An interesting post, Matt; since it seems to be addressed to me, I feel I should reply. I've fished Assynt for about 20 years and well understand the fragile nature of these small loch systems. They should be treated with respect and any sizeable fish should be returned. For those like me for whom a trout breakfast and supper is part of the trip, there are plenty of lochs with an over abundance of fish which can take, and in fact need, a reasonable cull. Perhaps the descriptions of lochs should indicate where restraint should be practised and where breakfast can be obtained.
Your point about information on this site is understandable,
after all, we don't want to make things too easy for the bubblefloat, worm and mepps brigade, but this info has been in the public domain for years. Many of the nameless lochans are mentioned and grid referenced in Bruce Sandison's excellent guidebook, yet they still survive and prosper.
You have to remember that anging tourism makes an important contribution to the local economy (over £5000 in permit sales last year), and the Crofters have every right to encourage it. This site has the potential not just to inform, but to educate, so that we can all enjoy yet conserve these precious fishings. As you say yourself, it takes time to develop your knowledge and appreciation.
Regards,
Dave Ellison
PS on the Cnoc nan Caorach page there is a photo of a large fish. I didn't post it; not my fish.
Hi Dave,Matt
"Fish fair and free and spare the wee anes" it says on a memorial to a former clyde angler.Im more inclined that we should spare the big anes ,after all they are the wiser/luckier?? fish that will pass their genes on to the next generation.i agree that certain assynt lochs there is an abundance of small fish. these i think fall into two cateogaries,ie acidic/peaty lochs with poor feeding or spawning areas and the larger watersheds with lots of feeder burns,the latter also holding some specimen fish ,but how long would it take to cull the smaller fish
in for example the Urigill/borralan/cam/veyatie/fionn watershed .I quite like the idea of Bruce sandison,s description of "an experts loch"which generally means big "educated" trout,and believe that fish in thse lochs should be returned after all some of these lochs do not contain large numbers of these specimens.It really is down to the individual whether he is happy to fish for that rare specimen or is quite content to simply be on the water fishing
degards Davie (east kilbride)
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