Hi,

Before I start on the fishing report, I just wanted to let you all know that the fishery has invested in some technology to keep the ponds ice-free this year.

The cold weather won't get in the way this year

And thankfully it doesn’t involved me with a big pair o wellies and a big stick.

Darren told me just now that if a heavy frost is expected then the agitators will be run all night to keep the ponds open, so no excuse for missing out on your fishing.

There are braziers at the huts – all we ask is that you bring your own fuel and PLEASE don’t start attacking bits of wood that are around the ponds.

Also please tidy the thing away before you leave and be careful if juniors are around that they don’t burn themselves.

Anyway, back to the fishing.

I’m on record quite a few times already stating that the fishery fishes extremely well in the winter.

And I’m just about to prove it!

I enjoyed a great day at the fishery yesterday for our end of month competition.

Quite a few brave souls enjoyed it too. I don’t think any one person blanked….er apart from me that is, but to be fair I only messed about for around half-an-hour.

Young Darren won the heaviest bag on the bait pond – that’s his second victory in a row and newcomer to the competition Paul from the Duntreath angling club had the biggest fish at 3.71 lbs – well done both.

Some of the competitors not feart to have their picture taken with dodgy clobber on

Honorable mentions have to go to Ricey, again from the Duntreath club – he had his 3 fish bag within 30 or 40 minutes if memory serves!

 Not to be bored for the rest of the competition I loaned him a fly rod and he tried catch and release for a bit.

Well to be honest, it was really not catch and didn’t have to release – but keep banging away mate, you’ll get there eventually!

Talking of the fluff chucking persuation, it was simply incredible.

Most reached their bag of three and continued onto catch and release, the heaviest bag won by Rab 8.42lb.

Winner of most fish caught was Ricky, who took three and released an incredible 18. Yes that’s not a typo.

EIGHTEEN!

A more than honorable mention though has to go to Sammy who released 16. SIXTEEN!

All together I reckon that there was around 80 fish ‘jagged’ yesterday. So don’t be surprised if you have to be a wee bit more wiley with them over the next wee while.

I would say that ‘naturals’ would be the way to go, but as I was the only person NOT to catch a fish yesterday, what the hell do I know!

Just another wee story to wind up with. It’s always great to welcome first-time anglers and Sunday there was no execption.

Young David Morris who’s five caught his first ever fish and followed it closely with a second before his dad eventually caught up!

He told me that the wee man wouldn’t sleep on Saturday night because he was so excited about his first fishing expedition. I told him I was exactly the same when I was young and if truth betold I still feel like that from time to time.

So well done David and I hope you have a great time with your new hobby.

Couple of dates to remember – the next Friday night fishing competition is on the 11th December.

There are a few places left for the Boxing day bait competition – remember its a booking thing, so get a deposit down to secure your place.

And finally, the usual end of month competition will be on the following day, Sunday 27th Dec for the fluff chuckers.

I hope you get a chance to join us  – you’ll not be disapointed.

Till the next time, tight lines and no’ uppa tree!

Paul