Angling: Leadburn tourney was a great release after winter

THE snow and ice may have gone but there was still a chill in the air for the Leadburn Manor Open Singles competition.

A good turnout of seasoned anglers took part in the catch-and-release match, with all flies having to be either de-barbed or barbless. This added to the fun as many fish slipped the hook at the net.

A good start is imperative in a competition like this and a favourable peg helps.

Having fished at Leadburn previously, I thought I had a fair idea of where the fish were going to be caught.

In the first hour, rods were bending at a frantic rate and the lad weighing the fish was run ragged.

I was amazed that most, if not all, of the fish were in great condition and fought well, even in the freezing conditions.

Liz Fraser took an early lead with a 6lb 4oz fish which was not to be bettered.

Bigger fish were caught, including an 8lb trout which I took, but did not count in the weigh-in.

Every angler enjoyed themselves and there were no recorded blanks.

The winning angler, Jim Litster of Ayr, finished with a total of eight fish using only two Buzzers fished static.

The match was deemed a huge success and the next one is planned for Sunday, 28 March where a big turnout will be almost guaranteed. To enter and for fishery information, call 07796 767194.