Menteith comes up trumps again

More than 200 pike were caught on today's PAC access event on the Lake of Menteith.

From catch returns so far received the top fish was a 30lbs pike to David Ross, from Preston.

It topped a bill which included 16 twenties, 42 doubles and nearly 150 smaller fish.

Nige Grassby boated a 28lbs 8oz pike, while 13-year-old junior member Jack Culpin, from Cambridge, almost doubled his previous PB with a 28lbs.

Graham Slater and boat partner Howard Thomas shared a haul including pike of 25lbs 12oz, 24lbs 12oz, 21lbs 12oz, 20lbs 4oz and 20lbs 2oz - not to mention another five doubles.

Tonight PAC events organiser Mark Skinner said: "We're delighted for every one who caught especially young Jack and disabled member Darren Bragg who caught an 18lbs pike on board the fishery's disabled boat.

"In March we had one large 30 and 12 twenties. Today we've seen a thirty and 16 twenties, which shows the water's as good as it's ever been."

With fish to 39lbs 8oz caught by PAC members in recent seasons, it was no surprise the event was over-subscribed, with four anglers applying for every place.

Places are already drawn for our next event on Menteith in March.

But the winter edition of Pikelines, which is now on its way to members, features details of nine more events between Christmas and the end of the season, along with application slips.