Paul Peacock celebrates after hooking 24lb 6oz rainbow trout at Drumtassie

Paul Peacock relaxes with a cuppa. Photo: Nigel Duncan Media

Paul Peacock proudly sits at the top of the list at Drumtassie after landing a record-breaking rainbow trout at the popular Lothians fishery, smashing his own record in the process.

The Whitburn-based angler hooked his 24lb-plus fish and that is over four pounds more than the previous record set by Paul last year.

The massive fish was tempted by a green worm pattern tied by a friend and the weight was verified by a member of staff and seven other fishermen at the water near Blackridge, West Lothian. The capture was his fourth in a total haul of seven hooked during his day ticket.

Paul was on the water with a catch-and-release permit.

The massive fish was unhooked, photographed and then popped back into the lake without being handled as per the rules of the fishery. It weighed in at 24lbs 6oz and Paul’s previous record was 20lbs 4oz.

The 30-year-old said the fish grabbed the point fly and added: “When it took I felt a big tug and then it dived and tore across the lake. Neighbouring anglers lifted their rods out as I played the fish and it took around 15 minutes to get it into the net. My wrist was sore afterwards.”

Elsewhere, fishing has been a slow at Kailzie near Peebles but manager Jimmy Barratt said the water is clear and in good condition.

He added: “Fish are still getting caught and Paul Doig landed a 10lb rainbow trout, his first double since starting to fish. He was delighted.”

Loganlea owner Karen Jack plans to re-open on Saturday, February 29. weather permitting. And Karen Smith of Bangour near Livingston plans to re-open on Saturday, March 14.

On to coarse fishing, and Jason Biggin, secretary of West Lothian Coarse Angling, said Eliburn Resevoir in Livingston was hard going at the moment. A few fishhave been landed, however, by intrepid anglers.