Ian Crighton is Club Champion
18 members fished in the club championship final on Friday, May 30 in what was a cold and wet evening's fishing.
A total of 70 fish were caught and released with a top bag of 10 fish for Ian Crighton.
Runner-up was Aaron Phillip with 8 fish.
Douglas Beckett was third, also with 8 fish. His first fish was recorded at 18.25, nine minutes after Aaron caught his first fish so Aaron took second place.
Well done to all who braved the weather and huge congratulations to Ian who is Monikie Club Champion 2025.
A total of 70 fish were caught and released with a top bag of 10 fish for Ian Crighton.
Runner-up was Aaron Phillip with 8 fish.
Douglas Beckett was third, also with 8 fish. His first fish was recorded at 18.25, nine minutes after Aaron caught his first fish so Aaron took second place.
Well done to all who braved the weather and huge congratulations to Ian who is Monikie Club Champion 2025.
Club Championship boat pairings
Monikie Angling Club Championship takes place on Friday, May 30.
Boat pairings are below. Competition starts at 6 pm.
Tight lines everybody!
Boat pairings are below. Competition starts at 6 pm.
Tight lines everybody!
Aaron claims Stuart Brymer Memorial Trophy
Despite a change in the weather, 70 fish were caught and safely returned in a closely fought Stuart Brymer Memorial Trophy match at the Island Pond on Friday, May 23.
Aaron Phillips came out on top with 11 hard-fighting rainbows on what turned out to be a cold and windy evening with the wind gusting seemingly from all directions.
Mike Tiddcombe came in second with 9 fish, and Neil Anderson third with 8. Neil also had the first fish at 6.15, only minutes after the starting gun was fired at 6 pm..
Thanks to all who took part.
A raffle was held for entrants and a fantastic £300 was raised for club funds
Club President expressed his thanks to all who donated the excellent prizes and those who bought tickets
Aaron Phillips came out on top with 11 hard-fighting rainbows on what turned out to be a cold and windy evening with the wind gusting seemingly from all directions.
Mike Tiddcombe came in second with 9 fish, and Neil Anderson third with 8. Neil also had the first fish at 6.15, only minutes after the starting gun was fired at 6 pm..
Thanks to all who took part.
A raffle was held for entrants and a fantastic £300 was raised for club funds
Club President expressed his thanks to all who donated the excellent prizes and those who bought tickets
1000 fish stocked in the Island Pond – and the water's crystal clear!
The weather has improved greatly recently, water clarity is at its best for a long time – and catches have improved week by week.
And, encouragingly, fly life has appeared all over the fishing grounds, bringing a smile to anglers' faces. Some have even reported noticing they have to clean car windscreens of bugs for the first time in, possibly, years.
All good news for the fishing at Monikie.
And to top it all, we had a delivery of 1000 fighting fit Rainbow trout on Thursday May 15.
The fish were spread throughout the Island Pond from the stocking boat and comprised a good range of sizes with some Blues in the mix.
Thanks very much to the members who volunteered to help transfer the fish from the delivery tanks to the water.
Well done guys.
And, encouragingly, fly life has appeared all over the fishing grounds, bringing a smile to anglers' faces. Some have even reported noticing they have to clean car windscreens of bugs for the first time in, possibly, years.
All good news for the fishing at Monikie.
And to top it all, we had a delivery of 1000 fighting fit Rainbow trout on Thursday May 15.
The fish were spread throughout the Island Pond from the stocking boat and comprised a good range of sizes with some Blues in the mix.
Thanks very much to the members who volunteered to help transfer the fish from the delivery tanks to the water.
Well done guys.
Result of Club Championship Heat Two
Heat Two of the Club Championship was held on Thursday evening, May 15.
A total of 12 anglers set off at 6 pm sharp, and the first fish was brought to the boat at 6.13 by Dougie Borthwick.
On an evening where every angler caught fish, into double figures, the biggest tally of the heat was taken by Kenny Giblin with 25.
(As it was the club championship, the catch and release limit of 15 fish was waived).
In all, 194 fish were caught, with Kenny Dickson netting 20 to place as runner-up, and Aaron Philip netting 19 for third place.
All 12 anglers qualified for the final on May 30.
A total of 12 anglers set off at 6 pm sharp, and the first fish was brought to the boat at 6.13 by Dougie Borthwick.
On an evening where every angler caught fish, into double figures, the biggest tally of the heat was taken by Kenny Giblin with 25.
(As it was the club championship, the catch and release limit of 15 fish was waived).
In all, 194 fish were caught, with Kenny Dickson netting 20 to place as runner-up, and Aaron Philip netting 19 for third place.
All 12 anglers qualified for the final on May 30.
Result of Club Championship Heat One
Heat One of the Club Championship was held on Tuesday evening, May 13.
A total of 14 anglers set off at 6 pm sharp, and seven minutes later the first fish was brought to the boat by eventual heat winner, Frank Ross.
In all, 28 fish were caught, with Frank netting 11 of them.
The heat finished at 9.45 pm, with nine anglers having caught fish. All nine qualified for the final on May 30.
A total of 14 anglers set off at 6 pm sharp, and seven minutes later the first fish was brought to the boat by eventual heat winner, Frank Ross.
In all, 28 fish were caught, with Frank netting 11 of them.
The heat finished at 9.45 pm, with nine anglers having caught fish. All nine qualified for the final on May 30.
Monthly Raffle
Congratulations to the winners of the first prize draw of the 2025 season.
Winner of an Airflo® Superflo Freshwater Ridge 2.0 Floating Shadow/Redband Fly Line – value £99.99 – donated by Neil Anderson, Angus Angling, Forfar, is John Carmichael.
Winner of fly box with flies tied by Aaron Phillip is Brian Wilkie.
Enjoy your prizes, guys.
April – Airflo fly line, sponsored by Neil Anderson at Angus Angling, is John Carmichael. Winner of fly box with flies tied by Aaron Phillip is Brian Wilikie.
May – Airflo, Jim White. Fly box, Andy Greene.
June – Airflo, . Fly box, .
May – Airflo, Jim White. Fly box, Andy Greene.
June – Airflo, . Fly box, .
July – Airflo, . Fly box, .
August – Airflo, . Fly box, .
September – Airflo, . Fly box, .
October – Airflo, sponsored by Neil Anderson at Angus Angling, . Fly box, .
August – Airflo, . Fly box, .
September – Airflo, . Fly box, .
October – Airflo, sponsored by Neil Anderson at Angus Angling, . Fly box, .
Club Championship heats boat pairings updated
Due to some cancellations, the boat pairings for the heats of the Club Championship 2025 have been updated.
See below for the latest line-up, to be fished on May 13 and 15.
Both heats start at 6 pm.
If you wish to fill any of the available slots, or have any queries, please contact Rodney Grubb on 07427673398.
See below for the latest line-up, to be fished on May 13 and 15.
Both heats start at 6 pm.
If you wish to fill any of the available slots, or have any queries, please contact Rodney Grubb on 07427673398.
Rodney's grand evening out
The fishing is definitely picking up at Monikie with anglers reporting catching, and often returning, many superb fish.
One delighted fly fisher was Rodney Grubb, who fished his first evening session on Monday, April 21.
Here, he tells of his great evening on the Island Pond.
"My first evening session of the season, and I didn't go out with any great expectations due to a cold easterly blowing.
However, it turned out to be probably the best couple of hours fishing I've had on the Island for a wee while.
Five to the net, a couple lost at the net and another half a dozen good pulls.
Orange blob, silver cormorant, and a cruncher did the works."
*Rodney managed to snap the pic on the left of a wonderful rainbow before returning it safely to the water.
One delighted fly fisher was Rodney Grubb, who fished his first evening session on Monday, April 21.
Here, he tells of his great evening on the Island Pond.
"My first evening session of the season, and I didn't go out with any great expectations due to a cold easterly blowing.
However, it turned out to be probably the best couple of hours fishing I've had on the Island for a wee while.
Five to the net, a couple lost at the net and another half a dozen good pulls.
Orange blob, silver cormorant, and a cruncher did the works."
*Rodney managed to snap the pic on the left of a wonderful rainbow before returning it safely to the water.
Good news for all bailiffs
Thanks to Brian and Fraser's hard work you no longer have to lift the outboard on and off the bailiffs boat.
As you can see in the photo (right) it can now be left on the boat permanently, securely locked onto the boat which in turn is secured in a special housing built by the pair at minimal cost to the club.
Full information on using and accessing the setup will be given.
The trickle stocking continues
As promised last week, the committee managed to source a new supply of rainbows to give us an extra delivery.
Just 10 days after 300 fish went into the Island Pond, another 400 were stocked on Tuesday April 15.
And what a beautiful sight it was. Ranging between two and three pounds, these fish are fighting fit, and included some blues.
Thanks again, on behalf of the committee, to the volunteers who helped this latest stocking go like clockwork.
And thanks to Jerry for the superb images.
Just 10 days after 300 fish went into the Island Pond, another 400 were stocked on Tuesday April 15.
And what a beautiful sight it was. Ranging between two and three pounds, these fish are fighting fit, and included some blues.
Thanks again, on behalf of the committee, to the volunteers who helped this latest stocking go like clockwork.
And thanks to Jerry for the superb images.
Ready for release . . .
Going . . .
Going . . .
GONE!
Your club needs YOU! Volunteer for bailiff duties
Evening sessions are in full swing now, and to keep them running smoothly, your club needs a minimum of 14 volunteer bailiffs to cover day and evening sessions every week.
All members are welcome to apply, including any who have volunteered in the past.
Duties are straightforward. These include logging phone bookings, taking hire payments (cash and card), helping anglers – members and visitors alike – to make the most of their visit, and keeping boats tidy.
In return you can fish your duty session for free.
One major improvement members who have bailiffed before will appreciate is it will no longer be required to lift the engine in and out of the bailiff’s boat.
The engine will be securely fixed to the boat. So no more heavy lifting!
For further info, and training if you wish to proceed, contact bailiff convener, Fraser McKay. His number is on your membership card and he's waiting to hear from you.
All members are welcome to apply, including any who have volunteered in the past.
Duties are straightforward. These include logging phone bookings, taking hire payments (cash and card), helping anglers – members and visitors alike – to make the most of their visit, and keeping boats tidy.
In return you can fish your duty session for free.
One major improvement members who have bailiffed before will appreciate is it will no longer be required to lift the engine in and out of the bailiff’s boat.
The engine will be securely fixed to the boat. So no more heavy lifting!
For further info, and training if you wish to proceed, contact bailiff convener, Fraser McKay. His number is on your membership card and he's waiting to hear from you.
Club Championship 2025 heats boat pairings
Below are the boat pairings for the heats of the Club Championship 2025, to be fished on May 13 and 15.
Both heats start at 6 pm.
Any queries, etc, please contact Rodney Grubb.
Both heats start at 6 pm.
Any queries, etc, please contact Rodney Grubb.
Stocking freshens up Island Pond
Our latest delivery of 300 fish was put into the Island Pond on Saturday April 5.
As usual excellent quality fish were distributed across the pond.
The next scheduled delivery is in early May but the even better news is your committee is working hard to source hundreds more fish to be stocked before April runs out.
So all going well you'll have hundreds more reasons to come and fish at Monikie – perhaps the best value fishing for miles around!
Thanks to Jerry for the excellent pic, which shows the transfer of some of the superb quality fish from the delivery tank to the boat before setting out to stock the pond.
Club competition dates
(37 entrants – still time to get your name down)
Heat 1 – Tuesday May 13
Heat 2 – Thursday May 15
Final – Friday May 30
Stuart Brymer Trophy
Friday May 23
All above are 6 pm start.
Stocking continues at Island Pond
Monikie Angling Club has begun trickle and shared load stockings.
The first stocking of 500 fish, In February, has now been added to with a further 200 on March 11. Another 300 will go in during April.
To help keep costs down some of the loads are shared with Rescobie Angling Club.
Very good quality fish as usual from our highly dependable supplier.
The video below by Ian McLean – tap the play button to import – shows the fish being transferred from the delivery truck to the boat from where the fish were introduced to their new home.
Many thanks to all the volunteers who helped with the stocking.
The first stocking of 500 fish, In February, has now been added to with a further 200 on March 11. Another 300 will go in during April.
To help keep costs down some of the loads are shared with Rescobie Angling Club.
Very good quality fish as usual from our highly dependable supplier.
The video below by Ian McLean – tap the play button to import – shows the fish being transferred from the delivery truck to the boat from where the fish were introduced to their new home.
Many thanks to all the volunteers who helped with the stocking.
Great fishing on Opening Day
Opening Day – March 1, 2025 – was a splendid success, with a great turnout of excited anglers, pictured above. (thanks for the image, Steph).
It was nice to see all the boats out as 26 anglers took to the water on the Island Pond, and one on the North.
Although a bit chilly with a gentle breeze to start, the sun came out in the afternoon to add to what turned out to be a very pleasant day's fly fishing.
All the boats had fish with reports of some estimated around 3lbs+ and one at 4lbs+. In all, 58 fish were caught with 11 being kept.
Everyrone throughly enjoyed the day and the mince rolls for lunch went down a treat. Thanks to Brian for his culinary expertise.
Looking forward to the season really getting going, and hope to see you there!
It was nice to see all the boats out as 26 anglers took to the water on the Island Pond, and one on the North.
Although a bit chilly with a gentle breeze to start, the sun came out in the afternoon to add to what turned out to be a very pleasant day's fly fishing.
All the boats had fish with reports of some estimated around 3lbs+ and one at 4lbs+. In all, 58 fish were caught with 11 being kept.
Everyrone throughly enjoyed the day and the mince rolls for lunch went down a treat. Thanks to Brian for his culinary expertise.
Looking forward to the season really getting going, and hope to see you there!
A sight for sore eyes!
Thursday, February 27 saw a squad of keen members, led by club vice-president Brian Wilkie, get through a mountain of work to launch the newly refurbished boats on the water for season Opening Day on Saturday, March 1.
To save some of the heavy lifting, Brian came up with the ingenious idea of borrowing the estates tractor to lift the boats out of the compound, where they'd been stored and worked on over the winter.
Blessed with glorious sunny weather, and egged on by the cheery banter, the crew got to work and soon 13 boats (including the bailiff's) on the Island Pond, and two on the North Pond, were tied up at the jetties once more.
And this was followed-up with fish being stocked on Friday, so it's all systems go.
Thanks to Rodney Grubb for this image. You can see more of Rodney's fine photos, which tell the story of the day, here.
To save some of the heavy lifting, Brian came up with the ingenious idea of borrowing the estates tractor to lift the boats out of the compound, where they'd been stored and worked on over the winter.
Blessed with glorious sunny weather, and egged on by the cheery banter, the crew got to work and soon 13 boats (including the bailiff's) on the Island Pond, and two on the North Pond, were tied up at the jetties once more.
And this was followed-up with fish being stocked on Friday, so it's all systems go.
Thanks to Rodney Grubb for this image. You can see more of Rodney's fine photos, which tell the story of the day, here.
Seats still available for opening day
Monikie Angling Club looks forward to welcoming all members and visitors to our popular fly fishing venue at Monikie Country Park, near Dundee, for the 2025 season, which opens on Saturday, March 1.
After a lot of hard work by our dedicated members, the beautifully prepared boats will soon be on the water, ready for the big day.
From Monday February 24 until Friday February 28, members and non-members can book boats for the start of the new season by contacting Peter Craft on 07775 136171 between 7pm and 8pm daily.
There may be places available on the North Pond for opening day. If not taken by members they'll be opened for non-members. Phone Rodney Grubb on 07427 673398 to book these boats.
Tight lines for Season 2025!
