Glencorse Reservoir, near Penicuik, hosts one of the biggest fly fishing competitons in Britain on Sunday with 24 top angers set to take part.
Two locals, Mike Connet and his long-term fishing partner, Jock Kettles, know the water above Flotterstone, like the back of their hand, and they are favoured to once again to head the qualifying for the Fastmail Pairs final in Wales later this year.
Connet from Edinburgh’s Gilmerton area, and Bonnyrigg-based Kettles, have left nothing to chance. Not only are they booked on Sunday’s heat they have also put their names down for the second heat at Glenrorse on Sunday, July 19, the final heat in the series, just to make sure of making the final later this year in Wales.
Their best ever finish overall was eighth in a quality field and they are keen to improve on that.
Looking back several months, the pair landed eight fish and were back in harbour an astonishing 30 minutes after the start of the seven-hour heat last April. In the second heat at Glencorse they were back in by 10.45 with their quota.
That’s quick work by anybody’s standard. However, Connet, the retired Scottish Power worker, confirmed that even if the pair are back at base camp quickly to claim valuable time bonuses, then others could trump them if they have a heavier bag.
So, it is all to play for and Connet declared: “Yes, we most definitely want to make the final again. In fact, I can’t recollect when we have failed to qualify.
“It really is a big competition with leading British anglers involved and we enjoy going in against them.” The rewards are significant.
The only other Scottish qualifying date is at the Lake of Menteith on Sunday, June 7, and Connet said: “We want to be in the final.”
PICTURE POSTCARD: Anglers prepare to fish at Glencorse in The Pentland Hills. Picture Nigel Duncan
