Glen Tanar estate has recently launched its first “Learn to fish” sessions with the aim of introducing more people to the sport of salmon fishing.
The full day sessions are aimed at beginners or those who are relatively new to the sport and who would like to improve.
Craig McDonald, qualified fishing instructor at Glen Tanar said: “The lessons will be a chance for those who have maybe thought about trying fishing but didn’t know how to get into it – to try it on one of the best rivers in Scotland – the Dee. There can be the perception that fishing can be a difficult sport to get into but we are trying to change that. Fishing is a sport for anyone and everyone. Some people find it very calming and therapeutic whereas others really get a thrill out of a big catch!”
To give beginners the best experience the day will be fully structured and will involve an introduction to equipment, casting tuition and one to one coaching as well as free time to fish some pools on the river. Equipment provided by Orvis is included as well as lunch which can be enjoyed in the fishing hut overlooking the river. Participants will also get to take away a few hand tied flies to start off their collection.
The fishing lessons are just the start of a new initiative by Glen Tanar to encourage more people to the sport of salmon fishing. In the future the estate plans to introduce full fishing package weekends – with tuition from experienced ghillies as and when required. The current fishing season on the Dee ends on September 30 2016 and Glen Tanar has plans to introduce more learn to fish days when the season re-opens on February 1 2017.