Goldenloch
Mar 08th-Week-09-2018
A few things about this week, one was that I decided to make an application to Scottish National Heritage, Re, Cormorant control, last time that I had a licence to shoot cormorants it was granted by the Scottish Government and it was for three years, that licence was granted for the controlling amount of 30 birds, or 10 a year, which really is more that enough, considering they are so hard to shoot, firstly they are very wary of people, secondly they never sit still, unless they are digesting the trout, a thing about cormorants they will catch say 3 fish, then go ashore regurgitating say two, then stand still with wings apart drying to digesting the one they kept inside their stomach, if you look at where they roost or digest it is amazing to see just how many fish are lying there, the most important part about having a legitimate licence is the ability to have a gun on or rather being able to shoot over the water, without that anyone caught or seen shooting is in big trouble, living in the countryside has become quite irksome, we have so many people that think they know best and do not understand why things happen, in the morning even just now, including early evening we can easily have 10 or more walkers along the road adjacent to the loch, plus we have some rather hostile and unfriendly neighbours, so being out with a gun although not unusual attracts attention, but shots fired do, so only legitimate gunfire is what I try to achieve, the second time I applied for a licence, it was refused, as I did not have a rolling 3 year cormorant count, but that was the transition of the Scottish Office to SNH, but even back then the red tape was ridiculous, so now starting is the SNH website, which I have to say is rather puzzling and goes round in circles, I eventually found the relevant page and it is to be honest not that dissimilar to what it was like back when I last applied, so I decided to call the helpline, which was very useful, now the person did state that if I wrote in with a legitimate cause they would consider my application immediately, but I am not expecting a success as the application is quite clear in its historic findings ( Bird Count) Anyways this avenue is open to all fisheries and I would recommend putting pressure on SNH and be aware this is not the RSPB and SNH do grant licences on a regular basis you just have to get it right. My next point is that the outflow from The Goldenloch is pretty well pouring out, I was surprised at the no of fish that were trying to escape, why I have no idea, other than it is a natural thing, but I am so glad that we reconstructed our overflow / fish grids to stop our fish escaping into the environment, we now have a triple grid system in place however it does in the summer choke with weed,
Fly Fishing is a Pastime, it is not only relaxing, but also rewarding, come to the “Goldenloch” enjoy your Hobby to the max, no stress, only tranquil surroundings abundant wildlife, great fish, Brown, Blues and Rainbows, you will not be disappointed. Phone 01337840355 or 07968006367 ask for John or look up Postcode KY14 6HZ