Scotland’s men’s fly fishing team convincingly won the Spring International against England, Wales and Ireland to continue a recent run of successes.
The team hooked into 199 fish, 45 ahead of second-placed England with Ireland on 114 and hosts, Wales, on 112.
Scotland were skippered by Kevin McCabe and managed by Derek Keenan (Greenock IBM Freshwater AC) and to top the podium at a water away from home takes a real effort.
The match was staged at Llyn Trawsfynydd, a 1,200 acre artificial reservoir in Snowdonia, built, originally, for hydroelectric power, and Scotland certainly powered home to another outstanding result.
McCabe (Change FF AC) and William Davidson (Black Bull FFC), both from Midlothian, were in the 14-strong team which also comprised Neil Anderson (Monikie AC), Peter Auchterlonie (Greys Menteith Ospreys), Peter Cameron (Househillmuir FF), Campbell Cree (Firecats), Gregor Fleming and Joseph Wood (Snowbee Albacats), Robert Gibson, Adam King and Brad Gair (Balfron Piscatorials), Tyler Hay (Tartan Tyers), Willie Leach (Cghange FF AC), Martin McCafferty (Future FF).
McCabe stressed that this was a team effort as they successfully defended the title and the gold was achieved despite difficult pre-match conditions. One of the practice days was cancelled and other days were windy and cold.
Match-day was warm but windy but Scotland’s experienced line-up, with Auchterlonie the most experienced with 20 caps, and McCabe, who now has 18 caps, worked together with the other dozen members to come up with a plan.
The group also decided to go with ten flies, no more, and tied 450 flies in one day, ones they thought would do the business and they included dial back and booby mosaic.
Anglers are allowed four flies and the Tartan Team used a long leader. The best sections were Home Bay and the top right in the extensive reservoir which had adjacent rocks.
McCabe, a director of the family-owned construction business, 7Plus7, based at Wallyford, said: “We really had to work for it and it was hard graft, very difficult, but our experience counted and we stuck to the tactics we agreed on using only ten flies.
“We went there to win and we treated the event like a business.” They certainly did the business in Wales.
Meanwhile, dates have been confirmed for the Scottish Youth Team qualifiers. The first is on Sunday, August 16 at the Lake of Menteith, fishing from 9am to 16.30pm.
The second is on Sunday, September 6, at Harelaw Trout Fishery with fishing also from 9am to 16.30pm.
To enter you must be 12 or older and under the age of 18 on August 1, 2027. Costs are £70 per angler which covers both heats and entries should be submitted on the form at www.scotlandyouthflyfishing.co.uk
MAIN PICTURE: the victorious Scotland team who cast a line in Wales. Picture courtesy of Tom MacTaggart Scottish Anglers National Association, Competition Clubs
CAPTAIN’S LOG: Kevin McCabe with a superb trout from Lake of Menteith. Picture courtesy of Kevin McCabe
