It is heartening to see a positive growth in full LLAIA memberships with some particularly noteworthy increases in some age groups and categories.

Overall year to date we have seen around a 10% increase in full memberships compared to the same period last year with important and key increases in junior memberships for example from just 5 junior members last year to 17 this year. Junior memberships of course are important since our junior members represent the future generation of anglers and members and one that we as an association are very keen to target.

It is recognised that last year’s abnormal restrictions on travel and fishing will have had an impact on membership applications and renewals however in the case of new membership applications themselves then it is a very positive indication with some 58 new members joining to date already this year.

It is likely that a combination of efforts concerning limited advertising , social media presence and the acquisition of additional fishings on the Endrick together with the effects of Covid restrictions on work and travel are some of the reasons for the increased interest and membership applications.

I am sure that you would wish to join un in taking the opportunity to welcome all new members and anglers to their association and I am sure that you will join me in wishing them tight lines.

Regarding all other permit types the sales performance of those will not be known until the conclusion of the fishing season and reported by our retail partners.