Flood of good wishes for angler who caught the Drowes' first salmon of 2024
Well known in the angling community, Colin Gardiner had previously suffered a stroke on opening day
There has been a flood of good wishes for Colin Gardiner, the angler who landed the first Drowes salmon of the 2024 season.
The fish was landed from the high Bank in shortly after 10am on Wednesday morning, January 31.
An 8lbs fish, the salmon was landed in very stormy conditions on a yellow flying c.
This was particularly special for Colin, and the outpouring of congratulations shows the high regard in which he is held in the local angling community.
A spokesperson for Drowes fishery said: "Colin has previously landed the first salmon of the season on numerous occasions. He had suffered a stroke on opening day some years ago so it is fantastic to see him back in full health and fishing ability.
"The last number of weeks have been marked by successive storms and fluctuating water levels.
"Conditions this morning were stormy with strong winds followed by heavy rain. The water level is currently 0.69 metres and rising, with a water temperature of almost 7º Celsius."