A stunning first Helmsdale fish has been landed yet again by that man Andy Sutherland and what a story....

After a sickening loss only an hour earlier, he dug deep and continued on in search of a fish on what he thought was a perfect fishing day. Fishing beat 2 with a river slowly on the rise he had landed a number of kelts until he arrived in Eldrable pool. At 1ft 2 the river was in fine fettle even on the rise, it was still clear and he hooked a fish at the tail end of the pool (in the hot spot). Played out, the fish was a perfectly formed sea-liced springer of around 9lbs but just as he was about grab the fish which was semi beached, the hook came flying out and the chance had gone to claim the first fish!...you just don't get a second chance in January right - wrong! he duly shook off the painful disappointment and headed up to the Private pool. The head of the pool was quickly covered and it was onto the tail end where horrendous wading is required to cover the best lie properly. A trademark long line was cast with his favourite Black & yellow Monkey conehead tube and another fish was on. After a very lively battle which involved going over the boots (chest waders) to wade past trees in the Old Bridge Pool a spanking 18 pounder was landed with the help of Torrish Ghillie Jean Bain. As Andy had no net, he made a quick call to Jean to see if she was around, luckily her house overlooks the pool and she was on hand to quickly grab a net and come to the rescue. The results are below -

photo's also courtesy of Jean Bain.

The tail of the Park pool where the 10 pounder was lurking.

An absolute pristine Helmsdale springer as fat as a pig!

Daughter Yvonne and Grandson Aaron Grant present the first fish prize once again to Andy.

Duly released to fight another day.

Brother Rons lethal Monkey Conehead which hooked 2 springers and a bag of kelts today (yes Jan 23rd!). If you have any fishing lined up this year anywhere for atlantic salmon you gotta buy some right here right now! - http://www.helmsdalecompany.com/rs-dee-monkey-silver-conehead-ghillies-choice.html

Don't forget we are running a "Buy 3 get 1 free" on all flies throughout the spring....