The duck is broken, and I’m not talking about a decoy. The River Ness at Dochfour delivered the goods and I was fortunate enough to hook and land a sea liced springer in the Weir pool, where Loch Ness drains into the top of the River Ness. A long time overdue and very welcome. With a foot on the gauge and a brace of fresh fish taken the day before, conditions were perfect. The fish took a size 6 Park Shrimp on the dangle and didn’t do much until it saw the ghillie’s net and shot off across the pool. Grant Sutherland eventually slipped the net under her and we all settled at 12lb before she swam away strongly. We probably should have fished harder for the rest of the day but there was at least a half a bottle of whisky that wasn’t going to drink itself!
It was the first days fishing I’d had in a long time where I wasn’t desperate to catch a fish. I was just chuffed to be out for the day and catching up with old mates before I head to Russia. Maybe I should adopt this relaxed approach more often! I have just three days as an accountant left before I embark on a season as a fishing guide on the River Ponoi. I’m really pleased to have bagged a Scottish fish before I head off – its strange to think the next one will be a Russian.
For those interested the River Ponoi lies on the eastern point of the Kola peninsular. I am working for the Ponoi River Company who operate mainly out of the famous Ryabaga camp – please see their website here for more information and my guide profile. I hope to keep this blog updated while I’m away but not exactly sure what the internet will be like. Thankfully I have a week of down time before I head to the Tundra. When I’m not getting organised for my trip, I will hopefully get out into the hills… who knows, I may even go fishing!