This year May has proved to be a lot quieter with very few fish reported. Other systems seem to be experiencing the same kind of trend including the Tay, which during the early part of last season had record catches. Why??…we wonder….

There are some happy anglers though and none more so than Robert Perratt and his boat partner David Marshall who set out from Balmaha last Saturday morning in ‘Tight Lines’. Says David…

’We trolled the east shore until level with Inchlonaig and about 10am cut over to the island’s north shore. After rounding the point close to a cluster of large stones, the fish, which took a black and gold 13cm rapala, ran at a terrific pace away from the boat stripping 100m of line in the process. When landed, it was a magnificent bright silver 13lb cock fish.’…..

Well done guys!....I know Robert had a lean time last year, but nevertheless he’s out there most weekends ..….perseverance!! If my memory serves me correctly Lonaig produced an early fish last season and is always a good lie for salmon and sea trout.

A seal was spotted recently up at Sallochy in the bay overlooked by the University Field Station…..perhaps it was offering itself up as a specimen. Of course the angler who spotted it was ridiculed by his peers and told to ‘lay off the apple juice’. Seals have reputedly been seen in the Loch as far north as Inversnaid and Ardlui….no doubt by fishers having spent the evening in the respective hotels!! I remember a story a few years ago about an alligator being seen off the golf course…..but that seal at Sallochy did exist!!

Deep water trolling enthusiast James Kinnear was back out again last week and reports his biggest catch ever…a German family.. mother, father and daughter….whose kayak was suddenly flipped over by a wave as they returned from Inchcailloch. James responded quickly, dragging them into his boat. Fortunately all three were wearing life jackets. A commendable act on James’s part and circumstances which further reinforce the need to comply with the new Bye Law 3.5(6) regarding the carrying and wearing of lifejackets/buoyancy aids which is now mandatory for all Loch users.

James, who serves the Association by updating the Endrick ‘phone line’, has had considerable success on the Loch, and other venues, with his ‘deep down’ methods. As I mentioned last season he has a very comprehensive web-site on which you can follow his activities at www.trollingthescottishlochs.co.uk and he can provide an excellent range of lures, trolling rests etc., which is all very good kit, at www.trollingshop.co.uk. Last year some big sea trout and ferox were caught on deep fished lures and this season I have noticed an increase in boats using downriggers. If we have another long hot summer, going down deeper may well provide some sport.

The new Loch patrol boat, Brigadier II has taken to the water and is quite military looking in it’s navy blue colours. The Glasgow Herald gave it coverage recently. The article can be accessed at http://www.theherald.co.uk/news/news/display.var.1384026.0.0.php. It’s mentioned that a police officer will be on board at weekends which will be most reassuring…if only!!

A couple of numbers worth storing on your mobile phone in case of problems or emergency are (i) Park Authority – 01389 757295 (ii) Police - 01389 822000

As usual I’d ask anyone with any comments, advice, reports or photos or any information for the good of Loch fishers to contact me at the Diary at balmaha@lochlomondangling.com

Attached photo is Robert Perratt with his fish. Could do with a few more like that!

Regards JR