From Scotmans.com By PETER RANSCOMBE Published on Monday 30 April 2012
WOMEN are falling hook, line and sinker for fly fishing in Scotland, according to an industry expert, who claims his company has landed a 60 per cent jump in booking inquiries since the big screen release of Salmon Fishing in the Yemen.
The film, starring Emily Blunt and Ewan McGregor, is based on the novel by Paul Torday.
Greig Thomson, founder of Dundee-based fly fishing agency Salmo International, said: “We’re calling it ‘the Yemen effect’, as since the film came out last weekend the phones have been ringing off the hook with enquiries about fishing on the Dee, the Spey and other rivers.
“Interestingly, many of these are from female first-timers who’ve become smitten and are looking for the full tuition package, together with more experienced types who’ve hung up their waders and haven’t been on the river for a few years but are now looking to rekindle the thrill of landing a wild salmon in the Highlands.”
Thomson, who has represented Scotland in the sport at international level, said fly fishing already contributes “significantly” to the £240 million value of Scottish country sports tourism.
