Competition results
THE CLARKSON OUTING 6th SEPTEMBER 2025 LOCH BRORA
It was good to have our host for the day, “Ishbel” out on the water in her own boat, ably assisted by her nephew David, even if it was only for a couple of hours, in this year’s Clarkson Outing.
It means a lot to her, and certainly inspires to find the energy and resolve to join in even though members from all three clubs were noticeable by their absence.
We had fairly settled conditions with winds mainly easterly and the five boats had plenty of space to fish in.
Although not as productive a day as it has been in the past, for the ten rods present, most had a fish, even our host.
All together eleven Brownies were recorded, one sea-trout and seven perch. Two grilse however were lost at the net.
Ian Chambers being the winner with 33 points and Lenny Mackay runner-up with 23 pts. Lenny also had the only sea-trout which saw him with the best fish of the day @ 13pts.
Best boat winners were the Dornoch boat of Ian Chambers & Bill Rose with 40 pts.
Perch this did not count as part of any mixed score, but was acknowledged as a separate identity as an invasive species which the local River Board want culled. The top rod or “Perch Hunter” on this occasion was Graham Cargill with 3.
Our host and various club stalwarts who could not fish, gathered at the Sutherland Inn for an evening meal etc where the “craic” was good and the liquid prizes and trophy “donated by Ishbel” were duly presented. There was a strong commitment to repeat the proceedings for next season.
Michael Banks
ANNUAL CLUB OUTING ON LOCH BRORA 16th AUGUST 2025 REPORT
We had another bright and sunny day for our eleven members and after the earlier attack from the dreaded midge, it was good to get out on the water. A quick return to the shore shortly afterwards as I (Michael) forgot to hand out the measure sticks to each boat. Plenty of comments (as expected) about the fish that had to go back because they were not measured!! The odd rod didn’t see a fish show all day, so the above comments were in obvious jest.
It proved to be that it was difficult to entice a fish to the fly even though by early afternoon we had a good north-easterly breeze in our favour.
There seemed to be quite a few small brownies showing in selected areas along with one or two salmon and sea-trout just to keep our interest and something to cast to.
Again, perch featured on the score sheet, but not to the final scores which were as follows:
Our overal winner was James Mackay with his four fish for 32points. He lost a few as well. Runner-up was Willie Sutherland with two fish for 14pts.
The biggest fish winner was Willie with a finnock for 12pts.
Best boat total was Brora 2 boat comprising James Mackay, James Laraway & Michael Banks with 46 pts.
We had a prize for a “Mcgonagil” ( 3 species Brownie/Sea Trout/Salmon) which wasn’t achieved and for best salmon, again not awarded.
We did however have a liquid prize for the “Perch Hunter” of the day which was won by James Mackay on virtually the last cast of the day with his two fish on the same cast and joined by James Laraway with his perch at the very same time and in the same boat.
Thanks to all who gifted the liquid prizes to our winners. Trophy winners will get their rewards at our next AGM. Thanks also go to the Eagle (Suzi & Eric) for our meal afterwards served as always by their efficient staff.
Could we please get a reasonable fishing day for next year!!!
Michael Banks
THE STAN TUER TANKARD 3rd LEG JULY 2025
There has been many a poor evening in the past whereby one would question whether there was any fish in the loch and in this case the same would apply, but even more so.
All nine members present are competent anglers and some have been past winners of this outing, but to have only one fished landed for the weigh-in is difficult to comprehend. One other fish had made contact with a fly but after a short while it gained it’s freedom and was off.
So whatever the reason (possibly low pressure) again an old excuse, but what else could affect the whole loch to such a negative degree. Conditions seemed favourable with a steady breeze from the south-west, but we did have a right heavy shower just before we started!
The “lucky” angler or maybe we should say “skilled” member was Ian Miller with his fish for 1lb 12ozs with the unfortunate member Richard Dickenson to lose his.
This, however, hasn’t changed the placings from the June night which are ;
Best basket, Richard Dickenson 3 fish for 7lb 15ozs, Michael Banks second with 2 fish for 6lb 6ozs and Chris Hardy with his 2 fish for 5lb 11ozs.
MB, the heaviest fish at 4lb 4ozs with RD next at 3lb7ozs.
The three evening winners were, May – RD, June – CH, and July – IM
Thanks to everyone that served their penance and as always we live in hope that next year will be better, hopefully MUCH BETTER.
Tight lines to you all for the rest of the season.
Michael Banks
THE STAN TUER TANKARD 2nd LEG JUNE 2025
After at least a week of big winds from the west (not the most favourable direction from a casting point of view) it was going to be a difficult evening with fairly cool conditions to boot.
In fact much the same as the May night.
Eight hardy souls which included new member Chris Hardy, started off in various spots around the loch, with some going back to old haunts that produced fish in the past and some doing their usual trip right round the loch.
Fortunes varied with a total of seven fish for 18lb 11ozs, a surprisingly good average weight.
Best on the night was C Hardy with his two fish for 5lb 11ozs, followed by R Dickenson with his two fish for 4lb 8ozs and third M Banks with his one fish for 4lb 4ozs.
R Dickenson is still out in front with his overall 3 fish for 7lb 15ozs, M Banks second with his 2 fish for 6lb 6ozs and third C Hardy with his two fish for 5lb 11ozs.
M/B has the heaviest fish so far at 4lb 4ozs with R/D next at 3lb 7ozs.
Let’s hope we have a decent weather night for our finale in July and a few more tight lines for all.
Thanks to all for their company and “Craic”
Regards Michael
THE STAN TUER TANKARD 1st LEG MAY 2025
Given weather that was more akin to mid November or so, it was a hard slog to eke out a fish on this first evening.
Having had a few days of somewhat warmer and more friendly like conditions, it was a bit of a shock to the system that conditions change so quickly and by so much.
The seven hardy souls that took on the very windy (from due west down the loch) gusts had plenty of space to find that opportunistic spot to engage with a fish.
All members present, paid up front for their three nights on the loch, whether they could fish, or not.
Thank you all.
As predicted before hand, catches were few, and only four fish were recorded, the best at 3lb 7ozs by Richard Dickenson next Michael Banks @ 2lb 2 ozs and jointly third @ 1lb 12ozs were Ian Miller & James Wilson. The other three rods are still out there looking & waiting. Sorry guys couldn’t resist the jibe.
The new rule on the catch return of the two fish limit per outing was adhered to.
All to fish for next time (with hopefully better weather prospects) which will be on June 6th with a
6-30 pm start. Gate open by 6pm. No further notice will be given for this outing.
Michael Banks
