Cockburn off to pastures new

Bob Cockburn has been a regular throughout the winter months at Newlands Tweeddale trout fishery in East Lothian near Gifford, and a prolific catcher.

The Duns-based angler has tempted an astonishing 211 trout since December 1 at the fishery which re-opened last May.

This week, in what were described as “very windy conditions”, Cockburn braved the blasts to hook into 18 trout using a mini-Aly McCoist pattern and a diawl bach.

Derek Plenderleith, the fishery manager at Newlands Tweeddale, said the windy conditions meant Cockburn went home early but he was happy with his performance on the day.

He added: “Bob is a very experienced angler who knows how to catch in the hard winter conditions. He will be missed when his regular fishing venue at Coldingham re-opens for the season.”

Other notable returns this week was one from Callum Jones from Mayfield who tied on an Ally McCoist pattern and also a fritz to land eight fish in only two hours on the water, the same day at Cockburn landed his 18.

Rab Golon from Wallyford used apps and Chris Hunter from Ormiston damsels to land eight each and Gordon MacVinish (Haddington) had seven on black and green fritz and vicar buzzer.

But they were left well behind in the slipstream by Gary Ramsey from Haddington with 27 on scud bug, Mick Mulgrew (Danderhall) with 26 on white mamba and cat bug, Kevin Walkinshaw (Gorebridge) with 19 on damsel and apps and Ross Davidson (Pencaitland) with 12 on white egg. Conditions on that day were windy with heavy drizzle.

For the record, the fishery is now open from 9am to 5pm but closed every Monday.

COLD BUT HAPPY: Bob Cockburn at his car about to leave Newlands Tweeddale. Picture Derek Plenderleith