Last weekend saw Wallyford AC and Deed Firrit FFC fish out their annual match for the "them and us" shield.

The weather conditions were a bit harsh to say the least for the lads angling match. However with spirits held high this did not stop them one bit and some fantastic fishing was had.

As a result of some top angling, Deed Firrit FFC managed to win the match by some way. Chris Rogan Snr Snrs (there was a lot of Rogan's present during the day) impressive 15lbs 1oz basket and Mark Gilmertons equally impressive basket of 16lbs 15oz certainly helped the win for Deed Firrit FFC. Well done Lads.

In total there was 43 fish caught for the day in what can only be described as horrendous conditions with strong gusts and rain hammering down during certain points of the day. In my view this was some fantastic angling in anybody's books and also a great advert to the Watch Water.

Top flies of the day were Yellow Dancer, Kate McLaren Muddler, Black and Green Cats and also Humungus Lures.

There was also around 13 Brown Trout caught throughout the day which were all released including this specimen caught by young Stuart Rogan. The fish, believe it or not, took a Yellow Dancer. Well Done Stuart, as they say down here in the borders "its an absolute Bobby Dazzler of a Troot"!

Its days like this that makes my job worthwhile. Both clubs have a lot of history and tradition and I got to spend a bit of time with all of them throughout the day in the lodge Sharing laughs and fishing stories. What a fantastic bunch of lads (the bloody kettle was never off lol).

Lastly I shall leave you with a few memorable photo's of the day but before I do please remember we have our first open competition very soon on Saturday 19th of April. The Entry Fee is £30 ahead. There shall be Prize money for the heaviest bag as well as Tackle prizes for 1st, 2nd, 3rd and a booby prize for last place. I hope to see as many of you as possible to make it a fun and sociable event. If you need any further information please get in touch, both myself and Shaun shall be more than happy to help.

Tight Lines

Martin

Chris Rogan Snr Snr 9lbs 5oz Rainbow

Mark Gilmerton's 9lbs 12oz Rainbow

David Rogan Rainbow - 7lbs 3oz

Daniel Salkeld Rainbow - 3lbs

Them and us Shield won by Deed Firrit FFC

Deed Firrit FFC

This past month at the Watch Water has been a month of "Highs and Lows". The Highs being high air pressure coming in from the south west resulting in some phenomenal sport and the lows being low pressure and strong easterly winds resulting in some challenging fishing conditions.

Tactics have being very variable throughout this period. During the periods of high pressure washing line method has proved successful with big Buzzer hatches pushing through around the mid day mark. These periods however have been very brief and when the strong winds have blown over the reservoir different tactics have been needed. The most popular being on sink tips or slow intermediate lines with a varied retrieve. One of the good things about these strong winds during this period is the fact that all fly life and available food that fish feed on are being pushed close to the margins and of course the fish are not far out from the bank at all.

Gilmerton Angling Club figured this out on Saturday producing a return of 61 fish. Well done guys fantastic Angling.

The most successful patterns of this month have been predominantly Black and Green Lures such as Green Peas, Ally McCoists and Green Taddies. Other productive lures have been Cats Whiskers, Cat Booby/ Candyman Booby, Humungus and Pink Lures. For the more imative Angler, Black Buzzers, Bloodworm and traffic light crunchers have done the trick.

Going into April the forecast is to bring some slightly warmer weather which can only mean one thing for the Watch Water Fishery - more fly life and rising fish. As many of you are aware and if you are not, the Watch Water is primed for its top of the water sport. Be sure to be armed with small daddies/ Hoppers and Yellow Owls for the month of April.

For those of you who have been up at the watch over the past few weeks you will have guessed that we are looking to have something for everyone throughout this year. We shall be running various competitions during the calendar so be sure to check out the competition section of the website. I am also looking to start up a small fly tying club on a Wednesday night at our Lodge. If you are interested then please get in touch.

Lastly, we have had 4 tagged fish in the water where you can pay a pound to enter the tagged fish competition since last July. Should you catch one of these tagged fish you shall either win a pot of money or a Hardy Demon fly rod. 2 of these fish have been caught already during March and last year, however the people who caught them did not pay their pound for the pot and therefore did not win anything. Be sure to pay a pound when you buy your fishing permit from our well stocked lodge to avoid disappointment.

Finally, I look forward to seeing you up for a cast at some point throughout April. If you need any information prior to you visit please get in touch or follow us on Facebook and Twitter where we post daily snippets.

Tight Lines,

Martin