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SWANNAY ON GOOD FORM FOR WALTER LEASK CUP
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A superb bag of trout wins Colin the Cup |
The first evening competition of the season produced the best entry so far, with 37 anglers trying their hand. The weather was just what it’s been, raw wind and brassy sunshine, poor angling conditions you would think, but Swannay still produced some good baskets for the anglers who sussed out how to catch its trout.
Unusually, the bulk of the anglers at the 6 30pm start took up station just off the site, with a brisk southerly wind taking them on a drift towards the holm. This proved to be the correct location as rods were bent into fish very quickly, while other anglers fishing elsewhere struggled to find fish. The change in wind direction overnight had certainly switched some previously very productive areas right off, but had seemingly not had this effect south of the island.
Best basket on the night was weighed in by a delighted Colin Sutherland who had taken 10 fish for 8lb 6ozs from about the island area, taking half his bag on his first drift, securing the Walter Leask Cup. Erlend Hutchison actually caught more fish with 11, but didn’t have the weight, at 7lb 9ozs, really unlucky. There were numerous other good baskets, the best being Malcolm Russell’s 10 for 8lb 4ozs and Norman Irvine’s 10 for 7lb 11ozs. There were also plenty of contenders for the heaviest fish but it was Norman’s belter of 1 3/4lb which came out tops.
Tactics were pretty standard for Swannay with most anglers starting with a medium to fast sinking line in the bright sun, although it was evident that the fish certainly came up in the water as the sun sunk behind the hill. Intermediates were all that was required then and some anglers scored heavily in the last 30 minutes to transform their night.
Colin’s basket was taken mainly on a JC Viva, upholding the fact that black and green, mini lure type flies had been working. Others of note, included Merkister Maid, Ace of Spades, Christmas Tree, Erlend’s Old Cat, (that will have you searching through the big wooden fly box) and Naked Spur. One other fly which I was delighted to hear about was a new successful pattern from Malcolm Russell. Malcolm very kindly showed me this new fly which he has christened the Silver Straggler. Although the name might give away part of the dressing, it certainly doesn’t tell all about this cracking fly. I, of course will have to fully field test the SS, just to make sure it’s as good as he says, before I pass it on through these columns, I’m sure you understand.
Next stop Stenness, time to try and find these flies in the corner of the box that have not seen the light of day since this time last year. Make sure that they are not too rusty under the dressing; it could cause heartache when you hook that 3lb sea trout
KK
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