Highland Park Trophy
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Top rod Brian Foreman |
FOREMAN GETS THE JOB DONE ON SWANNAY
After what seemed like a longer than usual close season, the OTFA fly fisherman started their competition programme last Sunday on Swannay, fishing for the Highland Park Trophy and the Gordon Grant Memorial Trophy.
Much of the excitement for the 24 anglers was quickly subdued by the strong, cold, east wind and bright sunshine, which was followed by heavy, squally rain showers later on, not a very comfortable day.
The hot spots at the start were all down the west side of the loch, Loudenhill, along Points and Ernie’s were all busy, with a few other boats fishing the sheltered shore from the Hatchery dozen to Dale. The weather shore was the place to be, with good sport enjoyed by many anglers, with drifts being repeated to make the best of it. A couple of boats fished the Swannay Farm shore, not usually very productive, but on the day, it proved to be a good move with some good fish caught there.
As the weather deteriorated further during the day, most anglers were pleased to see the 5 o’clock finish, and it was a cold, wet wait for the weigh in results. Thanks to Alan Craigie, Norman Irvine and Leslie Miller for carrying out the weighing and recording duties, a very professional job.
To reach double figures in such challenging conditions is exceptional, only two anglers did so, and it was Brian Foreman, with 11 fish for 9lb 2ozs, who secured the Highland Park Trophy, tremendous angling! Others who enjoyed a reasonable day included Norman Irvine with 9 for 8lb 3ozs, Jimmy Grant with 9 for 8lb 1oz, Alan McConnachie with 11 for 7lb 15ozs and Ken Kennedy with 8 for 6lb 13ozs. The Gordon Grant Memorial Trophy for the heaviest fish went to Norman Irvine with a beauty going 1lb 11ozs.
It was standard Swannay tactics for early season which won the day, with straight DI5 or the Sweep model the best lines for many and flies were pretty much the standards, with Ace of Spades, Christmas Tree and Naked Spur widely quoted.
Next up is Harray in a weeks time, let’s hope and pray for lighter winds and some warmth or it could be another hard day, tight lines!
KK
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