Heavyweight action at Beecraigs Loch

Dec 4 2008 by Eric MacKinnon, West Lothian Courier

NOVEMBER has been a very cold month on Beecraigs Loch and both air and water temperatures have dropped considerably.

Towards the end of the month the weather turned even colder with the loch begininng to freeze around the edges. However, hardy Beecraigs anglers were not put off with the weather and wrapped up and got on with the task in hand, and where well rewarded for their efforts.

By far the best method was medium to fast sinking lines fished deep and with a slow retrieve.

The fish haven't been too choosy and have been taken on Dancers, Black & Green Fritz, Nomad and Cats Whiskers. Also the Nymph has scored well with Hares Ear, Pheasant Tail and Bloodworm all taken quality baskets.

The Booby in its many forms continues to do well and has accounted for many fish.

November also proved to be the month for the whoppers with several anglers recording their biggest fish of the season.

No fewer than 25 doubles between 10lb to 18lb and above were caught. Also taken were a lot of fish in the 6lb to 9lb-plus range.

Local angler Bob Rintoul from Bathgate reeled in an impressive seven doubles to his own rod during November, between 10lb to 16lb, all on his home tied Bobcat Booby.

Other big fish captors have been Falkirk angler Ian Laird for a bow of 17lb 7oz on the Booby.

Another Booby man, Bill Clarke from Denny, had a good rainbow of 16lb 12oz. Phil Bryant fished a DI 3 line and a size 12 Hares Ear and hooked and landed a fine fish of 16lb 4oz. Graham Sharp from Penicuik had a fish of 15lb 8oz on an Orange Gold Head.

Fish of the month was taken by Blairgowrie angler Willie Johnstone for a cracker of a triploid rainbow of 18lb 3oz on a small Yellow Dancer.

Willie hooked the specimen trout on an 8ft, four-weight rod and floating line and took 20 minutes to land it.

December sees the start of the winter session on Beecraigs Loch with times being 9.30am to 3.30pm at a cost of £18.90 for a five fish limit.

Anglers looking to catch a fish of a lifetime should give the loch a try as a lot of big doubles are feeding up for the winter.

Permits and enquires can be made at the park centre on 01506 844516.