Pairs Trophy 2-9-23
Last Saturday morning at the Tingwall boat shed anglers gathered for the coveted pairs trophy, it was a mild day southerly breeze and a little cloud cover a perfect day for the troots, anglers gathered in their pairs getting ready for the days fishing, the hot topic on everybody's lips before the start was the fact that in competition history Leslie Barclay was first to arrive for the first time ever!!,, Leslie was paired with last year's defending champion Billy Reid, whose partner Kevin Robertson was away on holiday, another top looking pair who could do serious damage were Dave(crafty cockney) Wright and Tony Li , plus Mark Sandison and Harry Sandison was another formidable looking partnership desperate to win some honours before the seasons end, to name but a few, the Sandison's were being very circumspect before the start when asked by Reid and Barclay which direction they were heading, then before they knew it the starting horn went off and cars sped off in every direction, Just before the 17.40 weighin the weary pairs exchanged tales of lost fish through the day as it became apparent that it was going to be very close call for the trophy you could cut the tension with a knife as competition secretary Billy Reid set up the scales, in 3rd places with an excellent basket of good quality 13 fish for 9lb 12oz were Tony and Dave who had been fishing the deep south where Dave had the biggest fish on the day at 1lb 3oz ,, and in 2nd place with 18 fish for 9lb 13oz were the devastated duo Mark and Harry Sandison who fished the prolific Clingswater in the clousta road, But in first place and winning the Pairs trophy were a jubilant Barclay and Reid with 19 fish for 9lb 15oz ,, in what was one of the closest weigh ins in recent years with just 3oz splitting the top 3 teams , after deciding to shadow team Sandison out west Barclay and Reid were surprized to get to fish the mighty Vaara on their own where midway through the day Reid put Barclays net back into his bag without knowing this Barclay fishing at the other side of the loch lost 3 fish one after the other when he tried beaching them thinking he had left the net at the other side before he opened his bag and realized it was there all the time, but had the last laugh when after losing a big fish at his net with 5 mins to go to catch a 8oz trout with his last cast, and for Biily and Leslie last minute glory, after(some)gritted teeth round of applause the winners consoled the runners up,, in great sportsmanship they all ended up agreeing it had been a great days fishing none the less,, its nearly there for another year but the illustrious Research trophy GWYP is on Saturday the 16th 10.00 till 17.40 Tingwall boatshed
Last Saturday morning at the Tingwall boat shed anglers gathered for the coveted pairs trophy, it was a mild day southerly breeze and a little cloud cover a perfect day for the troots, anglers gathered in their pairs getting ready for the days fishing, the hot topic on everybody's lips before the start was the fact that in competition history Leslie Barclay was first to arrive for the first time ever!!,, Leslie was paired with last year's defending champion Billy Reid, whose partner Kevin Robertson was away on holiday, another top looking pair who could do serious damage were Dave(crafty cockney) Wright and Tony Li , plus Mark Sandison and Harry Sandison was another formidable looking partnership desperate to win some honours before the seasons end, to name but a few, the Sandison's were being very circumspect before the start when asked by Reid and Barclay which direction they were heading, then before they knew it the starting horn went off and cars sped off in every direction, Just before the 17.40 weighin the weary pairs exchanged tales of lost fish through the day as it became apparent that it was going to be very close call for the trophy you could cut the tension with a knife as competition secretary Billy Reid set up the scales, in 3rd places with an excellent basket of good quality 13 fish for 9lb 12oz were Tony and Dave who had been fishing the deep south where Dave had the biggest fish on the day at 1lb 3oz ,, and in 2nd place with 18 fish for 9lb 13oz were the devastated duo Mark and Harry Sandison who fished the prolific Clingswater in the clousta road, But in first place and winning the Pairs trophy were a jubilant Barclay and Reid with 19 fish for 9lb 15oz ,, in what was one of the closest weigh ins in recent years with just 3oz splitting the top 3 teams , after deciding to shadow team Sandison out west Barclay and Reid were surprized to get to fish the mighty Vaara on their own where midway through the day Reid put Barclays net back into his bag without knowing this Barclay fishing at the other side of the loch lost 3 fish one after the other when he tried beaching them thinking he had left the net at the other side before he opened his bag and realized it was there all the time, but had the last laugh when after losing a big fish at his net with 5 mins to go to catch a 8oz trout with his last cast, and for Biily and Leslie last minute glory, after(some)gritted teeth round of applause the winners consoled the runners up,, in great sportsmanship they all ended up agreeing it had been a great days fishing none the less,, its nearly there for another year but the illustrious Research trophy GWYP is on Saturday the 16th 10.00 till 17.40 Tingwall boatshed
Westside Trophy 19-8-23
Despite the horrific forecast flyfishers gathered at the Bixter Graveyard carpark last Saturday morning to fish the final round of the S.A.A. 2023 Bank League.
The league title had come down to a straight shoot out between reigning champion Billy Reid and Bobby Irvine. Both of these anglers were exactly equal in the league on 126 points. Not only that but a look at the league table would show that their previous eight results this season were exactly the same. Nothing then to separate two legendary Shetland flyfishers and sportsmen at the very top of their game!
Further down the table there was still top six places up for grabs which would mean qualifying to represent the S.A.A. in next year’s match against Caithness. Some individual Battles would be resolved. Tony Li and Mark Sandison who were also exactly equal in the league were going head to head with a Kit Kat as the prize!
Added to this mix was the small matter of the “Sandison/Irvine Westside Trophy” being up for grabs and we had the perfect cocktail for an exciting and nerve jangling day’s angling on the Westside.
Very conspicuous by his absence was the elemental force of nature that is Leslie Barclay. Barclay had decided to forego the high stakes and octane fueled final bank league competition of the season and play some poker in Aberdeen instead. As a result then the check was relatively quiet with most anglers wondering how they were going to stay dry and not get blown away if the horrendous forecast materialized!
With storm clouds gathering on the Eastern horizon then flyfishers were soon shooting away to the various nooks and crannies of the Westside for a day of practicing the “Gentle Art!” Competitors had a choice of all the main lochs on the Westside. On paper at least some of these lochs should be the best in Shetland. As all flyfishers who are familiar with the vagaries of Shetland trout fishing know however angling on Shetland lochs doesn’t take place on paper!
As ever making the correct choice of venue would be crucial to success. This choice is very much based on anglers individual experience but of course it can also be a bit of a lottery. The sight of some competitors motoring around in the middle of the afternoon confirmed that some of the lochs just weren’t playing ball.
The forecast didn’t disappoint either with a hurricane force Easterly wind blowing up accompanied by monsoon rains. All credit to our hardy crew of anglers for sticking it out in the apocalyptic conditions!
At the weigh in it transpired that some excellent baskets had been taken despite the adverse conditions. It was also clear without any doubt that it was Bobby Irvine who was champion. Bobby had a fantastic basket going 9lb, 6 oz. taken on “Clan Chief” variants. This of course not only won the evergreen Irvine the “Westside” trophy but also the 2023 S.A.A. Bank League title itself. This is a great achievement of course as it tests anglers skills over the course of the season on a series of different venues and widely different conditions. Bobby can do no wrong at the moment and it’s worth pointing out that he’s won every competition he’s entered since the middle of June. A fantastic fly fisherman on top form who continues to set the standards for everyone around him. Well done Bobby!
Taking second spot on the day - and a Kit Kat! - was Tony Li whose basket weighed in at 6lb, 10 oz. Third place went to Billy Reid whose seven fish weighed 6 lb, 4oz and who also had the heaviest fish going 1 lb, 8 ½ oz. Both Tony and Billy had scored with “Hedgehogs.”
Other successful anglers were Harry Sandison, Mark Sandison and Greig Anderson. This left the final League table for 2023 as follows:
Despite the horrific forecast flyfishers gathered at the Bixter Graveyard carpark last Saturday morning to fish the final round of the S.A.A. 2023 Bank League.
The league title had come down to a straight shoot out between reigning champion Billy Reid and Bobby Irvine. Both of these anglers were exactly equal in the league on 126 points. Not only that but a look at the league table would show that their previous eight results this season were exactly the same. Nothing then to separate two legendary Shetland flyfishers and sportsmen at the very top of their game!
Further down the table there was still top six places up for grabs which would mean qualifying to represent the S.A.A. in next year’s match against Caithness. Some individual Battles would be resolved. Tony Li and Mark Sandison who were also exactly equal in the league were going head to head with a Kit Kat as the prize!
Added to this mix was the small matter of the “Sandison/Irvine Westside Trophy” being up for grabs and we had the perfect cocktail for an exciting and nerve jangling day’s angling on the Westside.
Very conspicuous by his absence was the elemental force of nature that is Leslie Barclay. Barclay had decided to forego the high stakes and octane fueled final bank league competition of the season and play some poker in Aberdeen instead. As a result then the check was relatively quiet with most anglers wondering how they were going to stay dry and not get blown away if the horrendous forecast materialized!
With storm clouds gathering on the Eastern horizon then flyfishers were soon shooting away to the various nooks and crannies of the Westside for a day of practicing the “Gentle Art!” Competitors had a choice of all the main lochs on the Westside. On paper at least some of these lochs should be the best in Shetland. As all flyfishers who are familiar with the vagaries of Shetland trout fishing know however angling on Shetland lochs doesn’t take place on paper!
As ever making the correct choice of venue would be crucial to success. This choice is very much based on anglers individual experience but of course it can also be a bit of a lottery. The sight of some competitors motoring around in the middle of the afternoon confirmed that some of the lochs just weren’t playing ball.
The forecast didn’t disappoint either with a hurricane force Easterly wind blowing up accompanied by monsoon rains. All credit to our hardy crew of anglers for sticking it out in the apocalyptic conditions!
At the weigh in it transpired that some excellent baskets had been taken despite the adverse conditions. It was also clear without any doubt that it was Bobby Irvine who was champion. Bobby had a fantastic basket going 9lb, 6 oz. taken on “Clan Chief” variants. This of course not only won the evergreen Irvine the “Westside” trophy but also the 2023 S.A.A. Bank League title itself. This is a great achievement of course as it tests anglers skills over the course of the season on a series of different venues and widely different conditions. Bobby can do no wrong at the moment and it’s worth pointing out that he’s won every competition he’s entered since the middle of June. A fantastic fly fisherman on top form who continues to set the standards for everyone around him. Well done Bobby!
Taking second spot on the day - and a Kit Kat! - was Tony Li whose basket weighed in at 6lb, 10 oz. Third place went to Billy Reid whose seven fish weighed 6 lb, 4oz and who also had the heaviest fish going 1 lb, 8 ½ oz. Both Tony and Billy had scored with “Hedgehogs.”
Other successful anglers were Harry Sandison, Mark Sandison and Greig Anderson. This left the final League table for 2023 as follows:
There were warm handshakes all round for Irvine before our physically and mentally drained athletes headed home for some serious rest and recuperation after an extremely taxing day.
The next fly competition is the ever popular Pairs competition which takes place on the 2nd of September with a 1015 check in at the Tingwall boat shed. Competitors are reminded that anyone in the top six places in the league cannot pair up.
The next fly competition is the ever popular Pairs competition which takes place on the 2nd of September with a 1015 check in at the Tingwall boat shed. Competitors are reminded that anyone in the top six places in the league cannot pair up.
S.A.A. v Whalsay
Last Saturday morning saw the annual team event when the mainland anglers take on the bonnie isle boys in a go where you please competition with a 9 pm start all the SAA boys were at the Tingwall boat shed more than 30 minutes before the start laying plans for the day ahead determined to wrestle the trophy back from the WFF, it was good to see bank league rivals Barclay and Sandison discussing tactics and flies before the start they knew they all had to pull together to pull this off,, .. it was light south east winds with a bit of cloud cover a perfect trooty day , 15 mins before the starting whistle all the WFF boys arrived at the same time and huddled into kleeky circles like the SAA boys both teams were being very circumspect and a lot of opposing anglers were paired together as no team wanted to be caught out,, before they knew it competition secretary Billy Reid blew the starting horn and 12 cars were soon shooting to every corner of Shetland,, it became apparent as the day wore on that anglers were having to move from loch to loch always a sign that the fishing is proving difficult , so at the 16.00 weigh in they were 12 weary anglers given it there all for there respective teams. no team was giving anything away as Billy set up the scales best for SAA was Frank Watt with 15 fish for 8lb Frank fished the unfancied curawater his top fly was a Norski Lad, the SAA total was 3lb 13oz average per man ,, But retaining the Trophy was the WFF team , there top rod was Ian Reid who had an excellent basket of 14 trout's for 10lb 2oz from the mighty Clingswater Ians top fly was a ladybird sedgehog, the WFF team averaged 4lb 7oz per man the SAA team had paired last year's top dog Mark Sandison to shadow Ian but on the day it spectacularly back fired as every time Sandison looked around Reid was putting another in his net,, and faring no better was the often unlucky Leslie Barclay who shadowed Harry Sandison to Vaara only to lose the sole of his right boot whilst wading so he had to make a dash to his house for a right boot as he had lost the sole of a left pair whilst fishing in Caithness 2 weeks ago by the time he returned Harry had filled his bag,, after a round of applause and hand shakes, the Reids doubles trophy winners were drawn out of a hat where Frank and Ian were both drawn together which was quite fitting as they both had the biggest baskets,,,, the last bank league is on tomorrow 19th 10.15 till 17.40 bixter grave yard carpark also for the illustrious West Side Trophy and a straight shoot out for the bank league title between Billy Reid and Bobby Irvine .. and for final placings to make the team to face the Dounreay Fly fishers next year,,,
Last Saturday morning saw the annual team event when the mainland anglers take on the bonnie isle boys in a go where you please competition with a 9 pm start all the SAA boys were at the Tingwall boat shed more than 30 minutes before the start laying plans for the day ahead determined to wrestle the trophy back from the WFF, it was good to see bank league rivals Barclay and Sandison discussing tactics and flies before the start they knew they all had to pull together to pull this off,, .. it was light south east winds with a bit of cloud cover a perfect trooty day , 15 mins before the starting whistle all the WFF boys arrived at the same time and huddled into kleeky circles like the SAA boys both teams were being very circumspect and a lot of opposing anglers were paired together as no team wanted to be caught out,, before they knew it competition secretary Billy Reid blew the starting horn and 12 cars were soon shooting to every corner of Shetland,, it became apparent as the day wore on that anglers were having to move from loch to loch always a sign that the fishing is proving difficult , so at the 16.00 weigh in they were 12 weary anglers given it there all for there respective teams. no team was giving anything away as Billy set up the scales best for SAA was Frank Watt with 15 fish for 8lb Frank fished the unfancied curawater his top fly was a Norski Lad, the SAA total was 3lb 13oz average per man ,, But retaining the Trophy was the WFF team , there top rod was Ian Reid who had an excellent basket of 14 trout's for 10lb 2oz from the mighty Clingswater Ians top fly was a ladybird sedgehog, the WFF team averaged 4lb 7oz per man the SAA team had paired last year's top dog Mark Sandison to shadow Ian but on the day it spectacularly back fired as every time Sandison looked around Reid was putting another in his net,, and faring no better was the often unlucky Leslie Barclay who shadowed Harry Sandison to Vaara only to lose the sole of his right boot whilst wading so he had to make a dash to his house for a right boot as he had lost the sole of a left pair whilst fishing in Caithness 2 weeks ago by the time he returned Harry had filled his bag,, after a round of applause and hand shakes, the Reids doubles trophy winners were drawn out of a hat where Frank and Ian were both drawn together which was quite fitting as they both had the biggest baskets,,,, the last bank league is on tomorrow 19th 10.15 till 17.40 bixter grave yard carpark also for the illustrious West Side Trophy and a straight shoot out for the bank league title between Billy Reid and Bobby Irvine .. and for final placings to make the team to face the Dounreay Fly fishers next year,,,
Excursion Trophy
Last Saturday morning saw 10 of the isles most elite anglers gathered at the Laxo junction for the highly coveted excursion cup where anglers have to fish any loch not on the competition sheet, it was flat calm and overcast , and with the earlier start it gave an opportunity to fish some the north isles special gems , with anglers going as far as Unst and Fetlar, this years nearly man Mark Sandison thought his best chance of glory would be to car share with red hot Bobby Irvine, to the hill lochs in the wilds of yell, other nearly men Frank Watt and Ian Reid were at Eashaness and Ronas hill respectively as anglers were spread in every direction, but just before the 18.10 weigh in it soon became apparent fishing conditions had been hard all day Dave wright and Ian Reid were counting down the time and with 20 seconds to spare Bobby and Billys vehicles sped into the lay bye seconds from disqualification the 3 red faced anglers burst out of there cars to the cheeky Leslie Barclay shouting to late disqualified!!, once they had realized they made it by the skin of there teeth the scales were set up for a high tension weigh in and in 3rd place with 4 crackers for 3lb 13oz from Watlee in Unst was hot rod Harry Sandison who had joy on a peach trufflehog, and in 2nd place Ian Reid was up Ronas hill then up Mangaster. for 7 fish for 4lb 14oz Ians top fly was a duncat he did 19000 steps in his quest for glory but came up just short ....for in first place was the incredible Bobby Irvine with 10 fish for 8lb 4oz Bobbys top fly was a Gorgeous George which included the heaviest fish of the day at 2lb Bobby feat was all the more amazing as he took Mark with him to a secret hill loch in yell .but still dominated proceedings the win the cup for an unprecedented 9th time,,, The SAA v Whalsay fly fishers incorporating Reids Doubles is on Tomorrow 12/8/23 09.00 start 16.00 finish where the SAA team hope to wrestle the trophy from the Bonnie Isle Boys,,
Last Saturday morning saw 10 of the isles most elite anglers gathered at the Laxo junction for the highly coveted excursion cup where anglers have to fish any loch not on the competition sheet, it was flat calm and overcast , and with the earlier start it gave an opportunity to fish some the north isles special gems , with anglers going as far as Unst and Fetlar, this years nearly man Mark Sandison thought his best chance of glory would be to car share with red hot Bobby Irvine, to the hill lochs in the wilds of yell, other nearly men Frank Watt and Ian Reid were at Eashaness and Ronas hill respectively as anglers were spread in every direction, but just before the 18.10 weigh in it soon became apparent fishing conditions had been hard all day Dave wright and Ian Reid were counting down the time and with 20 seconds to spare Bobby and Billys vehicles sped into the lay bye seconds from disqualification the 3 red faced anglers burst out of there cars to the cheeky Leslie Barclay shouting to late disqualified!!, once they had realized they made it by the skin of there teeth the scales were set up for a high tension weigh in and in 3rd place with 4 crackers for 3lb 13oz from Watlee in Unst was hot rod Harry Sandison who had joy on a peach trufflehog, and in 2nd place Ian Reid was up Ronas hill then up Mangaster. for 7 fish for 4lb 14oz Ians top fly was a duncat he did 19000 steps in his quest for glory but came up just short ....for in first place was the incredible Bobby Irvine with 10 fish for 8lb 4oz Bobbys top fly was a Gorgeous George which included the heaviest fish of the day at 2lb Bobby feat was all the more amazing as he took Mark with him to a secret hill loch in yell .but still dominated proceedings the win the cup for an unprecedented 9th time,,, The SAA v Whalsay fly fishers incorporating Reids Doubles is on Tomorrow 12/8/23 09.00 start 16.00 finish where the SAA team hope to wrestle the trophy from the Bonnie Isle Boys,,
North Mainland 29-7-23
Nine flyfishers gathered at Mavis Grind last Saturday morning to fish the eighth round of the S.A.A. Fly Bank league. With three anglers still in the running for the league title itself, places still remaining for next year’s S.A.A. bank team and the “Barometer Trophy” up for grabs there was everything to play for.
But what was this? No sign of competition stalwart Leslie Barclay! Reports were that he had last been spotted on Victoria pier admiring the tall ships the evening before. Then a phone call from Voe. The absent minded Barclay had mislaid his car keys and would be attending the competition once those pesky keys had been located!
With five minutes to go there was panic stations as a car horn sounded which is the traditional signal to start a bank competition. However it turned out to be the cheeky Ian Reid who’d sounded his horn and had a laugh at everyone’s startled reactions. Reid was handed an official warning by competition secretary Billy Reid.
Conditions for fly fishing were ideal with an overcast sky and South Easterly breeze. Flyfishers had a choice of all the top lochs in Northmavine which would work out at more than one loch per angler. As ever making the correct decision of venue would be of utmost importance to success.
Imagine Mark Sandison’s surprise when having spent three quarters of an hour in the tricky Punds Water he wandered up over the hill to Wester Water to discover the sneaky Leslie Barclay already in his swim. As if by magic Leslie’s keys had appeared and he’d made straight up the road to Northmavine in record time!
Despite the favourable conditions everyone had found the angling very difficult and this was born out at the 1740 weigh in.
Taking first place and the barometer trophy with an excellent ten fish for 4 lb, 7 ½ oz. was the on fire Bobby Irvine. Irvine had fished Eela Water where his top fly was a “Gorgeous George.”
Second place went to Billy Reid who had split his time between Eshaness and Eela Water for seven trout for 3 lb, 8 ½ oz. Billy had scored with a “Liquorice Allsort.”
In third place was Greig Anderson who can do no wrong at the moment. Greig had six from the unfancied Wester Water for 3 lb. 7 ¼ oz. where his top fly was a “Claret Sedge.”
Other anglers among the points were Tony Li, Ian Reid, Harry Sandison, Frank Watt, Mark Sandison and Dave Wright.
This leaves the league table as follows with one competition remaining.
Nine flyfishers gathered at Mavis Grind last Saturday morning to fish the eighth round of the S.A.A. Fly Bank league. With three anglers still in the running for the league title itself, places still remaining for next year’s S.A.A. bank team and the “Barometer Trophy” up for grabs there was everything to play for.
But what was this? No sign of competition stalwart Leslie Barclay! Reports were that he had last been spotted on Victoria pier admiring the tall ships the evening before. Then a phone call from Voe. The absent minded Barclay had mislaid his car keys and would be attending the competition once those pesky keys had been located!
With five minutes to go there was panic stations as a car horn sounded which is the traditional signal to start a bank competition. However it turned out to be the cheeky Ian Reid who’d sounded his horn and had a laugh at everyone’s startled reactions. Reid was handed an official warning by competition secretary Billy Reid.
Conditions for fly fishing were ideal with an overcast sky and South Easterly breeze. Flyfishers had a choice of all the top lochs in Northmavine which would work out at more than one loch per angler. As ever making the correct decision of venue would be of utmost importance to success.
Imagine Mark Sandison’s surprise when having spent three quarters of an hour in the tricky Punds Water he wandered up over the hill to Wester Water to discover the sneaky Leslie Barclay already in his swim. As if by magic Leslie’s keys had appeared and he’d made straight up the road to Northmavine in record time!
Despite the favourable conditions everyone had found the angling very difficult and this was born out at the 1740 weigh in.
Taking first place and the barometer trophy with an excellent ten fish for 4 lb, 7 ½ oz. was the on fire Bobby Irvine. Irvine had fished Eela Water where his top fly was a “Gorgeous George.”
Second place went to Billy Reid who had split his time between Eshaness and Eela Water for seven trout for 3 lb, 8 ½ oz. Billy had scored with a “Liquorice Allsort.”
In third place was Greig Anderson who can do no wrong at the moment. Greig had six from the unfancied Wester Water for 3 lb. 7 ¼ oz. where his top fly was a “Claret Sedge.”
Other anglers among the points were Tony Li, Ian Reid, Harry Sandison, Frank Watt, Mark Sandison and Dave Wright.
This leaves the league table as follows with one competition remaining.
This means that it has come down to a straight shoot out for the title of League Champion 2023 between Billy Reid and Bobby Irvine. Further down the table there are also top six places to be decided which will mean qualification for next year’s Bank League team. Everything will be decided on Saturday 19th August when the final league competition is fished on the West Side.
The Excursion Trophy will be fished on Saturday 5th August. Check in is 0830 at the Laxo Junction.
The Excursion Trophy will be fished on Saturday 5th August. Check in is 0830 at the Laxo Junction.
S.A.A. v D.F.F.A. 2023
Last weekend the Shetland Anglers Association (S.A.A.) fly fishing bank team consisting of Leslie Barclay (captain), Billy Reid, Frank Watt, Greig Anderson, Ian Reid and Mark Sandison travelled down to Caithness for their annual intercounty match with the Dounreay Fly Fishing Association (D.F.F.A.).
Under Leslie's direction the S.A.A. team had a days angling and bonding session in Orkney before travelling across the Pentland Firth and settling down in their accommodation. It would be an early night for all the Shetland boys as everybody was going to have to be at the very top of their game for the next two days intensive fly fishing.
After greetings and news had been exchanged and friendships rekindled with the D.F.F.A. team the following morning it was down to the serious business of competition fly fishing. The previously arranged draw 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 had thrown up some very interesting partnerships and locations.
A big concern as always for the S.A.A. team was the threat from Cleggs (Horsefly) and Tics that are prevalent in the North of Scotland. Forewarned is forearmed however and the S.A.A. team had come well equipped with an arsenal of bug sprays and lotions to deter these nasty little critters. This meant that our boys could concentrate on the serious business of angling and not become distracted by the prospect of getting bitten.
Another concern was the fitness of team captain the iconic Leslie Barclay. Despite his protestations to the contrary everyone could see that he was struggling with a recurring knee injury – a legacy of football glory days of yore.
This of course wasn’t going to stop the “hard as nails” Barclay and he was up at the crack of dawn on the first day of the competition ensuring that his team had a substantial and healthy breakfast to see them through what would undoubtedly be an arduous day!
Friday morning then saw the S.A.A. team well fuelled, 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 nooks and crannies of Caithness. On paper at least this was an ideal trooty day with overcast skies and a steady breeze. As anglers reconvened for the weigh in at Alex Donald’s garden after the 16.30 lines up it was clear that several good bags of trout had been forthcoming.
The D.F.F.A. set an early high bar with a near record breaking basket from James Simpson and another fantastic bag by Toby Bracey, both from Loch Callum - and Alex Donald from Seilge.
It was going to take a monumental effort from the S.A.A. to hang on but Greig Anderson on Loch Callum, Frank Watt on Seilge and Billy Reid on Caorach all rose to the challenge demonstrating some superb angling to boost the S.A.A.’s chances of staying in touch with their adversaries.
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 66lb, 8 ½ oz. while the D.F.F.A. had 64lb, 12 ¾ oz. giving the S.A.A. a halftime lead of just under 2lb!
It couldn’t be closer at the halfway point!
Saturday dawned a completely different day with blazing sun and flat calm. This would of course make the fishing much more difficult.
Barclay made sure that none of his team’s heads were down the next morning however as after another one of his special breakfasts he delivered a motivational speech to his team which would ensure that each man fought to the bitter end.
As the day progressed both the wind and cloud cover increased which of course was good news for both teams.
After a hard day in the hill lochs of Seilge and Caorach Toby Bracey, Neil Clyne, Leslie Barclay and Mark Sandison were descending the hill track when Toby picked up Barclay’s new sunglasses which he had lost on the way up! Could this be a good omen for the Shetland men?
As the pairings returned to Alex’s garden in dribs and drabs in the late afternoon everyone was keen to know how other pairs had faired. It slowly became apparent that Leslie’s team talk had worked and that the S.A.A. had gone on to increase their lead over the course of the second day.
A solid team performance from the S.A.A. had given them a second day total of 38lb, 7 oz.
Best again for the D.F.F.A. was James Simpson with a brilliant performance on Toftingall. This contributed to the D.F.F.A. second day total of 32lb, 8 ¾ oz.
With the D.F.F.A.'s and the S.A.A.'s top mathematicians, Toby Bracey, Alex Donald and Billy Reid on the job, the wait for the official result was not long. After all the adding up was completed the S.A.A. had a two day total of 104lb, 15 ½ oz while the D.F.F.A. finished up with 97lb 5 ½ 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 black polo shirts and caps sponsored by the Antares 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 delighted Mark Sandison to receive this beautiful trophy for his Calder monster.
Next up to a big round of applause was James Simpson to pick up the "Viking Shield" for the heaviest basket over the two days. A tremendous performance from an angler who despite being the youngest angler present can trace his involvement in this event right back to it’s earliest days!
Finally to a huge round of applause, the biggest prize of them all, the Inter Club trophy was presented to Captain Fantastic Leslie Barclay. This is the 16th year in a row that the S.A.A. bank team has lifted this trophy and there were big smiles all round from the clearly delighted Shetland boys.
On the 25th anniversary of this competition S.A.A. spokesman Mark Sandison pointed out what a unique and enjoyable event it had evolved into with its friendly rivalry after being instigated by the late Brian Hunter and Thurso man Bill Robertson in the 1990s. He took the opportunity to thank the Dounreay hosts for their excellent hospitality and a superbly organised two day’s competition. In particular he singled out Ian Cannop, Toby Bracy and Alex Donald for their officiating duties. There was a special mention for Alex Donald for the use of his garden for the weigh in and very much appreciated chilli, fancies and refreshments. He closed by saying how much the S.A.A. were looking forward to welcoming the D.F.F.A. team to up Shetland next year.
The next S.A.A. competition is round eight of the bank league which takes place this Saturday 29th July with a 1015 check in at Mavis Grind.
Last weekend the Shetland Anglers Association (S.A.A.) fly fishing bank team consisting of Leslie Barclay (captain), Billy Reid, Frank Watt, Greig Anderson, Ian Reid and Mark Sandison travelled down to Caithness for their annual intercounty match with the Dounreay Fly Fishing Association (D.F.F.A.).
Under Leslie's direction the S.A.A. team had a days angling and bonding session in Orkney before travelling across the Pentland Firth and settling down in their accommodation. It would be an early night for all the Shetland boys as everybody was going to have to be at the very top of their game for the next two days intensive fly fishing.
After greetings and news had been exchanged and friendships rekindled with the D.F.F.A. team the following morning it was down to the serious business of competition fly fishing. The previously arranged draw 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 had thrown up some very interesting partnerships and locations.
A big concern as always for the S.A.A. team was the threat from Cleggs (Horsefly) and Tics that are prevalent in the North of Scotland. Forewarned is forearmed however and the S.A.A. team had come well equipped with an arsenal of bug sprays and lotions to deter these nasty little critters. This meant that our boys could concentrate on the serious business of angling and not become distracted by the prospect of getting bitten.
Another concern was the fitness of team captain the iconic Leslie Barclay. Despite his protestations to the contrary everyone could see that he was struggling with a recurring knee injury – a legacy of football glory days of yore.
This of course wasn’t going to stop the “hard as nails” Barclay and he was up at the crack of dawn on the first day of the competition ensuring that his team had a substantial and healthy breakfast to see them through what would undoubtedly be an arduous day!
Friday morning then saw the S.A.A. team well fuelled, 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 nooks and crannies of Caithness. On paper at least this was an ideal trooty day with overcast skies and a steady breeze. As anglers reconvened for the weigh in at Alex Donald’s garden after the 16.30 lines up it was clear that several good bags of trout had been forthcoming.
The D.F.F.A. set an early high bar with a near record breaking basket from James Simpson and another fantastic bag by Toby Bracey, both from Loch Callum - and Alex Donald from Seilge.
It was going to take a monumental effort from the S.A.A. to hang on but Greig Anderson on Loch Callum, Frank Watt on Seilge and Billy Reid on Caorach all rose to the challenge demonstrating some superb angling to boost the S.A.A.’s chances of staying in touch with their adversaries.
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 66lb, 8 ½ oz. while the D.F.F.A. had 64lb, 12 ¾ oz. giving the S.A.A. a halftime lead of just under 2lb!
It couldn’t be closer at the halfway point!
Saturday dawned a completely different day with blazing sun and flat calm. This would of course make the fishing much more difficult.
Barclay made sure that none of his team’s heads were down the next morning however as after another one of his special breakfasts he delivered a motivational speech to his team which would ensure that each man fought to the bitter end.
As the day progressed both the wind and cloud cover increased which of course was good news for both teams.
After a hard day in the hill lochs of Seilge and Caorach Toby Bracey, Neil Clyne, Leslie Barclay and Mark Sandison were descending the hill track when Toby picked up Barclay’s new sunglasses which he had lost on the way up! Could this be a good omen for the Shetland men?
As the pairings returned to Alex’s garden in dribs and drabs in the late afternoon everyone was keen to know how other pairs had faired. It slowly became apparent that Leslie’s team talk had worked and that the S.A.A. had gone on to increase their lead over the course of the second day.
A solid team performance from the S.A.A. had given them a second day total of 38lb, 7 oz.
Best again for the D.F.F.A. was James Simpson with a brilliant performance on Toftingall. This contributed to the D.F.F.A. second day total of 32lb, 8 ¾ oz.
With the D.F.F.A.'s and the S.A.A.'s top mathematicians, Toby Bracey, Alex Donald and Billy Reid on the job, the wait for the official result was not long. After all the adding up was completed the S.A.A. had a two day total of 104lb, 15 ½ oz while the D.F.F.A. finished up with 97lb 5 ½ 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 black polo shirts and caps sponsored by the Antares 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 delighted Mark Sandison to receive this beautiful trophy for his Calder monster.
Next up to a big round of applause was James Simpson to pick up the "Viking Shield" for the heaviest basket over the two days. A tremendous performance from an angler who despite being the youngest angler present can trace his involvement in this event right back to it’s earliest days!
Finally to a huge round of applause, the biggest prize of them all, the Inter Club trophy was presented to Captain Fantastic Leslie Barclay. This is the 16th year in a row that the S.A.A. bank team has lifted this trophy and there were big smiles all round from the clearly delighted Shetland boys.
On the 25th anniversary of this competition S.A.A. spokesman Mark Sandison pointed out what a unique and enjoyable event it had evolved into with its friendly rivalry after being instigated by the late Brian Hunter and Thurso man Bill Robertson in the 1990s. He took the opportunity to thank the Dounreay hosts for their excellent hospitality and a superbly organised two day’s competition. In particular he singled out Ian Cannop, Toby Bracy and Alex Donald for their officiating duties. There was a special mention for Alex Donald for the use of his garden for the weigh in and very much appreciated chilli, fancies and refreshments. He closed by saying how much the S.A.A. were looking forward to welcoming the D.F.F.A. team to up Shetland next year.
The next S.A.A. competition is round eight of the bank league which takes place this Saturday 29th July with a 1015 check in at Mavis Grind.
Westside 13-7-23
Ten flyfishers checked in at the Bixter graveyard carpark a week past Thursday for round seven of the S.A.A. fly bank league.
It was a beautiful evening for fly fishing with overcast skies, a gentle North West ripple and temperatures in the low teens. If there were to be any complaints it might have been about the lack of wind to aid casting but some fly fishers are never happy! Understandably then there was little room for banter and hilarity as competitors were champing at the bit to get going.
It was good to see Leslie Barclay all present and correct – arriving in plenty time for the start of the competition and with all the equipment required for an evening practicing the “gentle art!”
Anglers had a choice of 17 lochs in the Wild West. This of course worked out at more than one loch per angler. This ratio seldom pans out in reality as competitors will initially concentrate on the waters that the jungle drums have reported to be “on.” However tonight it did and once our hardy crew had spread themselves out over the West side, eight of the ten starters found themselves with a whole loch to themselves.
As ever, and especially in this competition, making the correct choice of venue is critical to success. It was clear at the 2230 weigh in that some anglers had done just that and assembled good baskets in what is traditionally a very difficult event.
Top of the pile was the on fire Bobby Irvine who had utilised his vast experience to make the correct decision to fish the unfashionable Lunga Water. Irvine had an excellent seven trout for 4 lb, 2 oz. taken mainly on a Clan Chief.
Second place went to Frank Watt with six fish from the Hulma Lees for 4 lb. ¾ oz. Frank had scored with a “Foam Daddy.”
In third place was Billy Reid who had five from his favourite Longa Water for 3 lb, 12 ½ oz. Billy’s killing fly was an “Olive Hedgehog”
Other anglers among the points were Greig Anderson, Harry Sandison, Mark Sandison, Ian Reid, Tony Li, Leslie Barclay and Dave Wright.
With two competitions remaining this now leaves the league as follows.
Ten flyfishers checked in at the Bixter graveyard carpark a week past Thursday for round seven of the S.A.A. fly bank league.
It was a beautiful evening for fly fishing with overcast skies, a gentle North West ripple and temperatures in the low teens. If there were to be any complaints it might have been about the lack of wind to aid casting but some fly fishers are never happy! Understandably then there was little room for banter and hilarity as competitors were champing at the bit to get going.
It was good to see Leslie Barclay all present and correct – arriving in plenty time for the start of the competition and with all the equipment required for an evening practicing the “gentle art!”
Anglers had a choice of 17 lochs in the Wild West. This of course worked out at more than one loch per angler. This ratio seldom pans out in reality as competitors will initially concentrate on the waters that the jungle drums have reported to be “on.” However tonight it did and once our hardy crew had spread themselves out over the West side, eight of the ten starters found themselves with a whole loch to themselves.
As ever, and especially in this competition, making the correct choice of venue is critical to success. It was clear at the 2230 weigh in that some anglers had done just that and assembled good baskets in what is traditionally a very difficult event.
Top of the pile was the on fire Bobby Irvine who had utilised his vast experience to make the correct decision to fish the unfashionable Lunga Water. Irvine had an excellent seven trout for 4 lb, 2 oz. taken mainly on a Clan Chief.
Second place went to Frank Watt with six fish from the Hulma Lees for 4 lb. ¾ oz. Frank had scored with a “Foam Daddy.”
In third place was Billy Reid who had five from his favourite Longa Water for 3 lb, 12 ½ oz. Billy’s killing fly was an “Olive Hedgehog”
Other anglers among the points were Greig Anderson, Harry Sandison, Mark Sandison, Ian Reid, Tony Li, Leslie Barclay and Dave Wright.
With two competitions remaining this now leaves the league as follows.
Flyfishers had barely had a chance to settle down and recompose themselves before they were off again for the ever popular Barry Robertson Memorial trophy on Saturday.
Competitors could check in at either Tingwall or Laxo and then everyone would gather at the Tingwall shed for a 1730 weigh in.
When anglers reconvened there were several very good bags of trout in evidence. After a tense weigh in and draw to decide on partners a hush fell over the Tingwall boat shed as S.A.A. officials added up baskets and worked out the placings. As often happens in these situations it was two flyfishers at the very top of their game, Bobby Irvine and Frank Watt who drew the golden ticket and blew everyone else out of the water with their combined basket of over 20lb. Well done Bobby and Frank.
The bank league takes a break now until Saturday 29th July when the penultimate competition will be fished in the North Mainland with a 1015 check in at Mavis Grind.
In the meantime the S.A.A. bank team will fish the annual inter club match against the Dounreay Fly Fishing Association in Caithness and we wish our boys all the best for this event.
Competitors could check in at either Tingwall or Laxo and then everyone would gather at the Tingwall shed for a 1730 weigh in.
When anglers reconvened there were several very good bags of trout in evidence. After a tense weigh in and draw to decide on partners a hush fell over the Tingwall boat shed as S.A.A. officials added up baskets and worked out the placings. As often happens in these situations it was two flyfishers at the very top of their game, Bobby Irvine and Frank Watt who drew the golden ticket and blew everyone else out of the water with their combined basket of over 20lb. Well done Bobby and Frank.
The bank league takes a break now until Saturday 29th July when the penultimate competition will be fished in the North Mainland with a 1015 check in at Mavis Grind.
In the meantime the S.A.A. bank team will fish the annual inter club match against the Dounreay Fly Fishing Association in Caithness and we wish our boys all the best for this event.
D & D Doubles
Last Saturday morning Shetlands elite anglers gathered at the Tingwall boat shed for the prestigious D & D Doubles trophy where the top and bottom 6 teams are drawn out of a hat,,This provided some tasty looking partnerships including Mark and Harry Sandison who both looked up for the challenge,, and the on-fire duo Billy Reid and Greg Anderson to name but a few,, there was a steely determination in the club house as to which team would(could) wrestle the trophy from Bobby Irvine and Leslie Barclay the 5 times in a row holders of the trophy,, gone was the 18/20 degree heat we have had recently to be replaced by a dull day light SE winds with torrential rain .. before the knew it the starting horn went off and teams dispersed to the south, west, and north,, trailing behind Bobby and Leslie were team Sandison to the mighty Varra on the westside they had a masterplan to Gazump the champs and had come in 2 cars unlike all the other teams who had travelled together in one ,,in doing so a team m8 could go to the opposite ends of the same Loch at the same time,, Which made Bobby and Leslie all the more determined to hold on to their trophy when they witnessed the determination at all costs to win it of them from some of the other teams,, At the Tingwall boatshed 2 minutes before the 17.40 weighin the bedraggled teams were all lamenting the conditions looking at there watches wondering where the champs were then with 90 seconds to go Bobby zipped into the carpark, they had nearly got caught short measuring a couple of fish before they left, as the ompetition secretary Billy Reid set up the scales you could cut the tension with a knife, and in 3rd place with 13 fish for 8lb 1oz were team Sandison who gathered there excellent basket ghosting bobby & Leslie all day,,, and in 2nd place with 16 fish for 9lb were the hot rod duo of Billy Reid and Greg Anderson who had some good action late in the day in Asta there top fly was a Kerrs olive hog, and in first place for an unprecedented 6th time in a row were Bobby and Leslie they blew every other team(literally)out of the water with 28 Trouts for 16lb 3oz there top fly's were Clanhogs and stingybee half hogs,, as the modest duo took in the rounds of applause in what was some angling feat given the conditions , the angling comes thick and fast now with the annual Roma’s hill competition on 8/7/23 0900 start 19,30 weigh in at the collafirth pier, followed by the next round of the bank league on the 13/723 18.05 till 22.30 bixtergrave yard car park,,,
Last Saturday morning Shetlands elite anglers gathered at the Tingwall boat shed for the prestigious D & D Doubles trophy where the top and bottom 6 teams are drawn out of a hat,,This provided some tasty looking partnerships including Mark and Harry Sandison who both looked up for the challenge,, and the on-fire duo Billy Reid and Greg Anderson to name but a few,, there was a steely determination in the club house as to which team would(could) wrestle the trophy from Bobby Irvine and Leslie Barclay the 5 times in a row holders of the trophy,, gone was the 18/20 degree heat we have had recently to be replaced by a dull day light SE winds with torrential rain .. before the knew it the starting horn went off and teams dispersed to the south, west, and north,, trailing behind Bobby and Leslie were team Sandison to the mighty Varra on the westside they had a masterplan to Gazump the champs and had come in 2 cars unlike all the other teams who had travelled together in one ,,in doing so a team m8 could go to the opposite ends of the same Loch at the same time,, Which made Bobby and Leslie all the more determined to hold on to their trophy when they witnessed the determination at all costs to win it of them from some of the other teams,, At the Tingwall boatshed 2 minutes before the 17.40 weighin the bedraggled teams were all lamenting the conditions looking at there watches wondering where the champs were then with 90 seconds to go Bobby zipped into the carpark, they had nearly got caught short measuring a couple of fish before they left, as the ompetition secretary Billy Reid set up the scales you could cut the tension with a knife, and in 3rd place with 13 fish for 8lb 1oz were team Sandison who gathered there excellent basket ghosting bobby & Leslie all day,,, and in 2nd place with 16 fish for 9lb were the hot rod duo of Billy Reid and Greg Anderson who had some good action late in the day in Asta there top fly was a Kerrs olive hog, and in first place for an unprecedented 6th time in a row were Bobby and Leslie they blew every other team(literally)out of the water with 28 Trouts for 16lb 3oz there top fly's were Clanhogs and stingybee half hogs,, as the modest duo took in the rounds of applause in what was some angling feat given the conditions , the angling comes thick and fast now with the annual Roma’s hill competition on 8/7/23 0900 start 19,30 weigh in at the collafirth pier, followed by the next round of the bank league on the 13/723 18.05 till 22.30 bixtergrave yard car park,,,
North Mainland 22-6-23
Flyfishers gathered at Mavis Grind last Thursday Evening for round six of the Shetland Anglers Association Fly Bank League.
There were a few raised eyebrows as Leslie Barclay arrived with a solid five minutes to spare before the kick off. This must be a record for Barclay who is renowned for his last minute timing. He did however manage to sneak in front of the assembled convoy and was maybe a bit quick of the mark at the sound of Billy Reid’s starting horn. This drew an official warning and competitors are reminded of the requirement to process behind the competition secretary’s vehicle until the first loch on the list is passed!
It was a perfect Shetland Midsummer evening for fly fishing - overcast with a warm Westerly breeze. The question was of course, who would make the most of these ideal trooty conditions?
As ever a few anglers did do well in the excellent conditions and rods could be seen bending right away. For others it was more difficult with some struggling to put even a couple of trout into their baskets. That’s just trout fishing for you though!
At the 1030 weigh in it was clear from a few delighted faces who had made the best of it.
Taking first spot with an excellent basket of ten fish for 6 lb, 2 oz was the on fire Kevin Robertson. Robertson had started in Punds Water. However when he discovered it wasn’t “on” he had made the astute tactical decision to move to the often overlooked Wester Water where he had scored with a “Peach Muddler.” Well done Kevin.
Just missing out on first place by a couple of ounces was the unlucky Bobby Irvine. Bobby also had ten fish from the formidable Eela Water for 6lb, ½ oz. Bobby’s top fly was a “Clan Chief.”
Third place went to the effervescent Leslie Barclay. Barclay’s Grand Prix start had taken him straight to the hot spot in Eela Water where he was into fish right away. Barclay ended up with eight for 4 lb, 14 ¼ oz. taken mainly on a “Claret hedgehog.”
Other successful anglers were Frank Watt, Dave Wright, Billy Reid, Mark Sandison, Greig Anderson and Ian Reid.
This leaves the league table as follows with two thirds of the competitions having been fished:
Flyfishers gathered at Mavis Grind last Thursday Evening for round six of the Shetland Anglers Association Fly Bank League.
There were a few raised eyebrows as Leslie Barclay arrived with a solid five minutes to spare before the kick off. This must be a record for Barclay who is renowned for his last minute timing. He did however manage to sneak in front of the assembled convoy and was maybe a bit quick of the mark at the sound of Billy Reid’s starting horn. This drew an official warning and competitors are reminded of the requirement to process behind the competition secretary’s vehicle until the first loch on the list is passed!
It was a perfect Shetland Midsummer evening for fly fishing - overcast with a warm Westerly breeze. The question was of course, who would make the most of these ideal trooty conditions?
As ever a few anglers did do well in the excellent conditions and rods could be seen bending right away. For others it was more difficult with some struggling to put even a couple of trout into their baskets. That’s just trout fishing for you though!
At the 1030 weigh in it was clear from a few delighted faces who had made the best of it.
Taking first spot with an excellent basket of ten fish for 6 lb, 2 oz was the on fire Kevin Robertson. Robertson had started in Punds Water. However when he discovered it wasn’t “on” he had made the astute tactical decision to move to the often overlooked Wester Water where he had scored with a “Peach Muddler.” Well done Kevin.
Just missing out on first place by a couple of ounces was the unlucky Bobby Irvine. Bobby also had ten fish from the formidable Eela Water for 6lb, ½ oz. Bobby’s top fly was a “Clan Chief.”
Third place went to the effervescent Leslie Barclay. Barclay’s Grand Prix start had taken him straight to the hot spot in Eela Water where he was into fish right away. Barclay ended up with eight for 4 lb, 14 ¼ oz. taken mainly on a “Claret hedgehog.”
Other successful anglers were Frank Watt, Dave Wright, Billy Reid, Mark Sandison, Greig Anderson and Ian Reid.
This leaves the league table as follows with two thirds of the competitions having been fished:
It’s worth noting that the adventurous Ian Reid had hiked into the Mangaster Hills where he’d struggled to catch a measuring fish. However Reid could report that he’d had loads of fish that were just under the statutory ten inches. This is undoubtedly indicative of a good spawning year and just goes to show what good health the hardy native Shetland Brown trout species is in.
The ever popular “D & D Doubles” takes place on Saturday 1st July with a 1015 check in at the Tingwall shed. Competitors are reminded to arrive in plenty of time as there will be a seeded draw for partners.
Then the postponed Ronas Hill competition takes place on Saturday 8th July with a 9.00 check in at the Collafirth pier. Anglers are reminded to pack their maps and compasses for this endurance event.
The next league competition takes place on Thursday 13th July with an 1805 check in at the Bixter Graveyard car park.
The ever popular “D & D Doubles” takes place on Saturday 1st July with a 1015 check in at the Tingwall shed. Competitors are reminded to arrive in plenty of time as there will be a seeded draw for partners.
Then the postponed Ronas Hill competition takes place on Saturday 8th July with a 9.00 check in at the Collafirth pier. Anglers are reminded to pack their maps and compasses for this endurance event.
The next league competition takes place on Thursday 13th July with an 1805 check in at the Bixter Graveyard car park.
Clousta Road 15-6-23
Record temperatures last Thursday with the mercury nudging 25 degrees could only mean one thing! – Yes, you’ve guessed it, the Shetland Anglers Association Fly Bank League competition in the Clousta Road. It was T-Shirts, hats and suntan lotion all round as competitors mingled at the Bixter Hall car park and soaked up the rays. Nobody present could remember such a Mediterranean type evening for a fly competition.
There was controversy straight away as Mark Sandison pulled in directly in front of Leslie Barclay and so gained pole position on the starting grid. For a second Barclay thought about making an official complaint until he remembered who the chief press reporter is! The pen is indeed mightier than the sword.
Although old Jamaica had been blazing down all day, which of course is complete fly fishing anathema, there was a thin layer of cloud in the west which just might take some of the glare away. Anglers had a choice of lochs in the Clousta road area. On paper this is possibly the best area for trout fishing in Shetland with classic waters such as Clousta, Vaara, Kirkhouse, Northouse and Clings Water on offer. However, as we all know, fly fishing competitions aren’t fished or won on paper!
The 1805 start saw a fairly even distribution of anglers over these lochs with perhaps Vaara seeing most of the early action.
As it turned out the sun’s glare was indeed filtered through some handy clouds so the conditions maybe weren’t as hard as they might have been. The gentle breeze falling away to a flat calm combined with a midge hatch would present the biggest problem of the evening.
Taking the prize for most distance covered was of course the athlete that is Leslie Barclay. Over the course of the evening Leslie managed to get in the way of other anglers in Vaara, Clings Water and Northouse!
As anglers reconvened for the 1030 p.m. weigh there was a great deal of arm waving and flapping about in an attempt to ward off the swarms of carnivorous midges. As a result the weigh in was completed in record time with only 4 oz separating the top three anglers. The equivalent of a handful of West Side midges!
Taking first place was the on fire Billy Reid who had eight fish from Vaara for 4 lb, 9 ½ oz. Billy has hit a rich vein of form at just the right time and this result cements his position at the top of the league. Billy’s killing fly was a “Liquorice Allsort Bumble.”
Runner up was Mark Sandison who had seven trout from Clings Water for 4 lb, 6 ½ oz. Sandison had scored with his favourite “Clan Chief.”
In third place was Greig Anderson also with seven for 4 lb, 5 ¾ oz. Greig had fished Vaara where his top fly was a “Kerr’s Olive.”
Other anglers gaining points were Bobby Irvine, Kevin Robertson, Tony Li, Leslie Barclay, Harry Sandison and Frank Watt.
With five of the nine league competitions having been fished the league is as follows:
Record temperatures last Thursday with the mercury nudging 25 degrees could only mean one thing! – Yes, you’ve guessed it, the Shetland Anglers Association Fly Bank League competition in the Clousta Road. It was T-Shirts, hats and suntan lotion all round as competitors mingled at the Bixter Hall car park and soaked up the rays. Nobody present could remember such a Mediterranean type evening for a fly competition.
There was controversy straight away as Mark Sandison pulled in directly in front of Leslie Barclay and so gained pole position on the starting grid. For a second Barclay thought about making an official complaint until he remembered who the chief press reporter is! The pen is indeed mightier than the sword.
Although old Jamaica had been blazing down all day, which of course is complete fly fishing anathema, there was a thin layer of cloud in the west which just might take some of the glare away. Anglers had a choice of lochs in the Clousta road area. On paper this is possibly the best area for trout fishing in Shetland with classic waters such as Clousta, Vaara, Kirkhouse, Northouse and Clings Water on offer. However, as we all know, fly fishing competitions aren’t fished or won on paper!
The 1805 start saw a fairly even distribution of anglers over these lochs with perhaps Vaara seeing most of the early action.
As it turned out the sun’s glare was indeed filtered through some handy clouds so the conditions maybe weren’t as hard as they might have been. The gentle breeze falling away to a flat calm combined with a midge hatch would present the biggest problem of the evening.
Taking the prize for most distance covered was of course the athlete that is Leslie Barclay. Over the course of the evening Leslie managed to get in the way of other anglers in Vaara, Clings Water and Northouse!
As anglers reconvened for the 1030 p.m. weigh there was a great deal of arm waving and flapping about in an attempt to ward off the swarms of carnivorous midges. As a result the weigh in was completed in record time with only 4 oz separating the top three anglers. The equivalent of a handful of West Side midges!
Taking first place was the on fire Billy Reid who had eight fish from Vaara for 4 lb, 9 ½ oz. Billy has hit a rich vein of form at just the right time and this result cements his position at the top of the league. Billy’s killing fly was a “Liquorice Allsort Bumble.”
Runner up was Mark Sandison who had seven trout from Clings Water for 4 lb, 6 ½ oz. Sandison had scored with his favourite “Clan Chief.”
In third place was Greig Anderson also with seven for 4 lb, 5 ¾ oz. Greig had fished Vaara where his top fly was a “Kerr’s Olive.”
Other anglers gaining points were Bobby Irvine, Kevin Robertson, Tony Li, Leslie Barclay, Harry Sandison and Frank Watt.
With five of the nine league competitions having been fished the league is as follows:
The next fly competition is The “Double D Doubles” which takes place on Saturday 1st July with a 1015 check in at the Tingwall Shed. Competitors are reminded to arrive in plenty of time as there will be a seeded draw before the start to establish partners.
Will fly fishers please note that due to a lack of hardy anglers last Saturday the annual Ronas Hill marathon has been postponed until Saturday 8th July with a 9.00 a.m. check in at the Collafirth pier.
Will fly fishers please note that due to a lack of hardy anglers last Saturday the annual Ronas Hill marathon has been postponed until Saturday 8th July with a 9.00 a.m. check in at the Collafirth pier.
Tulloch Midsummer Shield
Last Saturday morning 10 of Shetlands Top Anglers gathered at the Tingwall boatshed for the Tulloch Midsummer Shield, one of the big prizes in the SAA calendar ,, Where 18 of Shetlands premium waters ranging from the mighty Eelawater up north to mousaford and Lungawater out west Tingwall and Asta to Spiggie in the south, it was blazing sun shine and a light southerly wind it had to be said that there wasn't really a great deal of enthusiasm among our hardy bunch prior to the start and before they knew it competition secretary Billy Reid fired the starting gun ..And Anglers spread to the 4 corners of Shetland most of the named Lochs saw action on the day... it was 10 sunburnt weary Anglers that reconvened at 17.40 for the weigh in despite the conditions there had been good baskets caught,, you could cut the tension with a knife as Billy set up the scales in 3rd place with an excellent basket of 14 trout for 9ib 11oz was Spiggle master Frank Watt Frank had success on a bluebottle spider,, in 2nd place with 16 trout for 9lb 14oz was Bobby Irvine who circumnavigated the mighty Vaara for his excellent basket bobby had success on a clan chief hog,,, but in first place with 14 fish for 10lb 1oz was the Asta terminator himself Billy Reid who's best fly was a Kerrs olive,, other successful anglers were Harry Sandison, Leslie Barclay, Ian Reid, Greg Anderson, Kevin Robertson, Mark Sandison, and Dave Wright,, Kevin Robertson got to know all the south end farmers personally on Saturday morning as he had to go asking for a Tractor to get his 4 by 4 towed out of a ditch on the field road to brow as he was driven of the road by an angry south end Tup,,,,and Mark Sandison had an early Bath(literally) after falling in 2 foot of water at the south end of Spiggle. the competitions come quick and fast now with the Clousta Road competition on Thursday 15/6/23 followed by the Ronashill competition on 17/6/23 09,00 till 19.30
Last Saturday morning 10 of Shetlands Top Anglers gathered at the Tingwall boatshed for the Tulloch Midsummer Shield, one of the big prizes in the SAA calendar ,, Where 18 of Shetlands premium waters ranging from the mighty Eelawater up north to mousaford and Lungawater out west Tingwall and Asta to Spiggie in the south, it was blazing sun shine and a light southerly wind it had to be said that there wasn't really a great deal of enthusiasm among our hardy bunch prior to the start and before they knew it competition secretary Billy Reid fired the starting gun ..And Anglers spread to the 4 corners of Shetland most of the named Lochs saw action on the day... it was 10 sunburnt weary Anglers that reconvened at 17.40 for the weigh in despite the conditions there had been good baskets caught,, you could cut the tension with a knife as Billy set up the scales in 3rd place with an excellent basket of 14 trout for 9ib 11oz was Spiggle master Frank Watt Frank had success on a bluebottle spider,, in 2nd place with 16 trout for 9lb 14oz was Bobby Irvine who circumnavigated the mighty Vaara for his excellent basket bobby had success on a clan chief hog,,, but in first place with 14 fish for 10lb 1oz was the Asta terminator himself Billy Reid who's best fly was a Kerrs olive,, other successful anglers were Harry Sandison, Leslie Barclay, Ian Reid, Greg Anderson, Kevin Robertson, Mark Sandison, and Dave Wright,, Kevin Robertson got to know all the south end farmers personally on Saturday morning as he had to go asking for a Tractor to get his 4 by 4 towed out of a ditch on the field road to brow as he was driven of the road by an angry south end Tup,,,,and Mark Sandison had an early Bath(literally) after falling in 2 foot of water at the south end of Spiggle. the competitions come quick and fast now with the Clousta Road competition on Thursday 15/6/23 followed by the Ronashill competition on 17/6/23 09,00 till 19.30
Westside 1-6-23
A sure sign that summer has arrived occurred last week as flyfishers congregated at the Bixter Graveyard carpark for the first Thursday evening S.A.A. bank competition of the season. It certainly looked like summer with “Old Jamaica” blazing down out of an azure blue sky. However there was a definite nip in the air and competitors still had on their extra layers for the expected temperature drop when the sun “took the hill.”. Not ideal trooty conditions but nobody seemed to mind as anglers made the best of the opportunity to soak up the rays and exchange some trooty news.
Adding to the car park banter was Bonnie Isle man Kevin Robertson who was attending his first bank competition of the season.
Very conspicuous by his absence however was the indefatigable Leslie Barclay. There were a few concerned glances in the Bixter direction as the clock ticked towards the 1805 kick off. Needless to say Barclay had misread the start time on the competition sheet and after a hot run through the alps he summited the Twatt Hill only to see his fellow fly fishers disappearing over the horizon in a cloud of dust to the West. At the weigh in Barclay did try to claim that everyone had set off two minutes early but competition secretary Billy Reid was having none of it.
Competitors had a huge range of lochs to choose from in all the corners and nooks and crannies of the Wild West Side so there should be no trouble finding a stretch of bank to yourself. The main problem would be finding a trout in the blazing sun.
When anglers reconvened for the 1030 weigh however it was clear that there had been some excellent catches despite the adverse conditions. Those who had done best had found fish willing to take in the bright conditions, while the also rans had only managed to pick up one or two fish as the sun set.
Taking first place with an incredible 13 fish for 8 lb. 2 oz. was Kevin Robertson. Kevin had fished the often overlooked Wester Water and the Hulma Lees where his top fly was a “Green Tailed Loch Ordy.” Just to put Kevin’s achievement into perspective his catch ratio was roughly a fish every fifteen minutes. This is incredible angling in the best of conditions, never mind the blazing sun! Kevin’s basket also contained the heaviest trout of the evening at 1 lb 7 oz.
Runner up was Frank Watt with another super basket of eight trout for 4 lb, 1 oz. from Lunga Water. Frank had scored with old favouirite, the “Clan Chief.” In third spot and fresh from success in a National Qualifier on the mainland was Tony Li with five fish from Lunga Water for 3 lb. 6 ¾ oz. taken on an “Orange Dabbler.”
Other anglers among the points were Bobby Irvine, Billy Reid, Harry Sandison, Leslie Barclay and Mark Sandison.
Athlete of the Evening award went to Leslie Barclay who had done 15,000 steps in pursuit of his three trout.
With three competitions having been fished this leaves the league as follows:
A sure sign that summer has arrived occurred last week as flyfishers congregated at the Bixter Graveyard carpark for the first Thursday evening S.A.A. bank competition of the season. It certainly looked like summer with “Old Jamaica” blazing down out of an azure blue sky. However there was a definite nip in the air and competitors still had on their extra layers for the expected temperature drop when the sun “took the hill.”. Not ideal trooty conditions but nobody seemed to mind as anglers made the best of the opportunity to soak up the rays and exchange some trooty news.
Adding to the car park banter was Bonnie Isle man Kevin Robertson who was attending his first bank competition of the season.
Very conspicuous by his absence however was the indefatigable Leslie Barclay. There were a few concerned glances in the Bixter direction as the clock ticked towards the 1805 kick off. Needless to say Barclay had misread the start time on the competition sheet and after a hot run through the alps he summited the Twatt Hill only to see his fellow fly fishers disappearing over the horizon in a cloud of dust to the West. At the weigh in Barclay did try to claim that everyone had set off two minutes early but competition secretary Billy Reid was having none of it.
Competitors had a huge range of lochs to choose from in all the corners and nooks and crannies of the Wild West Side so there should be no trouble finding a stretch of bank to yourself. The main problem would be finding a trout in the blazing sun.
When anglers reconvened for the 1030 weigh however it was clear that there had been some excellent catches despite the adverse conditions. Those who had done best had found fish willing to take in the bright conditions, while the also rans had only managed to pick up one or two fish as the sun set.
Taking first place with an incredible 13 fish for 8 lb. 2 oz. was Kevin Robertson. Kevin had fished the often overlooked Wester Water and the Hulma Lees where his top fly was a “Green Tailed Loch Ordy.” Just to put Kevin’s achievement into perspective his catch ratio was roughly a fish every fifteen minutes. This is incredible angling in the best of conditions, never mind the blazing sun! Kevin’s basket also contained the heaviest trout of the evening at 1 lb 7 oz.
Runner up was Frank Watt with another super basket of eight trout for 4 lb, 1 oz. from Lunga Water. Frank had scored with old favouirite, the “Clan Chief.” In third spot and fresh from success in a National Qualifier on the mainland was Tony Li with five fish from Lunga Water for 3 lb. 6 ¾ oz. taken on an “Orange Dabbler.”
Other anglers among the points were Bobby Irvine, Billy Reid, Harry Sandison, Leslie Barclay and Mark Sandison.
Athlete of the Evening award went to Leslie Barclay who had done 15,000 steps in pursuit of his three trout.
With three competitions having been fished this leaves the league as follows:
Meanwhile, in other news the prestigious Pottinger Benston Trophy fished in early May was won by Bobby Irvine and the trout festival champion was Frank Watt.
Competitions come thick and fast now. The “Tulloch Midsummer Shield” takes place on Saturday 10th June with a 1015 check in at the Tingwall shed. Then on Thursday 15th June it’s the Clousta Road competition with an 1805 check in at the Bixter Hall car park. This is closely followed by the Ronas Hill competition which takes place on Saturday 17th June with a 0900 check in at the Collafirth Pier. Competitors are reminded to pack their maps and compasses.
Competitions come thick and fast now. The “Tulloch Midsummer Shield” takes place on Saturday 10th June with a 1015 check in at the Tingwall shed. Then on Thursday 15th June it’s the Clousta Road competition with an 1805 check in at the Bixter Hall car park. This is closely followed by the Ronas Hill competition which takes place on Saturday 17th June with a 0900 check in at the Collafirth Pier. Competitors are reminded to pack their maps and compasses.
South Mainland 6-5-23
Despite it being coronation day eleven of Shetland’s toughest flyfishers rocked up at the Spiggie Boat Shed last Saturday morning for round two of the S.A.A. Fly Bank League. As well as chasing valuable league points anglers also had the added incentive of the Antares Trophy being up for grabs.
Very conspicuous by their absence were the redoubtable Derek Titheradge, Harry Sandison, who was at a Birthday party and James Henry. However reports of James having been frozen solid last Sunday in the Clousta boat competition have been greatly exaggerated. Also posted missing, playing inter county darts in Orkney, was Spiggie Master Frank Watt who has made this competition his own in recent years.
Despite struggling with injury It was great to see Shetland Fly fishing legend Stephen Leask in attendance after a bank league break of a few years.
It was a horrendous day for fly fishing with a South Easterly gale. Not surprisingly then there wasn’t just a great deal of craq among the assembled crew as they cowered in the welcome shelter of the new RSPB hut.
The 1015 start saw the majority of those present starting on the mighty “Spiggie,” one of Shetland’s flagship waters. Competitors could soon be seen battling up the East and West banks into the gale. Most managed to find a beat and settled down to a serious day’s angling which would see everyone along with their equipment tested to the extreme.
Most were equal to the challenge apart from the unlucky Leslie Barclay. Despite having just been reunited with some pieces of tackle which he had parted company with after the last competition, Leslie then proceeded to misplace his reel and line, two crucial pieces of equipment, and he was soon heading home for an early bath.
With the desperate conditions it was perhaps no surprise that only four of the original eleven starters were present at the 1740 weigh in. There was a little bit of confusion as bags belonging to those who had left early had to be sorted and identified. Luckily competition secretary Billy Reid and Bobby Irvine were on it and the weigh in could proceed with it’s usual efficiency.
Taking first place and the Antares Trophy at a relative canter was Tony Li with a super basket of fifteen fish for 10lb, 4 ½ oz. taken mainly on that old favourite, the “Bibio.” Tony also gets the prize for the toughest trooter on the day. Not only had he circumvented the Loch of Spiggie but he had also found time to go for a swim in the Sooth end of the loch despite the atrocious conditions. Could this be a new triathlon event? Flyfishing, power walking and swimming.
Runner up was Billy Reid with another very good basket of 13 fish for 8lb, 8 ¾ oz. Billy had scored with a “Kerr’s Olive.” Third went to Bobby Irvine with eight fish for 8 lb, 2 ¾ oz. Bobby’s basket contained the heaviest trout of the day at 2 lb, 5 ½ oz. which fell to a “Peach Muddler.”
Other successful anglers were Greig Anderson, Mark Sandison, Stephen Leask, Leslie Barclay and Peter Larenson.
Top tactics on the day for most anglers were sinking lines in various densities.
With two league competitions having been fished this leaves the league as follows.
Despite it being coronation day eleven of Shetland’s toughest flyfishers rocked up at the Spiggie Boat Shed last Saturday morning for round two of the S.A.A. Fly Bank League. As well as chasing valuable league points anglers also had the added incentive of the Antares Trophy being up for grabs.
Very conspicuous by their absence were the redoubtable Derek Titheradge, Harry Sandison, who was at a Birthday party and James Henry. However reports of James having been frozen solid last Sunday in the Clousta boat competition have been greatly exaggerated. Also posted missing, playing inter county darts in Orkney, was Spiggie Master Frank Watt who has made this competition his own in recent years.
Despite struggling with injury It was great to see Shetland Fly fishing legend Stephen Leask in attendance after a bank league break of a few years.
It was a horrendous day for fly fishing with a South Easterly gale. Not surprisingly then there wasn’t just a great deal of craq among the assembled crew as they cowered in the welcome shelter of the new RSPB hut.
The 1015 start saw the majority of those present starting on the mighty “Spiggie,” one of Shetland’s flagship waters. Competitors could soon be seen battling up the East and West banks into the gale. Most managed to find a beat and settled down to a serious day’s angling which would see everyone along with their equipment tested to the extreme.
Most were equal to the challenge apart from the unlucky Leslie Barclay. Despite having just been reunited with some pieces of tackle which he had parted company with after the last competition, Leslie then proceeded to misplace his reel and line, two crucial pieces of equipment, and he was soon heading home for an early bath.
With the desperate conditions it was perhaps no surprise that only four of the original eleven starters were present at the 1740 weigh in. There was a little bit of confusion as bags belonging to those who had left early had to be sorted and identified. Luckily competition secretary Billy Reid and Bobby Irvine were on it and the weigh in could proceed with it’s usual efficiency.
Taking first place and the Antares Trophy at a relative canter was Tony Li with a super basket of fifteen fish for 10lb, 4 ½ oz. taken mainly on that old favourite, the “Bibio.” Tony also gets the prize for the toughest trooter on the day. Not only had he circumvented the Loch of Spiggie but he had also found time to go for a swim in the Sooth end of the loch despite the atrocious conditions. Could this be a new triathlon event? Flyfishing, power walking and swimming.
Runner up was Billy Reid with another very good basket of 13 fish for 8lb, 8 ¾ oz. Billy had scored with a “Kerr’s Olive.” Third went to Bobby Irvine with eight fish for 8 lb, 2 ¾ oz. Bobby’s basket contained the heaviest trout of the day at 2 lb, 5 ½ oz. which fell to a “Peach Muddler.”
Other successful anglers were Greig Anderson, Mark Sandison, Stephen Leask, Leslie Barclay and Peter Larenson.
Top tactics on the day for most anglers were sinking lines in various densities.
With two league competitions having been fished this leaves the league as follows.
There was no hanging around after the weigh with our four stalwart fly fishermen desperate to get home for a warm bath. The only point of note was the fact that Billy Reid has gone from having no fishing bag last week to three by the time he left Spiggie on Saturday – and none of them belonged to Leslie Barclay!
The bank league now takes a break until Thursday 1st June when flyfishers will meet at the Bixter Graveyard at 1805 to fish the West Side lochs.
Competition junkies need not despair however as the much anticipated 2023 Trout festival will take place from Wednesday 17th to Saturday 20th May. Full details will be found on the Shetland Anglers Association website.
The bank league now takes a break until Thursday 1st June when flyfishers will meet at the Bixter Graveyard at 1805 to fish the West Side lochs.
Competition junkies need not despair however as the much anticipated 2023 Trout festival will take place from Wednesday 17th to Saturday 20th May. Full details will be found on the Shetland Anglers Association website.
Central Mainland & Shetland Times Trophy 29-4-23
The last Saturday in April, a freezing North West wind, new born lambs cowering in the corners of parks and the temperature struggling to reach five degrees. It could only mean one thing! No, not the Shetland Folk festival but the first Shetland Anglers Association Fly bank competition of the year. The only thing missing was snow showers!
Despite the poor trooty conditions 13 hardy flyfishers checked in at the Tingwall shed for the 1015 start. Everyone was wrapped up with as much layers as possible with merino base layers and woolly hats being the order of the day. Mark Sandison got a bit of a ribbing for wearing three pairs of socks inside his neoprene waders but as he pointed out this only proved the old angling adage that “Any fool can get cold and wet but it takes brains to stay warm and dry!”
The first competition of the season is an opportunity for anglers to show off and compare new tackle and accessories purchased over the close season. Today most of the chat centred around the most appropriate bag for the well appointed Shetland flyfisher. Billy’s dependable satchel had blown off his washing line in Hamnavoe during a winter gale and was last seen disappearing over da “Green Holm.” A popular Lerwick emporium had been able to furnish Billy with a new bag on the Saturday morning. Leslie Barclay on the other had simply managed to lose his trusty portable tackle storage system during the close season. Fortunately for Barclay Ian Reid was on hand to lend Leslie a bag. A grateful Leslie was heard to comment that it “was much bigger than he was used to!”
Despite the Baltic conditions there was a definite air of optimism among the assembled crew. Early season reports indicated that most of the waters on offer for today’s competition had been producing some fish.
With the clock ticking towards kick off there was just enough time for a souvenir photo of the assembled athletes before they embarked on what was bound to be a gruelling day’s sport.
Competitors had a choice of all the main lochs in the Central Mainland from Petta Water, Sand Water and Benston in the North down through the mighty Girlsta to the lochs in the Tingwall Valley and South to the Sandy Loch, Trebister and Brindister. Most of these waters would see some action over the course of the day. As well as valuable league points on offer there was also the added incentive of the beautiful “Shetland Times Trophy” being up for grabs.
Despite having 14 lochs to choose from old adversaries Leslie Barclay and Mark Sandison still managed to get in a tangle while sprinting to their favourite fishy spot in Tingwall. Luckily Barclay had the good sense to back down and a potentially powder keg situation was averted!
A hard afternoon’s angling then ensued with some anglers fishing several locations in search of that elusive fish whereas others elected to stick it out in one venue.
At the 1740 weigh in it transpired that the initial gloomy predictions had been off the mark with all thirteen anglers having fish to weigh in.
Taking first place and the Shetland Times trophy was Mark Sandison with eight trout for 6 lb, 6 ½ oz. In a post match interview a delighted Sandison admitted that his success was down to two Ians. Well into the afternoon and not doing particularly well, Sandison had fallen in with fellow competitor and buddy Ian Reid who’d advised him on the fly of choice for the day – a “Pearly White Cat.” Then immediately after he’d encountered model yacht enthusiast and ex inter county fly fisher Ian Couper who’d been Sandison’s fly fishing mentor back in the day. A few words of advice and encouragement from Couper to his ex pupil was all that Sandison needed to dig that bit deeper for the rest of the afternoon!
Runner up with three fish for 5 lb, 7 ¾ oz was Frank Watt. Frank’s basket contained the heaviest fish of the day at 2 lb, 8 ¼ oz. This monster has set an early high bar for the heaviest fish of the year trophy.
In third place was Harry Sandison with eight from Asta for 4 lb, 15 ¾ oz. Harry’s top fly was a “Doobry Muddler.” Fourth spot went to Billy Reid who had six from Tingwall for 4 lb, 15 oz. Billy had scored with a “Kerr’s Olive,” brainchild of Gulberwick flyfishing legend Andrew Kerr.
Other successful anglers were Tony Li, Peter Laurenson, James Henry, Greig Anderson, Ian Reid, John Laurenson, Dave Wright, Bobby Irvine and Leslie Barclay.
Leslie Barclay had to rush away promptly to attend a Folk Festival concert, returning the borrowed tackle bag to Ian. Imagine Ian’s surprise when he discovered Leslie’s box of top secret flies in one of the compartments. Ian left the box with an S.A.A. official but not before everyone had made some notes and taken a good look at Leslie’s killing patterns!
The next bank competition is the ever popular “Spiggie” competition where flyfishers will also be competing for the “Antares Trophy.” This takes place on Saturday 6th May and competitors are asked to note that the 1015 check in is at the Spiggie boat park. Competition fixtures come thick and fast now and this is closely followed by the “Pottinger Benston Trophy” which will be held on Thursday 11th May with an 1805 check in at the Benston boat park. Let’s hope it’s warmed up a bit by then!
The last Saturday in April, a freezing North West wind, new born lambs cowering in the corners of parks and the temperature struggling to reach five degrees. It could only mean one thing! No, not the Shetland Folk festival but the first Shetland Anglers Association Fly bank competition of the year. The only thing missing was snow showers!
Despite the poor trooty conditions 13 hardy flyfishers checked in at the Tingwall shed for the 1015 start. Everyone was wrapped up with as much layers as possible with merino base layers and woolly hats being the order of the day. Mark Sandison got a bit of a ribbing for wearing three pairs of socks inside his neoprene waders but as he pointed out this only proved the old angling adage that “Any fool can get cold and wet but it takes brains to stay warm and dry!”
The first competition of the season is an opportunity for anglers to show off and compare new tackle and accessories purchased over the close season. Today most of the chat centred around the most appropriate bag for the well appointed Shetland flyfisher. Billy’s dependable satchel had blown off his washing line in Hamnavoe during a winter gale and was last seen disappearing over da “Green Holm.” A popular Lerwick emporium had been able to furnish Billy with a new bag on the Saturday morning. Leslie Barclay on the other had simply managed to lose his trusty portable tackle storage system during the close season. Fortunately for Barclay Ian Reid was on hand to lend Leslie a bag. A grateful Leslie was heard to comment that it “was much bigger than he was used to!”
Despite the Baltic conditions there was a definite air of optimism among the assembled crew. Early season reports indicated that most of the waters on offer for today’s competition had been producing some fish.
With the clock ticking towards kick off there was just enough time for a souvenir photo of the assembled athletes before they embarked on what was bound to be a gruelling day’s sport.
Competitors had a choice of all the main lochs in the Central Mainland from Petta Water, Sand Water and Benston in the North down through the mighty Girlsta to the lochs in the Tingwall Valley and South to the Sandy Loch, Trebister and Brindister. Most of these waters would see some action over the course of the day. As well as valuable league points on offer there was also the added incentive of the beautiful “Shetland Times Trophy” being up for grabs.
Despite having 14 lochs to choose from old adversaries Leslie Barclay and Mark Sandison still managed to get in a tangle while sprinting to their favourite fishy spot in Tingwall. Luckily Barclay had the good sense to back down and a potentially powder keg situation was averted!
A hard afternoon’s angling then ensued with some anglers fishing several locations in search of that elusive fish whereas others elected to stick it out in one venue.
At the 1740 weigh in it transpired that the initial gloomy predictions had been off the mark with all thirteen anglers having fish to weigh in.
Taking first place and the Shetland Times trophy was Mark Sandison with eight trout for 6 lb, 6 ½ oz. In a post match interview a delighted Sandison admitted that his success was down to two Ians. Well into the afternoon and not doing particularly well, Sandison had fallen in with fellow competitor and buddy Ian Reid who’d advised him on the fly of choice for the day – a “Pearly White Cat.” Then immediately after he’d encountered model yacht enthusiast and ex inter county fly fisher Ian Couper who’d been Sandison’s fly fishing mentor back in the day. A few words of advice and encouragement from Couper to his ex pupil was all that Sandison needed to dig that bit deeper for the rest of the afternoon!
Runner up with three fish for 5 lb, 7 ¾ oz was Frank Watt. Frank’s basket contained the heaviest fish of the day at 2 lb, 8 ¼ oz. This monster has set an early high bar for the heaviest fish of the year trophy.
In third place was Harry Sandison with eight from Asta for 4 lb, 15 ¾ oz. Harry’s top fly was a “Doobry Muddler.” Fourth spot went to Billy Reid who had six from Tingwall for 4 lb, 15 oz. Billy had scored with a “Kerr’s Olive,” brainchild of Gulberwick flyfishing legend Andrew Kerr.
Other successful anglers were Tony Li, Peter Laurenson, James Henry, Greig Anderson, Ian Reid, John Laurenson, Dave Wright, Bobby Irvine and Leslie Barclay.
Leslie Barclay had to rush away promptly to attend a Folk Festival concert, returning the borrowed tackle bag to Ian. Imagine Ian’s surprise when he discovered Leslie’s box of top secret flies in one of the compartments. Ian left the box with an S.A.A. official but not before everyone had made some notes and taken a good look at Leslie’s killing patterns!
The next bank competition is the ever popular “Spiggie” competition where flyfishers will also be competing for the “Antares Trophy.” This takes place on Saturday 6th May and competitors are asked to note that the 1015 check in is at the Spiggie boat park. Competition fixtures come thick and fast now and this is closely followed by the “Pottinger Benston Trophy” which will be held on Thursday 11th May with an 1805 check in at the Benston boat park. Let’s hope it’s warmed up a bit by then!