West Lothian angler triumphs in First Division title race
Peebles-based Connor Newcombe completed a fabulous first year of competition by coming second in the Scottish National Fly Fishing League (SNFFL) and Whitburn angler, Calum Stephen, hooked the First Division title.
The cancellation of the final event at Harelaw Reservoir in East Renfrewshire, and the difficulties surrounding a rearranged date to accommodate all competitors, prompted the decision to end the season based on the current league standings.
So, the Premier League champion is Robert ‘Rab’ Maxwell from Ceres in Fife with 16 place points. Newcome was second with 26 place points and Michael Low (Gartmore, Perthshire) third with 35 place points.
Gillies Breckenridge, SNFFL co-ordinator for the Scottish Anglers National Association (SANA), said that they would have loved to have fished the final leg, but last weekend’s Storm Boelo, put paid to that,
Breckenridge said: “A truly outstanding season from Rab, whose consistency across the different disciplines saw him finish with an incredible 45 fish and a commanding lead at the top of the Premier League.
“Connor Newcombe also enjoyed a fantastic campaign, including back-to-back river victories, while Michael Low secured a well-deserved third place.”
Breckenridge added: “What an incredible season of competitive fly fishing across Scotland’s rivers and stillwaters. While we would have loved one final day on the water, what a season it has been.”
Stephen was the First Division winner with 18 place points with Paul Boyle (Dunblane) second 12 place points below him and Dundee-based Andy Rutherford was third, two place points adrift.
Breckenridge added: “An excellent season from Calum, finishing with 42 fish and securing the First Division title after a series of strong performances across both rivers and stillwaters.
“Paul Boyle takes second following another impressive campaign, with Andy Rutherford completing the podium in third.”
Stephen, Boyle and Rutherford are promoted to the Premier League.
The co-ordinator said: “From challenging early-season stillwater sessions, to technical river fishing on the Don, Urie, Tweed and Tummel, this season has tested every aspect of our competitors’ abilities.
“We’ve seen incredible performances, tight battles, changing league positions and, most importantly, some fantastic camaraderie amongst Scotland’s competitive fly fishing community.
“A massive thank you to every angler who competed, the organisers, committee members, controllers, fisheries and everyone who helped make the 2026 season possible. Without your time, effort and dedication, none of this would happen.”
On to sea fishing and the dates for some major events in the winter calendar have been confirmed. The first is the annual Iain Reid Memorial and the two-day event is on Saturday, November 14 (9.00 to 13.00) at Kirkcaldy and Sunday, November 15 (noon to 16.00) at Leven.
There are 60 pegs available and registration for both days is from 7.30am to 8.15am at the end car park at Kirkcaldy Promenade.
This is a measure and return match with a fish minimum of 15cm and bait restrictions are lugworm and mackerel with prizes for first, second and third, plus zone and the heaviest flat fish. Entry is £40. Contact David Dobbie on 07940 111729 or Alan Combe on 07872 899791 for details. This match counts for ASSO Sea League points.
Kirkcaldy-based, St Serfs Sea Angling Club, host their open on Sunday, December 6, with fishing from noon to 6pm.
Registration is at Anstruther Golf Club from 9.30 to 11.30 and the weigh-in is back at the same location from 18.00 to 19.00.
Boundaries are Elie to St Andrews, including all piers and harbours and the top prize is £1,000 for the heaviest single cod.
George Harris, one of the organisers, confirmed that there are prizes to tenth place. All Juniors receive a prize.
He stressed that only a single heaviest fish is to be weighed in and entry is £15 for seniors and £5 for juniors.
Tackle and bait is on sale in the golf club and for more information contact George Harris 07801 951805 or Rab Kelly on 07704 672899.
A reminder that the Arbroath Winter Open is on Saturday, November 21 and this is a cod only match. The top prize is £1,400 with cash prizes down to fifth place. Table prizes kick in with awards from sixth to tenth position.
Registration is at the Victoria Park car park in Arbroath DD11 5TB from 13.30 to 14.30pm and all anglers leave at the same time. Boundaries are Carnoustie to Ferryden and fishing is from 15.00 to 21.00. The weigh-in is from 21.00 to 22.00 and there is a two hook maximum rule on one rod. The minimum cod size is 40cm.
The Saltburgh Sea Angling Club host an open shore single heaviest cod event on Saturday, November 28 from 3pm to 9pm with boundaries from Dysart Pier to Buckhaven Brakewater. Register at Dysart Harbour from 14.00 to 14.15 and entry is £15. Weigh-in is from 21.00 to 22.00. It is one rod with two hooks and cod only to be weighed in. The size limit is over 35cm.
The next round of the Edinburgh Winter Shore Angling League’s is on Friday, October 30 at Newhaven West and registration is at the Western Harbour Breakwater EH6 6PA from 6.15pm to 6.30pm. Fishing is from 7pm to 10pm.