Fraser on fishing: Rain ended my parade at Millhall

John Johnston of Livingston - winner of the Ladies Fundraiser at Millhall with 14 fish - is presented with his trophy by Liz McLennan. John was using a combination of Bloodworms and nymphs. Pic: TSPL

The popular fishery was well-attended and was a near sell-out. After drawing lots for starting positions, I found myself on the far bank and with one more move I would be on dam wall. So I had to figure what they were taking before moving on to a hot spot. I eventually found a black rabbit right at the bottom of my box. It was the difference between night and day and when I moved on to the dam wall I was getting offers and pulls right left and centre.

My first fish was a real beauty at 4lb-plus and it was a cracking brown trout that fought hard all the way to the net. After unhooking the fish it took a few minutes to revive it before watching it swim off. That was the blank off and I was looking to get going again. Before the move to the next platform I dropped a further two all on the same rabbit. By lunchtime I had eight fish including brown, rainbows and tiger.

At the break I was well in there for winning, but when the rain started, it was forecast to be heavy in the afternoon. I retired to the lodge to watch. In the end it was Livingston angler John Johnston who managed to get 14 to win the competition.

• Fraser on Fishing is sponsored by Morton Fishings, Morton Road, Mid Calder, Livingston, EH53 0JT. Tel: 01506 883295; Mobile: 07592 577652