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OPENING OF THE 2008 SEASON
Posted by Robin (robin) on Mar 06 2008 at 7:34 PM
BLESSING THE RIVER ON THE OPENING DAY 2008
We were blessed with a beautiful sunny morning for our first official opening day ceremony which was held in Huntly. Professor David Mackay, past Chairman of the Trust, gave a brief speech praising the work that is being carried out by the Trust and Board to enhance the habitat before giving the traditional blessing with a dram of Glendronach whisky, kindly donated by Pernod-Ricard.
A very good attendance enjoyed a convivial ceremony to wish the river good health. We were rewarded with the news of 2 springers being caught (and returned) that afternoon.
Professor David Mackay blesses the river with Board Chairman, Malcolm Hay preparing to cast the first fly accompanied by the skirl of the pipes.
Local Turriff stalwart, Ian Masson, caught this season's first fish at Avochie on the opening day. The fish was about 9 lbs in weight and was returned safely to the river for which he recelved a side of smoked salmon. After about 50 years fishing the Deveron, this was Ian's first opening day fish - perserverence finally rewarded. Ian has also caught a 7 pounder at Avochie on the 6th February which he also returned so collects even more smoked salmon!
Ian was also presented with a bottle of Glendronach whisky, kindly donated by Pernod-Ricard, for the first fish of the new season. Another fish was caught and returned on the same day at Forglen but half an hour after Ian. The lucky angler, George Anderson, also received a side of smoked salmon for returning the fish.
Two fish were caught around 7and 9lb off a lower beat and young Mark Ritchie caught his first ever salmon on the fly off Forglen on Saturday at 14lb 4 oz. these represent a very encouraging start with news of a few unlucky anglers who have also lost fresh fish as well as plenty of kelts being hooked.
Robin Vasey presenting a bottle of Glendronach and a side of smoked salmon to Ian & Rose Masson at Avochie fishing hut.