Fraser on Fishing: Missed opportunities made Linlithgow trip a mixed bag

Despite many anglers attaining their limit I could not get there – not for the want of missed opportunities, I might add.

Things looked almost perfect with just a light breeze blowing from top to bottom of the water. I was told to hold close to the far bank and cast as close in to shore as possible.

Although I got only got the odd pull and pluck, those around me were hitting fish regularly. Not until halfway through the session did I connect. The take was ferocious and nearly pulled the rod out of my hands. And the fish scrapped well, taking my Damsel tail fly on a merry dance.

I then decided to move over to the back of the island. I got offer after offer but only managed to hook and land three. The most soul-destroying part was losing two really big fish at the net. One was 5lbs+ and the other must have been into double figures.

The fishing was fantastic, however. I envy anyone fishing there over the next few weeks. The fish were fairly high in the water but the best takes had to be 4-8 feet sub-surface. Lures performed well in the morning, going on to Cormorants and Buzzers later in the day.