Hi there. That's it for another season. We've had a reasonable salmon season with 38 caught but the sea trout simply didn't appear, just what's happening out there? The problem must be more complex than simply the huge numbers of Grey and Common Seals that invade our Firth and increasingly our River. We speculate that pollution, global warming and excessive predation are prominent among many of the factors involved. Had we been fortunate enough to have had lower river levels in '98, our salmon catch at least would probably have been higher. Anyway, let's not get depressed (Sorry - as usual the text is tiny in order to hold our printing costs to one A4 sheets worth)

MEMBERS DEADLINE. Please remember to rejoin by the end of April '98; otherwise some of the 25 or so people on waiting list will be allowed into the club before you. Those on the waiting list can of course purchase a Firth Season Permit to 'tide' them over. Permit prices will be determined at the AGM on 19th November 1998 in the Phipps Hall at 7-30pm. Andrew Graham-Stewart, the Trout & Salmon Magazine reporter, will give a short talk, so please attend.

RETURNS. These should have been submitted by 31st October. Please return them NOW, otherwise you'll be fined £5 at the time you renew your permit. Donnie, how do you get all the good jobs!? The returns card now incorporates your permit number.

RIVER FARRAR We are indebted to Frank Spencer-Nairn for providing our members with the opportunity to fish his three beats on the Farrar (possibly the Farrar bottom beat and part of the Glass also) at half price due to a short notice arrangement. Saturdays may be booked up to a week ahead whereas weekdays can only be booked 24hrs ahead. Minimum price is £10, however 1/2 day tickets can be arranged; they start from 1pm. In '98 you would pay I/2 of £45 for a full day at the dearest time. The fishing is strictly Fly Only Why not plan to treat yourself to a day or two there next season. Whether you catch a fish or not, you'll be sure to have a fantastic day out in some of the most beautiful scenery that this area can offer. October can be particularly memorable as the roaring / rutting stags never far away.

FISHY STORY. "Both my father and the priest fished the River Shiel, at the time it was one of the most prolific sea trout rivers. Fish of up to 12lbs were not uncommon. During the War their activities helped to feed the multitude. Then we had Double Summer Time which meant that l am was only midnight Greenwich Mean Time (or God's time). As every fisherman knows, sea trout are tidal and when the tide was right it was irksome to have to stop fishing at midnight on Saturday (but really only 10pm God's time). The old gentlemen were a law abiding pair by their standards and so they decided to use Double Summer Time or God's time whichever suited them best to get an extra 2 hours fishing at the weekend This did not seem to conflict in any way with the priest's Catholicism or father's Presbyterianism. Certainly none of the beneficiaries of their activities ever questioned the morality of this arrangement, they were far too hungry. "

Many thanks for the story Somerled (Dr Ferguson). Would members please get more fishy stories to me in time for the next issue. Possibly Neil Mackenzie could tell us about the evening in '98 when he caught a beautiful 9lb 10oz brown trout on a tiny sedge? Incidentally, Ian Fraser hopes to do better next season; he's now got a rod! A belated welcome to the Club lain

NEW LIES. Twelve high water lies have at last been placed in Beats 1, 2 and 3. If successful we'll attempt to improve other pools too. Meantime, please don't wade too deeply as some of the lies will also hold fish in low water. The other reason is that you'll trip on them! So, be warned. A big THANK YOU to those involved from the supplying to the placing of the stones.

EXCHANGE TICKETS. You're not using them nearly often enough one reason no doubt being that all these rivers tend to have fish at the same time? We are trying to arrange an exchange with an East Coast club on such as the Don in order to benefit from good quality early and extended back end fishing. The Nairn officials will also be approached: they've had a fantastic year.

SWEATSHIRTS. A small consignment will be arriving shortly; please 'phone Frank Durdle quickly ( 782749) if you want one.

FISHING COMPETITIONS. The Senior Competition in May at Tarvie was won by Billy Orrock with a fine fish of 3.5lbs.

Junior Competition was held on a particularly poor night and was won with a fish of 2lbs, the only one caught; well done David Barclay. Many thanks to Terry Breau of Tarvie who didn't charge us due to the poor catch that night.

BANK CLEARING. We now allocate responsibility for different stretches of bank to certain volunteers. Tell Frank if you wish help at any time. We do quite a lot of improvement work over an extensive area.

SANA. The Scottish Anglers National Association information pack is currently circulating among Committee Members. Let me know if you want to see it later. SANA are always on the lookout for new members; remember that they represent all our interests nationally.

I'm running out of paper, so I'll have to close. In conclusion, I look forward to seeing as many of you as possible at the AGM,