First salmon nets top accolade for angler
A prestigious award labelled the‘Scottish Angling Oscar’has been presented to a Perthshire fisherman.
Stewart Ross, of Perth and District Anglers’ Association, reeled in the top accolade for catching the heaviest fish on the first day of catches on the River Tay this year.
The ‘Bar of Silver’, a fresh run fish, weighed 7lbs and was the first Atlantic Salmon caught on the waterway, and the first in Scotland to be caught in 2024.
The catch took place on the Taymount Beat, Linn Pool, and resulted in the presentation of The Redford Trophy at Taymount Lodge near Stanley.
The award was named after the late Ian Redford, a popular host on the Newtyle beats at Birnam.
George McInnes, Arnot McWhinnie and Douglas Todd decided to put up a trophy so he would be remembered every year.
In 1986 it was presented to the first-ever winner and, since then, has become a trusted tradition in the life of the river.
It was originally awarded to the angler who caught, and released, the heaviest fish on January 15, the opening day, in any season.
However, the decline in salmon and uncertainty of a fish being caught on opening day, meant that the management team decided to expand the timeframe to the first day of catches.
The Conservation Cup was presented to Robert Jamieson, director of James Crockhart and Son in Blairgowrie, for his long-term financial and physical support of the Tay Ghillies’ Association and its efforts to enhance the environment and halt the decline of the Atlantic Salmon.
Robert just missed winning the Redford Trophy this year by catching the second salmon of the season on the Tay.
The presentation of the trophy and cup was made by Cohn O’Dea, Tay Ghillies’ Association chair.