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Shetland V Orkney 2025

HOME WIN FOR SHETLAND IN INTERCOUNTY FLY FISHING

Shetland fly fishermen were the hosts for this years Intercounty, the 75th with only a break for Covid, a great tradition to uphold, and the friendly rivalry is as fierce as ever.
Day 1 on Tingwall started with the draw for partners, and when everyone was set and ready, we all set off into the blustery wind, something that persisted for the whole weekend. There was plenty bird activity over the water in the north end indicating olives were hatching so that was encouraging. Most boats started in the north loch before bailing out into the south end which had fished well in practice fir the home team.
Lunch time ashore gave everyone an opportunity to compare notes, it was clear that Shetland had taken an early lead. The hosts put on a marvellous spread of food which was enjoyed by all. Back afloat and more if the same really, bumpy travelling on the boats in the now strong wind, and lashing out a sinking line of choice.
At the first day weigh in, Shetland had obviously capitalised on home advantage, taking a formidable lead of about 7lb with Stephen Leask to the fore with 11 fish for 8lb 14ozs. Stephen and Ken Kennedy 21 fish to the boat, a good days angling from the pair of them. Shetland had caught 35 fish for 27lb 3ozs, to Orkney’s 27 fish for 19lb 8ozs. Orkney would have it all to do on the second day but were still hopeful that a strong team performance would turn it round. The Shetland Hotel was the venue for the Intercounty dinner, and all the anglers enjoyed a tremendous meal and some refreshments, enjoying the craic.
Day 2 started with less wind, a nice westerly, but it was a bit of a false dawn as it soon swung round into the south again, repeating the conditions of the day before. Again, all the boats started in the north, hoping the olives would bring the trout on the feed, but there was little evidence to be seen, and most headed for the south end. A short respite ashore at midday for sustenance revealed with a quick tally on numbers caught, that Orkney had eaten into the Shetland lead a bit, so still all to play for. After a short session finishing at 3 to catch the ferry, the weigh in commenced.
Orkney weighed in first and had caught 28 fish for 19lb, but it wasn’t enough to overhaul an impressive Shetland team who held on with 23 fish for 15lb 9ozs, winning the Intercounty Trophy. That is their first back to back win since 72/73, over 40 years ago, congratulations were definitely in order. The aggregated scores were as follows:- Shetland 58 fish for 42lb 12ozs, Orkney 55 fish 38lb 8ozs.
Fast sinking lines were pretty much the weapon of choice for most of the anglers, be it straight or sweep DI7, sweep 5 and 40+ DI5. Ace of Spades, be it Slim-line, Sunburst or Golden worked well as did small sparklers, Christmas Tree and Norski Lad.
The ferry trip always seems to take longer following a close defeat, but we will look forward to hosting Shetland next year in Orkney to carry on the history of this great match.
KK

Shetland Intercounty Team 2025
James Henry, Peter Laurenson, Stephen Leask, Sean McCaffrey, Frank Watt and
Josh Brush


Orkney Intercounty Team 2025
Ian Hutcheon, John Munson, Ken Kennedy, Sandy McConnachie, Stuart Leslie and
James Bews