The first fish came off the river yesterday and it was the usual suspect who did it again Andy (Torrish) Sutherland! A 10lbs sea liced torpedo. Conditions were very good with the river just over 1ft and running clear. I was invited up to fish beat one with him and duly delivered his new Loop Cross S1 15ft along with Gaelforce Spey line and some flies and tips, confidence was high as the weather had softned and there had been no overnight frost. Overhead temps were good also and it was almost flat calm with the sun out for the top of the day - it had to happen!

We had fished the classic spots of Lower Caen and Salscraggie and then started to fill in with the others so Andy headed to Johns pool, he was only 2 casts into it when the line tightened in the head of the pool and the rest is history...another first fish! I was not there but he managed to grab some quick pics before the fish was released which clearly show the fish was a superb springer.

The setup ( for those who like the stats ) Loop Cross S1 15ft, Gaelforce Spey 63ft head, Gaelforce 10ft 7ips polytip, Maxima 18lbs and an RS TigerTail Alistair 1" copper tube which has caught the first fish before and has turned out to be a real spring favourite.

Fish & fly firmly in the scissors! You can buy the fly here - http://www.helmsdalecompany.com/tiger-tail-alistair-copper-tube.html

Perfect specimen and Loop setup. Loop rods can be purchased right here - http://www.helmsdalecompany.com/loop-s1-cross-salmon-rods.html

RS Alistair TigerTail, buy it here now - http://www.helmsdalecompany.com/tiger-tail-alistair-copper-tube.html