ALL anglers dream of landing that fish of a lifetime. And for one ‘beginner’ Somerset fisher, that dream came true.
Last year Mary Deakin, from Lower Langford, was fishing the River Tweed, in the Scottish Borders, when she landed a 31 pound salmon – only her second such fish.
The fish not only saw her fulfil the classic anglers’ dream – but also landed her the prestigious Malloch Trophy – awarded for the ‘best’ fly-caught salmon on Scottish rivers and organised by the Tay Rivers Trust.
And Mary said she was surprised to pick up the honour.
“Tom Davis, the boatman on Lower Birgham beat who helped land the fish, submitted the entry to The Malloch Trophy, and I was absolutely thrilled when I was contacted to be told it was the winning fish for the 2023 season,” she said.
“My father has been a lifelong angler and I am very much a beginner, but I realise just how special this was.
“It was wonderful that my family could be with me for the presentation of the trophy on the riverbank where the fish was landed.”
Craig Innes, chair of the Tay Rivers Trust, presents Mary with her trophy
Calum Innes, chair of the Tay Rivers Trust, added: “Mary’s salmon was a wonderful achievement, with a great story.
“The handling of the fish after capture was exemplary and it was released to hopefully pass on its genetics to a future generation.
“Atlantic Salmon are an iconic species and a key indicator of the health of our rivers and environment.
“The Tay Rivers Trust is working on projects designed to enhance biodiversity in the Tay catchment, and the annual award of the Malloch trophy provides an opportunity to celebrate and reflect upon a very special fish.”
Mary is the fourth woman to be awarded the Malloch Trophy, since Lady Burnett was the first recipient of the trophy in 1972 for a 43-pound fish, which was also caught on the River Tweed.
She is in august company as the record salmon ever landed on rod and line was also caught by a female angler, Georgina Ballantine, in 1922 with a 64-pound fish from the River Tay.
As the 2024 salmon fishing season draws to a close, the Tay Rivers Trust are seeking entries for salmon caught this year.
Our Lady Fishers have a long history of remarkable catches! It does make you wonder what advantages they possess.