These bulletin blogs represent news about Finavon and the South Esk, and my views as a riparian owner. They are not the views of any other organisation, nor are they designed to promote the interests of any individual or organisation other than Finavon Castle Water and factors affecting the fishery. Tony Andrews
I can do no better than quote the whole text of John Wood’s report on the capture of a very beautiful first fish of 2013 for FCW.
John Wood's 17lbs salmon from Beeches
John’s own words:
“What a result and many thanks . I was very happy to have caught 2 kelts (aqueduct and red braes) but about 4pm I thought I would give aqueduct another go . I put on a VERY thin yellow ally’s 8 double . The fish took with an almighty snatch half way between the top of the old wooden croy (above the eroded pier) and the big black rock at the waters edge just upstream . I had just said to myself that this was the spot for a fresh fish !
There was no similarity with the kelts . It shot about and ran all over with a brutal force. I could see it fighting in the clear water all the time and it jumped once to show a pure white belly and a short deep fish.
After about 20 mins it was tiring and I took it down to under the aqueduct to the still water to get its head up and into the net . The net weighed it at 16.5 lbs and I did’nt see any sea lice . It was a hen fish . The handle of my rod in the photo is 26 inches long . The fish obligingly lay still while I took a picture and I returned it safely ..It was the thickest and deepest fish for its lenght I have ever caught – an absolute beauty .
I will look forward to fishing the lower half of the beat on Saturday.”