Fund-raiser was a great way to break ice at Markle

IT is hard to believe we are well into February and the majority of fisheries still remain closed due to being frozen over. Markle on the east coast is one of the few fisheries that has managed to remain open and buck the trend, writes STUART FRASER.

When I arrived there appeared to be a fund-raising competition for the Scottish senior squad on. Many well-known rods and internationalists were out to support the forthcoming internationals. Although the water was slightly cloudy the fish were very active and it did not take long for the first of many trout to be caught.

Although it was a catch and release competition, the banter was always going to be good. I kicked off with a yellow Dancer on the bottom bond and managed to get off to a flyer with a 4lb fish. I knew I was moving to a good platform on the main pond after this session so I changed to a black Dancer on a long leader. It proved to be a good switch as I took a further two in quick succession.

The fish were being caught on a variety of flies and lines but eventual winner Tosh Storrar managed to get unlucky 13 to win the match and it was a fun day all round.

There were some fantastic raffle prizes on offer as well as draw for some terrific flies tied by the anglers from Orkney Isles. But the whole day was to raise funds for the forthcoming internationals. Both ponds were used with the main Markle pond fishing best.

The top end and dam wall were very productive and Dancers to Bloodworms were working. It was a good day for a good cause so everyone went home happy.