salmon!

[doge77 51]

fred taylors beat at tarfside where 95% of the salmon are coloured as its from loch lee down, it was the day after we had the really bad flood but up there its not so bad. You can only spin when the waters like that though but i use a light spinning rod and small reel and get some good sport.

[MOO 730]

I know the water welll ...that was some flood I was picking carrots out of some trees yesterday to feed ducks they recon the river rose 15'....RIP FRED

[doge77 51]

I knew he had cancer but i didnt know he passed away, I spoke to his mrs on the phone then just left the money for the fishing in the box for the boats.

[Andy-Fish 2]

Local river to me ( Lune ) has had a poor season - on the few days when right there didn't seem to be many fish coming off the tide - but the size of fish were fairly decent - my mate landed a 20lb fish yesterday on the Annan

[Euilleam 8]

Many Fishery Boards have introduced a "Return Catch" policy. As an experienced Vintage year old Ex Salmon Fisher, I am entirely opposed to this senseless ruling.

 

Hooked Salmon when reeled in invariably lose numerous scales, resulting in the released fish being vulnerable to a number of diseases in their rivers.

 

The diminishing number of Salmon caught in our rivers is neither due to over fishing, or even the occasional "One for the Pot", but rather to the operations of deep sea fishing methods.

[Euilleam 8]

In Aberdeen-shire returns have been very poor. Some rivers have extended the season by a few weeks but all fish taken must be returned.

 

Lack of fish may put season ticket holders off.

 

Regards.

 

Euilleam

Edited November 22, 2012 by Euilleam

[Euilleam 8]

Today I chanced to meet up with the local rabbit control officer. He told me about some very old photos he was shown just recently of fish caught by the Balnagown Castle owners in the '30s.

 

I was able to tell him how that wee river was ruined. During WW2 Canadian lumber jacks were billeted near the river and for a number of years they regularly blasted the holding pools.

 

Even now there are no real runs of fish taking place.

 

Should I be lucky enough to trace the photos I'll 'post' them.

 

Regards.

 

Euilleam

Edited November 21, 2012 by Euilleam

[Euilleam 8]

If I may I would like to say that I consider myself very lucky having lived in the Beautiful Highlands of Scotland (God's Country) very nearly all of my 79+ years.

 

Perhaps I will be excused by all you kind readers, if I say that my 'field experience' would be hard to better, whether it be after Deer, Wildfowl, Game or Vermin.

 

Late in life (43) I eventually got myself a riding horse and throughly enjoyed competitive Show Jumping and Cross Country for a further 13 years.

 

I have just re-read this spiel and it sounds as though I am bragging. This is not my intent.

 

In my wee book, just published, I am anxious to record 'how it was' in the Highlands those many years ago.

 

Life was tough!

 

Kind regards.

 

Euilleam

Edited November 21, 2012 by Euilleam

[Euilleam 8]

This is one of my favourite recipes for Salmon Pate.

 

Smoked Salmon Pâté

 

 

This homemade treat is very easy to make and delicious to eat with Oatcakes or savoury biscuits and is very complimentary as a starter to any meal.

 

I use homemade Seacrest Cottage Cheese and a ‘cheapish’ packet of smoked Salmon from the supermarket. The quantities are as follows; 60% cheese and 40% smoked Salmon. Add a squeeze of lemon juice. Do not add salt.

 

Place the ingredients in a mixing bowl, then trash the whole lot with a hand held blender. You can produce a coarse or fine mix at will. When you are satisfied with the finished product, spoon into a suitable container with a tight fitting lid and allow maturing for twenty-four hours at least.

 

In the very near future my new book will be published in paperback form and will include about Traditional Scottish Dishes that anyone who enjoys cooking can make at home.

Edited November 22, 2012 by Euilleam

[j j m 6,481]

very nice bud

[AirgunGuy 362]

I haven't fished any of the "true" highland rivers. The furthest north would be the Spey on the east coast and the Lochy on the West. Would love a cast on the Helmsdale in spring or Beauly for the grilse

[bell 3,505]

Come on Eulliem, tell us a tale or two. Have you always been a man who played a straight bat or have you taken fish by 'alternative' methods . Would like to hear your life.

 

Regards

 

Bell

[jack68 628]

your book sounds like a good read mate, but poaching is somthing i could never do,,,,

 

[Euilleam 8]

Ah Man, Man,

 

A man after my very own heart!

 

A man with a glass eye could see that the second and fith and even the last fish in you picture has had some nasty experiences with a Gill Net.

 

Nevertheless a nice 'wee' catch for a night on the river.

 

I hoped you smoked a few and enjoyed the rest fresh. I am not one to put my catch in a deep freeze for another day.

 

What size of mesh were you using?

 

Have you ever come across a Trammel Net?

 

Kind regards.

 

Euilleam

[Euilleam 8]

When you meet up with 'Jack the Lad' in my wee book you will realise just what successful poaching is really about. 'Jack' was a real Bu*g*r.

 

He passed on to me nearly all of his escapades, at least the ones that could be put in print.

 

So as a responsible citizen, and for posterity, I have recorded some of his exploits.

 

I have sufficient left over material to write yet a further account of his his cavalier lifestyle.

 

Regards.

 

Euilleam