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Aberlour, Scotland |
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10th - 17th July 2011 |
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Classic Speycasting for
Atlantic Salmon |
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Scotland. What a treat. Speyside highlands country, single
malts, cigars and Atlantic Salmon. A true Gentlemans paradise.
Team Norway spent a magical week along the banks of the River
Spey fishing two exquisite beats, with some of the most classic
fly water any Salmon fisherman may encounter.
Standing under the Carron bridge, dressed in Carron tweed,
casting a handcrafted Carron rod, fishing a sublime Carron
fly line in summer conditions with a river that has risen
5 feet over the last 24 hours. Heaven, just heaven, and expectations
are high.
Our team consisted of both seasoned anglers, growing enthusiasts,
and two complete beginners who happened to be ladies, on their
first even Atlantic Salmon experience. Heavy rains over the
days leading up to our trip, meant the river had risen by
over a meter and water was the colour of whisky. The forecast
showed the front passing, clear and dry weather, and with
a dropping river ahead of us, we just knew there would be
fish to caught.
On our first fishing day, Christian had managed to get cleaned
up by a king. Fly line, 100yds of backing, were floating somewhere
down the river with a fish attached, and all of us just wishing
we could have had a glimpse of its size and beauty. It did
not take much longer though before he managed to land a nice
fish which at least got his spirits back up. Henrik managed
to maintain a fish a day stat, which was impressive considering
almost all those fish were over the 10lb mark. We did not
get the run of fish that we had anticipated with the water,
but fishing was good enough, and in Scottish conditions, surrounded
by half empty bottles of single malt, the waft of cigars,
and good laughter, there was nothing but smiles around the
Carron hut at lunch times.
The ladies put in a sterling effort as well. Hilde managed
to land her first fish on a two handed rod, a lovely sea trout
right at the dead of night, and both her and Cathrine cleared
casts well up to 70ft by the end of the week. They will return,
and they will conquer, if their efforts and persistence return
as well.
A superb week, with a great crowd, that have already sealed
their place for next year. Traditions are traditions, and
it may be tricky to bounce this team out of their week. Tight
lines.
Mark Taylor
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