Mid-May usually signals lift off for codling along the east coast so I wasn’t surprised to hear Ian was catching quite well. Sunday saw me turn up dutifully at St. Andrews, armed with a shiny new Daiwa rod as well as my usual scruffy gear. We squeezed through the tiny gap in the harbour channel… Continue reading Life Returns…
Pollacking About
After weeks pressing my nose against the window wishing for the rain and wind to stop the weather gods relented and I escaped westwards with Ash for a couple of days. More pottering than fishing but we hoped to fit in a little pollacking along the way. We chose to launch at Taynuilt and head… Continue reading Pollacking About
More Skates and Rays
As usual, winter weather confined me to the inner sea lochs for the first few months of 2024. Nonetheless, I managed a couple of trips, launching at Leven and heading out into Loch Linnhe targetting more skates and rays. February This was a solo trip which was close to a rerun of my day out… Continue reading More Skates and Rays
Solo February Camp
I regularly visit the Lochaber sea lochs over the winter months as they offer sheltered water for fishing and boating, together with some beautiful camping spots. The fish are mainly small but are just icing on the cake if you’re seeking a quiet night beside the campfire. Late February saw me trail my Orkney Longliner… Continue reading Solo February Camp
St. Andrews
Small boat fishing in winter on the Scottish east coast is always a tad chancy in my experience. The odd good fish turns up but you’re usually pulverised by swell and it’s always pretty frigid. However, once in a while I succumb and let hope triumph over bitter experience – hence why I found myself… Continue reading St. Andrews
Fab Winter Camp on Etive
The day after Ian and I played with skates and rays, I headed out west again. This time with Ash, aiming for a relaxing winter camp in his hot tent plus a little fishing on Etive. We’d a late start (well I did:-)) so it was noon before we launched and headed up loch. This… Continue reading Fab Winter Camp on Etive
Skates and Rays
Less than a week into the new year, Ian and I took advantage of a calm spell to venture somewhere new. New to us that is, as it’s a fairly well known mark now, just not one I’ve fished myself. Calm, clear and cold summed it up as we launched my Longliner and headed down… Continue reading Skates and Rays
2023 Finale
I’m lagging way behind with Corkwing so I thought I’d better bring 2023 to a finale whilst I can still remember anything! So a couple of quick west coast reports to finish the year… Lacklustre Leven Although there are a wide range of species available in the loch, I generally target thornbacks here. Unfortunately I’ve… Continue reading 2023 Finale
Bike for Pike
Finally!! A decent haul of pike proves I’m not a complete numpty when it comes to these fish. Easily my best day predator bashing for decades (possibly ever) 🙂 Just need to work on their size now 🙂 This November trip targetted a remote corner of a remote loch, one I’ve only fished once or… Continue reading Bike for Pike
Lazy Kayak Camp on Loch Etive
I could have titled this post in any number of ways, but Loch Etive is really just food for the soul. A couple of days of splendid isolation surrounded by woods, mountains and the sea, with a few fish chucked in for free. This overnighter was back towards the end of October, so this report… Continue reading Lazy Kayak Camp on Loch Etive