Fraser on Fishing: Percentage game pays off after feisty blue escapes

Having boated for the ladies' national qualifier at the Lake of Menteith earlier in the week, it gave me an insight into where some of the fish were when I returned.

But I had a sluggish start, so I made my way over to Lochend and Kate's Brae where one or two fish were showing.

I started with two cormorants and a white Cat Booby on a midge tip line. The water was clear and fairly low but it did not stop the fish from feeding.

I took long drifts into the bank but it was only when I came within 30 yards of the end of the drift that I got any offers.

When I saw a bow wave appear to the rear of the Booby, I speeded up the retrieve and waited anxiously for the line to tighten. But it was not until the end of the retrieve, as I left the flies on the hang, that the line shot out.

It was a blue of around 3lb and it was really feisty as it leapt several times into the air shaking its head.

After I played it out, when it saw the net, it got one last burst of energy and slipped the hook.

Thankfully, there were to be no further hiccups as three more fish were landed.

I would not say that there was a big head of fish in the water but rather a few pods of fish which I drifted through. I did see one or two big fish head and tailing but I could not get them interested.

Sometimes it is better to play the percentages rather than sit in one corner all day waiting for your line to tighten.