Alba Orvis Flyfishers
Back Row - Jock Royan, Paul Garner, David Bonnington
Front Row - Jim Hunter, Ronnie Glass, James Gardiner
Reports 2009.
Lexus International Final
Finally after weeks of eager anticipation the trip to Rutland water was upon us. The advance party of Paul Garner, David Bonnington and Calum Crosbie left very early on Wednesday morning, whilst Ronnie Glass, James Gardiner and I had a more leisurely drive down after work on Wednesday. Fortunately on our arrival the wine was at room temp and a few tactics and areas had been worked out.
The great news for me was that the North Arm was fishing well all the way to Tim Appleton’s which was the first time it had been in a major competition for many years. The bad news was that our illustrious leader had decided in his ultimate wisdom that Calum and I should fish the South Arm!
Calum and I headed South in bright sunshine and had a brisk S Westerly to contend with which isn’t exactly conducive to good fishing at Rutland, however we found fish at Old hall, Yellowstone and the Sailing Club. Because of the conditions, these fish were quite finicky however at this stage it was more about finding fish than catching them.
Very bad news from one of the other boats was that Davie had been stung by a wasp which had resulted in an allergic reaction and immediate swelling of the throat. They hurried back into the lodge when David was met and checked out by a paramedic. Although in a stable condition, it was decided that he should have further examinations at Peterborough hospital and we were thus down to 5. Ronnie then took full opportunity of single-boat status and 'looked after' the north arm fish, enjoying the remainder of the day on dries.
Paul and James found good numbers of fish up the North Arm, especially around the Finches area, and caught a few on different methods before joining us down the South. We were all pretty concerned about Davie so headed in sharpish and had a relaxed evening once we found out that he had fully recovered.
On the second practice day and following a massive mixed Grill from the Odd House in Oakham with Davie raring to go, we consolidated our areas and methods and were confident that we had at the very least a game plan as far as areas were concerned. Davie and Calum had caught lots of fish along the Normanton bank on both dry’s and blobs so we decided that due to our perception of boat pressure and conditions, we would send at least 3 boats to the basin and 2 to the South.
Ronnie Glass on a mission. ( photo from http://www.fishypics.co.uk/ )
On match day, we had a good draw with regard to boat partners so following all the normal formalities the battle commenced. I was drawn with Gary Haskins, an England International angler whom I had known by name for many years but never fished with. Before we headed out, we had already agreed on sharing all information on the day and it was obvious from the outset that we would really enjoy one another’s company. Although we are both pretty big lads, our boat led the mad dash to the Normanton bank and it was only a matter of casts before I had a fish in the boat – pulling blobs. Gary was on the nymphs and also landed an early fish which prepared us for a good day ahead. We caught pretty consistently throughout the day with the normal quite period between 1 & 3pm. Gary was very unfortunate as far as hook-ups were concerned and lost 4 fish on the trot at one stage. Davie, Calum and Ronnie were all visible throughout the day and we communicated well on the water. The methods however couldn’t have been any different; Calum had found Dry’s as his best means of attack and Davie the Nymphs on an SSI. All three of us were just content to stick with what we found best. I ended the day with 7 fish as did Davie. Calum had 6 and my boat partner Gary finished the day on 5. Although the fishing in our boat had been frustrating at times, we really did get on well and I look forward very much to fishing with Gary again in the future.
Total concentration - Calum Crosbie on the dries. ( photo from http://www.fishypics.co.uk/ )
Team-wise after day one, we were lying in fourth position with 29 fish, however only 3lbs from 2nd. The Osprey’s had somewhat of a flyer with 42 fish but certainly not beyond the field.
Again we had a good draw on day 2. I fished with Hugh Frew, who I had known for many years but again had never fished with. As a team, we had decided to hit the basin hard for the first hour and then individually decide to move elsewhere. I dropped the drogue just outside the lodge and we drifted towards Hambleton Peninsular. It was a pretty mixed start as after an hour, I had 3 follows, 2 pulls and a fish in the boat from the blobs but had only seen one more fish caught. It was pretty obvious that the day was going to be tough! Ronnie was the first to motor past heading south, having caught the only fish at Normanton amongst some 40 boats, which certainly told a similar story. With no sign of Davie, Paul or James, I decided to fish the buoys in Old Hall and Yellowstone, where Calum and I had found fish on the first practice day. Funnily, Calum must have had similar thoughts as he was the only other boat there on our arrival. I then proceeded to hook and lose fish at all 3 buoys, again on blobs and with only 1 fish in the boat at 3pm, we decided to leave Calum, who was still blank and head back to East Creek and the lodge Frontage. En route, we met up with one of Hugh’s team who had just caught 3 fish relatively quickly on cormorants. I changed methods and within 15 minutes pulled one and lost another. I was happy that I had found a method but was also aware that time was running out pretty quickly. Fortunately, my next 3 offers resulted in fish in the boat, and as the match drew to a close at 5pm, I was aware that Davie had 2 from the Norh Arm, and Ronnie had added another to his bag. Calum, like me had a wee spurt resulting in 4 in his bag, which was a great result considering he caught again on dry’s. James had 2 'lumps' and was straightened on an even bigger one and Paul had a fish which was going to prove mighty important!
No time for a wave! ( photo from http://www.fishypics.co.uk/ )
We weighed in 15 fish, with James's 2 fish counting more like 4, one of which weighed 5lbs. On a very tough day, we were reasonably happy with our overall performance and considering some of the other results; it made for a very exciting presentation. We knew that we were in the top 5 but due to the quality of fish, the final placings as usual would be decided on ounces and not pounds.
A quiet moment - not! ( photo from http://www.fishypics.co.uk/ )
As John Horsey announced the top 10, we were aware that the Ospreys on 51 fish had very probably won the event however the next 3 teams, including us were all on 44 fish. Eventually 4th place was announced as Kent & Sussex Flyfishers, so we were in the top 3 – relief!
We, the Alba Flyfishers were 3rd and Bristol Reservoir Fly Fishing Association 2nd, with the Ospreys crowned Champions. In a very poignant presentation Scarlett Hodgson, daughter of Dave, Captain of the Ospreys who died at Rutland earlier in the year, accepted the trophy on behalf of the team. The team dedicated their win to Dave and I have to say, it was well deserved, especially following their first day’s performance.
On reflection, as a team we would have taken a Bronze before fishing the event, however I personally feel that now we have achieved a credible result, we need to build upon this performance and continue to show consistent results at the highest level. The ability to think on the water, coupled with an inner belief and confidence in fellow team members are key ingredients which I feel will continue to flourish. Most importantly however is the friendship and fun!
Alba Orvis Flyfishers - Bronze Medal Winners - Lexus International Final.
Photo from ( http://www.fishypics.co.uk )
Left to right -
Event organiser John Horsy, Jock Royan, Ronnie Glass, David Bonnington, Anglian Water Fishery Manager John Marshall
Callum Crosbie, Paul Garner, James Gardiner.
Lexus Scottish Final.
The Alba Orvis Team fished in the Lexus Scottish Final on the Lake of Menteith on Thursday 9th July.. 10 teams were competing for the top 3 places and an invitation to the International Final at Rutland Water in August. Considering the strength of the field, these 3 places were going to be very highly contested.
Top rod in the Individual competition held on the preceding day was an Orkney angler, catching a very creditable 12 trout. Bearing in mind the water temperature and recent competition results, this was a very respectable bag of trout and the Orkney team were expected to fair pretty well in the team event.
Paul Garner and I fished for a few hours on the afternoon/early evening of Wednesday and found a good head of fish in 3 definite areas. We were confident that at least we had a few patterns and a method to begin with and more importantly back-up areas to fish if all else failed.
Match day began with a leisurely ‘Skippers Breakfast’ however in hindsight perhaps was a little too relaxed when we found that the start time was 09:30 instead of the normal 10:00. After a mad dash to Menteith we ‘bomb burst’ in the car park, met our boat-partners and discussed team-destinations whilst cruising away from the shore. James headed up to the Malling Shore, Paul and Callum to Hotel Bay/Shear Point and Davie, Ronnie and I to Gateside Bay.
I began off the rope, drifting along the burn-mouth shore in Gateside, whilst Davie began below the burn and Ronnie almost at the Rookery Point. First cast I had a fish roll over the booby but failed to set the hook, 2 casts later a fish on and quickly off again. My boat partner Richard then lost a fish at the net, and we continued ‘playing’ with these fish for around 20 minutes before Richard eventually landed one. Davie had fortunately sussed the method in very short order and to my great relief was canning them. His rod was bent consistently for the first 2 hours and by midday, he had built an excellent bag of 12 fish. It was a ‘thing of beauty’ watching him in action and amazingly we were the only 3 boats in the area. Ronnie was also catching steadily, but importantly remained well out of the way whilst we drifted around the burn mouth. James arrived after catching half a dozen from the Malling Shore and was immediately put onto the method and fish. By the time the ‘jungle drums’ had eventually called other boats to the area, we were all sitting with very comfortable bags, especially Davie who was by then on 20 fish. The dodgy boat manners did not concern us as a few agitated anglers entered the fold; in fact Davie even pushed out into open water and had another 3 on his first drift!
Paul and Callum had stuck to their area and again fished very well; by 5:30, we had amassed 64 trout. The second team, Hungry Trout had 39 and third Aberdeen & District, ably assisted by my boat partner Richard had 35.
Davie Bonnington has fished consistently well over the entire season, however his final catch of 25 trout cannot be underestimated; it was simply outstanding. I have been fishing in major competitions since 1988 and have never fished in a field of this quality where so many fish have been caught by an individual rod in one day. What’s more is that it was a great pleasure to watch, especially when you know that he is in your team!! Let’s now hope that his form continues on our trip to Rutland in August.
Finally, this was an excellent overall team performance and after some frustration and disappointment in earlier matches, we can now travel to Rutland in the knowledge that we can fulfil our potential. Consistency and self-confidence are the keys to success in competitive fly-fishing and I think that this result may well be the catalyst that we have been patiently waiting for. Only time will tell!
The winning Alba Orvis Team from left to right - Jock Royan, James Gardiner, Ronnie Glass, Paul Garner,
David Bonnington (Top Bag) & Callum Crosbie (Largest Fish)
Jimmy Hunter
Scottish International Angler Jimmy Hunter is a founder member of the Orvis Alba Flyfishers. Since qualifying for the Scottish Team on his first attempt at the age of 22, Jim has continued to add further Caps to his bag both through re-qualification and carry forwards. As a point of interest, Jim was also runner up on his very first National Final, narrowly missing out on the Trophy by at matter of ounces; a remarkable achievement. Jimmy, a mere whippersnapper at 32 drops the average age of the team dramatically, although he has yet to provide proof of his age in an off-license as the photo proves!
Like many Scottish anglers, the pilgrimage south to Rutland and Grafham Waters has proved very successful for Jim, and he has had notable team and individual success. Silver and Bronze medals in the Hardy/Anglian Water Team Event and more recently in 2006 Runner-Up in the Lexus European Open Individual Event. This showcase event strictly through qualification, is the principal individual competition in the UK and Jimmy's Runner-Up spot, was a fantastic achievement.
A ‘reel’ family man, Jimmy spends the winter months shooting/beating/skiing with Ashley, the girls and their 6 Dogs. He even manages to squeeze in the odd game of Golf! Jim feels that the team balance is just about right and with a wealth of experience, trust and commitment, the future for Alba Flyfisher’s is an exciting prospect.
James Gardiner
James Gardiner is a Multi-Capped Scottish International Fly Fisherman of renowned quality. As a tackle consultant James's expertise is highly sought and he is delighted to advise beginners through to experts on the finer detail of the sport. An exceptionally knowledgeable angler in any discipline, James is as happy in the river as he is bobbing around on a Stillwater or wading the flats in search of bonefish.
Married to the lovely Joy, who shares his passion for angling, they regularly spend their week-end afloat at Mentieth with the dogs enjoying 'friendly' competition. A very modest man, James has won many events over the years including the SANA Open and Fishtec Top Individual, to name but a couple. Not only did he win the Fishtec Top Individual Prize over the 2 days of competition, he was also Top Rod both Days - a truly remarkable achievement considering the quality of the field. To have an angler like James in your team is absolutely essential, as he has the innate ability of inspiring the team, no matter what the conditions. Away from fishing James is a highly accomplished artist and has a superb portfolio ranging from abstract to original. The latest addition to the Gardiner Clan is a wee grandson who gives James & Joy a great deal of pride and pleasure.
Ronnie Glass
Ronnie Glass is a very well known and highly respected figure within the fishing world, both North & South of the border. With numerous International Caps to date, he has Captained both the Scottish Rivers and Loch Style teams, and en route has won the Phoenix Salver and the Scottish Rivers Championship. You may therefore get an idea of the wealth of knowledge and experience that Ronnie brings to the team.
Ronnie is a professional Game Angling Consultant for Orvis in their shop in Kelso and is an expert in his field. He is as happy to chase the Grayling in the winter months as he is catching the Wild Brownies and Rainbows in the summer and is delighted to pass on his vast experience to the many visitors in Kelso.
His attention to detail is renowned and not only does he have the ability to recall every fine detail down to weather conditions, depth, fly pattern, size, how the take was etc….. he also remembers how many pints you have in the bar afterwards!
As you may imagine, even away from the river, Ronnie's thoughts are on the fish and he is well known for his expertise in trophy fish casts, carvings and creative drawings. A cracking bloke, you will be guaranteed a memorable day out with Ronnie; whether you catch many fish or not, you will certainly leave having learnt a great deal.
Paul Garner
Paul Garner is again a Scottish International Angler of renowned quality and has represented his country 3 times is succession.
Paul and Jimmy have been team mates for many years and have had notable success with 3 top 3 team finishes in Major International Finals at Rutland Water. They have fished in the Hardy’s, Anglian Water/ Fulling Mill, Today’s Fisherman European Opena and most recently Lexus International events winning a Silver in 2001 and Bronze in 2004 and again Bronze in 2009.
Paul’s occupation is a Radio Engineer therefore as you may imagine his communication skills are excellent – Not! It’s his part-time job that makes Paul our ‘prized asset’ As an assistant to Quint and Doug at the Lake of Menteith, Scotland’s premier Rainbow Trout Fishery, Paul knows every Trout by name and can regularly be found feeding and chatting with his ‘Pets’ Paul is a naturally gifted angler and his other passion is Salmon Fishing. Paul runs a syndicate on his local river Teith, and can often be found skiving off work early for a cast on the way home. He also fishes the Earn and is now a tenant on the' World Famous' Kinermony beat of the Spey. He is married to the lovely and very understanding Claire.. Another 'Top Bloke' Paul, in addition to his proven angling ability, adds that extra bit of humour to the team and lets face it, as a follower of Scottish Football, has to have a great sense of humour.
David Bonnington
David Bonnington is a very genuine guy and is well known and highly respected on the Competitive Fly Fishing scene. He is a very consistent angler and unlike a few fellow team-members is very partial to the odd pint of Guinness and the occasional bottle of ‘old claret’ and can handle his drink! Indeed, his pool skills seem to improve with lubrications whilst others fail!
Davie has had a great run in the Scottish Clubs 3-man team event and has been in the winning team on 2 occasions, the last in 2006. He has also proved his versatility by winning the Loch Leven championship in 2002, a fantastic achievement. This year Davie set a new record at the Lake of Menteith, catching 25 trout in the Scottish Final of the Lexus International. A truly remarkable catch considering that the lake was slowly recovering from a pretty traumatic period.
Davie, a joiner by trade, runs the very busy family business in Edinburgh as well as being a 'reel' family man. In the winter Davie packs away the rods and dusts off the gun. With a keen eye and an ever sharper wit, he certainly holds his own in the field. A regular Spey visitor Davie leads the Alba boys with regard to catches and flexibility certainly proves to be the key to his success!
Jock Royan
My passion is competitive trout fishing, and I have been competing, mainly in England, since 1988. Over the years, I have been most fortunate to have won every RAF competition at least once, including the coveted Inter-Services Individual Top Rod. I have also had notable success on the civilian circuit, fishing in 9 International finals of major competitions, where I have finished in the top 10 individuals on 4 occasions.
2003 was quite a year and I was most fortunate to win the RAF Championships, Partridge Invitational at Bewl Water in Kent, followed quickly by the Top Individual Rod over 2 days in the 2003 Today’s Fisherman European Open International Final. Apart from my first Scottish cap, this has been my greatest individual highlight so far, as the majority of the 150 Anglers competing had represented their country at some stage. I firmly believe that in the Orvis Alba Flyfishers, we have a team capable of great things. 6 Scottish International Anglers with a passion for Competitive Game Angling, where most importantly, friendship, trust and mutual respect come well above any personal agenda.. Our experience and friendship linked with a desire to win is a perfect balance and we look forward with eager anticipation to the season ahead and improving on our Bronze place in the Lexus International Final.