Fishing Day

Well, although there was some rain, the weather was kind to us for our family fishing day. Hass Loch is a lovely setting in the hills near Carter Bar and we had loads of young people, parents, grandparents, and Rotarians of all ages.  Some lovely fish were caught, but many managed to escape. Members made hot-dogs, cakes and sandwiches, to cater for the hungry fishers, some of whom had come a long way. 

Here is a report of the day by Ian Davis

The Jedburgh Rotary Club Junior Fly Fishing Day, Saturday 24^th May 2025.

Once again, the club ran a very successful day of fly fishing for youngsters up at the Hass Trout Fishery, thanks to the kindness and generosity of the Jedforest Angling Association.

Since the Rotary Club made the event more of a family day, it has become very popular. There were more than 25 youngsters, boys and girls, who came on the day, together with lots of parents and grandparents.

Ian Davis, from the Rotary Club, who organises the event and is also a River Tweed Commissioner, explained that it is important for the parents to be there to see the excitement and pure pleasure the young anglers get when they catch their first fish. It is often said that when they catch their first fish, we also catch a new fishermen and often that remains for a lifetime. Pleased to say that nearly all the youngsters caught fish. We even had some mums and dads having a go by the end of the day, so it’s great to think that there may be some family outings in the future when everyone can enjoy the day. Fishing is a wonderful activity that gets people out into the countryside, with a chance to be with nature. In today’s hectic lifestyle it is important to take a break sometimes for our physical and mental wellbeing.

Of course, a day like they had doesn’t just happen without a great team organising and running the day. To start with, we had the help and support of the Jedforest Angling Association President, Ian Heard and his committee who supported the event by allowing it to take place. Helping with tackle and tuition, we had the support of Tweedstart (part of the Tweed Foundation) run by Ben McCallum and helped by his team of Tweed Ambassadors. They are all young, talented anglers, who give their time to help other youngsters take their first steps in learning how to fly fish.

An army marches on its stomach (or so they say!) so our army of enthusiastic youngsters were kept well fed, thanks to the brilliant picnic lunch provided by our wonderful Rotary members. They had prepared lots of sandwiches and baked tasty cakes, so there was something for everyone, which was well appreciated by all.

Despite the forecast, the weather was kind to us and apart from a short shower that prompted an early lunch, everyone enjoyed the good weather. Right at the end, as everything was being packed up, so the rain started, but that was okay as the day was over.

The young anglers were allowed to keep some of the trout, so that night I’m sure there would be a few fish suppers on the menu!

The biggest fish of the day was caught by Fergus Cormack.

At Jedburgh Rotary Club we enjoy helping in the community. Yes, we do a lot to raise money to help fund local projects, but sometimes it’s great to be able to run an event that isn’t focussed on raising funds, but more on providing opportunity, especially for youngsters. The Junior Fly Fishing day was one of those days and over half of the club members helped to make it a success.