Dont drink on an empty head

Thanks to Craig for tying these for me, it’s appreciated, they’ll catch fish for sure. It would have been a lot better if I took them with me, along with my leader, permit and everything else that was left in my HPA pack, in the garage. My wife drove most of the way to drop it off to me, she’s a gem and I didn't ask, but it will probably cost me at some point ;0) So, this is what happens when you've not had a glass of wine for a while? Daft really, functioned almost without a flaw for years before this, I need to have a word with myself.

I had about 3.5 hours fishing with a couple of follows on the Alive Shrimp in the first 20 mins, which, unfortunately was it. I spent the last half hour with the lure rod on a spot that needed some range at the top of the tide only to be shown how to catch Sea Trout by seals. I just wasn’t my day, the seals were on the money, never saw Sea Trout jumping to get away from them before and both are always here. I know I’m in the right place at the right time but it’s difficult not to be annoyed, they, at the end of the day are not doing it for fun.

On this occasion there wasn't!  I enjoyed dusting down the fly rod ,something I'm keen to do more of.

Willie's Salmon

When I was flogging away on Saturday a few of my fellow club members were on the Tay for the clubs annual jaunt to the fresh stuff on the River Tay. I think this is year six of this fixture. My late mate Rodney had the only success over this period with a nice spring Salmon of 12 pounds.

Unfortunately these fish are increasingly hard to come by. When I had text from Willie on Saturday to say that he had a 22 pounder in the net I was delighted for him, what a super fish.

 

Tough start

Windy, cold, difficult and rock hard fishing.This was my opening day of the season. I’ve had better days, but it was great to be back at it again.

My permit hadn’t arrived by post. Thanks to Gareth, who went out his way to meet me. I was then able to participate on the first day of the season.

On a day like today I was glad to see this little fish.

They got smaller but they were still welcome.

I stopped on the way home to have a coffee and look at this, it would be rude not to.Till next time.

 

 

 

 

 

French style( or the lack of it)

Incredibly, I have never got around to fishing for Grayling. I’ve thought about it now and then over the years but didn’t put the thinking into action.

Callum and I haven’t fished together for a couple of years. In fact, the last time was a bonkers 6 hour round trip turn and burn to meet me on a Bass mark. The fishing had been good that day and I was pretty relieved he got a nice fish on a lure at night for his efforts. Callum will know that feeling all too well as he’s been busy building his thriving guiding business over the last few years.

 I gave him a call a few weeks back for a catch up, had a look at a few dates that suited us both and before you know it, we were in the car talking about life in general and of course, fishing.

 

Callum demonstrated, to good effect, how to use a French leader. I was pretty rubbish in all honesty. I could blame the strong wind blowing downstream, but truthfully, I found it difficult to work with. Every now and then I got the upstream angle just right letting the fly’s work properly. Just as I thought I hit a reasonable rhythm, a Grayling agreed.

Image courtesy of Scotia Fishing/Callum Connor

Tearing around in the current displaying the red edge of its raised dorsal in the sunlight will be a memory that stays with me for a while. I was delighted.

Image courtesy of Scotia Fishing/Callum Connor

I enjoy fishing with Callum, need to make sure it’s not years before next time mate.  If you’re visiting Scotland and looking for a first class guided fishing experience get in touch with Scotia Fishing top guy, top guide.