Caught my first sea trout this weekend - *now* I see what all the fuss is about! Wow. Even an 8 inch one is insane.

But they seem to be able to throw the hooks extremely easily. Is this normal, or is there something I'm doing wrong? I netted 3, but lost about 8, and did have what felt like an absolute monster on - ripped out line from a very tight drag no problem on at least 3 long runs. Had it on for about 10 minutes, felt like totally solid hold, then it all went slack. Extremely frustrated!

Also this was during the day, which I understood was not the time for sea trout? (They definitely were ST - all the ones I netted had lice).

Well done Matt

If you don't want to loose them then play hard and bring them in. Don't take any stick off 'em

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Time is a stream I go fishing in.

Well done, Matt. Your fishing seems to have taken a whole new direction since moving to Edinburgh.

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"Take not out your 'ounds on a werry windy day" Surtees.

It certainly has! Makes up for the weather... no wonder they invented whisky.

Have to say I was very sceptical of the sae trout mystique, but now see the attraction. I only wish I'd got to see the big one - I never managed to get it nearer than about 15m.

Can't wait for the next attempt!

Sounds like you were probably catching herling/finnock, a young sea trout, the salmon equivalent of a grilse.
Although you can catch proper small 3/4lb sea trout on the Nith, most start at about a pound up, although some back end herling, known locally as greybacks, can get to about a lb in weight.

Herling can be caight relatively easily in the daytime.

I find when fishing and hooking them on a floater you can lose a few as they tend to burble on top of the water when first hooked, good sport all the same.

Well done. If you think that was good, try it night.

Can't wait.

Though fell into unseen holes twice and have massive bruises all over both legs - so if this is what I manage in broad daylight, I hate to think what's going to happen in the dark...

Can also see myself excitedly fighting the bushes across the stream, convinced I'm hooked into a beast...

Well done Matt
sea trout can certainly be caught during the day and some places they hardly fish for them in the dark

At least you know where the holes are now!
Well done on the catching of your first sea trout.
will be first of many now you have the bug.
Losing one or two on the way is normal, however!!
regards
bert