Irish eyes smiling after fifth straight fishing gold
The Tartan Team totalled 47 fish, two behind the men from the Emerald Isle, but Scotland's Rory Stewart (Kilmacolm) was top rod overall all in the competition with an impressive 12 fish limit caught by 3pm. He finished well ahead of Irish angler, Evan McMickan who finished with 16lb 3oz from seven fish.
Stewart also collected a time bonus and the Scot was the only person to do so in the match at the Lake of Menteith. He won the Brown Bowl.
Wales were third with 39 fish and England fourth on 20 fish and Scotland manager, James Litster, said: 'Winning five golds in a row is some achievement.'
Ireland's total weight was 122lb 14oz, Scotland weighed-in with 115lb 12oz, Wales accumulated 102lb 11oz and England 57lb 01oz with Rory Stewart finishing with a weight of 29lb 14oz, including his time bonus. His heaviest fish was 3lb 5oz
The heaviest fish was caught by Josh Thomas of Wales, a fine specimen on 6lb.
James Stewart from Inverness took the David Bell Merit Trophy awarded to a member of the Scotland team who showed real commitment and dedication.
Litster added: 'He went above and beyond to do everything for the team. He raised funds and attended everything all year.
'His mum crashed her car on the way to an outing and he organised a lift to get to Broxden Roundabout (a key interchange on the A9 near Perth) where another parent picked him up and, on the way home, he got a bus back home (from Broxden) with all his gear to Inverness.
The Scotland team: Beck Lyon (Darvel), Sam Harrison (Dunfermline), Harris McLeod (St Andrews), Rory Stewart (Kilmacolm), Eilidh Craik (Errol), Maria McGee (Waterfoot), Aaron Kennedy (Newton Mearns), Stephen Berry (Milngavie), Fergus Murray (Milgavie), Cameron Deeb (Houston), Ruaraidh Fowler (Doune), Kian Riley (Aberdeen), James Stewart (Inverness), Aiden Butters (Aberdeen), Jamie Walker (Alloa).
Meanwhile, the Scottish Youth National Fly Fishing Championship 2025 are at Harelaw Trout Fishery near Neilston, Glasgow, from 9am to 16.30pm on Sunday, August 31, and Lake of Menteith Fishery, same fishing times, on Sunday, October 12.
The competition is fished to international rules and the entry fee is £70 which covers both heats. An application form is on the website www.scotlandyouthflyfishing.co.uk
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