SOME top fishing and a stack of money raised for a good cause into the bargain…it doesn’t get much better for anglers.

Thirty seven of them gathered at the New Haylie fishing loch in Largs for the fifth annual Daniel Murray Memorial.

And after all the trout had been caught and plenty of banter traded, a record amount had been raised. The money goes to the Schiehallion ward for terminally ill children at Yorkhill Hospital in Glasgow.

It’s a cause dear to New Haylie bosses George and Senga Murray.

Their nephew Daniel, from West Kilbride, spent time on the ward before he tragically died from cancer at the age of just six.

The event has grown arms and legs in the last few years.

Apart from those who compete on the day, contributions pour in from far and wide. Items, including collections of fishing flies from renowned anglers, are donated for auction.

Huge success George said: “The event has been a huge success again and we are almost certain to break the £7,000 mark.

“This will go a long way to help the children and their families of the Schiehallion Ward which is very close to our hearts.

“We are truly blessed to have so many fantastic people around us who have contributed in various ways.

“From those who made donations, to fly tiers who gave us collections for auction, to those who helped out on the day, to the anglers who came along and fished, they have all played their part.” As for the fishing itself, rods were bending within seconds of the opening whistle and the action didn’t let up all day with a total of 270 trout netted.

Coming out on top was English angler Carl Nixon, who caught 23 fish, three ahead of last year’s winner Gavin Hill, with Stephen Dallas third on 18.

Telly angling guru Paul Young was in fine form as he joined the anglers for the afternoon and presented the prizes.