Caught a memorable fish? Send your pictures to: troutandsalmon@fieldsportspress.com
WHAT ARE THE ODDS?
Zander Kennie (below, top) from the Scottish Borders had a great day’s fishing on the Makerstoun beat of the River Tweed, catching his first springer of the season, 10lb, from the Boat pool. On the same day, 170 miles away on the River Dee, his younger brother, Garry, was landing his first-ever spring salmon, a sea-liced eight-pounder from Lummels pool on the Aboyne beat.
A further coincidence was that both fish were caught on a Posh Tosh, a fly created by
Zander’s gillie for the day, Iain Wilson.
FISH OF THE MONTH
The River Oykel’s first salmon of the 2024 season was landed by 13-year-old Maisie Mackay from Bettyhill. Maisie, a highly experienced young angler, caught the 9lb spring fish in the tail of the Brae Burn pool on a Willie Gunn tube with 2ft 9in on the gauge. She lost another fresh-run fish at the net on the same day.
A fantastic achievement and great to see such a keen young angler lead the way on the Kyle of Sutherland rivers.
SEASON’S OPENER
David Moore won the New Lodge Trophy for the biggest trout caught on opening day at Grafham Water (March 1) with this overwintered rainbow, 5lb 15oz, weighed at the lodge by Anglian Water rangers. The stunning-looking fish took a black-and-green lure fished on a 15ft fast-tip line when David was drifting over open water 100m from the dam. It was expertly netted by his boat partner, Dave Curry.
“It's my PB from Grafham and made the pain of putting up with the horrendous cold, wet, windy weather worthwhile,” said David.
INSTANT SUCCESS
Eight-year-old Jonah Birtwell is pictured with his first-ever trout, a 3lb rainbow. Jonah was fishing with his father, George, at Brick Farm Lakes in Sussex and took the fish on a Black Damsel Nymph. George has been fishing since he was the same age, but it was Jonah’s first time and what a way to start.
