S.A.A. Prizegiving 2018
The Annual Shetland Anglers Association prize giving will take place on Saturday 17th November in the Burns Lane clubrooms. The evening will commence at 7 p.m. with a competitors meeting. This is an opportunity for all anglers to have a say in the format and organization of next year’s boat and bank competitions.
This will be followed by the presentation of the silverware. This year’s big winners include bank league champion Bobby Irvine and boat league champion Sean McCaffrey. Both S.A.A. teams were victorious with the bank team retaining the inter club trophy in Caithness and the Boat team defeating a strong Orcadian team on Tingwall. Special mention must also go to Frank Watt who will take home a haul of trophies after a “red letter” day way back on a cold Saturday in April.
Coveted star prize in the raffle will be a box of this year’s killing fly patterns from the bank league. Proceeds of the raffle will go to Macmillan. This will be followed by a Chinese buffets and refreshments when tall stories, craq and jolly japes will continue long into the evening.
All angling association members, whether regular competitors or not, are encouraged to come along, catch up with old friends and celebrate the end of the trout fishing season. See you there.
The Annual Shetland Anglers Association prize giving will take place on Saturday 17th November in the Burns Lane clubrooms. The evening will commence at 7 p.m. with a competitors meeting. This is an opportunity for all anglers to have a say in the format and organization of next year’s boat and bank competitions.
This will be followed by the presentation of the silverware. This year’s big winners include bank league champion Bobby Irvine and boat league champion Sean McCaffrey. Both S.A.A. teams were victorious with the bank team retaining the inter club trophy in Caithness and the Boat team defeating a strong Orcadian team on Tingwall. Special mention must also go to Frank Watt who will take home a haul of trophies after a “red letter” day way back on a cold Saturday in April.
Coveted star prize in the raffle will be a box of this year’s killing fly patterns from the bank league. Proceeds of the raffle will go to Macmillan. This will be followed by a Chinese buffets and refreshments when tall stories, craq and jolly japes will continue long into the evening.
All angling association members, whether regular competitors or not, are encouraged to come along, catch up with old friends and celebrate the end of the trout fishing season. See you there.
Research Trophy 15-9-18
13 fly fishers assembled at the Tingwall boat shed last Saturday morning for the illustrious Research Trophy, plus cash prizes for the heaviest basket and heaviest fish,the wind was Westerly 20 knots with heavy showers and it was decidedly chillier than of late,there was a good contingent as always from the Bonnie isle with Magnie Reid proudly showing of his new(fairishisle)Troot patterned Gansy! Mark Sandison had a spring in his step and a big smile on his face after his big win the previous week and was telling all and sundry that he might try Roar water, Harry Sandison muttered mair chance o me seein RunRig" dan dee gointa Roar water da day!! Shetlands biggest ever Hitter" the Incredible Bobby Irvine was also present again after being aff, so whoever was going to win this trophy would need to be at the very top of there game with such a strong field challenging.! just before the starting gun went off with a screech off tyres Leslie Barclay arrived and in an orderly fashion went to the back of the Que, to every ones surprise, then before they knew it the starting gun went off at 10.20 and 13 glory hunting anglers sped of to the 5 corners of Shetland,After good fishings the previous week a strong contingent of Anglers headed West. Mark Sandison who was being closely monitored by Leslie Barclay started fishing in an unfancied part of his favourite Loch, but Leslie saw through his ploy and waded in 100 yards up the shore from mark and pulled out a trout with his 3rd cast, to this an irrate Sandison could be heard screaming get out of my swim. to this Leslie gave him a thumbs up, it wasn't long before the "Hapless" Sandison trudged up to his car and left..At the 17.40 weigh in it became obvious to every body present that the fishing had been hard going all day with several people having blanked, but in 3rd place with what was an Exellent basket of 6 fish for 3lb 5oz was Ian"hotrod"Reid Ian had fished the often tempermental Clingswater all day Ians top fly was a Pink Reids Bumble, And in 2nd place with a basket of 8 fish for 4lb was mr Incredible,, Bobby Irvine,Bobby fished most of the day on the mighty Vaara, Bobbys top fly was a clan chief. But in first place and taking the coveted Research trophy was the on"fire" Kevin Robertson Kevin amassed an exellent basket of 11 trouts for 7lb from the often overlooked Voxterby which allso included a specimen of 1lb 13oz Kevins top fly was a Liqorice Allsort, Other successfull anglers were M Reid,A Jamison, B Reid,L Barclay and M.Sandison as he recieved a standing ovation every body present agreed it had been a hard but great days fishing, After the presentation and winners photo the remaining anglers sat in silence for a while in the Tingwall boat shed with long faces reflecting on the fact the season is coming to an end with lots of ups and downs through out the season, tears of joy and tears of anguish, leaky waders and torn waders it was all hitting home to those left present and you could see the tears rolling down some grown mens cheeks for a while till Billy Reid threw everbody out of the boat shed telling every body to stop being so soppy and reminding them there was still 3 weeks fishing to go,, and there is always next year.... TIGHT LINES everybody. L.B.
Fly Fishers are reminded to return trophies to Billy Reid or Mark Sandison as soon as possible.
13 fly fishers assembled at the Tingwall boat shed last Saturday morning for the illustrious Research Trophy, plus cash prizes for the heaviest basket and heaviest fish,the wind was Westerly 20 knots with heavy showers and it was decidedly chillier than of late,there was a good contingent as always from the Bonnie isle with Magnie Reid proudly showing of his new(fairishisle)Troot patterned Gansy! Mark Sandison had a spring in his step and a big smile on his face after his big win the previous week and was telling all and sundry that he might try Roar water, Harry Sandison muttered mair chance o me seein RunRig" dan dee gointa Roar water da day!! Shetlands biggest ever Hitter" the Incredible Bobby Irvine was also present again after being aff, so whoever was going to win this trophy would need to be at the very top of there game with such a strong field challenging.! just before the starting gun went off with a screech off tyres Leslie Barclay arrived and in an orderly fashion went to the back of the Que, to every ones surprise, then before they knew it the starting gun went off at 10.20 and 13 glory hunting anglers sped of to the 5 corners of Shetland,After good fishings the previous week a strong contingent of Anglers headed West. Mark Sandison who was being closely monitored by Leslie Barclay started fishing in an unfancied part of his favourite Loch, but Leslie saw through his ploy and waded in 100 yards up the shore from mark and pulled out a trout with his 3rd cast, to this an irrate Sandison could be heard screaming get out of my swim. to this Leslie gave him a thumbs up, it wasn't long before the "Hapless" Sandison trudged up to his car and left..At the 17.40 weigh in it became obvious to every body present that the fishing had been hard going all day with several people having blanked, but in 3rd place with what was an Exellent basket of 6 fish for 3lb 5oz was Ian"hotrod"Reid Ian had fished the often tempermental Clingswater all day Ians top fly was a Pink Reids Bumble, And in 2nd place with a basket of 8 fish for 4lb was mr Incredible,, Bobby Irvine,Bobby fished most of the day on the mighty Vaara, Bobbys top fly was a clan chief. But in first place and taking the coveted Research trophy was the on"fire" Kevin Robertson Kevin amassed an exellent basket of 11 trouts for 7lb from the often overlooked Voxterby which allso included a specimen of 1lb 13oz Kevins top fly was a Liqorice Allsort, Other successfull anglers were M Reid,A Jamison, B Reid,L Barclay and M.Sandison as he recieved a standing ovation every body present agreed it had been a hard but great days fishing, After the presentation and winners photo the remaining anglers sat in silence for a while in the Tingwall boat shed with long faces reflecting on the fact the season is coming to an end with lots of ups and downs through out the season, tears of joy and tears of anguish, leaky waders and torn waders it was all hitting home to those left present and you could see the tears rolling down some grown mens cheeks for a while till Billy Reid threw everbody out of the boat shed telling every body to stop being so soppy and reminding them there was still 3 weeks fishing to go,, and there is always next year.... TIGHT LINES everybody. L.B.
Fly Fishers are reminded to return trophies to Billy Reid or Mark Sandison as soon as possible.
Pairs Trophy 8-9-18
It had been three weeks since the last fly fishing competition so understandably the 12 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 fished in the top six of this years bank league cannot team up, As a result there were some pretty interesting and attractive looking partnerships who rocked up at the Tingwall boat shed. Foremost amongst these was undoubtedly last years champions Mark Sandison and Alastair Jamieson,mark fresh from his "hedonistic"Trip a few weeks ago seeing RunRig was champing at the bit to get going, but Alistair could be heard saying there wont be any bonnie Bonnie banks of Loch Lomond today to Mark to keep him in check, it was good to see (Boat fishing Legends) Billy Morrison and Alan Smith dip there toes into one of the Bank Anglings premium tourneys off the year, another Lethal looking partnership of youth and experience to look out for was Liam wheelan and Magnie Reid, whos plans off teaming up were thrown in to jeopardy on Friday evening, Magnie had promised for weeks to "dell da tatties" out of his garden, and was reminded it had to be done by Saturday at the latest, He said after a lot off wrangling he got a helper to do his work!!, other pairings sharpening there hooks before the starting gun where the ultra experienced duo Derek Titherage and Shetland football Legend Micheal Williamson, Greg Anderson and D J Anderson were another formidable looking duo,, Keeping their powder dry however and also staying unusually quiet was Leslie Barclay who had teamed up with the ever consistent Billy Reid.This could certainly be a very dangerous combination if they got their act together! The day was overcast and flat calm, far from ideal Trooty weather, Soon the starting gun went off and the six teams split in every direction in their quest of Glory, 12 tired but satisfied anglers reconvened seven hours later for the 17.40 weigh in. It was immediately clear that despite the flat calm some very good baskets of trout had been forthcoming despite the tricky conditions. In an exciting weigh in professionally and efficiently managed by competition secretary Billy Reid despite numerous distractions. The count was taking longer than usual without Mathmatical genius Bobby Irvine there to look over Sandisons sums!! but Once all the weights had been noted and the additions sums done,the results were announced. In top spot and taking the pairs trophy for the 2nd year running was none other than an absolutely delighted Allastair Jamieson and Mark Sandison who had 16 fish for 9 lb 8 oz it was all the more stunning a win because the (loch lomond duo)only had 4 fish in there baskets at 3.30 on making a late switch and going on to plan f.. They came up Trumphs Alistair and Mark had fished Lochs in the Clousta road area Alastair had success on a Bunny Leech, and Marks top fly was a Orange Fritz.. the deadly duo took 12 fish in the last 90 mins of the competition, Runners up were Leslie Barclay and Billy Reid who had 11 fish for 8 lb it was a case off what could have been for the Burra Boys Fishing Lochs in the Nesting area Leslie had his cast snapped with a big fish in the the last hour of the competition with both him and Billy losing several fish at their nets during the day Leslies top fly was his own Peach Butted Stingy Bee Half Hog Variant, Billy top fly was a claret hedgehog.in 3rd place was the Whalsay Dream Team Magnie Reid and Liam wheelan who had 9 fish from the mighty Clingswater for 4 lb 11oz, The champions acknowledged the round off Applause at the end then showed there humility by consoling a "Devastated" Billy Reid and Leslie Barclay, Telling the unlucky Burra boys that the bridesmaid period in their lives will pass,, Other successfull anglers were Greg Anderson and D J Anderson,, Billy Morrison and Alan Smith,,Derek Titheradge and Micheal Williamson, Thats nearly it for this years Bank competitions with just the illustrious Research Trophy next Saturday GWYP to go... 15/9/2018 from 10.20 to 17.40 L.B.
It had been three weeks since the last fly fishing competition so understandably the 12 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 fished in the top six of this years bank league cannot team up, As a result there were some pretty interesting and attractive looking partnerships who rocked up at the Tingwall boat shed. Foremost amongst these was undoubtedly last years champions Mark Sandison and Alastair Jamieson,mark fresh from his "hedonistic"Trip a few weeks ago seeing RunRig was champing at the bit to get going, but Alistair could be heard saying there wont be any bonnie Bonnie banks of Loch Lomond today to Mark to keep him in check, it was good to see (Boat fishing Legends) Billy Morrison and Alan Smith dip there toes into one of the Bank Anglings premium tourneys off the year, another Lethal looking partnership of youth and experience to look out for was Liam wheelan and Magnie Reid, whos plans off teaming up were thrown in to jeopardy on Friday evening, Magnie had promised for weeks to "dell da tatties" out of his garden, and was reminded it had to be done by Saturday at the latest, He said after a lot off wrangling he got a helper to do his work!!, other pairings sharpening there hooks before the starting gun where the ultra experienced duo Derek Titherage and Shetland football Legend Micheal Williamson, Greg Anderson and D J Anderson were another formidable looking duo,, Keeping their powder dry however and also staying unusually quiet was Leslie Barclay who had teamed up with the ever consistent Billy Reid.This could certainly be a very dangerous combination if they got their act together! The day was overcast and flat calm, far from ideal Trooty weather, Soon the starting gun went off and the six teams split in every direction in their quest of Glory, 12 tired but satisfied anglers reconvened seven hours later for the 17.40 weigh in. It was immediately clear that despite the flat calm some very good baskets of trout had been forthcoming despite the tricky conditions. In an exciting weigh in professionally and efficiently managed by competition secretary Billy Reid despite numerous distractions. The count was taking longer than usual without Mathmatical genius Bobby Irvine there to look over Sandisons sums!! but Once all the weights had been noted and the additions sums done,the results were announced. In top spot and taking the pairs trophy for the 2nd year running was none other than an absolutely delighted Allastair Jamieson and Mark Sandison who had 16 fish for 9 lb 8 oz it was all the more stunning a win because the (loch lomond duo)only had 4 fish in there baskets at 3.30 on making a late switch and going on to plan f.. They came up Trumphs Alistair and Mark had fished Lochs in the Clousta road area Alastair had success on a Bunny Leech, and Marks top fly was a Orange Fritz.. the deadly duo took 12 fish in the last 90 mins of the competition, Runners up were Leslie Barclay and Billy Reid who had 11 fish for 8 lb it was a case off what could have been for the Burra Boys Fishing Lochs in the Nesting area Leslie had his cast snapped with a big fish in the the last hour of the competition with both him and Billy losing several fish at their nets during the day Leslies top fly was his own Peach Butted Stingy Bee Half Hog Variant, Billy top fly was a claret hedgehog.in 3rd place was the Whalsay Dream Team Magnie Reid and Liam wheelan who had 9 fish from the mighty Clingswater for 4 lb 11oz, The champions acknowledged the round off Applause at the end then showed there humility by consoling a "Devastated" Billy Reid and Leslie Barclay, Telling the unlucky Burra boys that the bridesmaid period in their lives will pass,, Other successfull anglers were Greg Anderson and D J Anderson,, Billy Morrison and Alan Smith,,Derek Titheradge and Micheal Williamson, Thats nearly it for this years Bank competitions with just the illustrious Research Trophy next Saturday GWYP to go... 15/9/2018 from 10.20 to 17.40 L.B.
S.A.A. v Whalsay 18-8-18
Last Saturday morning saw the annual team event of the year Shetland Anglers v Whalsay Anglers, the weather was Westerly 60 knots with showers(the first really bad day in months) it is the one Trophy everybody wants to win! Anglers have the freedom of any Loch on the mainland to choose from, the Bonny isle boys had come out in real Strength, and had putten a formidable team together a perfect mix of youth and experience to try and wrestle the trophy back from the SAA(last years winners)boys Whalsay captain David J anderson was vociferously pumping up his team before the starting gun. but the SAA team were Rocked when the Devastating news hit Everbody in the team that their "main" man Mark Sandison! was absent!, Mark was at Stirling Castle seeing RunRig,,, Sandison had gotten his dates mixed up when he bought tickets to see his beloved band, and Realized he had a tough decision to make! But after competition secretary Bill Reid read out the apology note Sandison had left for his team mates, a bewildered Reid said he would rather fish all day and catch nothing than see RunRig ! which raised a few smiles in the Demoralized SAA team, captain Derek Titherage was trying to pick up Tony Li and Leslie Barclay(who quoted its like Barcelona withoot Messi him no here!)saying we are not a one man team we can do this and high fived his team mates to get them Foccused and ready, Before they knew it the 9.00 starting gun went off and Anglers set off to the 5 corners off Shetland soon it became apparent that the fishing was hard for both teams as competitors in Eashaness had met in Sumburgh earlier in the day, at the 16.00 weigh in it became apparent that both teams had struggled with the conditions plus none cooperative trouts,Bobby Irvine was tasked with working out the averages for both teams before Billy Reid carefully and slowly scrutinised the scores," you could cut the tension with a knife" in the Tingwall Boatshed before he announced a 27oz average for Whalsay and a 26oz average for SAA, to this the Bonny isle team went wild with whoops of delight and back slapping all round, best for Whalsay were The Young " Hot Rod "duo off Ian Reid and Liam wheelan, ian had seven fish from the mighty Sulma water and was the days top Rod by some margin,Liam had a 1lb 8oz specimen from Tingwall and was the heaviest fish off the day, an emotional Harry Sandison did a winning speech for the Whalsay boys saying he was right vexed D J anderson wasent there in there moment off glory(D J had ripped his wadders getting quickly out of a park off cows at spiggie in the morning and had an early bath)and vowed to retain it next year, for his captain! the demoralized SAA boys sportingly shook hands with there victors SAA top Rod on the day was captain D Tigherage, Reids quote at the start in a cruel twist off fate came true but he stood by what he said,,,,the next competition is the pairs trophy top six places in the league cant pair up GWYP on sat 8th Sept 1020-1740 L.B.
Last Saturday morning saw the annual team event of the year Shetland Anglers v Whalsay Anglers, the weather was Westerly 60 knots with showers(the first really bad day in months) it is the one Trophy everybody wants to win! Anglers have the freedom of any Loch on the mainland to choose from, the Bonny isle boys had come out in real Strength, and had putten a formidable team together a perfect mix of youth and experience to try and wrestle the trophy back from the SAA(last years winners)boys Whalsay captain David J anderson was vociferously pumping up his team before the starting gun. but the SAA team were Rocked when the Devastating news hit Everbody in the team that their "main" man Mark Sandison! was absent!, Mark was at Stirling Castle seeing RunRig,,, Sandison had gotten his dates mixed up when he bought tickets to see his beloved band, and Realized he had a tough decision to make! But after competition secretary Bill Reid read out the apology note Sandison had left for his team mates, a bewildered Reid said he would rather fish all day and catch nothing than see RunRig ! which raised a few smiles in the Demoralized SAA team, captain Derek Titherage was trying to pick up Tony Li and Leslie Barclay(who quoted its like Barcelona withoot Messi him no here!)saying we are not a one man team we can do this and high fived his team mates to get them Foccused and ready, Before they knew it the 9.00 starting gun went off and Anglers set off to the 5 corners off Shetland soon it became apparent that the fishing was hard for both teams as competitors in Eashaness had met in Sumburgh earlier in the day, at the 16.00 weigh in it became apparent that both teams had struggled with the conditions plus none cooperative trouts,Bobby Irvine was tasked with working out the averages for both teams before Billy Reid carefully and slowly scrutinised the scores," you could cut the tension with a knife" in the Tingwall Boatshed before he announced a 27oz average for Whalsay and a 26oz average for SAA, to this the Bonny isle team went wild with whoops of delight and back slapping all round, best for Whalsay were The Young " Hot Rod "duo off Ian Reid and Liam wheelan, ian had seven fish from the mighty Sulma water and was the days top Rod by some margin,Liam had a 1lb 8oz specimen from Tingwall and was the heaviest fish off the day, an emotional Harry Sandison did a winning speech for the Whalsay boys saying he was right vexed D J anderson wasent there in there moment off glory(D J had ripped his wadders getting quickly out of a park off cows at spiggie in the morning and had an early bath)and vowed to retain it next year, for his captain! the demoralized SAA boys sportingly shook hands with there victors SAA top Rod on the day was captain D Tigherage, Reids quote at the start in a cruel twist off fate came true but he stood by what he said,,,,the next competition is the pairs trophy top six places in the league cant pair up GWYP on sat 8th Sept 1020-1740 L.B.
Sandison/Irvine Westside Trophy 11-8-18
"Ours is the grandest sport. It is an intriguing battle of wits between an angler and a trout; and in addition to appreciating the tradition and grace of the game, we play it in the magnificent out-of-doors."
~ Ernest G. Schwiebert, Jr.
There was a great deal of excitement in the air as flyfishers gathered at the Bixter Graveyard car park last Saturday morning for the final round of the S.A.A. Fly Bank League. Not only was the league title itself in the balance with four anglers still in the running for top spot but places in the top six were still up for grabs which of course would mean a place in next year’s Bank Team to face the Dounreay Flyfishers. Then there was the added spice of the much sought after Sandison/Irvine Westside Trophy being presented to today’s winner. Any angler landing this piece of silverware can rest assured that they have truly “arrived” in the cut throat world of Shetland competitive fly fishing!
Competitors had a range of all the major lochs on Shetland’s West side to choose from ranging from the waters in the Clousta Road, down to Stump at Skeld and right out along the A971 to the truly “Wild West” in the Sandness road. No shortage of lochs! The problem however might have more to do with the unseasonably warm summer which we have had and which has meant that the Shetland lochs haven’t really been at their best for the past couple of months.
It was great to see Leslie Barclay back in action after his trip to Orkney for some practice and coaching from mentor Stephen Breivik. It was also good to see Kevin Robertson checking in as he made a late tilt for a top six league place.
Conditions at the 10.20 kick off left little room for complaint with overcast skies and a Westerly breeze. However the forecast was for sunshine from midday and this didn’t bode so well for our intrepid trooters!
The various forecasts that had been carefully scrutinised in the days leading up to the event were all spot on. “Old Jamaica” came out from behind the clouds at 12.01 and as a famous Lerwick flyfisher once stated, “That was that!” All trout in the Westside with any sense ran for cover under the nearest rock and of course the angling became very difficult.
As competitors reconvened for the 1740 weigh in and exchanged news it was clear that the majority of fish had been taken early in the day. Considering the conditions however there had been a few fish caught.
Taking first place and lifting the “Sandison/Irvine” trophy was the evergreen Bobby Irvine. Bobby had a fantastic nine trout from the mighty Vaara for 4 lb, 14 ½ oz taken mainly on a “Claret Gorgeous George.”
Runner up was Billy Reid with an excellent eight fish for 4 lb, 2 oz. Billy had also fished in Vaara where his top fly was a “Peach Hedgehog.” In third place was Kevin Robertson who weighed in five fish for 2 lb, 10 ½ oz. taken on a “Liquorice Allsort.”
Other successful anglers on a very difficult day were Mark Sandison, Frank Watt, Leslie Barclay, Harry Sandison, Greig Anderson and Derek Titheradge. This left the final league table for 2018 as follows.
"Ours is the grandest sport. It is an intriguing battle of wits between an angler and a trout; and in addition to appreciating the tradition and grace of the game, we play it in the magnificent out-of-doors."
~ Ernest G. Schwiebert, Jr.
There was a great deal of excitement in the air as flyfishers gathered at the Bixter Graveyard car park last Saturday morning for the final round of the S.A.A. Fly Bank League. Not only was the league title itself in the balance with four anglers still in the running for top spot but places in the top six were still up for grabs which of course would mean a place in next year’s Bank Team to face the Dounreay Flyfishers. Then there was the added spice of the much sought after Sandison/Irvine Westside Trophy being presented to today’s winner. Any angler landing this piece of silverware can rest assured that they have truly “arrived” in the cut throat world of Shetland competitive fly fishing!
Competitors had a range of all the major lochs on Shetland’s West side to choose from ranging from the waters in the Clousta Road, down to Stump at Skeld and right out along the A971 to the truly “Wild West” in the Sandness road. No shortage of lochs! The problem however might have more to do with the unseasonably warm summer which we have had and which has meant that the Shetland lochs haven’t really been at their best for the past couple of months.
It was great to see Leslie Barclay back in action after his trip to Orkney for some practice and coaching from mentor Stephen Breivik. It was also good to see Kevin Robertson checking in as he made a late tilt for a top six league place.
Conditions at the 10.20 kick off left little room for complaint with overcast skies and a Westerly breeze. However the forecast was for sunshine from midday and this didn’t bode so well for our intrepid trooters!
The various forecasts that had been carefully scrutinised in the days leading up to the event were all spot on. “Old Jamaica” came out from behind the clouds at 12.01 and as a famous Lerwick flyfisher once stated, “That was that!” All trout in the Westside with any sense ran for cover under the nearest rock and of course the angling became very difficult.
As competitors reconvened for the 1740 weigh in and exchanged news it was clear that the majority of fish had been taken early in the day. Considering the conditions however there had been a few fish caught.
Taking first place and lifting the “Sandison/Irvine” trophy was the evergreen Bobby Irvine. Bobby had a fantastic nine trout from the mighty Vaara for 4 lb, 14 ½ oz taken mainly on a “Claret Gorgeous George.”
Runner up was Billy Reid with an excellent eight fish for 4 lb, 2 oz. Billy had also fished in Vaara where his top fly was a “Peach Hedgehog.” In third place was Kevin Robertson who weighed in five fish for 2 lb, 10 ½ oz. taken on a “Liquorice Allsort.”
Other successful anglers on a very difficult day were Mark Sandison, Frank Watt, Leslie Barclay, Harry Sandison, Greig Anderson and Derek Titheradge. This left the final league table for 2018 as follows.
In an incredibly exciting run in Bobby Irvine was crowned League Champion. Bobby had wrested the top spot from Frank Watt (who had led the league since April) in the final straight thanks to a run of form which had seen him achieve two second places (only missing out on firsts by a few ounces!) and a first place in the last three competitions.
What an achievement. The fly bank league is a test of fly fishers skill and ability on very different venues over a range of conditions throughout the season with anglers having to adapt and utilise a variety of tactics accordingly. Consequently it is only anglers at the very top of their game who rise to the top. This is the ninth time in the past twenty years that Bobby has taken the title. This incredible record speaks for itself!
A special mention must also go to the amazing Kevin Robertson who managed to achieve a top six finish despite only weighing in at five competitions out of the six that count for points. Well done Kevin.
Halfway down the league there was drama of a different sort. Dave Wright had packed up and gone home early leaving his solitary trout with good friend Derek Titheradge to weigh in for him. When said trout was presented at the scales it was discovered that it was short of the statutory ten inches by a couple of millimetres. With Derek weighing in a single trout of his own this meant that he ended up in eleventh place in the league – a single point ahead of Dave! Small margins! One wag suggested that Derek had swapped the fish around before coming to the weigh in. Titheradge declined to comment but left the weigh in with a big grin on his face.
The Bank League may be over for this year but of course competitive fly fishers can’t hang up their waders just yet. The S.A.A. v Whalsay competition takes place on Saturday 18th August with a 9 a.m. check in at the Tingwall shed. Then on Saturday 8th September it’s the ever popular Pairs competition with a 10.20 check in at Tingwall. Competitors are reminded that it’s up to themselves to find a partner and that no top six finishers in this year’s league can pair up. And finally on the 15th of September the famous Research trophy takes place, again with a 10.20 check in at Tingwall.
What an achievement. The fly bank league is a test of fly fishers skill and ability on very different venues over a range of conditions throughout the season with anglers having to adapt and utilise a variety of tactics accordingly. Consequently it is only anglers at the very top of their game who rise to the top. This is the ninth time in the past twenty years that Bobby has taken the title. This incredible record speaks for itself!
A special mention must also go to the amazing Kevin Robertson who managed to achieve a top six finish despite only weighing in at five competitions out of the six that count for points. Well done Kevin.
Halfway down the league there was drama of a different sort. Dave Wright had packed up and gone home early leaving his solitary trout with good friend Derek Titheradge to weigh in for him. When said trout was presented at the scales it was discovered that it was short of the statutory ten inches by a couple of millimetres. With Derek weighing in a single trout of his own this meant that he ended up in eleventh place in the league – a single point ahead of Dave! Small margins! One wag suggested that Derek had swapped the fish around before coming to the weigh in. Titheradge declined to comment but left the weigh in with a big grin on his face.
The Bank League may be over for this year but of course competitive fly fishers can’t hang up their waders just yet. The S.A.A. v Whalsay competition takes place on Saturday 18th August with a 9 a.m. check in at the Tingwall shed. Then on Saturday 8th September it’s the ever popular Pairs competition with a 10.20 check in at Tingwall. Competitors are reminded that it’s up to themselves to find a partner and that no top six finishers in this year’s league can pair up. And finally on the 15th of September the famous Research trophy takes place, again with a 10.20 check in at Tingwall.
Peach Hedgehog Liquorice Allsort Claret Gorgeous George
Excursion Cup. 4-8-18
Flyfishers rocked up at the Tingwall boatshed last Saturday morning to fish for the venerable Excursion Cup. In its current format this contest requires that anglers only fish in lochs which are not on the S.A.A. competition sheet. No problem there one might think considering the amount of lochs to choose from in Shetland. However this has certainly not been the case in the past with anglers racking their brains and struggling to come up with a strategy for the day which doesn’t involve one of the major Shetland waters.
Needless to say competitors were being very circumspect with regard to their plans as they checked in with competition secretary Billy Reid and were giving very little away.
Very conspicuous by his absence was the man who always has a plan A, often a plan B and C…....and sometimes all the way through to plan Z – Leslie Barclay. Leslie was fishing in Orkney with a reluctant Stephen Breivik who he had managed to coax out of angling retirement for the week. Despite none of the Orkney lochs being on the S.A.A. competition sheet Billy Reid still had to point out to Barclay that neither himself nor Breivik were eligible for today’s competition!
With an overcast sky and Westerly breeze competitors could have no complaints with regard to the conditions. However one of the warmest summers in living memory has not been good for the trout fishing with all the lochs several degrees warmer than normal resulting in the trout being very torpid. There wasn’t really a great deal of urgency then among the assembled fly fishers to get down to business.
As predicted the day’s angling turned out to be long and hard with some competitors covering many miles and fishing in several lochs in pursuit of the elusive Shetland trout.
It was a sadly depleted crew who reconvened at 1740 at the Tingwall shed. It was left to comeback kid Magnie Reid to raise flagging spirits with several stories and anecdotes from his extensive repertoire.
Taking first place and lifting the Excursion cup was a delighted Mark Sandison who had ten trout for 5 lb, 2 ½ oz. Sandison’s top fly was a “Claret Halfhog.”
Runner up was Dave Wright who had three fish for 2 lb, 8 & ¼ oz. Dave’s basket also included the heaviest fish of the day at 1 lb, 2 & ½ oz. which fell to an “Orkney Munchkin.”
In third spot was Bobby Irvine with two trout weighing 1 lb, 9 & ¼ oz taken on a “Norski Peach Hedgehog.”
Other successful anglers on an extremely hard day were Magnie Reid and Billy Reid.
The next fly fishing competition is the final round of the Bank League which takes place on the West side lochs this Saturday 11th August with a 1020 check in at the Bixter Graveyard carpark.
Flyfishers rocked up at the Tingwall boatshed last Saturday morning to fish for the venerable Excursion Cup. In its current format this contest requires that anglers only fish in lochs which are not on the S.A.A. competition sheet. No problem there one might think considering the amount of lochs to choose from in Shetland. However this has certainly not been the case in the past with anglers racking their brains and struggling to come up with a strategy for the day which doesn’t involve one of the major Shetland waters.
Needless to say competitors were being very circumspect with regard to their plans as they checked in with competition secretary Billy Reid and were giving very little away.
Very conspicuous by his absence was the man who always has a plan A, often a plan B and C…....and sometimes all the way through to plan Z – Leslie Barclay. Leslie was fishing in Orkney with a reluctant Stephen Breivik who he had managed to coax out of angling retirement for the week. Despite none of the Orkney lochs being on the S.A.A. competition sheet Billy Reid still had to point out to Barclay that neither himself nor Breivik were eligible for today’s competition!
With an overcast sky and Westerly breeze competitors could have no complaints with regard to the conditions. However one of the warmest summers in living memory has not been good for the trout fishing with all the lochs several degrees warmer than normal resulting in the trout being very torpid. There wasn’t really a great deal of urgency then among the assembled fly fishers to get down to business.
As predicted the day’s angling turned out to be long and hard with some competitors covering many miles and fishing in several lochs in pursuit of the elusive Shetland trout.
It was a sadly depleted crew who reconvened at 1740 at the Tingwall shed. It was left to comeback kid Magnie Reid to raise flagging spirits with several stories and anecdotes from his extensive repertoire.
Taking first place and lifting the Excursion cup was a delighted Mark Sandison who had ten trout for 5 lb, 2 ½ oz. Sandison’s top fly was a “Claret Halfhog.”
Runner up was Dave Wright who had three fish for 2 lb, 8 & ¼ oz. Dave’s basket also included the heaviest fish of the day at 1 lb, 2 & ½ oz. which fell to an “Orkney Munchkin.”
In third spot was Bobby Irvine with two trout weighing 1 lb, 9 & ¼ oz taken on a “Norski Peach Hedgehog.”
Other successful anglers on an extremely hard day were Magnie Reid and Billy Reid.
The next fly fishing competition is the final round of the Bank League which takes place on the West side lochs this Saturday 11th August with a 1020 check in at the Bixter Graveyard carpark.
Orkney Munchkin Norski Peach Hedgehog Claret Halfhog
21-7-18 Barometer Trophy
"The fishing was good; it was the catching that was bad."
~A.K. Best~
Overcast skies and a gentle Westerly breeze left little room for complaint as flyfishers gathered at Mavis Grind last Saturday morning for the penultimate round of the S.A.A. Fly Bank League.
With the league run in turning into a tight affair all the big hitters were out in force. Obviously information was at a premium with most anglers remaining very tight lipped with regard to their intended fishing locations for the day.
The trigger happy Leslie Barclay rocked up with five minutes to go before the start and it was good to see him do the courteous thing and take his place at the rear of the convoy. Barclay had obviously paid heed to recent complaints regarding his trooty etiquette.
Another big gun who left it late to arrive was the normally punctual Peter Laurenson. Peter had been held up on the road North by a series of obstacles and challenges. Laurenson was just in time however and didn’t have a moment to stop and chat as he was waved through the starting gate by competition secretary and timer Billy Reid.
Flyfishers had all the major waters to choose from in the North Mainland. Some of these can be quite temperamental and as ever making the correct choice of venue would be of crucial importance. Or, as it would turn out today, making the decision to move at the correct time!
As anglers reconvened for the 1740 weigh in it was clear that the angling had been tough. However two anglers had bucked the trend.
Taking first place and the Barometer Trophy was Peter Laurenson with a very good basket of eight trout for 4 lb, 15 oz. Peter had split his time between Punds Water and Eela Water where he had scored with a “P.C.” (Peter’s Caenis). In a post match interview with the S.A.A. press secretary Laurenson noted that his trials and tribulations on the road North earlier in the day had been well worth it!
Runner up was the unlucky Bobby Irvine who also had eight fish but which weighed an ounce lighter than Peter’s. Bobby had also split his time between Eela Water and Punds Water where his top fly was a “Black Hedgehog.”
Third spot went to Billy Reid who had four trout for 3 lb, 4 & ¼ oz. Billy also had the heaviest fish of the day at 1 lb, 4 & ½ oz. which fell to an “Olive Halfhog.”
Other anglers among the points were Ian Reid, Ed Leask, Frank Watt, Greig Anderson, Harry Sandison, Derek Titheradge, Mark Sandison, Dave Wright and Leslie Barclay. This leaves the league as follows with one competition remaining.
"The fishing was good; it was the catching that was bad."
~A.K. Best~
Overcast skies and a gentle Westerly breeze left little room for complaint as flyfishers gathered at Mavis Grind last Saturday morning for the penultimate round of the S.A.A. Fly Bank League.
With the league run in turning into a tight affair all the big hitters were out in force. Obviously information was at a premium with most anglers remaining very tight lipped with regard to their intended fishing locations for the day.
The trigger happy Leslie Barclay rocked up with five minutes to go before the start and it was good to see him do the courteous thing and take his place at the rear of the convoy. Barclay had obviously paid heed to recent complaints regarding his trooty etiquette.
Another big gun who left it late to arrive was the normally punctual Peter Laurenson. Peter had been held up on the road North by a series of obstacles and challenges. Laurenson was just in time however and didn’t have a moment to stop and chat as he was waved through the starting gate by competition secretary and timer Billy Reid.
Flyfishers had all the major waters to choose from in the North Mainland. Some of these can be quite temperamental and as ever making the correct choice of venue would be of crucial importance. Or, as it would turn out today, making the decision to move at the correct time!
As anglers reconvened for the 1740 weigh in it was clear that the angling had been tough. However two anglers had bucked the trend.
Taking first place and the Barometer Trophy was Peter Laurenson with a very good basket of eight trout for 4 lb, 15 oz. Peter had split his time between Punds Water and Eela Water where he had scored with a “P.C.” (Peter’s Caenis). In a post match interview with the S.A.A. press secretary Laurenson noted that his trials and tribulations on the road North earlier in the day had been well worth it!
Runner up was the unlucky Bobby Irvine who also had eight fish but which weighed an ounce lighter than Peter’s. Bobby had also split his time between Eela Water and Punds Water where his top fly was a “Black Hedgehog.”
Third spot went to Billy Reid who had four trout for 3 lb, 4 & ¼ oz. Billy also had the heaviest fish of the day at 1 lb, 4 & ½ oz. which fell to an “Olive Halfhog.”
Other anglers among the points were Ian Reid, Ed Leask, Frank Watt, Greig Anderson, Harry Sandison, Derek Titheradge, Mark Sandison, Dave Wright and Leslie Barclay. This leaves the league as follows with one competition remaining.
Very conspicuous by his absence at the weigh in was the hapless Leslie Barclay. A tale of woe later unfolded regarding torn waders, a twisted knee, a desperate hike round the tough terrain at the back of Burraland and a hot run to Brae for fuel where Barclay coasted into the Garage forecourt running on fumes. After all these misadventures Leslie did the honourable thing and retired home for an early bath.
The next Bank competition is the Excursion Cup which will be fished on Saturday 4th August with a 1020 check in at the Tingwall shed. The final league competition takes place on Saturday 11th August with a 1020 check in at the Bixter graveyard car park.
The next Bank competition is the Excursion Cup which will be fished on Saturday 4th August with a 1020 check in at the Tingwall shed. The final league competition takes place on Saturday 11th August with a 1020 check in at the Bixter graveyard car park.
P.C. Black Hedgehog Olive Halfhog
Barry Robertson Memorial Trophy. 14-7-18
Last Saturday morning saw 16 of Shetlands top Anglers gathered for a 10 oclock start to challenge for the Prestigious Barry Robertson Memorial trophy where Anglers had the freedom to fish any Loch in Shetland up until the weigh in at 17.30. at the Tingwall boat shed where all the Anglers names are drawn out of a hat at the end to determine who you are paired up with, it was an overcast day with a Southerly breeze so all the Anglers where talking about going in every direction on the Mainland, As far as Ronas Hill in the North where Billy Reid was taking Mark Sandison with him in his pick up(but only after mark promised Billy he,d fish in the loch next to the pick up all day so he woudn"t get lost again!! )it was good to see a "Top Rod" from the past in the shape of ED Leask, who after a lot of coaxing from Friends and fellow Anglers decided to dip his toes back into the world of competitive Angling again , soon the starting gun went off and 16 glory hunting anglers were speeding of to the 5 corners of Shetland, At the 17.30 weigh in 16 weather beaten and"spent" Anglers who had given it there all during the day there was several people with good baskets and some with not so much!( the "cheeky"Mark Sandison was calling Leslie "short straw" Barclay) , which added to the Exitement just before the draw soon the hat was passed around the room and some top pairings came out after a bit of confusion after the draw was made Bobby Irvine had to show Mark Sandison where his original sums were all wrong! but the confusion was sorted, and taking 3rd place , was the delectable duo Kevin Robertson and Billy Reid with 106 oz kevins top fly was a mini blue headed muddler and billy had joy with his lethal Hedghogs, in 2nd place was 2 steady top of there game anglers in Mark Sandison and Magnie Reid who amassed 111 oz Marks top fly was a olive dabbler and Magnie had success with Hammils water beetle,but taking first place and the beautiful Barry Roberson trophy were no other than the ultra experienced duo of ED(come back kid!) Leask and the trout catching" juggernaut "that is Bobby Irvine! they blew everybody out of the water with a fantastic basket of trout of 178 oz, ED had his fish on a ED blue bruizer fly and bobby had his fish on a Norski lad, the happy pairing then posed on the Tingwall pier to a round of Applause as they received the Magnificent trophy, The next fly competition takes place on Saturday 21st of july when Anglers will have a choice of Lochs in the Northmavine area, Check in is 1020 at Mavis Grind.. L.B.
Last Saturday morning saw 16 of Shetlands top Anglers gathered for a 10 oclock start to challenge for the Prestigious Barry Robertson Memorial trophy where Anglers had the freedom to fish any Loch in Shetland up until the weigh in at 17.30. at the Tingwall boat shed where all the Anglers names are drawn out of a hat at the end to determine who you are paired up with, it was an overcast day with a Southerly breeze so all the Anglers where talking about going in every direction on the Mainland, As far as Ronas Hill in the North where Billy Reid was taking Mark Sandison with him in his pick up(but only after mark promised Billy he,d fish in the loch next to the pick up all day so he woudn"t get lost again!! )it was good to see a "Top Rod" from the past in the shape of ED Leask, who after a lot of coaxing from Friends and fellow Anglers decided to dip his toes back into the world of competitive Angling again , soon the starting gun went off and 16 glory hunting anglers were speeding of to the 5 corners of Shetland, At the 17.30 weigh in 16 weather beaten and"spent" Anglers who had given it there all during the day there was several people with good baskets and some with not so much!( the "cheeky"Mark Sandison was calling Leslie "short straw" Barclay) , which added to the Exitement just before the draw soon the hat was passed around the room and some top pairings came out after a bit of confusion after the draw was made Bobby Irvine had to show Mark Sandison where his original sums were all wrong! but the confusion was sorted, and taking 3rd place , was the delectable duo Kevin Robertson and Billy Reid with 106 oz kevins top fly was a mini blue headed muddler and billy had joy with his lethal Hedghogs, in 2nd place was 2 steady top of there game anglers in Mark Sandison and Magnie Reid who amassed 111 oz Marks top fly was a olive dabbler and Magnie had success with Hammils water beetle,but taking first place and the beautiful Barry Roberson trophy were no other than the ultra experienced duo of ED(come back kid!) Leask and the trout catching" juggernaut "that is Bobby Irvine! they blew everybody out of the water with a fantastic basket of trout of 178 oz, ED had his fish on a ED blue bruizer fly and bobby had his fish on a Norski lad, the happy pairing then posed on the Tingwall pier to a round of Applause as they received the Magnificent trophy, The next fly competition takes place on Saturday 21st of july when Anglers will have a choice of Lochs in the Northmavine area, Check in is 1020 at Mavis Grind.. L.B.
Westside 12-7-18
"Something to think about: If you fish the wrong fly long and hard enough, it will sooner or later become the right fly."
John Gierach
Fourteen flyfishers rocked up at the Bixter graveyard carpark last Thursday evening for round seven of the S.A.A. fly bank league. Competitors were in good spirits, buoyed by the recent success of the S.A.A. team in Caithness and also with the continued spell of settled weather which shows no sign of abating. On paper at least the overcast and mild conditions should be perfect fly fishing weather.
Anglers had a choice of 16 lochs in the Wild West. This should have worked out at more than one loch per angler. However this ratio seldom pans out as competitors will initially concentrate on the waters that they think will give them the best returns. With the whole of the Westside to choose from, Leslie Barclay, Bobby Irvine, Tony Li and Mark Sandison all found themselves tripping over each other to win the race to be first to the fishy spots in Lunga Water.
The cheeky Leslie Barclay was last to arrive at the loch but then proceeded to race to the front of the queue and jump in front of the other three. Barclay’s lugs must have been burning as fists were shaken in the air behind him! It was the polite Tony Li who had the last laugh however as he hopped into the loch below his car letting the other three competitors into the loch in front him. Tony then proceeded to pick up two measuring fish inside five minutes and lost another two at the net in the most unglamorous part of the loch. What a gentleman! The cutthroat Barclay ended up hiking round the whole of the unforgiving Lunga Water without seeing a fish. Poetic justice!
As the evening wore on the initial breeze slowly petered out and some of the lochs on offer provided good sport as the trout became locked on to terrestrials drifting out over the water.
When anglers reconvened for the 2230 weigh it was clear that the angling hadn’t been too bad if feeding and rising fish could be located.
Taking first place was Mark Sandison with six trout for 3 lb, 8 oz. from Lunga Water and Flatpunds. Sandison had scored with top Orkney pattern, a “Foreman’s Favourite,” casting to fish rising to sedges. Mark thanked his Westside coach Dale Williamson for some expert coaching.
Second spot went to the evergreen Bobby Irvine who had five trout for 2 lb, 4 & ¾ oz. from the mighty Sulma Water. Bobby’s successful fly was a small “Loch Ordie Muddler” – another excellent sedge imitation.
In third place was the dangerous Ian Reid who had four fish, also from Sulma Water, for 2 lb, 3 & ½ oz. Ian’s killing fly was a small “Clan Chief Hog.”
Other anglers gaining valuable league points were Peter Laurenson, Billy Reid, Harry Sandison, Michael Williamson, Leslie Barclay, Tony Li, Greig Anderson and Dave Wright.
This leaves the league as follows with two competitions remaining.
"Something to think about: If you fish the wrong fly long and hard enough, it will sooner or later become the right fly."
John Gierach
Fourteen flyfishers rocked up at the Bixter graveyard carpark last Thursday evening for round seven of the S.A.A. fly bank league. Competitors were in good spirits, buoyed by the recent success of the S.A.A. team in Caithness and also with the continued spell of settled weather which shows no sign of abating. On paper at least the overcast and mild conditions should be perfect fly fishing weather.
Anglers had a choice of 16 lochs in the Wild West. This should have worked out at more than one loch per angler. However this ratio seldom pans out as competitors will initially concentrate on the waters that they think will give them the best returns. With the whole of the Westside to choose from, Leslie Barclay, Bobby Irvine, Tony Li and Mark Sandison all found themselves tripping over each other to win the race to be first to the fishy spots in Lunga Water.
The cheeky Leslie Barclay was last to arrive at the loch but then proceeded to race to the front of the queue and jump in front of the other three. Barclay’s lugs must have been burning as fists were shaken in the air behind him! It was the polite Tony Li who had the last laugh however as he hopped into the loch below his car letting the other three competitors into the loch in front him. Tony then proceeded to pick up two measuring fish inside five minutes and lost another two at the net in the most unglamorous part of the loch. What a gentleman! The cutthroat Barclay ended up hiking round the whole of the unforgiving Lunga Water without seeing a fish. Poetic justice!
As the evening wore on the initial breeze slowly petered out and some of the lochs on offer provided good sport as the trout became locked on to terrestrials drifting out over the water.
When anglers reconvened for the 2230 weigh it was clear that the angling hadn’t been too bad if feeding and rising fish could be located.
Taking first place was Mark Sandison with six trout for 3 lb, 8 oz. from Lunga Water and Flatpunds. Sandison had scored with top Orkney pattern, a “Foreman’s Favourite,” casting to fish rising to sedges. Mark thanked his Westside coach Dale Williamson for some expert coaching.
Second spot went to the evergreen Bobby Irvine who had five trout for 2 lb, 4 & ¾ oz. from the mighty Sulma Water. Bobby’s successful fly was a small “Loch Ordie Muddler” – another excellent sedge imitation.
In third place was the dangerous Ian Reid who had four fish, also from Sulma Water, for 2 lb, 3 & ½ oz. Ian’s killing fly was a small “Clan Chief Hog.”
Other anglers gaining valuable league points were Peter Laurenson, Billy Reid, Harry Sandison, Michael Williamson, Leslie Barclay, Tony Li, Greig Anderson and Dave Wright.
This leaves the league as follows with two competitions remaining.
The next fly competition takes place on Saturday 21st July when anglers will have a choice of lochs in the Northmavine area. Check in is at 1020 at Mavis Grind.
Loch Ordie Muddler Clan Chief Hog Foreman's Favourite
S.A.A. v D.F.F.A. - July 2018
Last weekend the Shetland Anglers Association (S.A.A.) fly fishing bank team consisting of Tony Li (capt.), Billy Reid, Bobby Irvine, Greig Anderson, Ian Reid and Mark Sandison travelled down to Caithness for their annual match with the Dounreay Fly Fishing Association (D.F.F.A.).
Just weeks before their departure the S.A.A. team had been rocked by the news that their main man Leslie Barclay had had to pull out due to his daughter getting married. The charismatic and indomitable Barclay would be a big miss. However the rest of the boys need not have feared as the dependable Tony Li was ready to step into the breach and assume the captain's armband.
Under Tony's direction the S.A.A. team had a days angling and bonding session in Orkney before travelling across the Pentland Firth to meet their old friends and adversaries from the D.F.F.A.
After greetings and news had been exchanged and friendships rekindled it was down to the serious business of getting the draw done for the competition which would take place over the next two days. This would see an S.A.A. team member fishing with a D.F.F.A. team member on the Friday on a particular selection of Lochs and then with a different partner on different waters on the Saturday. As ever the draw threw up some very tasty looking partnerships.
It was an early night then for all as everybody was going to have to be at the very top of their game for the next two days intensive fly fishing.
The main concern for the S.A.A. team was the Clegg (Horsefly) and Tic epidemic that had been reported as being rife in the North of Scotland. Lucky a visit to Lena Miller at Healthcraft before their departure had resulted in the S.A.A. team obtaining a particularly effective bug spray. This meant that our boys could concentrate on the serious business of fishing and not become distracted by the prospect of getting a bite from these especially nasty little critters!
Friday morning saw both teams tackled up and champing at the bit to get going for the 9 a.m. start. The partnerships were soon shooting off to the various corners of Caithness. It soon became clear, that for most, the angling was going to be quite hard after the sustained period of hot and sunny weather. As anglers reconvened at former Yell man Bill Robertson's garage however it was clear that several good bags of trout had been caught.
Best for the S.A.A. was Greig Anderson with 13 fish for 6lb, 14 & ¼ oz, Bobby Irvine with eleven for 5 lb, 9 oz - both from Toftingall - and Tony Li with nine for 5 lb, ¾ oz. from the mighty Calder. All the boys had scored with “Hedgehogs” and “Halfhogs” in various hues.
Top for the D.F.F.A. was Ian Cannop with seven trout for 5 lb, 3 & ½ oz and the evergreen Tony Chalmers who had eight for 4 lb, 4 & 1/4 oz. Ian’s basket also contained the heaviest fish of the day – a Calder specimen going 2 lb, 2 & ½ oz.
After a great deal of adding up and checking by officials from the two associations, the totals after the first leg showed that the S.A.A. had 53 fish for 28 lb, 14 oz. while the D.F.F.A. had 29 fish for 17 lb, 14 oz. A strong team performance in difficult conditions from the S.A.A. had given them a halftime lead of 11 lb.
Captain Li was quick to point out to his team however that there was absolutely no room for complacency as he exhorted the Shetland boys to even greater efforts in the forecasted heat of the second day. Despite being 24 fish ahead this lead could soon be overhauled if everyone wasn’t at the races.
Saturday indeed dawned hot with the temperature soaring to over 20 degrees. Luckily the sun stayed in but it was hard fly fishing conditions. It was the Shetland team who would struggle most in these harsh conditions.
As the pairings returned to Bill's garage in dribs and drabs in the late afternoon everyone was keen to know how other pairs had faired. It soon became apparent that the D.F.F.A. team had risen to the challenge and were making big inroads into the S.A.A. lead. Leading the way was young James Simpson who was making his comeback in this competition after a twenty year absence. James had a fantastic bag of 14 trout from Toftingall for 7lb, 12 oz. Simpson’s total was backed up with some solid baskets from his team mates giving the D.F.F.A. 38 fish for 22 lb, 9 & ¼ oz for day two.
This left the Shetland boys sweating a little until the ever consistent Billy Reid appeared back from Calder with an excellent 14 trout for 6 lb, 14 oz. boosting the Shetland total for the day to 31 for 16 lb, 5 & ¼ oz.
With the D.F.F.A.'s and the S.A.A.'s top mathematicians, Bill Robertson and Bobby Irvine on the job, the wait for the official result was not long. After all the adding up was completed it was the S.A.A. who were victorious with 84 fish for their two days angling for 45 lb, 3 & 3/4 oz. while the D.F.F.A. finished up with 67 for 40 lb, 7 & 1/4 oz.
There were congratulatory hand shakes all round before everyone shot off to get cleaned up and presentable for the evening's reception.
Looking smart in navy blue polo shirts the S.A.A. team arrived for the reception at the Pentland Hotel in Thurso where an excellent meal was followed by the presentation of trophies and speeches.
First trophy to be presented was the much coveted and beautiful "Brian Hunter Memorial Trophy." Up stepped a clearly delighted Ian Cannop to a big round of applause to receive this beautiful trophy for his Calder monster.
Next up to another huge round of applause was James Simpson to receive the "Viking Shield" for the heaviest basket over the two days of 18 trout for 10 lb 14 oz. Simpson was ahead of the S.A.A.’s Billy Reid by 10 oz. As James himself pointed out , “Small margins” – or one fish!
Finally to yet more applause, the biggest prize of them all, the Inter Club trophy was presented to Captain Fantastic Tony Li. This is the twelvth year in a row that the S.A.A. bank team has lifted this trophy and there were big smiles all round from the Shetland boys.
An S.A.A. spokesman took the opportunity to thank their Dounreay hosts for their excellent hospitality and a superbly organised event. In particular he singled out Bill Robertson for his officiating duties, use of his garage and providing refreshments after a hard fought contest. He closed by pointing out what a unique and enjoyable event this is and looked forward to seeing the D.F.F.A. in Shetland next year.
The next S.A.A. competition is the Barry Robertson Memorial Trophy which takes place this Saturday 14th July with a 10.00 check in at either Laxo or Tingwall. Competitors are reminded that they must fish with a pal and that the weigh in is 1730 at Tingwall where the winning pairs will be drawn from a hat.
Last weekend the Shetland Anglers Association (S.A.A.) fly fishing bank team consisting of Tony Li (capt.), Billy Reid, Bobby Irvine, Greig Anderson, Ian Reid and Mark Sandison travelled down to Caithness for their annual match with the Dounreay Fly Fishing Association (D.F.F.A.).
Just weeks before their departure the S.A.A. team had been rocked by the news that their main man Leslie Barclay had had to pull out due to his daughter getting married. The charismatic and indomitable Barclay would be a big miss. However the rest of the boys need not have feared as the dependable Tony Li was ready to step into the breach and assume the captain's armband.
Under Tony's direction the S.A.A. team had a days angling and bonding session in Orkney before travelling across the Pentland Firth to meet their old friends and adversaries from the D.F.F.A.
After greetings and news had been exchanged and friendships rekindled it was down to the serious business of getting the draw done for the competition which would take place over the next two days. This would see an S.A.A. team member fishing with a D.F.F.A. team member on the Friday on a particular selection of Lochs and then with a different partner on different waters on the Saturday. As ever the draw threw up some very tasty looking partnerships.
It was an early night then for all as everybody was going to have to be at the very top of their game for the next two days intensive fly fishing.
The main concern for the S.A.A. team was the Clegg (Horsefly) and Tic epidemic that had been reported as being rife in the North of Scotland. Lucky a visit to Lena Miller at Healthcraft before their departure had resulted in the S.A.A. team obtaining a particularly effective bug spray. This meant that our boys could concentrate on the serious business of fishing and not become distracted by the prospect of getting a bite from these especially nasty little critters!
Friday morning saw both teams tackled up and champing at the bit to get going for the 9 a.m. start. The partnerships were soon shooting off to the various corners of Caithness. It soon became clear, that for most, the angling was going to be quite hard after the sustained period of hot and sunny weather. As anglers reconvened at former Yell man Bill Robertson's garage however it was clear that several good bags of trout had been caught.
Best for the S.A.A. was Greig Anderson with 13 fish for 6lb, 14 & ¼ oz, Bobby Irvine with eleven for 5 lb, 9 oz - both from Toftingall - and Tony Li with nine for 5 lb, ¾ oz. from the mighty Calder. All the boys had scored with “Hedgehogs” and “Halfhogs” in various hues.
Top for the D.F.F.A. was Ian Cannop with seven trout for 5 lb, 3 & ½ oz and the evergreen Tony Chalmers who had eight for 4 lb, 4 & 1/4 oz. Ian’s basket also contained the heaviest fish of the day – a Calder specimen going 2 lb, 2 & ½ oz.
After a great deal of adding up and checking by officials from the two associations, the totals after the first leg showed that the S.A.A. had 53 fish for 28 lb, 14 oz. while the D.F.F.A. had 29 fish for 17 lb, 14 oz. A strong team performance in difficult conditions from the S.A.A. had given them a halftime lead of 11 lb.
Captain Li was quick to point out to his team however that there was absolutely no room for complacency as he exhorted the Shetland boys to even greater efforts in the forecasted heat of the second day. Despite being 24 fish ahead this lead could soon be overhauled if everyone wasn’t at the races.
Saturday indeed dawned hot with the temperature soaring to over 20 degrees. Luckily the sun stayed in but it was hard fly fishing conditions. It was the Shetland team who would struggle most in these harsh conditions.
As the pairings returned to Bill's garage in dribs and drabs in the late afternoon everyone was keen to know how other pairs had faired. It soon became apparent that the D.F.F.A. team had risen to the challenge and were making big inroads into the S.A.A. lead. Leading the way was young James Simpson who was making his comeback in this competition after a twenty year absence. James had a fantastic bag of 14 trout from Toftingall for 7lb, 12 oz. Simpson’s total was backed up with some solid baskets from his team mates giving the D.F.F.A. 38 fish for 22 lb, 9 & ¼ oz for day two.
This left the Shetland boys sweating a little until the ever consistent Billy Reid appeared back from Calder with an excellent 14 trout for 6 lb, 14 oz. boosting the Shetland total for the day to 31 for 16 lb, 5 & ¼ oz.
With the D.F.F.A.'s and the S.A.A.'s top mathematicians, Bill Robertson and Bobby Irvine on the job, the wait for the official result was not long. After all the adding up was completed it was the S.A.A. who were victorious with 84 fish for their two days angling for 45 lb, 3 & 3/4 oz. while the D.F.F.A. finished up with 67 for 40 lb, 7 & 1/4 oz.
There were congratulatory hand shakes all round before everyone shot off to get cleaned up and presentable for the evening's reception.
Looking smart in navy blue polo shirts the S.A.A. team arrived for the reception at the Pentland Hotel in Thurso where an excellent meal was followed by the presentation of trophies and speeches.
First trophy to be presented was the much coveted and beautiful "Brian Hunter Memorial Trophy." Up stepped a clearly delighted Ian Cannop to a big round of applause to receive this beautiful trophy for his Calder monster.
Next up to another huge round of applause was James Simpson to receive the "Viking Shield" for the heaviest basket over the two days of 18 trout for 10 lb 14 oz. Simpson was ahead of the S.A.A.’s Billy Reid by 10 oz. As James himself pointed out , “Small margins” – or one fish!
Finally to yet more applause, the biggest prize of them all, the Inter Club trophy was presented to Captain Fantastic Tony Li. This is the twelvth year in a row that the S.A.A. bank team has lifted this trophy and there were big smiles all round from the Shetland boys.
An S.A.A. spokesman took the opportunity to thank their Dounreay hosts for their excellent hospitality and a superbly organised event. In particular he singled out Bill Robertson for his officiating duties, use of his garage and providing refreshments after a hard fought contest. He closed by pointing out what a unique and enjoyable event this is and looked forward to seeing the D.F.F.A. in Shetland next year.
The next S.A.A. competition is the Barry Robertson Memorial Trophy which takes place this Saturday 14th July with a 10.00 check in at either Laxo or Tingwall. Competitors are reminded that they must fish with a pal and that the weigh in is 1730 at Tingwall where the winning pairs will be drawn from a hat.
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D & D Doubles 30-6-18
"Fishing tournaments seem a little like playing tennis with living balls..."`-Jim Harrison" Last Saturday morning Shetlands elite anglers gathered at the Tingwall boat shed for the prestigious D&D doubles trophy< where the top and bottom six seeds were drawn out of a hat. this provided some tasty looking partnerships including, the(on fire) Kevin Roberson and Dave "the crafty cockney" wright,and other pairs to look out for was a rather"circumspect" Mark Sandison and Ian Reid( who promised to keep his car in sight all day)were looking super confident as was Billy Reid and Harry "snakebite"Sandison, other top pairings were Frank Watt and Derek Titherage and Magnie Reid and Greg Anderson,All the teams had the freedom of any Loch in Shetland,Every team was champing at the bit to wrestle the trophy from the reigning Champions Bobby Irvine and Leslie Barclay who were arguing right up to the starting gun as to where to go to fish! Bobby Steadfastedly refused to name a Loch, 10 seconds from the starting gun Leslie suggested the mighty Vaara on the Westside Bobby said ok and before they knew it the starting gun went off and Bobbys foot hit the peddle!. weather was light easterly winds sunny blue skys and 19 degrees far from ideal trooty conditions! Seven and a half hours later and after a lot of Zig-Zagging from Loch to Loch the 6 teams gathered at the Tingwall boat shed, a lot of the teams lamenting the conditions before the weigh in with a few raising there eye brows and keeping quiet, you could cut the tension with a knife as competition secretary Billy Reid set up the scales, in 3rd place was Kevin Robertson and Dave Wright who went on a magical mystery tour of the nesting area where they both got chased out of a field by 3 grizzly rams!they had 3 fish for 1lb 11oz in 2nd place was Greg Anderson and Magnie Reid with an Exellent basket of 10 fish for 7lb 10oz from Clingswater in the Clousta road, Magnie and Greg had success on pink tailed Clingswater killer flys, But taking first place and retaining the trophy they won last year was the incredible Bobby Irvine and Leslie Barclay, who both circumnavigated Vaara several times in there methodical quest to retain there Trophy, they amassed 17 trouts for 9lb 5oz Leslie had success on his own Barclays sunburst Stingy Bee half Hogs, and Bobbys top fly was a red tailed harray ant, the deadly doubles duo basked in the Glory at the end as everybody sportingly clapped, what was an amazing feat considering the conditions.The next bank league competition is on thurs 12th july 18.15-22.30. the Inter Club v Dounreay takes place next weekend in Caithness on the 6th and 7th july where the Shetland team will be looking to defend the trophy they won in such dramatic fashion last year...Everybody in the SAA wishes you well boys.. L.B.
"Fishing tournaments seem a little like playing tennis with living balls..."`-Jim Harrison" Last Saturday morning Shetlands elite anglers gathered at the Tingwall boat shed for the prestigious D&D doubles trophy< where the top and bottom six seeds were drawn out of a hat. this provided some tasty looking partnerships including, the(on fire) Kevin Roberson and Dave "the crafty cockney" wright,and other pairs to look out for was a rather"circumspect" Mark Sandison and Ian Reid( who promised to keep his car in sight all day)were looking super confident as was Billy Reid and Harry "snakebite"Sandison, other top pairings were Frank Watt and Derek Titherage and Magnie Reid and Greg Anderson,All the teams had the freedom of any Loch in Shetland,Every team was champing at the bit to wrestle the trophy from the reigning Champions Bobby Irvine and Leslie Barclay who were arguing right up to the starting gun as to where to go to fish! Bobby Steadfastedly refused to name a Loch, 10 seconds from the starting gun Leslie suggested the mighty Vaara on the Westside Bobby said ok and before they knew it the starting gun went off and Bobbys foot hit the peddle!. weather was light easterly winds sunny blue skys and 19 degrees far from ideal trooty conditions! Seven and a half hours later and after a lot of Zig-Zagging from Loch to Loch the 6 teams gathered at the Tingwall boat shed, a lot of the teams lamenting the conditions before the weigh in with a few raising there eye brows and keeping quiet, you could cut the tension with a knife as competition secretary Billy Reid set up the scales, in 3rd place was Kevin Robertson and Dave Wright who went on a magical mystery tour of the nesting area where they both got chased out of a field by 3 grizzly rams!they had 3 fish for 1lb 11oz in 2nd place was Greg Anderson and Magnie Reid with an Exellent basket of 10 fish for 7lb 10oz from Clingswater in the Clousta road, Magnie and Greg had success on pink tailed Clingswater killer flys, But taking first place and retaining the trophy they won last year was the incredible Bobby Irvine and Leslie Barclay, who both circumnavigated Vaara several times in there methodical quest to retain there Trophy, they amassed 17 trouts for 9lb 5oz Leslie had success on his own Barclays sunburst Stingy Bee half Hogs, and Bobbys top fly was a red tailed harray ant, the deadly doubles duo basked in the Glory at the end as everybody sportingly clapped, what was an amazing feat considering the conditions.The next bank league competition is on thurs 12th july 18.15-22.30. the Inter Club v Dounreay takes place next weekend in Caithness on the 6th and 7th july where the Shetland team will be looking to defend the trophy they won in such dramatic fashion last year...Everybody in the SAA wishes you well boys.. L.B.
Ronas Hill 23-6-18
At 9oclock last Saturday morning 8 of Shetlands toughest fly fishers gathered at the Collafirth pier to take part in SAA equivalent of and iron man contest 11 hours in the Lochs behind Ronas Hill competitors need to be in top physical condition,mentally resilient and have Exellent navigational skills.several books could be written concerning the adventures and mishaps of anglers who have ventured into one of the last true wilderness areas in Shetland!(if not the world) the wind was westerly force 6 with driving rain Ronas Hill herself Completly shrouded in mist and fog hardly ideal conditions for venturing into the unknown but the ever optimistic Billy Reid allayed concerns and assured everyone that it would clear up later in the day. Competitors were soon shooting off to access the "back of the hill"by the Uyea track to the north or the more traditional Roer Water track. SAAs very own cub reporter mark Sandison was telling Everybody at the start how his leg was probably to sore to walk over the hills to his usual distant haunts but as the pickup stopped up at the the end of the Roer Water track mark was off like a Ronas hill Hare over the heather leaving a bewildered Leslie Barclay and Billy Reid struggling to get there rods of the rod racks to get going in pursuit,in the cutthroat sport of competition Angling Sandison has used the oyster catcher method in the past to gain a slight advantage, and the boys fell for it again.as Leslie put on the after burners to try to gain on and keep the dot of Sandison in sight he twisted his bad knee and due to this injury he opted to stay at Roer Water for the day( which later proved to be a blessing in disguise for him)but after 30 minutes fishing Barclay slipped at the edge of the Loch on a big Granite stone and did a perfect belly flop into a foot of Water but got away with bruised elbows and a neck full of freezing Water, an hour into the competition the mist got a lot thicker and Leslie was relieved he was fishing close to Billys pick up.it was 11 hours later that 7 anglers gathered at the Collafirth pier with tales of walking lost in the mist Trowie aspirations spotted on the hills along with relief at getting out unscathed,with Frank Watt(shalder)Sandison and Greg Anderson having spent hours of the day walking around aimlessly lost Untill they finally got there bearings and made the weigh in, the trio had done the cardinal sin of carrying maps but no Compass!? the deadly Whalsay duo Magnie Reid and Bobby irvine had no problems with the mist, as did Barclay and Billy who fished Roar Water, But Shetland football legend Micheal Williamson was a no show everybody present presumed he had an early bath.! Taking first place and the Covetted Ronas hill shield was the Ronas hill veteran who can boast the most wins in this competition the incredible Bobby Irvine had 14 fish for 13Lb 10 oz which also included the heaviest fish of 2Lb 6 oz Bobby got most of his fish from the often Dour Muckle lunga Water taking second place was the lucky Mark Sandison who despite being Hoplessly lost stumbled upon the "fabled" willie Lowrie waters due north of Roar water and finally got his bearings at nearly the end of the competition and took 11 trout in his last 40 mins fishing, third place went to the ever consistent Billy reid with 12 fish for 6Lb 6oz other Sucessfull anglers were Greg Anderson, Frank Watt , Leslie Barclay, and Magnie Reid, it later transpired that Micheal had indeed gone for an early bath he left the loch of the bearded yow at 15.30 but ended up walking around lost for nearly 4 hours with no phone signal with with his strength all but gone he ended up at the twin towers got his bearings and just made his pick up and no more. Williamson was so fatiged he nearly drove to the hospital to get checked out, but has thankfully made a complete recovery,maps with no compasses up Ronas hill is like bacon withoot eggs magnie Reid has allways preached! never a truer quote!! the next competition is the D&D doubles on 30/06/2018 at 10.20 toill17.40 which is a seeded draw for partner based on current league places. where last years champions Bobby Irvine and Leslie Barclay will be looking to defend the illustrious trophy they won last year. L.B.
At 9oclock last Saturday morning 8 of Shetlands toughest fly fishers gathered at the Collafirth pier to take part in SAA equivalent of and iron man contest 11 hours in the Lochs behind Ronas Hill competitors need to be in top physical condition,mentally resilient and have Exellent navigational skills.several books could be written concerning the adventures and mishaps of anglers who have ventured into one of the last true wilderness areas in Shetland!(if not the world) the wind was westerly force 6 with driving rain Ronas Hill herself Completly shrouded in mist and fog hardly ideal conditions for venturing into the unknown but the ever optimistic Billy Reid allayed concerns and assured everyone that it would clear up later in the day. Competitors were soon shooting off to access the "back of the hill"by the Uyea track to the north or the more traditional Roer Water track. SAAs very own cub reporter mark Sandison was telling Everybody at the start how his leg was probably to sore to walk over the hills to his usual distant haunts but as the pickup stopped up at the the end of the Roer Water track mark was off like a Ronas hill Hare over the heather leaving a bewildered Leslie Barclay and Billy Reid struggling to get there rods of the rod racks to get going in pursuit,in the cutthroat sport of competition Angling Sandison has used the oyster catcher method in the past to gain a slight advantage, and the boys fell for it again.as Leslie put on the after burners to try to gain on and keep the dot of Sandison in sight he twisted his bad knee and due to this injury he opted to stay at Roer Water for the day( which later proved to be a blessing in disguise for him)but after 30 minutes fishing Barclay slipped at the edge of the Loch on a big Granite stone and did a perfect belly flop into a foot of Water but got away with bruised elbows and a neck full of freezing Water, an hour into the competition the mist got a lot thicker and Leslie was relieved he was fishing close to Billys pick up.it was 11 hours later that 7 anglers gathered at the Collafirth pier with tales of walking lost in the mist Trowie aspirations spotted on the hills along with relief at getting out unscathed,with Frank Watt(shalder)Sandison and Greg Anderson having spent hours of the day walking around aimlessly lost Untill they finally got there bearings and made the weigh in, the trio had done the cardinal sin of carrying maps but no Compass!? the deadly Whalsay duo Magnie Reid and Bobby irvine had no problems with the mist, as did Barclay and Billy who fished Roar Water, But Shetland football legend Micheal Williamson was a no show everybody present presumed he had an early bath.! Taking first place and the Covetted Ronas hill shield was the Ronas hill veteran who can boast the most wins in this competition the incredible Bobby Irvine had 14 fish for 13Lb 10 oz which also included the heaviest fish of 2Lb 6 oz Bobby got most of his fish from the often Dour Muckle lunga Water taking second place was the lucky Mark Sandison who despite being Hoplessly lost stumbled upon the "fabled" willie Lowrie waters due north of Roar water and finally got his bearings at nearly the end of the competition and took 11 trout in his last 40 mins fishing, third place went to the ever consistent Billy reid with 12 fish for 6Lb 6oz other Sucessfull anglers were Greg Anderson, Frank Watt , Leslie Barclay, and Magnie Reid, it later transpired that Micheal had indeed gone for an early bath he left the loch of the bearded yow at 15.30 but ended up walking around lost for nearly 4 hours with no phone signal with with his strength all but gone he ended up at the twin towers got his bearings and just made his pick up and no more. Williamson was so fatiged he nearly drove to the hospital to get checked out, but has thankfully made a complete recovery,maps with no compasses up Ronas hill is like bacon withoot eggs magnie Reid has allways preached! never a truer quote!! the next competition is the D&D doubles on 30/06/2018 at 10.20 toill17.40 which is a seeded draw for partner based on current league places. where last years champions Bobby Irvine and Leslie Barclay will be looking to defend the illustrious trophy they won last year. L.B.
Olive Hedgehog Olive Octopus Clan Chief
Clousta Road & “Tulloch Shield"
"The gods do not deduct from man's allotted span the hours spent in fishing."
~ Herber Hoover
The first bout of an S.A.A. Fly League double header, which would see two competitions fished over the course of three days, took place last Thursday evening in the Clousta Road area.
Fourteen anglers checked in at the Bixter Hall for the 1815 kick off on what seemed to be a perfect evening for practising the noble art of fly fishing. - Temperatures in the double figures combined with overcast conditions and a gentle Northerly breeze.
The main talking point at the check in was Mark Sandison’s new “lucky” multi coloured socks knitted by Mrs Sandison as a birthday present. Harry Sandison was so impressed that he enquired about putting in an order stating that “knitwear of this quality simply isn’t being produced in da Bonnie Isle anymore!”
This is always a popular competition and parking was at a premium at the Bixter Hall and hard shoulder opposite. A great deal about the character of the competition flyfisher can be deduced from their conduct at the check in. Greig Anderson for example, being one of the last to arrive, did the gentlemanly thing and eased his pickup into line behind the queue of vehicles already nose to tail on the hard shoulder.
Fast forward five minutes and compare this example of perfect manners to the tardy Leslie Barclay who, in a screech of brakes and plume of black smoke, came roaring through the sleepy Westside village and claimed pole position at the head of the queue! No one present could quite believe what they were seeing and there were even a few suggestions of disqualification as Barclay’s bold manoeuvre had also seen him get in front of competition secretary Billy Reid!
All’s well that ends well however. Barclay was in such a passion to get going that he managed to get his fly line in a tangle as he was setting up. The double blast on Billy Reid’s horn to signal the start of the competition saw all the competitors sail past Barclay, giving him a cheery wave as he attempted to unravel the bird’s nest in his line. Poetic justice!
Anglers had a wide choice of lochs in what is Shetland’s premier wild brown trout area. Vaara and Clings Water probably got the Lion’s share of attention but most of the lochs on offer would see action over the course of the evening.
As anglers reassembled for the 1030 weigh it was clear that the area had lived up to expectations and the angling had been good.
In first place, thanks to his new socks, was Mark Sandison with seven trout for 5 lb, 11 & ¾ oz. from Clings Water. Sandison had taken the advice of the experienced Magnie Reid at the check in and mounted a “Christmas Tree” on the point of his cast.
Runner up was the on fire Kevin Robertson with five fish for 4 lb & ½ oz. Kevin had fished Kirkhouse where his top fly was an “Olive Sedge Thingy.” Kevin’s basket also contained the heaviest trout of the evening at 1 lb, 10 oz.
Third spot went to Bobby Irvine who had six from Vaara for 3 lb, 10 oz. Bobby had success with a “Clan Chief.”
"The gods do not deduct from man's allotted span the hours spent in fishing."
~ Herber Hoover
The first bout of an S.A.A. Fly League double header, which would see two competitions fished over the course of three days, took place last Thursday evening in the Clousta Road area.
Fourteen anglers checked in at the Bixter Hall for the 1815 kick off on what seemed to be a perfect evening for practising the noble art of fly fishing. - Temperatures in the double figures combined with overcast conditions and a gentle Northerly breeze.
The main talking point at the check in was Mark Sandison’s new “lucky” multi coloured socks knitted by Mrs Sandison as a birthday present. Harry Sandison was so impressed that he enquired about putting in an order stating that “knitwear of this quality simply isn’t being produced in da Bonnie Isle anymore!”
This is always a popular competition and parking was at a premium at the Bixter Hall and hard shoulder opposite. A great deal about the character of the competition flyfisher can be deduced from their conduct at the check in. Greig Anderson for example, being one of the last to arrive, did the gentlemanly thing and eased his pickup into line behind the queue of vehicles already nose to tail on the hard shoulder.
Fast forward five minutes and compare this example of perfect manners to the tardy Leslie Barclay who, in a screech of brakes and plume of black smoke, came roaring through the sleepy Westside village and claimed pole position at the head of the queue! No one present could quite believe what they were seeing and there were even a few suggestions of disqualification as Barclay’s bold manoeuvre had also seen him get in front of competition secretary Billy Reid!
All’s well that ends well however. Barclay was in such a passion to get going that he managed to get his fly line in a tangle as he was setting up. The double blast on Billy Reid’s horn to signal the start of the competition saw all the competitors sail past Barclay, giving him a cheery wave as he attempted to unravel the bird’s nest in his line. Poetic justice!
Anglers had a wide choice of lochs in what is Shetland’s premier wild brown trout area. Vaara and Clings Water probably got the Lion’s share of attention but most of the lochs on offer would see action over the course of the evening.
As anglers reassembled for the 1030 weigh it was clear that the area had lived up to expectations and the angling had been good.
In first place, thanks to his new socks, was Mark Sandison with seven trout for 5 lb, 11 & ¾ oz. from Clings Water. Sandison had taken the advice of the experienced Magnie Reid at the check in and mounted a “Christmas Tree” on the point of his cast.
Runner up was the on fire Kevin Robertson with five fish for 4 lb & ½ oz. Kevin had fished Kirkhouse where his top fly was an “Olive Sedge Thingy.” Kevin’s basket also contained the heaviest trout of the evening at 1 lb, 10 oz.
Third spot went to Bobby Irvine who had six from Vaara for 3 lb, 10 oz. Bobby had success with a “Clan Chief.”
Clan Chief Christmas Tree Olive Sedge Thingy
Other successful anglers were Billy Reid, Magnie Reid, Peter Laurenson, Leslie Barclay, Frank Watt, Greig Anderson, Robert Scougall, Derek Titheradge and Harry Sandison.
Anglers had scarcely had time to get their tackle dried out before it was time to don their waders and fishy socks again and head for the Tingwall Boat Shed on Saturday morning for round six of the Bank League. This event would also double with the much coveted “Tulloch Midsummer Shield.”
The main business at the check in was the unveiling of the new “Barry Robertson” memorial trophy by his son Kevin. This beautiful prize, the creation of local craftsman Alan Moncrieff, will take pride of place in the S.A.A. trophy cabinet and was presented to last year’s winners, a delighted Peter Laurenson and Billy Reid.
Another good turnout of anglers had a choice of all the premier lochs on the Mainland. However with so many of our lochs fishing well at the moment, choosing the correct venue would be crucial to success!
It was great to see young Whalsay man Liam Wheelan at his first competition this year. He did particularly well not to be influenced by experienced campaigner Jeemie Sandison who attempted to send Wheelan on a wild goose chase in the West side. Liam heeded the warnings of Mark Sandison and Peter Laurenson who have both fallen foul of Jeemie’s dirty tricks in the past!
Competitors were soon shooting off to the three corners of Shetland under an overcast sky and gentle Northerly breeze which would leave little room for complaint. As ever time spent flyfishing seems to shoot by at three times the speed of normal time and all too soon anglers were checking their watches and heading back to the Tingwall shed for the weigh in.
Taking first place and retaining the Tulloch Shield was Billy Reid with a fantastic basket of thirteen trout from Tingwall for 8 lb & ¼ oz. Billy is virtually unstoppable when he gets up a head of steam with his trademark “Hedgehogs!”
Runner up was Frank Watt who cemented his position at the top of the Bank League with another Tingwall basket of seven fish for 4 lb, 8 & ¾ oz. Frank had also utilised “Hedgehogs” to devastating effect.
Third spot went to Kevin Robertson who can do no wrong at the moment. Kevin had managed to coax seven trout out of a very indifferent Spiggie for 4 lb, 7 & ½ oz when everyone else who had opted for the “Deep South” struggled. Robertson had scored with an “Olive Muddler Thingy.
Anglers had scarcely had time to get their tackle dried out before it was time to don their waders and fishy socks again and head for the Tingwall Boat Shed on Saturday morning for round six of the Bank League. This event would also double with the much coveted “Tulloch Midsummer Shield.”
The main business at the check in was the unveiling of the new “Barry Robertson” memorial trophy by his son Kevin. This beautiful prize, the creation of local craftsman Alan Moncrieff, will take pride of place in the S.A.A. trophy cabinet and was presented to last year’s winners, a delighted Peter Laurenson and Billy Reid.
Another good turnout of anglers had a choice of all the premier lochs on the Mainland. However with so many of our lochs fishing well at the moment, choosing the correct venue would be crucial to success!
It was great to see young Whalsay man Liam Wheelan at his first competition this year. He did particularly well not to be influenced by experienced campaigner Jeemie Sandison who attempted to send Wheelan on a wild goose chase in the West side. Liam heeded the warnings of Mark Sandison and Peter Laurenson who have both fallen foul of Jeemie’s dirty tricks in the past!
Competitors were soon shooting off to the three corners of Shetland under an overcast sky and gentle Northerly breeze which would leave little room for complaint. As ever time spent flyfishing seems to shoot by at three times the speed of normal time and all too soon anglers were checking their watches and heading back to the Tingwall shed for the weigh in.
Taking first place and retaining the Tulloch Shield was Billy Reid with a fantastic basket of thirteen trout from Tingwall for 8 lb & ¼ oz. Billy is virtually unstoppable when he gets up a head of steam with his trademark “Hedgehogs!”
Runner up was Frank Watt who cemented his position at the top of the Bank League with another Tingwall basket of seven fish for 4 lb, 8 & ¾ oz. Frank had also utilised “Hedgehogs” to devastating effect.
Third spot went to Kevin Robertson who can do no wrong at the moment. Kevin had managed to coax seven trout out of a very indifferent Spiggie for 4 lb, 7 & ½ oz when everyone else who had opted for the “Deep South” struggled. Robertson had scored with an “Olive Muddler Thingy.
Olive Muddler Thingy Claret Hedgehog Olive Hedgehog
Other successful anglers were Harry Sandison, Liam Wheelan, Magnus Reid, Alastair Jamieson, Leslie Barclay, Bobby Irvine, Peter Laurenson, Mark Sandison, Derek Titheradge, Jeemie Sandison and Dave Wright.
With six out of the nine league competitions having been fished this leaves the table as follows:
With six out of the nine league competitions having been fished this leaves the table as follows:
The Bank League now takes a break until the middle of July. At the beginning of July the S.A.A. bank team will travel to Caithness to face the mighty D.F.F.A. We wish our lads every success. Trout Bums need not despair however as the annual Ronas Hill Trophy takes place on Saturday 23rd June with a 09.00 check in at the Collafirth pier. Flyfishers are reminded to pack their map and compass.
Northmavine 31-5-18
"The fishing was good; it was the catching that was bad."
~A.K. Best~
The North Mainland was the venue for round four of the S.A.A. Fly Bank League which took place last Thursday evening. A healthy turnout of 16 anglers checked in at Mavis Grind on a balmy Shetland summer’s evening more suited for a trip to the beach rather than the demanding sport of competition fly fishing.
With temperatures reaching the high teens during the day the majority of competitors were lounging round the Mavis Grind car park in designer T-Shirts as they waited for the 1815 kick off. Greig Anderson and Mark Sandison however elected to go with a fleece over their base layer, choosing function over fashion. Both boys would be grateful for this extra layer as the sun dipped behind Ronas Hill at 10 p.m.
It was great to see John Laurenson attending his first fly competition in many a long year - and looking quite dapper in some brand new gear.
Speaking of “gear” there were a few of raised eyebrows over Magnie Reid’s wading boots. Billy Reid commented that the sole looked more like a running shoe than a wading boot and questioned their gripping power on the hard rock bottom of the Northmavine lochs. Nobody present however was prepared to go up against the new streamlined Magnie in a foot race!
Conspicuous by his absence was the force of nature that is Leslie Barclay. It turned out that Leslie for once had been extremely organised. He’d packed all his angling gear into the car at lunchtime before taking his Mum shopping in Lerwick in the afternoon with the intention of dropping her off in Voe on his way up to the check in. Imagine Leslie’s consternation when after dropping off his Mam, complete with messages, in Voe, he returned to his car to discover that there was no fly rod on the rod racks! A hot run to Lerwick ensued where Leslie was reunited with his most essential piece of equipment!
Barclay had no need to hurry however. As predicted this was going to be an extremely tough competition after a day of blazing sun and it was only as the evening wore on and the sun began to settle in the West that the trout would become more cooperative.
Taking first place with four fish for 2 lb, 3 & ¼ oz. was Kevin Robertson. Kevin had fished Punds Water where one of his top flies was a “Green Tailed Loch Ordie.” Robertson has hit the ground running after a few years away from the competitive fly fishing scene.
Second spot went to the on form Peter Laurenson who had three trout, also from Punds Water, for 1 lb, 12 & ¼ oz. Peter’s top fly was a Blue Zulu variant.
In third place was Greig Anderson whose never say die attitude had seen him take three fish in the last half hour of the competition for 1 lb, 8 & ¾ oz from Eela Water. Greig’s killing fly was a “Blue Loch.”
Other anglers gaining valuable league points were Bobby Irvine, Ian Reid, Billy Reid, Frank Watt, Leslie Barclay, Derek Titheradge and Dave Wright. This leaves the league table as follows:
"The fishing was good; it was the catching that was bad."
~A.K. Best~
The North Mainland was the venue for round four of the S.A.A. Fly Bank League which took place last Thursday evening. A healthy turnout of 16 anglers checked in at Mavis Grind on a balmy Shetland summer’s evening more suited for a trip to the beach rather than the demanding sport of competition fly fishing.
With temperatures reaching the high teens during the day the majority of competitors were lounging round the Mavis Grind car park in designer T-Shirts as they waited for the 1815 kick off. Greig Anderson and Mark Sandison however elected to go with a fleece over their base layer, choosing function over fashion. Both boys would be grateful for this extra layer as the sun dipped behind Ronas Hill at 10 p.m.
It was great to see John Laurenson attending his first fly competition in many a long year - and looking quite dapper in some brand new gear.
Speaking of “gear” there were a few of raised eyebrows over Magnie Reid’s wading boots. Billy Reid commented that the sole looked more like a running shoe than a wading boot and questioned their gripping power on the hard rock bottom of the Northmavine lochs. Nobody present however was prepared to go up against the new streamlined Magnie in a foot race!
Conspicuous by his absence was the force of nature that is Leslie Barclay. It turned out that Leslie for once had been extremely organised. He’d packed all his angling gear into the car at lunchtime before taking his Mum shopping in Lerwick in the afternoon with the intention of dropping her off in Voe on his way up to the check in. Imagine Leslie’s consternation when after dropping off his Mam, complete with messages, in Voe, he returned to his car to discover that there was no fly rod on the rod racks! A hot run to Lerwick ensued where Leslie was reunited with his most essential piece of equipment!
Barclay had no need to hurry however. As predicted this was going to be an extremely tough competition after a day of blazing sun and it was only as the evening wore on and the sun began to settle in the West that the trout would become more cooperative.
Taking first place with four fish for 2 lb, 3 & ¼ oz. was Kevin Robertson. Kevin had fished Punds Water where one of his top flies was a “Green Tailed Loch Ordie.” Robertson has hit the ground running after a few years away from the competitive fly fishing scene.
Second spot went to the on form Peter Laurenson who had three trout, also from Punds Water, for 1 lb, 12 & ¼ oz. Peter’s top fly was a Blue Zulu variant.
In third place was Greig Anderson whose never say die attitude had seen him take three fish in the last half hour of the competition for 1 lb, 8 & ¾ oz from Eela Water. Greig’s killing fly was a “Blue Loch.”
Other anglers gaining valuable league points were Bobby Irvine, Ian Reid, Billy Reid, Frank Watt, Leslie Barclay, Derek Titheradge and Dave Wright. This leaves the league table as follows:
Next week sees a league double header with an evening competition on Thursday 7th June on the lochs in the Clousta Road. Check in is at 1815 at the Bixter Hall. This is closely followed by the Tulloch Shield which will be fished on Saturday 9th June with a 1020 check in at the Tingwall Boat shed.
Zulu Variant Green Tailed Loch Ordie Blue Loch
Trout Festival 2018
The Shetland Angler’s Association celebrated its annual trout festival last week with healthy turnout of flyfishers. The festival is fished over three evenings – Wednesday, Thursday and Friday – before culminating in an all day competition on Saturday.
The blazing sunshine of Wednesday teatime couldn’t dampen the enthusiasm of competitors who checked in at the S.A.A. Burn’s Lane clubrooms and Laxo for an evenings fishing. Despite the fact that Spiggie hasn’t really been setting the heather alight this year there was a large convoy that headed to the Deep South. It was Bobby Irvine who came up trumps however as he went in the opposite direction taking 6 fish from Northmavine for 4 lb, 1 oz and first prize on the night. The biggest fish was caught by veteran Jeemie Sandison, a Spiggie beauty of 2 lb, 5 & ¼ oz.
Thursday saw similar conditions to Wednesday although it perhaps didn’t get as bitterly cold when the sun dipped below the hill. Again it was the amazing Bobby Irvine in first place with another basket from Northmavine of four trout for 3 lb, 4 & ¼ oz. Heaviest fish went to young Louis Duncan who blew everyone else out of the water with a specimen of 1 lb, 12 & ¾ oz taken on his own “Louis’s Orange Muddler.”
By Friday evening it was getting to the stage of “last men standing.” It was Bobby Irvine yet again who was the “Main Man” making it a hat trick with seven trout from the Westside for 5 lb, 1 oz. However making a late tilt for the title was Billy Reid with six fish for 4 lb, 9 & ¼ oz. Was this too little too late? We would see on Saturday. Friday’s heaviest fish went to “Comeback Kid” Magnie Reid with a trout of 2 lb & ¼ oz.
Another large turnout for the all day Saturday competition bore testimony to the stamina and fitness of the modern day flyfisher. This was evidenced in particular by Marc Beswick who spent a day trekking in the wilderness of the Scalloway hills. In first place again was Billy Reid with a fabulous basket on a day of blazing sunshine of eleven trout for 8 lb, 10 oz. A great average! Heaviest fish and indeed heaviest trout of the week went to Darren Laurenson with a Benson monster of 2 lb, 11 oz. Well done Darren. Darren was ably assisted by top boatman Josh Brush who was unfortunately unable to join in the evening’s celebrations after being unavoidably detained at home.
Once all the figures were added up it was Billy Reid who was crowned overall Trout Festival 2018 champion with 23 fish for 17 lb & ½ oz. Runner up was Bobby Irvine with 21 trout for 15 lb, 6 & ¼ oz. This was a great achievement by two flyfishers at the very top of their game in what was a very tricky angling conditions!
Participants then retired to the S.A.A. clubrooms for a well deserved evening of craic and banter which lasted long into the night with an excellent Chinese buffet provided by Tony Li. Leslie Barclay was in top form regaling everyone with stories and anecdotes of his 9 lives and misadventure down through the years. Tempting as they are to document in this column Billy Reid was correct to point out that “The first rule of Trooty Club is you do not talk about Trooty Club!”
The Shetland Angler’s Association celebrated its annual trout festival last week with healthy turnout of flyfishers. The festival is fished over three evenings – Wednesday, Thursday and Friday – before culminating in an all day competition on Saturday.
The blazing sunshine of Wednesday teatime couldn’t dampen the enthusiasm of competitors who checked in at the S.A.A. Burn’s Lane clubrooms and Laxo for an evenings fishing. Despite the fact that Spiggie hasn’t really been setting the heather alight this year there was a large convoy that headed to the Deep South. It was Bobby Irvine who came up trumps however as he went in the opposite direction taking 6 fish from Northmavine for 4 lb, 1 oz and first prize on the night. The biggest fish was caught by veteran Jeemie Sandison, a Spiggie beauty of 2 lb, 5 & ¼ oz.
Thursday saw similar conditions to Wednesday although it perhaps didn’t get as bitterly cold when the sun dipped below the hill. Again it was the amazing Bobby Irvine in first place with another basket from Northmavine of four trout for 3 lb, 4 & ¼ oz. Heaviest fish went to young Louis Duncan who blew everyone else out of the water with a specimen of 1 lb, 12 & ¾ oz taken on his own “Louis’s Orange Muddler.”
By Friday evening it was getting to the stage of “last men standing.” It was Bobby Irvine yet again who was the “Main Man” making it a hat trick with seven trout from the Westside for 5 lb, 1 oz. However making a late tilt for the title was Billy Reid with six fish for 4 lb, 9 & ¼ oz. Was this too little too late? We would see on Saturday. Friday’s heaviest fish went to “Comeback Kid” Magnie Reid with a trout of 2 lb & ¼ oz.
Another large turnout for the all day Saturday competition bore testimony to the stamina and fitness of the modern day flyfisher. This was evidenced in particular by Marc Beswick who spent a day trekking in the wilderness of the Scalloway hills. In first place again was Billy Reid with a fabulous basket on a day of blazing sunshine of eleven trout for 8 lb, 10 oz. A great average! Heaviest fish and indeed heaviest trout of the week went to Darren Laurenson with a Benson monster of 2 lb, 11 oz. Well done Darren. Darren was ably assisted by top boatman Josh Brush who was unfortunately unable to join in the evening’s celebrations after being unavoidably detained at home.
Once all the figures were added up it was Billy Reid who was crowned overall Trout Festival 2018 champion with 23 fish for 17 lb & ½ oz. Runner up was Bobby Irvine with 21 trout for 15 lb, 6 & ¼ oz. This was a great achievement by two flyfishers at the very top of their game in what was a very tricky angling conditions!
Participants then retired to the S.A.A. clubrooms for a well deserved evening of craic and banter which lasted long into the night with an excellent Chinese buffet provided by Tony Li. Leslie Barclay was in top form regaling everyone with stories and anecdotes of his 9 lives and misadventure down through the years. Tempting as they are to document in this column Billy Reid was correct to point out that “The first rule of Trooty Club is you do not talk about Trooty Club!”
West Side 10-5-18
"There he stands, draped in more equipment than a telephone lineman, trying to outwit an organism with a brain no bigger than a breadcrumb, and getting licked in the process."
~ Paul O'Neil
Anglers met at Bixter last Thursday to fish round three of the S.A.A. Fly Bank League. A beautiful Shetland Spring evening saw a healthy turnout and the return of some famous faces including Kevin Robertson, Robert Scougal and father and son duo Magnie and Ian Reid.
There were a few injury concerns in the shape of Leslie Barclay (back), Ian Reid (ribs), Mark Sandison (hip) and Billy Reid (knee). However resurgent OAP, the newly stream lined Magnie Reid, put his younger colleagues to shame as he skipped across the car park to check in with competition secretary Billy Reid.
Competitors were spoilt for choice as they had a selection of all the major lochs on the Wild West of the Shetland Mainland to choose from. However anglers are seldom happy and “Old Jamaica” blazing down out of an azure Blue sky was far from ideal.
Despite the poor angling conditions competitors were as excited as ever to get underway. Indeed one angler who shall remain nameless – and it wasn’t Leslie Barclay – was halfway down the A971 before he realised that the boot of his hatchback was still open!
The fifteen starting anglers spread themselves out fairly evenly over the 16 lochs on offer. This is traditionally a very difficult competition and tonight would be no exception. Everyone was looking for the sun to dip below the horizon in the hope that this would bring the fish on. However the setting sun was accompanied by a falling away of the South Westerly wind and plummeting temperatures. Horrible trout fishing conditions!
As ever this was evidenced by the amount of anglers motoring between lochs in the forlorn hope that the next loch down the road might produce that elusive fish. In fact Mark Sandison was so busy watching vehicles with rod racks motoring past that he slipped over an edge in the loch – and of course over his waders! Not the best on a chilly evening.
As anglers reconvened at the Bixter Graveyard car park for the 1030 weigh in it was clear that the angling had indeed been very poor with most anglers grateful to have a single fish in their baskets.
In first place however and bucking the trend was Frank Watt who had four fish from Stump for 2 lb, 2 & ½ oz. Frank can do no wrong at the moment and this was quite an achievement on an extremely difficult evening. Frank’s top fly was a "Hare's Ear Hedgehog."
Second spot went to another angler at the top of his game. Peter Laurenson had three trout from the Hulma Lees for 1 lb, 12 & ¼ oz. on a "Peach Muddler Variant."
In third place was Billy Reid who had fished Longa Water for three fish weighing 1 lb, 4 & ½ oz. Billy’s top fly was an “Orange Hedgehog.”
Other anglers gaining points were Greig Anderson, Jeemie Sandison, Mark Sandison, Kevin Robertson, Bobby Irvine, Harry Sandison and Ian Reid.
With a third of this year’s league competitions now having been fished this leaves the league table as follows.
"There he stands, draped in more equipment than a telephone lineman, trying to outwit an organism with a brain no bigger than a breadcrumb, and getting licked in the process."
~ Paul O'Neil
Anglers met at Bixter last Thursday to fish round three of the S.A.A. Fly Bank League. A beautiful Shetland Spring evening saw a healthy turnout and the return of some famous faces including Kevin Robertson, Robert Scougal and father and son duo Magnie and Ian Reid.
There were a few injury concerns in the shape of Leslie Barclay (back), Ian Reid (ribs), Mark Sandison (hip) and Billy Reid (knee). However resurgent OAP, the newly stream lined Magnie Reid, put his younger colleagues to shame as he skipped across the car park to check in with competition secretary Billy Reid.
Competitors were spoilt for choice as they had a selection of all the major lochs on the Wild West of the Shetland Mainland to choose from. However anglers are seldom happy and “Old Jamaica” blazing down out of an azure Blue sky was far from ideal.
Despite the poor angling conditions competitors were as excited as ever to get underway. Indeed one angler who shall remain nameless – and it wasn’t Leslie Barclay – was halfway down the A971 before he realised that the boot of his hatchback was still open!
The fifteen starting anglers spread themselves out fairly evenly over the 16 lochs on offer. This is traditionally a very difficult competition and tonight would be no exception. Everyone was looking for the sun to dip below the horizon in the hope that this would bring the fish on. However the setting sun was accompanied by a falling away of the South Westerly wind and plummeting temperatures. Horrible trout fishing conditions!
As ever this was evidenced by the amount of anglers motoring between lochs in the forlorn hope that the next loch down the road might produce that elusive fish. In fact Mark Sandison was so busy watching vehicles with rod racks motoring past that he slipped over an edge in the loch – and of course over his waders! Not the best on a chilly evening.
As anglers reconvened at the Bixter Graveyard car park for the 1030 weigh in it was clear that the angling had indeed been very poor with most anglers grateful to have a single fish in their baskets.
In first place however and bucking the trend was Frank Watt who had four fish from Stump for 2 lb, 2 & ½ oz. Frank can do no wrong at the moment and this was quite an achievement on an extremely difficult evening. Frank’s top fly was a "Hare's Ear Hedgehog."
Second spot went to another angler at the top of his game. Peter Laurenson had three trout from the Hulma Lees for 1 lb, 12 & ¼ oz. on a "Peach Muddler Variant."
In third place was Billy Reid who had fished Longa Water for three fish weighing 1 lb, 4 & ½ oz. Billy’s top fly was an “Orange Hedgehog.”
Other anglers gaining points were Greig Anderson, Jeemie Sandison, Mark Sandison, Kevin Robertson, Bobby Irvine, Harry Sandison and Ian Reid.
With a third of this year’s league competitions now having been fished this leaves the league table as follows.
The next competition takes place on Thursday 31st May in North Mavine with an 1815 check in at Mavis Grind.
Peach Muddler Variant. Orange Hedgehog. Hare's Ear Hedgehog.
Pottinger Benston Trophy 3-5-18
"There's a fine line between fishing and standing on the shore like an idiot."
~ Steven Wright
Eight hardy fly fishers rocked up at the Benston Boat Park last Thursday evening to fish for the prestigious Pottinger Benston Trophy – or as Cockney, Dave Wright put it, “Seven Shetlanders and a hard South London boy!”
This is a notoriously difficult competition and it takes a special kind of mentality to fish for four hours on the dour Benston, where it is quite easy to start thinking that there isn’t a single trout in the loch!
Very conspicuous by his absence was cub reporter Leslie Barclay. This was unusual as Barclay is a Benston stalwart who usually doesn’t flinch at the prospect of a session on this cruel water. Luckily the S.A.A.’s senior media correspondent was on hand to ensure that there would be a fair and even handed account of the evening’s proceedings.
Although it has been a slow start to the season on the majority of Shetland lochs there had been fairly positive reports coming from the Nesting area. So there was definitely a quiet optimism among competitors as they chatted fishing and flies before the 1815 kick off. Overcast skies with a blustery Southerly wind would leave little room for complaint on an evening made for big fish.
Anglers were soon fanning out around the shores of Benston in search of that special fishy corner, point or skerry. Special mention must go to Greig Anderson who braved wading the causeway to the island not once, but twice in search of that elusive trout.
As the evening wore on temperatures tumbled and so did the anglers. It was only four of the most robust starters who were left standing at the 10.30 weigh in.
Taking first place with a superb basket of four fish for 4 lb, 2 & ¾ oz. was the “hard as nails” Billy Reid. Billy’s basket contained a heavy fish of 1 lb, 13 oz. and his top fly was a “Straggle Fritz Clan Chief.” Billy’s feat was all the more notable as he’d fished for four hours in conditions that can only be describes as “Baltic” in leaky waders.
In runner up spot was S.A.A veteran Peter Laurenson who has started the season with a bang. Peter had two trout for 2 lb, 9 & ½ oz. taken on a “Peach Muddler.”
In third place and living up to his tough reputation was Dave Wright with a specimen of 2 lb, 2 & ½ oz taken on a “Waterloo Sunset.” Dave was initially a tad reluctant to part with his killing fly for the S.A.A. fly box. However he was left with little option after being leant on by Burra “heavies” Billy Reid and Peter Laurenson – the real deal in hard men!
Other successful anglers were Mark Sandison.
The bank competitions take a break now as the S.A.A. celebrate the “Trout Festival” beginning on Wednesday 16th May. The fourth Bank League competition takes place in the North Mainland on Thursday 31st May with an 1815 check in at Mavis grind. Full details as always can be found on the S.A.A. website. http://www.shetlandtrout.co.uk/fishing.html
Pottinger Benston Trophy 3-5-18
"There's a fine line between fishing and standing on the shore like an idiot."
~ Steven Wright
Eight hardy fly fishers rocked up at the Benston Boat Park last Thursday evening to fish for the prestigious Pottinger Benston Trophy – or as Cockney, Dave Wright put it, “Seven Shetlanders and a hard South London boy!”
This is a notoriously difficult competition and it takes a special kind of mentality to fish for four hours on the dour Benston, where it is quite easy to start thinking that there isn’t a single trout in the loch!
Very conspicuous by his absence was cub reporter Leslie Barclay. This was unusual as Barclay is a Benston stalwart who usually doesn’t flinch at the prospect of a session on this cruel water. Luckily the S.A.A.’s senior media correspondent was on hand to ensure that there would be a fair and even handed account of the evening’s proceedings.
Although it has been a slow start to the season on the majority of Shetland lochs there had been fairly positive reports coming from the Nesting area. So there was definitely a quiet optimism among competitors as they chatted fishing and flies before the 1815 kick off. Overcast skies with a blustery Southerly wind would leave little room for complaint on an evening made for big fish.
Anglers were soon fanning out around the shores of Benston in search of that special fishy corner, point or skerry. Special mention must go to Greig Anderson who braved wading the causeway to the island not once, but twice in search of that elusive trout.
As the evening wore on temperatures tumbled and so did the anglers. It was only four of the most robust starters who were left standing at the 10.30 weigh in.
Taking first place with a superb basket of four fish for 4 lb, 2 & ¾ oz. was the “hard as nails” Billy Reid. Billy’s basket contained a heavy fish of 1 lb, 13 oz. and his top fly was a “Straggle Fritz Clan Chief.” Billy’s feat was all the more notable as he’d fished for four hours in conditions that can only be describes as “Baltic” in leaky waders.
In runner up spot was S.A.A veteran Peter Laurenson who has started the season with a bang. Peter had two trout for 2 lb, 9 & ½ oz. taken on a “Peach Muddler.”
In third place and living up to his tough reputation was Dave Wright with a specimen of 2 lb, 2 & ½ oz taken on a “Waterloo Sunset.” Dave was initially a tad reluctant to part with his killing fly for the S.A.A. fly box. However he was left with little option after being leant on by Burra “heavies” Billy Reid and Peter Laurenson – the real deal in hard men!
Other successful anglers were Mark Sandison.
The bank competitions take a break now as the S.A.A. celebrate the “Trout Festival” beginning on Wednesday 16th May. The fourth Bank League competition takes place in the North Mainland on Thursday 31st May with an 1815 check in at Mavis grind. Full details as always can be found on the S.A.A. website. http://www.shetlandtrout.co.uk/fishing.html
Waterloo Sunset Straggle Clan Chief Peach Muddler
Central Mainland & South ( Antares Trophy) 28-4-18
"I look into ... my fly box, and think about all the elements I should consider in choosing the perfect fly: water temperature, what stage of development the bugs are in, what the fish are eating right now. Then I remember what a guide told me: 'Ninety percent of what a trout eats is brown and fuzzy and about five-eighths of an inch long.'"
~by Allison Moir, "Love the Man, Love the Fly Rod", in A Different Angle: Fly Fishing Stories by Women
Flyfishers congregated at the Tingwall Boat Shed last Saturday morning for round two of the S.A.A. Fly Bank League. There was a strangely subdued atmosphere amongst the usually noisy and excited group as news filtered through the ranks that the talismanic Leslie Barclay would have to pull out of this year’s bank team to face the mighty “Dounreay Fly Fishers” in Caithness. Apparently Leslie had overlooked the fact that his daughter’s wedding was on the same weekend as the competition! It was soon established that the dependable Tony Li was next in line for a team place. Tony is currently on a family holiday in Japan but a quick phone call via satellite brought him the good news. His whoops of joy could be heard all over the far East.
Conspicuous by his absence so far this season is the force of nature that is Dale Williamson. Unfortunately Dale is flat out lambing at the moment on his Wastside croft. Williamson would have been just the tonic to add some spice to such a downbeat gathering. Things were so bad that the “glass half empty” Alastair Jamieson had almost managed to convince Bobby Irvine and Mark Sandison that there was little point in even trying for a trout today with his prophecies of doom!
Back to the business of the day however. Like last week competitors had a range of lochs to choose from in the Central Mainland. However a handful of lochs had now been removed from the North of the area and been replaced by venues in the South Mainland. This of course included the mighty Spiggie which on it’s day is arguably the best trout water in the islands. Like all the lochs this year however Spiggie has had a particularly slow start. Of course as every flyfisher knows it can switch on in an instant. The question was if anyone would be brave enough to take the chance of a trip to the “Deep South.”
The cold North wind and bright sunshine which of course is total anthema to the flyfisher meant that there wasn’t really a great deal of urgency to get going at the 1020 kick off.
With the lochs being so poor so far this year the starting gun saw anglers fairly well spread out over most of the waters on offer. Bobby Irvine and Mark Sandison certainly didn’t have a spring in their step, after there pep. talk from Jamieson, as they trudged over the hill to Griesta.
Of course it wasn’t long before the tell tale sign of competitors steaming around in their vehicles indicated that the angling was proving to be extremely difficult. As it happened it was probably the anglers who chose one venue and stuck it out who faired best.
Blowing everyone else out of the water and taking first place was the “Comeback Kid” Frank Watt with a fantastic basket of 21 fish for 19lb, 11 & ½ oz. Wow! Frank also had the the heaviest trout of the day – a Spiggie beauty going 2 lb, 5 & ¼ oz. Watt had come into contact with several shoals of cruising fish and his top fly was a “Green Tailed Black Muddler.” This outstanding basket will undoubtedly win Frank several more trophys come the final round up at the end of the season as well as the “Antares Trophy” which he claimed today.
Second spot went to Greig Anderson with another superb bag, considering the conditions, of six trout for 6 lb, 6 oz. Another excellent average! Greigs basket also contained a beezer of 2 lb, 3 & ½ oz. Greigs Killing fly was that old (indeed possibly the oldest trout fly of all time) favourite, the “Soldier Palmer.”
In third place, despite having three more fish than Greig, was Mark Sandison whose basket came to 5 lb, 6 oz. Try as he might Sandison just couldn’t nail that quality specimen which would have given his basket the boost it needed. Sandison’s top fly was that versatile Orkney pattern, the “Peach Muddler.”
Other successful anglers, on an incredibly difficult day for most, were Peter Laurenson, Dave Wright, Bobby Irvine and Alastair Jamieson.
This leaves the league positions as follows:
"I look into ... my fly box, and think about all the elements I should consider in choosing the perfect fly: water temperature, what stage of development the bugs are in, what the fish are eating right now. Then I remember what a guide told me: 'Ninety percent of what a trout eats is brown and fuzzy and about five-eighths of an inch long.'"
~by Allison Moir, "Love the Man, Love the Fly Rod", in A Different Angle: Fly Fishing Stories by Women
Flyfishers congregated at the Tingwall Boat Shed last Saturday morning for round two of the S.A.A. Fly Bank League. There was a strangely subdued atmosphere amongst the usually noisy and excited group as news filtered through the ranks that the talismanic Leslie Barclay would have to pull out of this year’s bank team to face the mighty “Dounreay Fly Fishers” in Caithness. Apparently Leslie had overlooked the fact that his daughter’s wedding was on the same weekend as the competition! It was soon established that the dependable Tony Li was next in line for a team place. Tony is currently on a family holiday in Japan but a quick phone call via satellite brought him the good news. His whoops of joy could be heard all over the far East.
Conspicuous by his absence so far this season is the force of nature that is Dale Williamson. Unfortunately Dale is flat out lambing at the moment on his Wastside croft. Williamson would have been just the tonic to add some spice to such a downbeat gathering. Things were so bad that the “glass half empty” Alastair Jamieson had almost managed to convince Bobby Irvine and Mark Sandison that there was little point in even trying for a trout today with his prophecies of doom!
Back to the business of the day however. Like last week competitors had a range of lochs to choose from in the Central Mainland. However a handful of lochs had now been removed from the North of the area and been replaced by venues in the South Mainland. This of course included the mighty Spiggie which on it’s day is arguably the best trout water in the islands. Like all the lochs this year however Spiggie has had a particularly slow start. Of course as every flyfisher knows it can switch on in an instant. The question was if anyone would be brave enough to take the chance of a trip to the “Deep South.”
The cold North wind and bright sunshine which of course is total anthema to the flyfisher meant that there wasn’t really a great deal of urgency to get going at the 1020 kick off.
With the lochs being so poor so far this year the starting gun saw anglers fairly well spread out over most of the waters on offer. Bobby Irvine and Mark Sandison certainly didn’t have a spring in their step, after there pep. talk from Jamieson, as they trudged over the hill to Griesta.
Of course it wasn’t long before the tell tale sign of competitors steaming around in their vehicles indicated that the angling was proving to be extremely difficult. As it happened it was probably the anglers who chose one venue and stuck it out who faired best.
Blowing everyone else out of the water and taking first place was the “Comeback Kid” Frank Watt with a fantastic basket of 21 fish for 19lb, 11 & ½ oz. Wow! Frank also had the the heaviest trout of the day – a Spiggie beauty going 2 lb, 5 & ¼ oz. Watt had come into contact with several shoals of cruising fish and his top fly was a “Green Tailed Black Muddler.” This outstanding basket will undoubtedly win Frank several more trophys come the final round up at the end of the season as well as the “Antares Trophy” which he claimed today.
Second spot went to Greig Anderson with another superb bag, considering the conditions, of six trout for 6 lb, 6 oz. Another excellent average! Greigs basket also contained a beezer of 2 lb, 3 & ½ oz. Greigs Killing fly was that old (indeed possibly the oldest trout fly of all time) favourite, the “Soldier Palmer.”
In third place, despite having three more fish than Greig, was Mark Sandison whose basket came to 5 lb, 6 oz. Try as he might Sandison just couldn’t nail that quality specimen which would have given his basket the boost it needed. Sandison’s top fly was that versatile Orkney pattern, the “Peach Muddler.”
Other successful anglers, on an incredibly difficult day for most, were Peter Laurenson, Dave Wright, Bobby Irvine and Alastair Jamieson.
This leaves the league positions as follows:
The league now switches to Thursday evenings for the next three competitions. – a sure sign that Spring is finally here. The first of these takes place on Thursday 10th May with an 1815 check in at the Bixter graveyard car park. Flyfishers will have the choice of a large selection of lochs in the “Wild West.” Full details can be found in the “Competitions” section of the S.A.A. website. http://www.shetlandtrout.co.uk/
Soldier Palmer Green Tailed Muddler Peach Muddler
Central Mainland 21-4-18
"Scholars have long known that fishing eventually turns men into philosophers. Unfortunately, it is almost impossible to buy decent tackle on a philosopher's salary."
~ Patrick F. McManus
The worst start to the trout season in living memory couldn’t dampen the spirits of fly fishers who checked in at the Tingwall boat shed last Saturday morning for the first S.A.A. fly bank league competition of the year.
Normally the first competition of the year is a chance for anglers to show off any new tackle and apparel acquired over the close season. Times must be hard however as it was a rather dowdy looking group who assembled for the 1020 kick off. In fact things are so bad that Leslie Barclay had spent the previous evening sitting in the bath with his waders on in order to try and locate the leaks. The wader repair glue was still drying as he rolled up an unprecedented 20 minutes early. One wag suggested that perhaps he had forgotten to change his clocks three weeks ago!
Anglers were keen to get going. Not only would they be fishing for valuable league points but also the coveted “Shetland Times Trophy” which is one of the most beautiful pieces of silverware in the S.A.A. trophy cabinet. Hope springs eternal and the recent milder weather and rising temperatures might mean that the trout would become more active and in the mood to feed.
Competitors had a wide range of lochs to choose from in the Central Mainland ranging from Petta Water in the Kames right down through the Tingwall valley to Brindister in the South. Theoretically this should work out at nearly a loch per angler.
It is nearly always the case however that the majority of early efforts are concentrated on Tingwall. Today would be no different with nearly half of the starters making their first cast on this popular water. This year however it would be a bit of a chance as Tingwall has had a particularly slow start owing to the extremely cold early Spring weather.
What would be interesting though was if anyone would take a chance on the enigmatic Benston. One fish out of here could potentially win the whole thing. Only “supervet” Johnnie Laurenson was bold enough to go for broke.
The eight hours of the competition would see ideal angling conditions with overcast skies and a mild Southerly breeze with “Old Jamaica” only making a brief appearance during the afternoon. As anglers reconvened for the 1740 check in however it was clear that for most it had been an extremely tough day with the water temperatures still on the cold side. This was evidenced by the fact that only half of the starters had made it all the way through to the weigh in.
Taking first spot and the coveted “Shetland Times” trophy was a delighted Bobby Irvine with seven trout for 5 lb, 7 & ½ oz. The evergreen Irvine had fished his favourite Griesta where he had had success with a Blue Zulu and a Clan Chief. Bobby’s basket also included the heaviest fish of the day at 1 lb, 5 ¾ oz.
Runner up was a resurgent Frank Watt who had another excellent basket of seven fish for 4 lb, 8 oz. from Tingwall. Frank’s top fly was that old Tingwall favourite, the “Norski Lad.”
Third place went to Harry Sandison who has started this season in the same rich vein of form that he finished off last year. Harry had four trout for 2 lb, 14 ½ oz. taken from the often overlooked Brindister and Asta. Harry’s top fly was a “Green Tailed Zulu” which was recommended to him by Dave Wright.
Other anglers among the points on a very tricky day were Tony Li, Peter Laurenson (who took an early bath in Tingwall - and then a hot bath at home), Mark Sandison, Leslie Barclay, Billy Reid and Alastair Jamieson.
Competitions come thick and fast now. The second round of the Bank League takes place tomorrow, Saturday 28th April, when anglers will also be competing for the “Antares Trophy.” Check in is 1020 at the Tingwall shed.
"Scholars have long known that fishing eventually turns men into philosophers. Unfortunately, it is almost impossible to buy decent tackle on a philosopher's salary."
~ Patrick F. McManus
The worst start to the trout season in living memory couldn’t dampen the spirits of fly fishers who checked in at the Tingwall boat shed last Saturday morning for the first S.A.A. fly bank league competition of the year.
Normally the first competition of the year is a chance for anglers to show off any new tackle and apparel acquired over the close season. Times must be hard however as it was a rather dowdy looking group who assembled for the 1020 kick off. In fact things are so bad that Leslie Barclay had spent the previous evening sitting in the bath with his waders on in order to try and locate the leaks. The wader repair glue was still drying as he rolled up an unprecedented 20 minutes early. One wag suggested that perhaps he had forgotten to change his clocks three weeks ago!
Anglers were keen to get going. Not only would they be fishing for valuable league points but also the coveted “Shetland Times Trophy” which is one of the most beautiful pieces of silverware in the S.A.A. trophy cabinet. Hope springs eternal and the recent milder weather and rising temperatures might mean that the trout would become more active and in the mood to feed.
Competitors had a wide range of lochs to choose from in the Central Mainland ranging from Petta Water in the Kames right down through the Tingwall valley to Brindister in the South. Theoretically this should work out at nearly a loch per angler.
It is nearly always the case however that the majority of early efforts are concentrated on Tingwall. Today would be no different with nearly half of the starters making their first cast on this popular water. This year however it would be a bit of a chance as Tingwall has had a particularly slow start owing to the extremely cold early Spring weather.
What would be interesting though was if anyone would take a chance on the enigmatic Benston. One fish out of here could potentially win the whole thing. Only “supervet” Johnnie Laurenson was bold enough to go for broke.
The eight hours of the competition would see ideal angling conditions with overcast skies and a mild Southerly breeze with “Old Jamaica” only making a brief appearance during the afternoon. As anglers reconvened for the 1740 check in however it was clear that for most it had been an extremely tough day with the water temperatures still on the cold side. This was evidenced by the fact that only half of the starters had made it all the way through to the weigh in.
Taking first spot and the coveted “Shetland Times” trophy was a delighted Bobby Irvine with seven trout for 5 lb, 7 & ½ oz. The evergreen Irvine had fished his favourite Griesta where he had had success with a Blue Zulu and a Clan Chief. Bobby’s basket also included the heaviest fish of the day at 1 lb, 5 ¾ oz.
Runner up was a resurgent Frank Watt who had another excellent basket of seven fish for 4 lb, 8 oz. from Tingwall. Frank’s top fly was that old Tingwall favourite, the “Norski Lad.”
Third place went to Harry Sandison who has started this season in the same rich vein of form that he finished off last year. Harry had four trout for 2 lb, 14 ½ oz. taken from the often overlooked Brindister and Asta. Harry’s top fly was a “Green Tailed Zulu” which was recommended to him by Dave Wright.
Other anglers among the points on a very tricky day were Tony Li, Peter Laurenson (who took an early bath in Tingwall - and then a hot bath at home), Mark Sandison, Leslie Barclay, Billy Reid and Alastair Jamieson.
Competitions come thick and fast now. The second round of the Bank League takes place tomorrow, Saturday 28th April, when anglers will also be competing for the “Antares Trophy.” Check in is 1020 at the Tingwall shed.
Norski Lad Clan Chief Green Tailed Zulu
The "Usual Suspects" (from L to R) Peter Laurenson, Leslie Barclay, Tony Li, Billy Reid and Bobby Irvine will all be among the contenders for this year's League Title.
S.A.A. Fly Bank Competitions 2018.
“Our tradition is that of the first man who sneaked away to the creek when the tribe did not really need fish."
- Roderick Haig-Brown (“A River Never Sleeps” – 1946)
Spring is finally in the air and it’s that time of year when fly fishers dust down their tackle, sort out their flies and head for the loch with a spring in their step and a renewed sense of hope and expectation.
Saturday 21st April, sees the first Shetland Anglers Association fly bank competition of the season. Fly Fishers will have a choice of all the major lochs in the central area of the Shetland mainland ranging from Petta Water in the North down through the Tingwall Valley to Brindister in the South.
Check in will be at the Tingwall Boat Shed and competitors are reminded of the new Saturday start time of 1020 as well as a new weigh in time of 1740. – Please take note Leslie Barclay and Derek Titheradge! Anglers are also reminded that 2018 S.A.A. memberships are now due. – Again, take note Leslie Barclay!
As ever new faces will be made extremely welcome and anyone thinking of trying the bank competitions for the first time should not be put off by the competitive element. Bank anglers are generally a very affable bunch and attending the competitions is an excellent way to meet fellow flyfishers, discuss tactics, hone skills and enjoy the banter and comradre!
“Our tradition is that of the first man who sneaked away to the creek when the tribe did not really need fish."
- Roderick Haig-Brown (“A River Never Sleeps” – 1946)
Spring is finally in the air and it’s that time of year when fly fishers dust down their tackle, sort out their flies and head for the loch with a spring in their step and a renewed sense of hope and expectation.
Saturday 21st April, sees the first Shetland Anglers Association fly bank competition of the season. Fly Fishers will have a choice of all the major lochs in the central area of the Shetland mainland ranging from Petta Water in the North down through the Tingwall Valley to Brindister in the South.
Check in will be at the Tingwall Boat Shed and competitors are reminded of the new Saturday start time of 1020 as well as a new weigh in time of 1740. – Please take note Leslie Barclay and Derek Titheradge! Anglers are also reminded that 2018 S.A.A. memberships are now due. – Again, take note Leslie Barclay!
As ever new faces will be made extremely welcome and anyone thinking of trying the bank competitions for the first time should not be put off by the competitive element. Bank anglers are generally a very affable bunch and attending the competitions is an excellent way to meet fellow flyfishers, discuss tactics, hone skills and enjoy the banter and comradre!