Welcome to the new look Fishing-Argyll web site
Those of you who are regular visitors to the site will notice that we've given the site a major overhaul.
You'll find many new features such as YouTube videos, a Flickr photo gallery and interactive Google maps showing fishing marks along with a fresh new look.
We hope you like the new layout.
Over 4000 Rainbow Trout Escape in Loch Etive
Early March saw a massive escape of rainbow trout from a trout farm in Loch Etive.
The farm at Ardchattan, run by Scot Trout Ltd, has been the source of escapes in the past but none have been on this scale.
The majority of the escapee fish, worth an estimated £15,000, have made their way up the River Awe, Argyll's premier salmon river, which has angered local fishermen and fish groups.
We fished the River Awe on the 24th March and landed a number of fish in the 4lb-8lb range (see photo, right). There were a large number of other anglers on the river.
Any rainbow trout that are caught in the Awe system must be killed.
Anglers to Land Prize in Celeb-Backed Charity Contest
Anglers can reel in £1000 by taking part in a cancer charity fishing contest. Macmillan Cancer Support hope to raise over £30,000 from their Big Fish contest, taking place in fisheries across Scotland this June.
The event is being backed by Paul Young who presents Hooked on Fishing for Discovery Real Time. The angler, who also played Shug in BBC Show, Still Game, said: "The Big Fish is a great event - it gives us a chance to go out and do what we love while raising money for a fantastic charity. There are so many people affected by cancer who need Macmillan's help ? so why not get involved and help Macmillan change their lives? Everyone who takes part will have a great time, whether they are seasoned anglers or just fancy trying something new to raise money for a good cause. And there's always the chance you might win a prize!"
The Big Fish is taking place on June 14 in nine venues across Scotland, and in three venues across Northern Ireland in June and August. At each venue four fish will be tagged, with three worth a different cash sum totalling £1000, and one booby prize. There will also be prizes for the heaviest bag of fish and the biggest fish. The angler who brings along the most sponsorship money on the day of the event will win the prize of a day's fishing with Paul Young.
Macmillan fundraising manager David Grout, said: "Everyone who takes part in the Big Fish will help us raise money to make sure Macmillan can continue to offer practical and emotional support to people affected by cancer. One in three people will get the illness in their lifetime, so that means there are a lot of people for us to help. The Big Fish is always a really popular event with anglers, who seem to love being able to raise money for such a good cause while enjoying a relaxing day fishing. And of course the prizes we're offering are always an extra incentive!".
Anyone wishing to take part must raise at least £50 in sponsorship. For more information, or to register, visit www.macmillan.org.uk/thebigfish, email fishing@macmillan.org.uk or call 08700 503 222.
Another Loch Awe Monster Pike
This is Alan Provan from Kilmore with a huge pike he recently caught in Loch Awe.
The fish, weighing in at an impressive 32lb, was caught in February this year. The bait used was mackerel fished on the bottom.
Well done Alan, cracking fish!
Guide to Loch Creran launched
Terry Donovan, a marine biologist based in Barcaldine, has written a guide to Loch Creran titled 'Loch Creran, a Scrapbook Journey'.
Terry approached us and asked if we would write a small article about angling in the loch, which we were happy to do. It is a very well produced booklet and features a wealth of information and plently of good quality photos including one from Fishing-Argyll.
The guide is just £4 and is available from Terry on 01631 720498, the SNH office in Oban and several local outlets. Sales will fund future marine conservation projects in Argyll & Bute.
You can also download the guide for free here.