Scotia Fishing was founded by Callum Conner. Callum has an unsurpassed passion for fishing and has worked in the fishing industry for a number of years. In early 2013 he left his role as assistant manager in one of the UK’s largest and fastest-growing fishing tackle stores to pursue his dream of becoming a fishing guide in Scotland and showcasing the best of Scottish Fishing to visiting anglers.
“I am one of the fortunate people to have turned my lifelong passions into my profession, fishing is not just my hobby, it’s my life! As a teenager, I grew up in both Scotland and England learning the contrasting Game and Coarse fishing styles. In my late teens, I began Trout fly fishing competitively, winning many local competitions and finishing runner-up in the Scottish National Still Water Glen Garioch 4-man challenge in 2004.
I have always experimented with more fishing styles to develop my angling skills further. In early 2013 I achieved the SGAIC (Scottish Game Angling Instructors Certificate) for single-hand (Trout) fly fishing instruction and in 2014 I achieved my double-hand (Salmon) fly fishing instruction certificate at the time, making me one of only 4 people in Scotland to have achieved both qualifications and the youngest.
In the summer of 2014, I was voted into the SGAIC committee which I accepted with great pride and was asked to become a part of the Loop Tackle Design Pro Team, Sakura-Fishing Pro Guide and an Ambassador for Fulling Mill flies.
In 2021 I was interviewed for STV on the positive Salmon run following the re-opening of the River Tay following COVID restrictions.
Later in 2021 Craig and I took part in national television programme “Celebrity 5 Go Fishing”. We guided legendary English Cricketer and angling enthusiast Sir Ian Botham, one of Britains most decorated athletes Olympic Gold Medalist Linford Christie & award wining British TV presenter Les Dennis to do some Pike fishing in the Highlands.
Innovation in fishing is something that really excites me, I’m always on the lookout for new fishing methods and fishing tackle! I was one of the first anglers in Scotland to fly fish for Pollock, embrace LRF (Light Rock Fishing) and experiment with lure fishing for Wrasse (HRF – Heavy Rock Fishing).
I’ve been lucky enough to have caught many special fish including Salmon over 20lbs, Wild Brown trout over 7lbs, Grayling over 3lbs, Pollock over 9lbs on the fly and one of the largest recorded Pike ever in Scotland at 40lbs 5oz.
My passion for fishing has naturally led me into photography & cinematography. As an angler and professional fishing guide I’m often surrounded by the most beautiful sights, magical light, stunning scenery and magnificent wild creatures! What started off as an interest has grown into an obsession and nowadays I rarely leave home without my camera! This is one part of our service that sets us apart from the competition.
Combining our years of fishing experience, variety of skills, fishing knowledge and passion for the sport, we provide a first-class experience of fishing in Scotland.
Callum Conner Head guide, Instructor & Proprietor
OUR BRAND VISION AND MISSION FOR SCOTIA FISHING
Our vision for Scotia Fishing is to be the most passionate, dedicated and professional guides in Scotland, providing first-class guided fishing trips and fishing breaks to our clients from all over the globe. Scotland is not only a world-class Salmon and Trout fishing destination, it’s also home to some of the finest Pike, Grayling and Pollock fishing in Europe. Great sport can be had from these species using the latest techniques and tackle. You can be sure a day spent fishing with Scotia Fishing guides will be a valuable and memorable fishing experience.
“I am one of the fortunate people to have turned my lifelong passions into my profession, fishing is not just my hobby, it’s my life! As a teenager, I grew up in both Scotland and England learning the contrasting Game and Coarse fishing styles. In my late teens, I began Trout fly fishing competitively, winning many local competitions and finishing runner-up in the Scottish National Still Water Glen Garioch 4-man challenge in 2004."