Fraser on fishing: Excellent event at Markle

I RETURNED to Markle for the Peter Boyle Memorial trophy, an annual six-man competition that has grown in popularity over the past few years, writes STUART FRASER.

Having fished there the week prior, I had a rough idea of how to approach the match in what were ideal conditions. Teams from Arniston, Fife, Allandale, Markle and Mayfield took part and used both ponds in what was a close-run event. I persevered on a single Hothead Damsel, which had served me well the previous week. Changing between a fast glass line and floater, I managed to get my limit around lunchtime.

My only regret was after weighing my bag of fish I went on to catch and release and hooked a double figure rainbow. Fishing on peg 36, I put the fly a few inches from the island. Retrieving on a slow figure of eight on the fast glass line, I felt the fly getting nipped and pulled. I managed not to strike into the fish but waited till it took it and ran.

It took all my strength and I was fortunate to hold on to it. After admiring the beauty I slipped the hook from its mouth and gave it time to recover before releasing. It was a good competition with only 14lb in total weight separating all the teams, but Mayfield Inn A took the trophy. Alec Rowley of Mayfield B had the best fish at 8lb 3oz as well as the best bag.