Rod-bending aplenty as fish rise to the bait at Linlithgow

Published on Saturday 17 May 2008 10:33

LINLITHGOW Loch has got be one the most improved fishing venues in the last few years.

Overlooked by the once proud palace, I was fortunate to get a day's fishing in near perfect conditions. Setting out, my boat partner and I headed into the main basin but found little success. After an hour or so we drifted up between the two islands and the sport was just about to begin.

Teamed up with midge tip and Buzzers, fish were dimpling the surface but not taking. Letting the Buzzers sink on a slow retrieve we were both smashed out on really savage takes. Changing quickly to stronger nylon, my boat partner was fishing the washing line technique with two Buzzers and a Booby on the point.

This seemed to work as he took three fish in quick succession. However, I persevered with the standard method and luck soon favoured me.

I can honestly say that the trout are the hardest fighting I have come across for many a day. Apart from almost ripping the rod out of your hands they never gave up the fight even after they were netted.

It was a great session with more trout slipping the hook than actually were landed. Looking about us, rods were bending on nearly every boat. These fish can really scrap and many escaped to fight another day. It did go a little quiet for an hour or so but they soon came back on the feed and the action started all over again.

Every boat that came in after the session remarked on the quality of the fishing. Can't wait to get back out there again and would urge any angler to give it a try. It has to be booked in advance.