Extreme Fisherman Robson Green swapped adventure for the tranquil setting of the River Dee at the weekend to officially launch the 2020 season.
The actor, who now fronts popular documentaries Extreme Fishing and the Extreme Fishing Challenge, joined dozens of anglers at Banchory Lodge for the first day of fishing.
Hundreds of onlookers lined the river bank to watch the 55-year-old bless throw a dram into the water as part of a ritual to keep the salmon in “good health”.
Green, known for his roles in Soldier Soldier and Wire in the Blood, then made the first cast.
Lorraine Hawkins, director of the River Dee Trust, said she was delighted with how the day had gone.
She said: “He was a real crowdpleaser and really supportive.
“He kept people very entertained and told us how important fishing is for him, and how it’s a mean for him to escape and relax.
“He did a really good line – which isn’t an easy feat with 300 people watching.”
River Dee Trust chairman Sandy Bremner also gave a speech to the hundreds of fishing fans, detailing the trust’s latest plans.
The trust, working in partnership with the Dee District Salmon Fishery Board, has already started the ambitious project by planting species like alder, willow, rowan, birch, aspen and Scots pine along the tributaries of the river.
Ms Hawkins added: “The trees will help our threatened salmon and benefit other wildlife as well.
“Robson responded really well to the plans, he really was lovely.
“All in all it was a great day to open the season, even with a little bit of rain.
“Everyone’s enthusiasm for the river shone through.”
Jeremy Clayton landed the first fish of the season, with a 8lb salmon.
Saturday also marked a special day for 11-year-old Lauren Bramman, who was awarded the Callum Mackenzie Cup.
The prize is awarded for the most notable fish, of any species, caught by a youngster within the Dee catchment, including Rivers Cowie and Carron or one of the many trout fisheries in the district.
