Home > Brora > THE LOWER RIVER BRORA NORTH BANK PARTICULARS & CONDITIONS OF LET 2009 SEASON
The Lower Brora North Bank Fishings, will be let on the following Terms and Conditions:
GENERAL
A firm booking will only be accepted on receipt of one signed copy of these terms and conditions and accompanied by a cheque for 50% of the total rental which is to be a non-returnable deposit. The balance of the rent will be due for payment 12 weeks prior to the commencement of the tenancy.
Acceptance of an offer of fishing renders the taker responsible for payment of the rent in full in the event of subsequent cancellation. However, should it be possible to re-let the cancelled days, it may be possible to refund the rent to the original taker, less 7.5% + VAT agency commission and an allowance to cover the cost of re-letting. It is often only possible to re-let the fishing at a reduced rate, in such cases the shortfall will be deducted and any balance returned The tenant shall not sub-let the days taken or assign his fishing rights without the express approval of the agents, and shall on no account do so at a profit.
The owner and agents will accept no liability whatever for damage, injury or loss to the persons or belongings to the tenant(s) or those in his/her party, from whatever cause arising, nor can they be held responsible for adverse weather conditions or acts of God.
A CATCH RETURNS FORM AND A FORM CERTIFYING THAT ALL EQUIPMENT AND TACKLE HAS BEEN TREATED AGAINST THE PARASITE GYRODACTYLUS SALARIS, AS RECOMMENDED BY THE SCOTTISH OFFICE, WILL BE ISSUED. THE GYRODACTYLUS FORM MUST BE SIGNED BY THE PRINCIPAL MEMBER OF THE PARTY, AND RETURNED PRIOR TO ANY FISHING TAKING PLACE. THE CATCH RETURNS FORM MUST BE RETURNED NO LATER THAN TWO WEEKS AFTER THE LET. THESE ARE MANDATORY CONDITIONS OF THE LET. FAILURE MAY PREJUDICE YOUR TENANCY.
THE FISHING
The Lower River Brora comprises the North Bank (4 rods) and South Bank (4 rods) which are let separately. These conditions of let concern the North (Left Bank) only.
Each bank of the Lower Brora is divided into 2 beats. The Upper beat extends from the bottom of Loch Brora to the foot of Tyser’s Pool. The Lower beat extends from the top of the Madman Pool to the marker post at the tail of the Donkey Pool.
RODS ONLY FISH FROM THEIR DESIGNATED BANK. In order to ensure that rods do not fish opposite each other, North and South Bank rods fish on different beats; i.e. if you commence fishing on the Upper beat on Monday morning, you would change over to the Lower beat at 1.30pm; and on Tuesday it would be reversed and you would begin fishing on the Lower beat in the morning and change over to the Upper beat at 1.30pm etc. PLEASE NOTE: North Bank rods will always commence on the upper beat on the Monday, South Bank rods on the lower beat. If in doubt ring John Bray, head bailiff (01408 621268).
If there is more than one party fishing the North Bank, a suggested rotation is available on request. White marker posts are now in place to assist rods.
The maximum number of rods allowed on either beat at any one time will be 4. It is recommended that all fishermen wear lifejackets, particularly whilst wading.
FISHING WILL BE BY ROD AND LINE AND FLY ONLY, AND THERE WILL BE NO EXCEPTION TO THIS RULE.
There is no resident ghillie. However, ghillies may be available by prior arrangement. Please let us know well in advance if you would like a ghillie.
The additional abbreviated conditions of let must be carried in lieu of a permit, which tenants must produce if requested by representatives of the owner or agents of the Lower Brora Fishings, river board bailiffs, representatives of Sutherland Estates or their agents, and the police. Authorisation can only be granted by the sole agents, CKD Galbraith, and they will be issued from the Perth Office only. The authorising signature of the agents will be Robert Rattray of CKD Galbraith (01738 451600).
A record of numbers and weights of all fish caught together with a record of the pools and the anglers’ names must be kept and entered in the weekly return form provided. The completed form must be returned to this office no later than two weeks following a let. A nil return is also required. Failure to do so may prejudice future lets.
RIVER BRORA – CONSERVATION POLICY 2009
The majority of rivers are now adopting conservation measures to help fight the continued decline of Scottish salmon returning to Scottish rivers.
The Lower River Proprietors have, therefore, decided that a mandatory partial catch and release policy be adopted on the Brora, and this is now a condition of the let and must be adhered to. These conditions are shown below. We will be looking for the support of our tenants and their guests in our future conservation measures which we feel are prudent for the long term benefit of the River Brora.
1ST FEBRUARY TO 31ST MAY: Anglers may keep one fish only. This means that a maximum of one fish per let rod may be kept per week. Single (barbed OR barbless), or double (barbless only) hooks only should be used during this period, WITH NO TREBLE HOOKS USED.
1ST JUNE TO 15TH OCTOBER: Two fish per let rod may be retained, subject to the following provisos. All hen fish over 10lbs or cock fish over 15lbs are to be returned. All coloured or stale fish of any size must be returned. During this period single and double hooks may be used (with barbs if preferred), BUT NO TREBLE HOOKS.
At any time during the season any fish bleeding from the mouth or badly marked should not be released, together with any fish that is obviously diseased. These fish should be retained and handed over to the bailiff on duty.
If there is rod sharing (only by prior agreement with CKD Galbraith) the catch limit and conditions will apply per let rod, and not per individual.
A ban on the sale of rod caught salmon and sea trout has been introduced by the Scottish Executive. This ban applies across Scotland, irrespective of where the fish have been caught.
CATCH & RELEASE GUIDELINES
Catching Fish for Releasing: Please carry with you a knotless salmon net, hook disgorger (this may be artery forceps or the new ‘ketchum’ release tool). Play your fish as quickly as possible, strong leader nylon helps fisher’s confidence in their ability to undertake this. A double handed salmon rod also aids this (the flexibility of a trout rod prolongs landing time, exhausts the fish and may lead to death).
If a fish is to be released, it is recommended that you familiarise yourself with the procedure beforehand. Any of the ghillies will explain the procedure to you. Keep the fish in the water in your landing net away from rough stones and rocks, then use the disgorger to get the fly out of the fish’s mouth – if it struggles, let it settle – do not grip the fish around the gills. Avoid handling the fish more than is necessary.
If you must photograph your fish, never hold it up by the tail – always hold it round the wrist of the tail with the thumb and forefinger, with the second hand supporting the fish underneath the belly.
When you put the fish back, support it gently resting the belly on your hand with the head facing into the current in the normal swimming position. Give the fish time to recover – this may take several minutes – and allow it to swim away when it has revived. Please – never beach the fish on rough stones as this damages the scales and can cause disease and never ‘throw’ the fish back into the water.
Please report any sightings of tagged fish to John Bray and if one is caught please record the information on the tag before releasing the fish.
Only knotless mesh nets should be used. Tailers and gaffs should not be used at any time. We recommend the ketchum release tool, or equivalent, as the most effective hook disgorger. These are available from Sportfish (01544 327111).
ACCESS ETC
GENERAL
Please keep dogs under close control or on leads whilst at the river.
Gates must be left closed when found closed.
Please also take any litter home with you. Please do not discard litter or unwanted nylon line on the riverbank or at the fishing hut.
These terms constitute the whole of the agreement between the parties (unless varied in writing) and payment of any or all of the fee referred to above shall constitute acceptance on behalf of the tenants whether or not the tenants shall have signed and returned the acceptance shown below.
We hope that you enjoy your fishing on the River Brora. We thank you for your support in our conservation policy and wish you TIGHT LINES.
LOWER RIVER BRORA 2009 Abbreviated Conditions of Let
Essential information (to be read in conjunction with Conditions of Let). This should be retained and carried in lieu of a permit.
THE FISHING
THESE CONDITIONS OF LET CONCERN THE NORTH (LEFT) BANK ONLY.
Each bank of the Lower Brora is divided into 2 beats. The Upper beat extends from the bottom of Loch Brora to the foot of Tyser’s Pool. The Lower beat extends from the top of the Madman Pool to the marker post at the tail of the Donkey Pool.
RODS ONLY FISH FROM THEIR DESIGNATED BANK. In order to ensure that rods do not fish opposite each other, North and South Bank rods fish on different beats; i.e. if you commence fishing on the Upper beat on Monday morning, you would change over to the Lower beat at 1.30pm; and on Tuesday it would be reversed and you would begin fishing on the Lower beat in the morning and change over to the Upper beat at 1.30pm etc. PLEASE NOTE: North Bank rods will always commence on the upper beat on the Monday, South Bank rods on the lower beat. If in doubt ring John Bray, head bailiff (01408 621268).
If there is more than one party fishing the North Bank, a suggested rotation is available on request. White marker posts are now in place to assist rods.
CONSERVATION MEASURES - 2009
1ST FEBRUARY TO 31ST MAY: Anglers may keep one fish only. This means that a maximum of one fish per let rod may be kept per week. Single (barbed or barbless), or double (barbless) hooks only should be used during this period, WITH NO TREBLE HOOKS USED.
1ST JUNE TO 15TH OCTOBER: Two fish per let rod may be retained, subject to the following provisos. All hen fish over 10lbs or cock fish over 15lbs are to be returned. All coloured or stale fish of any size must be returned. During this period single and double hooks may be used (with barbs if preferred), BUT NOT TREBLE HOOKS.
At any time during the season any fish bleeding from the mouth or badly marked should not be released, together with any fish that is obviously diseased. Any diseased fish should be retained and shown to the bailiff on duty.
If there is rod sharing (only by prior agreement with CKD Galbraith) the catch limit and conditions will apply per let rod, and not per individual.
A ban on the sale of rod caught salmon and sea trout has been introduced by the Scottish Executive. This ban applies across Scotland, irrespective of where the fish have been caught.
The owner and agents will accept no liability whatever for damage, injury or loss to the persons or belongings to the tenant(s) or those in his/her party, from whatever cause arising, nor can they be held responsible for adverse weather conditions or acts of God.
Catch returns must be returned no later than two weeks following the let.
Please remember to treat all tackle against the gyrodactylus salaris parasite.