King of fish secures win for junior angler

---

For the second year running, a junior angler has secured "Best Fish" at our annual Kirkcowan Angling Competition, which finally got underway on Saturday 27th September

Not put off by extremes in weather, a hardy bunch of 22 adults and 17 juniors headed out onto the River Bladnoch and Tarf Water, hoping to avoid the worst of an impending weather warning.   

The competition was called short and on regrouping at Kirkcowan Hall at 3pm, the event organising committee were delighted by the abundance of returns submitted.  The top accolade and John Ryman Trophy for Overall Winner was awarded to junior entrant Archie Campbell, who was one of two anglers to land a salmon.  Two no less, including a terrific 10 lb fish from the Meetings Pool on Clugston 1 beat of the River Bladnoch.  Accompanying Archie on Clugston 1 was 2024 competition winner and friend Lewis Hutchings, whose catches included two brown trout and a pike to secure Junior Best Fish and the Peter Greasley Cup.   

One further salmon of approximately 8 lbs secured Adult Best Fish for Alan Ryman, who also landed a single brown trout and two pike at Kenmure Pool on the Tarf Water.  A flurry of pike, including a terrific 18 lb fish, secured 2nd Adult Best Fish for Abbie Ribbens and Adult Best Bag was awarded to Alan Hoyle who recorded five pike upon Barness water, lower Bladnoch.   

Six further juniors submitted catch returns, including the winner of the Bill James Shield for Junior Best Bag – Aidan Galt – who caught three pike and four perch at Dalreagle.  Perch and pike were among catches for Kyle Galt, Jamie Ryman, Archie Rudd, Zack Marshall and Murray McNeill, who were rewarded with fishing tackle and vouchers.  No junior went home empty-handed and we would like to thank the many donors of prizes – including Bladnoch Distillery, Crafty Distillery, Kirkcowan Angling Club, Jonny Haley, Galloway Angling Centre and McCowans and Sons Castle Douglas and Dalbeattie – for their generosity.

A special thanks to our supporters, including the many fishery owners who kindly donate use of their fishing beats – John Ryman, Iain Munro, Edward McNeill, Kirkcowan Angling Club, Andrew Gladstone, Sir Michael Wigan, Jonny Haley, Mark Godfrey, Jim Cannon and Jim Stewat.  And to the organising committee – Rowan, Jonny, Hazel, Mark and Jamie – who look forward to welcoming new and familiar faces to the competition in 2026.