Fraser on fishing: Big fish make their Markle on a day to remember

YOU never quite know what you are going to strike into at Markle.

When I arrived, there was plenty of bank to go at and I decided to head up the road shore to a seat which overhangs the water.

I stuck on a Black Dancer in the hope that the fish were clued into tadpoles and, several casts later, I got my first offer

As I retrieved, I could feel the lure being tugged back but I kept retrieving. I got a glimpse of what looked a sizeable fish but, as I saw it, it must have caught sight of me and it turned away.

It was nerve-tingling stuff and set me up for the sport that was to follow.

I don't like staying in one place so I moved down towards the lodge and the first platform.

Fish were moving and I decided to cast across the next one that appeared within casting range.

No sooner had the lure hit the water, the trout was on and what a fantastic fight it put up.

It was a nice fish of about 4lb and I gave it plenty of time to recover before releasing it.

Moving under the crags, I picked up a further two fish.

The last one was close to double figures and took some time to bring to the surface.

Once up, I got its head out of the water and guided it to the bank where I unhooked it.

After recovering, it gave a flick of its tail – soaking me and heading out into deep water.

A great end to an eventful day, full of sport.