evening at 1 lb, 9 & 1/2 oz which had taken a "Black Cat."
Other successful anglers on a very difficult evening were Gilbert Williamson, Bobby Irvine, Billy Reid and Leslie Barclay.
The next bank competition is round three of the league which takes place on Thursday 11th May with an 18.15 check in at the Bixter graveyard.
Peach Muddler. Pink Tailed Purple Bumble. Black Cat Muddler.
Antares Trophy
Billy Reid continued his excellent start to the season last Saturday by claiming another first place in the S.A.A. Fly Bank League, and along with it, the "Antares" trophy.
Sixteen flyfishers had checked in at the Tingwall shed on a morning, that despite being a couple of degrees warmer than the previous Saturday, was still decidedly chilly! It was great to see the Fly Fishing legend that is Stephen Leask down from the frozen North and attending his first bank league competition for a few years.
Competitors had a wide range of lochs to choose from in the central mainland and all the way down to Spiggie. The smart money was on Spiggie which had been fishing well of late and the 1030 kick off saw about half of the sixteen starters head for the Deep South.
However it would not be just a matter of "turning up" at Spiggie and the trout jumping into your basket. It was only those anglers who got their tactics spot on with regard to location in the loch and flies who scored well.
It was clear at the 1745 weigh in that the result was going to be a very close run thing between Billy Reid, Leslie Barclay and Bobby Irvine. The tension could be cut with a knife as anglers presented their baskets to Reid for weighing.
And indeed it couldn't have been tighter. Despite having four fish fewer than Leslie, Billy's 16 weighed in at 12 lb. exactly - only half an ounce heavier than Leslie's 20. Billy's basket contained a Spiggie cracker of 2 lb, 6 oz. which had made all the difference!
Billy himself admitted that this had been the luckiest fish ever. He had hooked him right on "the stones" amidst "surf sized waves." An epic battle then ensued which involved Billy getting his fly line in a fankle round his finger and losing his hat in the windy conditions. In a "Hitchcock" style twist he was also attacked by a flock of maalies while playing the monster! When your luck's in your luck's in however and the brute finally ended up in Billy's net to win the competition, the "Antares" trophy and maybe even a few more trophies when everything is tallied up at the end of the season.
There was nothing but commiserations for the unlucky Barclay who can perhaps take some consolation from his 21 points and a big step towards next year's bank team. It was hard not to feel sorry for the big man but he took it on the chin knowing full well of course that competition fly fishing is a cut throat business! "You pays your money, you takes your chances!"
Also spare a thought for third place Bobby Irvine. On an average day his fantastic basket of 21 trout for 10 lb, 4 oz. would have blown everybody else out of the water!
The trout certainly didn't seem to be interested in the "mini lures" of previous weeks but seemed to be more switched on to smaller traditional patterns. Billy had scored with his own "Gold Muddler" while Leslie'a top fly was a small Blue Zulu and Bobby Had success with a Zulu variant.
As ever these successful flies can be viewed on S.A.A. website www.shetlandtrout.co.uk in the "Competitions" section.
Other successful anglers were Peter Laurenson, Tony Li, Mark Sandison, Stephen Leask, Greig Anderson, Jeemie Sandison, Darren Laurenson and Dave Wright.
With two competitions having been fished this leaves the league table as follows.
Billy Reid continued his excellent start to the season last Saturday by claiming another first place in the S.A.A. Fly Bank League, and along with it, the "Antares" trophy.
Sixteen flyfishers had checked in at the Tingwall shed on a morning, that despite being a couple of degrees warmer than the previous Saturday, was still decidedly chilly! It was great to see the Fly Fishing legend that is Stephen Leask down from the frozen North and attending his first bank league competition for a few years.
Competitors had a wide range of lochs to choose from in the central mainland and all the way down to Spiggie. The smart money was on Spiggie which had been fishing well of late and the 1030 kick off saw about half of the sixteen starters head for the Deep South.
However it would not be just a matter of "turning up" at Spiggie and the trout jumping into your basket. It was only those anglers who got their tactics spot on with regard to location in the loch and flies who scored well.
It was clear at the 1745 weigh in that the result was going to be a very close run thing between Billy Reid, Leslie Barclay and Bobby Irvine. The tension could be cut with a knife as anglers presented their baskets to Reid for weighing.
And indeed it couldn't have been tighter. Despite having four fish fewer than Leslie, Billy's 16 weighed in at 12 lb. exactly - only half an ounce heavier than Leslie's 20. Billy's basket contained a Spiggie cracker of 2 lb, 6 oz. which had made all the difference!
Billy himself admitted that this had been the luckiest fish ever. He had hooked him right on "the stones" amidst "surf sized waves." An epic battle then ensued which involved Billy getting his fly line in a fankle round his finger and losing his hat in the windy conditions. In a "Hitchcock" style twist he was also attacked by a flock of maalies while playing the monster! When your luck's in your luck's in however and the brute finally ended up in Billy's net to win the competition, the "Antares" trophy and maybe even a few more trophies when everything is tallied up at the end of the season.
There was nothing but commiserations for the unlucky Barclay who can perhaps take some consolation from his 21 points and a big step towards next year's bank team. It was hard not to feel sorry for the big man but he took it on the chin knowing full well of course that competition fly fishing is a cut throat business! "You pays your money, you takes your chances!"
Also spare a thought for third place Bobby Irvine. On an average day his fantastic basket of 21 trout for 10 lb, 4 oz. would have blown everybody else out of the water!
The trout certainly didn't seem to be interested in the "mini lures" of previous weeks but seemed to be more switched on to smaller traditional patterns. Billy had scored with his own "Gold Muddler" while Leslie'a top fly was a small Blue Zulu and Bobby Had success with a Zulu variant.
As ever these successful flies can be viewed on S.A.A. website www.shetlandtrout.co.uk in the "Competitions" section.
Other successful anglers were Peter Laurenson, Tony Li, Mark Sandison, Stephen Leask, Greig Anderson, Jeemie Sandison, Darren Laurenson and Dave Wright.
With two competitions having been fished this leaves the league table as follows.
Such was the tension & excitement at the weigh that the wheels nearly fell off the normally efficient and well oiled weighing and recording machine that is Reid and Sandison. This meant that Greig Anderson's basket which he had left at the Tingwall Shed earlier was completely lost in translation during the weigh in. Luckily after a couple of phone calls involving Bobby Irvine everything was sorted out and the correct points awarded. Reid felt compelled to defend his and Sandison's performance pointing out that one mistake in 10 odd years of officiating at the weigh ins was a record the he was proud off!
And finally Billy Reid has requested that anglers, crofters and twitchers keep an eye out for his "lucky baseball hat" which was last seen heading towards Haavra!
The next league competition takes place on Thursday 11th May with an 1815 check in at the Bixter Graveyard.
And finally Billy Reid has requested that anglers, crofters and twitchers keep an eye out for his "lucky baseball hat" which was last seen heading towards Haavra!
The next league competition takes place on Thursday 11th May with an 1815 check in at the Bixter Graveyard.
Zulu Variant. Billy's Gold Muddler. Blue Zulu.
Shetland Times Trophy
A North West wind, snowy showers and the temperature struggling to reach four degrees last Saturday morning could only mean one thing! Yes, you’ve guessed it! Not the start of the lamby season but the first Shetland Anglers Association bank competition of the season.
The terrible trooty conditions didn’t deter the 16 flyfishers who checked in at the Tingwall boat shed for the 1030 off. As Bobby Irvine pointed out, only the real “hard” men were in attendance. It was great to see the return of Derek Titheradge after his misadventures of last year. It was also great to see a new face in the shape of Tim Senften.
Conspicuous by his absence however was John Tait who despite having acquired a new set of thermals had obviously decided it was too cold.
The appearance of Mrs Ingrid Sandison resplendent in fluorescent green running gear at the check in cased a stir of excitement and not a few raised eyebrows. There were sighs of relief however when it turned out that she wasn’t there to compete, or drag husband Mark off home, but to complete a top secret business transaction with Jeemie Sandison (no relation!) which involved the exchange of a suspicious looking carrier bag!
All of this was missed by Leslie Barclay whose time keeping problems of last season continued. Leslie checked in with only five minutes to spare claiming that he had forgotten to set his clocks forward four weeks ago! Such is Barclay’s time keeping record that this piece of news didn’t even raise a chuckle from the assembled throng in the boat shed.
In the Baltic conditions there wasn’t really very much enthusiasm to get going and some anglers could hardly move in their layers of thermals, long drawers and woolly hats!
Competitors had a wide selection of lochs to choose from in the central mainland from Benston and Sandwater down through the Tingwall Valley to Brindister in the South. As ever choosing the correct location would be pivotal to success on the day.
As well as being the first round of the Fly Bank League, anglers had the added incentive of fishing for the beautiful “Shetland Times Trophy.”
As predicted the angling proved to be a bit of an ordeal with angler’s extremities soon succumbing to the frigid temperatures. As a result it was only just over half of the original 16 starters who managed to tough it out to the end and turn up for the 1745 weigh in.
As ever despite the atrocious conditions some anglers had managed to buck expectations, and all things considered it was a very good weigh in.
Taking first place and the “Shetland Times Trophy” was one of the toughest anglers of them all, Billy Reid, with a superb nine trout for 4 lb, 3 oz. Billy had struggled in Tingwall before making the astute tactical decision to switch to Asta. Well done Billy!
Second spot went to Tony Li with another excellent bag of six fish from Tingwall for 3 lb, 10 & ¾ oz. In third place was Greig Anderson who can do no wrong at the moment. Greig had two trout from the dour Benston for 2 lb, 4 & ¼ oz which also included the heaviest fish of the day at 1 lb, 7 & ¼ oz. Fourth position went to “Crafty Cockney” Dave Wright. Dave had spent the day in the often overlooked Brindister where he had four for 2 lb, 3 & ½ oz.
Other successful anglers were Mark Sandison, Ian Reid, Bobby Irvine, Harry Sandison and Darren Laurenson.
It had been a day for “Cats” with the top three anglers scoring with “Black Cat” and “White Cat” variants.
After congratulating Billy there was no hanging around as anglers shot off home for a warm bath and feet up by the fire.
Leslie Barclay raced home only to discover that he had lost his wallet at some point over the course of the day. Barclay contacted long suffering competition secretary Billy Reid who had to return to Tingwall and mount a search of the boat shed and car park for the missing wallet. Only then did Leslie decide to check his waders whereupon he heard all his loose change jangling in the bottom. And lo and behold, there was Leslie's wallet tucked away neatly in the neoprene foot! All's well that ends well!
Competitions come thick and fast now. Round two of the bank league takes place on Saturday 29th April with a 10 30 check in at the Tingwall shed. Anglers will also be competing for the much sought after “Antares Trophy.” Then on Thursday 4th May it’s the “Pottinger Benston Trophy” with an 1815 check in at the Benston boat park. Let’s hope it’s warmed up a bit by then!
A North West wind, snowy showers and the temperature struggling to reach four degrees last Saturday morning could only mean one thing! Yes, you’ve guessed it! Not the start of the lamby season but the first Shetland Anglers Association bank competition of the season.
The terrible trooty conditions didn’t deter the 16 flyfishers who checked in at the Tingwall boat shed for the 1030 off. As Bobby Irvine pointed out, only the real “hard” men were in attendance. It was great to see the return of Derek Titheradge after his misadventures of last year. It was also great to see a new face in the shape of Tim Senften.
Conspicuous by his absence however was John Tait who despite having acquired a new set of thermals had obviously decided it was too cold.
The appearance of Mrs Ingrid Sandison resplendent in fluorescent green running gear at the check in cased a stir of excitement and not a few raised eyebrows. There were sighs of relief however when it turned out that she wasn’t there to compete, or drag husband Mark off home, but to complete a top secret business transaction with Jeemie Sandison (no relation!) which involved the exchange of a suspicious looking carrier bag!
All of this was missed by Leslie Barclay whose time keeping problems of last season continued. Leslie checked in with only five minutes to spare claiming that he had forgotten to set his clocks forward four weeks ago! Such is Barclay’s time keeping record that this piece of news didn’t even raise a chuckle from the assembled throng in the boat shed.
In the Baltic conditions there wasn’t really very much enthusiasm to get going and some anglers could hardly move in their layers of thermals, long drawers and woolly hats!
Competitors had a wide selection of lochs to choose from in the central mainland from Benston and Sandwater down through the Tingwall Valley to Brindister in the South. As ever choosing the correct location would be pivotal to success on the day.
As well as being the first round of the Fly Bank League, anglers had the added incentive of fishing for the beautiful “Shetland Times Trophy.”
As predicted the angling proved to be a bit of an ordeal with angler’s extremities soon succumbing to the frigid temperatures. As a result it was only just over half of the original 16 starters who managed to tough it out to the end and turn up for the 1745 weigh in.
As ever despite the atrocious conditions some anglers had managed to buck expectations, and all things considered it was a very good weigh in.
Taking first place and the “Shetland Times Trophy” was one of the toughest anglers of them all, Billy Reid, with a superb nine trout for 4 lb, 3 oz. Billy had struggled in Tingwall before making the astute tactical decision to switch to Asta. Well done Billy!
Second spot went to Tony Li with another excellent bag of six fish from Tingwall for 3 lb, 10 & ¾ oz. In third place was Greig Anderson who can do no wrong at the moment. Greig had two trout from the dour Benston for 2 lb, 4 & ¼ oz which also included the heaviest fish of the day at 1 lb, 7 & ¼ oz. Fourth position went to “Crafty Cockney” Dave Wright. Dave had spent the day in the often overlooked Brindister where he had four for 2 lb, 3 & ½ oz.
Other successful anglers were Mark Sandison, Ian Reid, Bobby Irvine, Harry Sandison and Darren Laurenson.
It had been a day for “Cats” with the top three anglers scoring with “Black Cat” and “White Cat” variants.
After congratulating Billy there was no hanging around as anglers shot off home for a warm bath and feet up by the fire.
Leslie Barclay raced home only to discover that he had lost his wallet at some point over the course of the day. Barclay contacted long suffering competition secretary Billy Reid who had to return to Tingwall and mount a search of the boat shed and car park for the missing wallet. Only then did Leslie decide to check his waders whereupon he heard all his loose change jangling in the bottom. And lo and behold, there was Leslie's wallet tucked away neatly in the neoprene foot! All's well that ends well!
Competitions come thick and fast now. Round two of the bank league takes place on Saturday 29th April with a 10 30 check in at the Tingwall shed. Anglers will also be competing for the much sought after “Antares Trophy.” Then on Thursday 4th May it’s the “Pottinger Benston Trophy” with an 1815 check in at the Benston boat park. Let’s hope it’s warmed up a bit by then!
Anorexic White Cat. Chain Bead Black Cat. Pearly White Cat.