Christian, a visiting postdoc to the MRC Unit from the University of TÃÂ_bingen, Germany, is working hard in Dario Alessi's lab at characterising various protein kinase inhibitors. However Christian has also been exploring fishing opportunities in local Scottish rivers during the weekends/evenings. This has turned out to be remarkably productive. So far this year Christian has caught six salmon, culminating in a recent huge 16lbs fish of a lifetime.

Pictured is Christian having just caught the 16lbs salmon in the River Tay at the Kercock Beat. The fish was hooked on a Saturday in early September, but at first Christian thought he would never be able to bring it out of the water as unfortunately the other rods (salmon fishermen) and the ghillies (fishing guides) were in the hut having lunch and didn't hear Christian's screams for help with a net. After a long fight, when the fish came up to the surface for the third time with no signs of anyone else returning from lunch, Christian decided to tail it, as beaching was not possible due to rocks and a steep drop of the bank. Christian had never tailed a salmon before but knew theoretically what to do from an article he had read in 'Trout and Salmon' journal. He waded down into the river and with a huge surge of adrenaline somehow managed to grab the salmon's tail and pull the massive fish out of the water. As indicated in the article the salmon actually lost its orientation and stiffened, thereby enabling Christian to bring the fish onto the bank. It still had sea lice on it (see picture) indicating that it had been in freshwater for less than 24hrs and was therefore in good nick for eating.

When Christian finally approached the lunch hut the Scottish fishermen came out astonished to see the "bar of silver". Christian has now taken the fish to a smoke house to be smoked as self-caught wild Scottish Salmon. We will report back shortly on the taste.