Coarse anglers celebrate the promising debut of Drumtassie Match Lake near Blackridge in West Lothian, despite occasional interference from trout in the former trout lake. Steps are underway to reduce the trout population, ensuring better conditions for future matches.
Lake Features and Potential
The venue features 21 permanent platforms with room for four more, two islands, and varied depths. The right side offers deeper water—9 to 10 feet at 11 meters in the middle pegs and 6 to 7 feet nearby. The left side remains shallower, ranging from under 2.5 feet to 6 feet.
East Lothian Coarse Angling Club (ELCAC) members express optimism. Lawrie notes, “Everyone appreciates the potential of Drumtassie Match Lake, especially with the planned stocking programme. We are fortunate to be participating on this maturing, potentially outstanding match lake.”
First Match Results
ELCAC hosted the inaugural Summer League match, drawing 17 anglers across four sections. Winning weights surpassed recent years, with every section topping double figures—up from 21lb in 2024 and 32lb in 2025.
Section A
Newcomer Alexander Kerr dominated with 21lb 14oz on maggots. Lawrie placed second at 7lb 9oz, starting strong before trout disrupted his catch. Roz Cassidy took third with 3lb 6oz of small carp, followed by Simon Clynshaw at 1lb 14oz.
Section B
Mark Gleave won with 32lb using expanders and micros, securing third overall. Club chairman Darrin Ferguson earned second at 18lb 13oz on maggots and dumbbells. Will Martin (6lb 5oz) and Shug Smith (5lb 6oz) followed.
Section C
Andy Roberts claimed overall victory with 56lb 3oz on pellets and expanders in 4 feet of water. Joshua Lloyd secured second overall at 46lb 12oz using similar tactics. Robert Bartusik weighed 13lb 1oz, while Jimmy Jones hit 10lb 7oz.
Section D
Last year’s ladies champion Heather Lauriston topped with 6lb 12oz on maggots at 13 meters. Stewart Ritchie (3lb 14oz) and Gordon McKay (2lb 9oz) placed next.
The club boasts 23 members, including honorary lifetime members Geoff Lowe and Bill Hamilton. The Summer League includes 10 matches, dropping four worst scores, plus Knockout Cup, Pairs, and Rod and Reel events. Anglers anticipate Round 2 on May 16, kicking off the Knockout Cup, and welcome new faces like Kerr, Bartusik, and Bartek Kolowski.
Upcoming Events
Edinburgh Angling Centre at Granton hosts a Loop Tackle weekend on May 9-10, featuring new equipment, casting demos by a world champion, tuition, and a single-handed casting competition. Raffle proceeds support the Tweed Foundation’s efforts to engage more people in fishing.
