'Away' Competitions 2009

As usual LAAC sent out teams to various competitions throughout the highlands. In previous years we have done exceptionally well picking up silverware in a number of very keenly contested events. This year was different and for some unknown reason, cycles of the moon, (not menopausal), wind direction or the 40th 1st moon walk anniversary we did very badly winning absolutely nothing.

Federation of Highland Angling Clubs
As usual the Federation competition was held on Loch Watten on the second last Saturday in May. Representing the club were Dave Macgregor, Kenny Groat and John Cartledge. The day was cold and blustery and for our team nothing happened until mid afternoon when Kenny took 3 good trout, around the 1lb mark, in quick succession. All were taken, hard on the top on a Loch Ordie variant. Dave had a ¾ pounder using the same method. John didn’t catch anything that made 10 inches even though he turned a couple of good trout. The winners were Ruthven where one of their team had 17 good fish. LAAC were in the bottom half.

Alex Duncan Challenge
One week later it was off to Loch Morar for the Alex Duncan Challenge. The LAAC representatives were Neil MacRitchie, Ian MacPhail and Gordon Martin. Whenever this competition is on it is a good bet to dust down the BBQ and plan a day in the sun. This year was no exception with clear blue skies and virtually no wind. Our heroes managed 2 keepers between them; 2oz lighter the Portree AC’s modest brace which delighted our friends from over in Skye. Better luck next year.

Iain Urquhart Memorial
Fished annually on the Friday night closest to mid-summers day this competition is hosted by the Portree angling club and held on the Stoer lochs. Dave MacGregor and Ali Hunter went over looking to improve on last year when the club team only weighed in the one trout. Did they do better, no, but the standard was maintained with 1 trout for 12oz. The winners were 2 local boys who had around 8 keepers but their names were lost on your competition secretary who got too involved in the party atmosphere back in the club house. The now famous phrase, immortalised by Big Cammey still stands, “Well boys, its One Hell of a way to come for 1 trout.”

Wild Trout Challenge
This is 2 day competition held during July on loch Shin and the club are fortunate to receive 4 invitations each year. Representing the club this year was, Okain McLennan, Kenny Groat, Ian MacPhail and Neil MacRitchie. This year the weather was kind on both days even though it was a little blown up on day 2. The prizes were to be for the top 5 rods and the 5 heaviest fish with the Clynlish trophy going to the top rod. Given LAAC’s excellent record in this competition you would expect some of the team on the podium, but not this year. Even though the lad’s fished hard, the top finish was Neil who came in 8th with a total bag weight of 5lb 9½oz. Best trout was Kenny with a trout of 1lb 4oz. Overall winner was Donnie MacBeath with a total weight of 11lb 10oz and the heaviest trout went to Alistair MacGillvery at 3lb 1½oz, both of whom are from the Fort William area.

Shin Open
The following week later it’s all back to Loch Shin to try to win the Shin Cup, a competition LAAC have won for the previous 4 years. 5 teams of 2 lined up, ready to do the club proud and make it half a decade of Achonachie success. The conditions were perfect but I’m afraid LAAC fell well short of their efforts in previous years. Top Achonachie rod was Lewis Ross with 7 trout for 3lb 11oz, well short of the winner, Lairg A.C.’s Brian Martin who weighed in 16 trout for 8½lbs. Best trout was Bill Suttie, also of Lairg A.C. who weighed in a 4lb cracker. Thanks go to Lairg A.C. for their warm and generous hospitality; we all look forward to next year.

David F MacGregor - Competitions Secretary