An early start was in store for some of our team on Friday 29th April as we did all we could to avoid Royal Mania (although we did google her dress on the way-STUNNING!) and took a drive deep onto the Highlands to try our hand at catching some Pike for our very own Team Building event.  Amongst the eight of us there were only two fishing virgins whose excitement was tangible from the off. Although in Sally's case perhaps there was more apprehension than excitement as she was strapped into her life jacket with cries of 'DO NOT let me fall in Euan!'

The wellies were pulled on and the layers were peeled off as the sun welcomed us to the water and we geared up. There was immediate competition amongst the two teams as we split into three boats and the fishing got underway. We did not have to wait long 'til we heard the cries of delight as we all watched Gerry reel in the first of many fish, take a glory photo and then cast it back home into the clear waters.

Sally (the only non-swimmer in the group) stole the show with her catch proving that beginners luck was on her side. We are still tyring to work out who was more surprised; Sally or the fish!  SJ was the only one to enjoy zero success despite her many attempts at coaxing the fish to her rod by talking to them and naming her lures. Although not to the fishes taste this method was good for keeping team morale high. She did however have a way with weeds and pulled up bucketfulls of the green stuff.

Jonathan proved to be a secret Olympian as he rowed his ship to victory allowing Emma after several, less fruitful fishing trips, to christen her rod with two beautiful sized Pike doing it for the girls.  Bob and Gerry did a great Tweedledee and Tweedledum impression as the rowed in leisurely circles that seemed to hypnotise the fish who were jumping at the chance to be caught by this pair.  Stephen and Euan were only a smidgen away from capsizing as they discovered that neither of them could row, but they managed to muddle through and paddle their way to several catches using lots of very fishy smelling deadbait.

Catch of the day was awarded to a very deserving Gerry whose cool and collected technique allowed him to reel in a monster weighing around 12llbs that gave him some fight. There were a few moments where the eagerly watching crowd debated the chances of his having caught a shark and were only convinced otherwise when he successfully pulled the beauty from the waves.

With a total of 13 fish amongst the group spirits soared as we packed up and returned home for some lunch in the afternoon following a glorious Team Building day afloat. Here's to the next time.