A determined fishermen spent 30 minutes reeling in a 3.5ft river monster from the depths of a north-east burn.
Angler Craig Wyness caught the bumper 30.5lb Scots salmon in the Deveron River in what was the biggest catch of the season in its waters.
He had been casting his line at Sheep’s Haugh Pool in Upper Netherdale, near Turriff, when he noticed some activity in the river and fought to haul it from the water.
Following the feat last Thursday, the fish was returned into the river where it is hoped its strong genes will lead to future generations of large salmon.
Mr Wyness, of Peterhead, is not new to impressive catches such as this, having previously won the Morison Trophy for reeling in a whopping 40lb fish in the Deveron.
Last night he said: “Whilst having a chat with David Low the gillie and some visiting anglers, we were discussing how bad the fishing has been all season and he saw a fish move halfway down the Sheep’s Haugh Pool.
“After a bit of acrobatics from the fish trying everything to get off – including trying to beach itself on the other side – half an hour later Davy managed to net him for me.”
Frank Henderson, a River Deveron warden and board member, said the catch was great news for the local fish population – which has been in decline for several years.
The trustee of the Deveron, Bogie and Isla Rivers Trust added: “The Deveron has a record for big fish between 20lbs and 30lbs. That is the biggest fish we have had in a long, long time. And given the circumstances we have had in recent years that is a big fish.
“Every year people see a big fish in the river but it is always a fisherman’s tale.
“Obviously the other thing is big fish breed big fish, the genes in this fish will produce big fish as well. It is good for the river.”