Fraser on fishing: I'll be Glad to go back ...

Although run by private syndicates, Gladhouse Reservoir in the Lammermuir Hills offers several boats for hire.

I recently took up the offer of sharing a boat with Drew Conlon who oversees some of the boats on the water and can be found there most days. It is a natural brown trout water and reports from Drew were encouraging to say the least.

It is electric outboards only and Drew was on hand with all the tackle required plus some advice on flies and lines.

Well, it was overcast and a slight wind but excellent for brown trout so I donned the midge tip line with three fly cast off Bibio, Kate McLaren and Olive Bumble. There was enough interest there for any fish so expectations were high as we set out.

Drew is a traditionalist and sticks with old tried and tested patterns and his passion for the place was evident as he told me of the real big resident fish. He then took me over to stretch of water and started laughing, and no wonder for within two casts I had one almighty tug that nearly ripped my arm off leaving me with only a line wrapped round my rod.

I shall return soon to see if I can connect with one of the biggies again, only this time I want to come out on top.