I fish the Tay regularly every year and have seen a vast decline in the amount of fish as well..... Constant fluxuations in river levels hasn't helped the Salmon runs of late in the upper reaches of Scotland causing fish to run and keep running for spawning streams in the upper reaches of the river. Most beats this year are 200 down on its average proving that the Tay has had a terrible year with the facts to prove it!

Catch and release should not just be a guideline now it should be inforced but the ghillies still believe people need to take fish home if they are ever to come back. People will come back because these anglers have been coming for years and years to almost say it as tradition to go fishing now.

The Dee has proved that after 7 now strong years of Catch and Release the system seems to be working and Salmon levels have rejuvenated to a staggering level where on most beats there are now waiting lists even at the lower prices they charge. Even ghillies from all rivers across Scotland go to the Dee for its beauty.

The call of the people won't come back across Scotland if they can't keep a fish is now a backwards view, if they don't want to come back let them stay away new blood will take their place as it has done for many years before and now will hopefully happen for many years in advance.

Scott