27/02/2008

The first Helmsdale salmon of the season

First Fish off.....

The first Helmsdale salmon of the season has been landed at long last by Kildonan head ghillie Martin Grant. "Marti" netted the prestigious Bridge Hotel trophy for the second time by catching his fish ( 7.5lbs ) on the Manse pool on beat 6, a conehead fly constructed from his own vice did the trick.The fresh run fish had a serious bleeding seal wound to the back of the head. This is a pretty late start for the Helmsdale which is renowned for producing salmon as early as January, hopefully this will jump start the season. Scores to date in the Highlands are - Morriston 6, Brora 4, Thurso 2, Borgie, Naver, Halladale & Helmsdale 1 each. Marti also wins a fine bottle of local Clynelish whiskey donated by Helmsdale River Board manager Sir Michael Wigan.

Published on Wednesday 27 February 2008 by David Mason
Last edited on Wednesday 27 February 2008 by David Mason