One had to applaud the hardy angers who battled a chilly, gusty wind, rain and even sleet during the first semi-final of the Scottish Stillwater Bank Championship at Drumtassie.
The pre-lunch session enjoyed partly sunny conditions, but the bad weather arrived just after the lunch break and it was not pleasant.
Casting became extremely difficult, particularly if you were on certain pegs, and especially if you were using a bung, but the fishermen soldiered on in search of a coveted place in the national team.
Twelve qualified for the grand final at Millhall, near Polmont, next month, Sunday, April 12 to be exact, and they were Fife-based Scott Pozzi, who captained last year’s team in Ireland and who caught 16 fish, the best number on a day which produced 182 fish caught between 24 anglers.
Kyle Courtney, who helped Scotland win gold at New Haylie several years ago, hooked into 13 fish, the same number as Darrel Lindsay.
Gavin Shearer, Robert Boyes, Stuart Lindsay, Mark Tweedie, Alan Smith, Kenny Hunter, Robert McPherson, Stephen Cowan and Ronald Couper complete the qualifiers.
Kingfisher Loch, the one furthest away from the HQ at Drumtassie, near Blackridge, proved the most productive of the two ponds in use, with the near margin on the water particularly co-operative.
The morning session, according to markers, was preferable to the post-lunch period when the cold wind whipped up and brought fronts including heavy rain and sleet.
Still, the occasional fish rose and rods bent keeping markers busy and anglers moved around the two ponds in use in 30 minute spells.
The second semi-final is at Allandale Tarn on Sunday, March 29, and reports suggested that the sheltered water was packed on Saturday. Perhaps anglers were practicing for the big day.
The forecast for West Calder on Sunday is not promising. Strong winds and light rain showers are predicted with gusts reaching 50mph from 12.00 to 18.00 and remaining in the 40mph area until late afternoon.
There is 100 per cent chance of rain from 10am to noon and the temperature high is forecast at 9c, rising from 5c at the start of the match.
However, after the final whistle on Sunday, Scotland’s team for the Home International in Wales in October will be named. It will be tense.
WRAPPED UP: Anglers waiting for a bite at Drumtassie. This area proved the best on the day. Picture by Nigel Duncan
ON THE MARCH: Competitors walking to the next mark during the semi-final. Picture Nigel Duncan
GENERAL VIEW: An illustration of how Drumtassie is open to the elements. Picture Nigel Duncan
