Just a week ago, the usual bunch of Fearless Fishing Society stalwarts ( I think thats what the logo on the fleeces stands for!!) minus Trundler Haynes, headed north to Argyll with two boats, a farm of deadbaits and a tackle shop of kit to wreak havoc amongst the legendary fighting pike of Awe. .. We have been doing this spring visit for a few years now and its always a great adventure, much looked forward to and lots of fun. It was no different this year even though we had to contend with savage weather, overnight frosts and the dreaded east and north easterly winds Undaunted but cold, we found some fine hard fighting pike and even though the bigger beasts were not wanting to play, all our team had their fair share while some whose anatomy is tinged with gold- the famous Captain Nicholls and Andy Mac, had over thirty fish between them including the cracking double in the main picture. With the weather blowing from an awkward direction we lost a couple of full days on the loch but resourceful as always, used the time to fish a couple of other waters in the area with some grand fish falling to a range of tactics. Its never easy fishing in cold bright conditions but to be lifting into fish while watching ospreys feeding and nesting is a rare delight. We even saw a wild boar but thats another story. No big perch either this time- trundler Haynes was absent but Bennet Hogg had a couple of nice fish from a new spot we dicovered way down the lake. Took a trip down to see the bivi city lot down at Kilchurn castle as well. What a shame such a once great area gets such a pounding (nine bivvies). Fat Nasty the Wimp and I used to fish this part thirty years ago when it was deeper and we lived on the island had it to ourselves. One time we had seventy pike in a few days and it really was legendary. Things change though and on line forums and the like have much to answer for. We will be back though later in the year when the water is above eight degrees.and the pike really going for it. But enjoy your fishing and remember.. These are the days when someone in the future will look back and say” Ah…those were the days..!”

Tarra Eric

Captain Nichols and a cracking highland double

Quiet lunch on the beach- Boss Hogg Chef