Sunday, 19th March

Lindores Loch, Day Session

A new season is upon us.  After last year's mild spring, which led to many fisheries experiencing overheated water problems by late June, this year has given us a very cold March, which might help to avoid such problems.  Time will tell.

In the week leading up to our first outing, we had baltic conditions, with bitter easterlies, snow, sleet, strong winds and everything else you just don't want to know about when planning a fishing trip.  However, historically, no matter how bad the weather in the run up, this outing pulls it all together on the day and gives us decent conditions.  And, what do you know, it did it again!  It wasn't tropical: not by a long chalk.  But, winds were light, we had overcast skies with a wee cheep of sunshine to lift the temperature a degree or so just when it was most needed, and all in all it was very pleasant.  Water clarity was decent and there was a smattering of buzzers hatching all day.

Unfortunately, similarities with this outing in previous years kind of ended with the good weather.  Not that is wasn't fishing well.  Trevor and Alan had been out just the day before, and had filled their boots -- as had most others by all accounts.  And that's usually bad news.  A fishery that's had a pummelling one day seldom takes another the next day.  Maybe that's an excuse for our inability to make the most of it, but it's amazing how often that has happened over the years.

Boyd Scott with a stockie of standard stamp

As often happens in such situations, it started off looking like a repeat of the Saturday, as it seemed like every boat was into fish straight away.  However, the signs were ominous, as very quickly the fish put their tin helmets on, and the rods fell silent, one by one.  After that, it was very very hard going.  Only John Robertson kept the fish coming in, as he got into a group in Milanda Bay, taking 9 to yellow dancer and mini-cat to a DI-3 and slow retrieve.  Unfortunately for john's boat partner, bob temple, he had to depart early, and missed the best of the action!

Next best boat was the aforementioned Alan and Trevor, who managed 3 apiece to mini cats and black lures on intermediates, plus an odd one to nymphs on the floater.

Bob Temple nets one of the early fish for John Robertson

There were 2 other bags of 3.  Allan Everington took all his to a coral mini-lure and intermediate, while the other went to mini cats and black lure again.  Most of the other rods struggled for a single fish.  Nearly all the fish came from the home shore area.

The club's total for 12 rods was a rather disappointing 26 fish.

Photos: Canon 10D with 70-300mm IS lens