In late March local woman Joy Penrose Stupart from Roseneath will represent Scotland at the Commonwealth Fly Fishing Championships in New Zealand.

A recent recruit to fishing, Joy started fishing in 2016 and was quickly hooked. She joined Cove and Kilcreggan Angling Club and found fishing after a day’s work at the Clyde base perfect relaxation.

Joy said “Fishing the Club waters at Lindowan or the Mill Dam is just wonderful, whether I catch fish or not. It is so peaceful and the surroundings are beautiful.”

Joy started competing after participating in a ladies’ development weekend. She competed in the heats for the national competition and was on the team for the home internationals in 2019 when Scotland placed third after England and Ireland. Scotland hosts the home internationals this year at Lake of Menteith.

The Commonwealth championships is a bigger event with 14 teams competing on lakes and rivers around Taupo on the North Island. New Zealand has superb brown and rainbow trout fishing and is a major destination for anglers from around the world.

Joy has been encouraged in her fishing career by local Cove woman Jane Wright. Jane was President of the local club for many years, and has served as Scottish Ladies Captain and Team Manager.

Jane said “Joy has really taken to fly fishing. She enjoys it enormously and is keen to learn. She is a valuable member of the team. We wish her the best of luck.”