FAA AGM
President, Dr David Sneddon welcomed 68 members to the 101st meeting of FAA and commenced with a minutes silence for 4 members who passed away during the season, I.Boulton, D.Wallace, M.Smith and R.Barnett. Their names were added to the remembrance book held by the Secretary.
Andy Hutchinson, the FAA bard, gave and witty poem on various things happening on our river.
This year trophy winners were rewarded with their prizes from Mrs Linda Nicol, compared by Vice President, D.McBean.
Dickson Trophy-First fish of the Season J.Ettles 4lbs 6oz
FAA Trophy-Heaviest fish on fly S.McLachlan 15lbs 8oz
D.Rettie Trophy-Heaviest Sea Trout J.Costen 4lbs
W.Paterson Shield-Heaviest fish in Stoney S.McLachlan 15lbs 8oz
RAF Trophy- Heaviest fish in competitions G.Munro 11lbs 8oz
Murdoch Cup-Heaviest bag in competitions G.Munro 11lbs 8oz
Juniors:
Nimrod Trophy-Heaviest fish on fly J.Stewart 6lbs 8oz
Jim and Patsy Grant Cup-Heaviest fish out with competitions J.Stewart 6lbs 8oz
The President reflected on season 2012 stating that only 9 fish were taken during Springtime, much lower than normal and only 96 were taken for the complete Findhorn system. Compared with the figures of 500-700 for the complete river in the 1980’s this shows a dramatic decline in these fish and Conservation is a must if we wish to maintain stocks. The total Salmon catch for the FAA was 101.
The Grilse fared much better during the year with almost double the numbers from last year at 256. Sea Trout numbers and size also did well this year.
Of concern to the Committee was the poor rate of returns for permits as these are required for evaluating and recording purposes and although this is clearly identified within the permit, each year more fail to submit their returns. The coming season will have a note placed into each permit informing all members that a £50 fine and potential loss of the permit WILL be enforced should any member fail to return their permit. Visitor’s who also fail to return their permit will not be permitted to fish the following year.
The Flood Alleviation Scheme will mean massive upheaval to all members and a talk was given by a Consultant on the implication to FAA.
R.Laughton and M.Walters gave a brief talk on RAFTS and trout stocking.
The President thanked outgoing Committee members, A.Gammie and K. Ogilvie for their hard work over the last 5 years and to all on the present Committee for their dedication. J.Ettles and J.Stephen were voted onto the Committee to replace the two outgoing members.
A special raffle was drawn for a free permit, 3 fly boxes and flies , a wading stick and bottle of refreshment ( latter two being donated by Patsy Grant)
Special thanks were given to Rev B.Boyd, A. Duffus, S.McLean, J.Stephen, Benromach Single Malt, R.Rollo and Vice President W.Strathdee for their dedication.
Finally and on completion of business, C.Sneddon, A. Mcintosh and L.Nicol were presented with gifts for the refreshments given that night.
