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2008 AGM COMPETITION & ENTERTAINMENTS REPORT
The 2007 calendar was a busy one, as usual, for the sub - committee with
various social events, raffles, and a full competition programme being fulfilled.
The spring social evening was held at the Merkister Hotel with special guest
Steve O’Neil in attendance. “Hugo Ross” Tackle shop and
Gerry MacDonald of “Artifly” donated some very nice prizes which
coupled with the programme made for an enjoyable and successful evening.
The repeat of this event will take place on Friday 18th April 2008.
On the local competition circuit Erlend Hutchison was crowned fly fisherman
of the year. Erlend’s average of 13.3 points in his best 10 competitions
saw him, no less than, 16 points clear at the top of the 2007 league. Jack
Leslie was crowned bait fisherman of the year with an amazing performance
winning 59 points from a possible 60! Congratulations go to both anglers.
The fly fisherman of the year will represent the OTFA at the national final
and for the first time the OTFA will have three local anglers entering into
the national qualifiers during 2008. Ian Hutcheon fished the national final
on the Lake of Menteith this past year and although being the highest ranked
Orkney angler missed out on securing a Scottish Cap. The Anglian Water /
Fulling Mills qualifiers on Mentieth saw both Orkney TFA teams dominate
top places in consecutive day heats. Unfortunately this was short lived
as neither progressed further than the Scottish stages.
The 2007 Inter-county was held in Orkney on the Loch of Harray. Harray produced
the first class sport it is renowned for and both Shetland and Orkney brought
fine baskets to the scales. Over the two days Orkney came out as eventual
victors with Sandy McConnachie being top rod. July and the “invitation
weekend” saw a social gathering of anglers from all corners of Scotland
fishing on Harray. In the grounds of the Merkister Hotel the marquee played
host to guest fly tiers - Jimmy McBride of Craftye Tackle, Steven Brevic
of Shetland Anglers and local angler Ken Kennedy. Food, raffles and a part
catch and release fishing competition made for a fun weekend although the
weather did its best to dictate otherwise. Still on Harray, with the wind
and rain howling, brave mixed pairs fished for the W & C Stanger Cup
and the Ladies Cup. A good attendance saw everyone retire to the Merkister
for supper and a chance to dry out. Attendance of the junior competition
was at its lowest to date but hopes are that this can be rectified in 2008.
The Annual dinner and Trophy presentations took place at the Royal British
Legion Club, Kirkwall. A fine Buffett was prepared and served by Clinton
Rendall and his staff. With numbers similar to last year those who attended
had an enjoyable evening. This year’s “Doo” will take
place on Saturday the 15th November.
Local issues raised over the numbers of fish caught during Harray competitions
saw much deliberation by the sub-committee. After a number of meetings the
OTFA released a statement in regard to the matter on the web site explaining
derived conclusions. The welfare of lochs and their trout populations is
of course greatly important - none more so than to local anglers whom fish
competitions. Generally the year passed pretty smoothly this was due to
committee member’s hard work, input and fund raising efforts for which
they are commended.
I would like to Thank C Paterson, E Kemp, W S Sinclair and the Merkister
Hotel for collection of subscriptions and their continued support on various
fronts during the past season. Thanks also to all sponsors of the association.
Finally I would like to wish all members tight lines for the forthcoming
season.
James Bews
Convenor