2025 Veterans Cup Round 4 Lake of Menteith
Veterans Cup - Round 4 Report
With the Lake of Menteith fishing well all season and a reasonably fair weather forecast, there were 26 eager Military Veterans on parade at 08:00 in the car park yesterday, all chomping at the bit.
Strangely, there was a far greater degree of calmness during the booking in process and Glen rustled up the rolls with no fuss, whilst I sorted the boats. Even the match brief went without interruption which was a first, then the penny dropped. Chairman Mao was missing in action and most likely causing utter chaos in the Isle of Man!
We began with a light south-westerly and almost complete cloud cover so most headed out with floaters or tip lines. There was a decent split of boats with 5 heading to the Malling Shore, 4 to Gateside Bay and another 4 to the road shore. Glen and I started at the Malling and both caught fish on the first drift. The fish were tight in but with a S-Easterly wind, it was difficult to stay on the fish longer than a few casts. There were a few fish further out but certainly nothing in comparison to the numbers cruising the shallows. Unfortunately the sun broke through around 10:00 and it shone brightly for the remainder of the day.
Lunchtime as normal was a buoyant affair with an amazing spread once again generously provided by Magic, Audrey and the Rose House in Perth. Geoff Allen also provided delicious smoked trout and Venison pastrami which is becoming extremely popular! The morning session had been tough with a good number of blanks so information was freely shared and all headed back out at 13:00 with renewed confidence.
Conditions were improving as we left the water at 17:00 with many longing for an extra hour. Dry fly proved the most consistent method, particularly for those who managed to hold their position on the Malling Shore in a gusty breeze! Thankfully as the results were collated, every card had at least 1 fish recorded on it for the first time this season.
With 3 rounds remaining and the best 4-scores counting, the Veterans Cup remains wide open. Next round will be held on Sunday 27th July and we have 13 boats booked.
Finally, good luck to the Military Veterans B Team (2 Jocks & Al Gamble) in the Scottish Clubs heat on 12th July.