Drumtassie's Troubled Waters: A Coarse Angler's Tale
The Edinburgh and Lothians Coarse Angling Club's (ELCAC) inaugural season at Drumtassie Match Lake has been a rollercoaster ride, to say the least. The lake, once a trout haven, now presents a unique challenge for anglers, and the club's social media correspondent, Bruce Lawrie, is here to tell the tale.
The Trout Conundrum
Drumtassie's transformation from a trout lake to a coarse fishing pond has its pros and cons. While the lake's potential as a match lake is undeniable, the presence of trout has been a nuisance for some anglers. Lawrie acknowledges the issue, stating, 'Some members were 'pestered' by trout.' It's a delicate balance, as the club aims to reduce the trout population without disrupting the fishing experience.
A New Adventure
ELCAC's decision to hold a match on the Match Lake was met with a mix of excitement and trepidation. Lawrie recalls, 'There was 'trepidation and uncertainty' among the membership.' But the club's first match proved to be a resounding success, with anglers embracing the lake's unique features.
A Match to Remember
The opening match was a spectacle, with a generous layout of 21 permanent platforms and the potential for more. Lawrie describes the lake's depth, 'The right-hand side is the 'deeps' with the middle four pegs being around 9ft to 10ft deep at 11 meters and 6ft to 7ft feet deep around four sections.' The lake's design offered a diverse fishing experience, and the anglers rose to the challenge.
Sectional Results
Section A witnessed a thrilling battle, with Alexander Kerr claiming the top spot with an impressive 21lb 14oz. Kerr's strategy, using maggots, paid off. Lawrie, in second place, had a different story, 'I enjoyed a great start with four fish in four put-ins, then the wheels fell off and I was 'plagued' with trout.'
The rest of the sections followed suit, with Mark Gleave winning Section B and taking third overall, Darrin Ferguson in second, and Will Martin in third. Section C's Andy Roberts dominated with 56lb 3oz, while Joshua Lloyd and Bartusik followed closely. Section D's Heather Lauriston, last year's ladies champion, finished top rod with 6lb 12oz.
Looking Ahead
As the season progresses, ELCAC aims to build upon the success of the opening match. The club welcomes new members and looks forward to the Summer League and Knockout Cup. Lawrie reflects, 'Everyone appreciates the potential of Drumtassie Match Lake... We are fortunate to be participating on this maturing, potentially outstanding match lake.'
Troubleshooting Trout
The club's efforts to manage the trout population are ongoing, and the Edinburgh Angling Centre's upcoming Loop Tackle weekend will provide anglers with the latest equipment and casting techniques. Lawrie comments, 'What makes this particularly fascinating is the challenge of managing the trout population while maintaining the lake's fishing potential.'
Drumtassie Match Lake has become a testing ground for anglers, offering a unique blend of coarse fishing and trout management. As the season unfolds, the club's dedication to creating a memorable fishing experience will be put to the test, and the tale of Drumtassie's troubled waters continues.
