Angling: Weather is the only winner as anglers are caught cold

The harsh reality of winter has not yet passed us by if the belated New Year Handicap at Allandale Tarn was anything to go by.

Pulling into the West Lothian fishery, heavy snow greeted the anglers which is never a good omen. Even the fish were keeping their heads down after the first hour or so.

Some anglers did manage to get fish despite the cold. The near side bank up the side of the fish cages was very receptive and lures in all colours were being taken. Despite the efforts of many the fish were dropping off at the net, much to the annoyance of everyone concerned. I managed to get a nice fish of just over 4lbs on a Hothead Damsel on my second cast which was to be my last for quite some time. The fish took about four feet below the surface on a fairly fast figure of eight retrieve.

As they say, you can pick your days but not the weather and it was the same for everyone. More and more anglers were retiring early as the snow turned to sleet. The odd fish was getting caught, but if you did not have at least six by lunchtime then you had little or no chance.

Still, the camaraderie was good and it was a light-hearted match but it was the weather that proved the winner.