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 found it very inconsistent in recent years, with everything from 0 thornies up to 70+ in a session. This tendency to flip flop (more often flop!) does mean I fish it less than I used to. Nevertheless, Ian and I hauled my Longliner over for a daytrip towards the middle of November, with reasonable hopes of some decent fishing.
We did pick up a fair few mackerel and quite a few bits and pieces such as this little gurnard. Even the thornbacks came out to play sporadically but only in small numbers and lacking any great quality. It was so good that I didn’t bother taking any photos – all these are Ian’s!
Scooting up the loch produced a couple more thornies but was otherwise a pretty subdued experience. At least we had a beautiful, calm day to play in!
A Hike Down Etive
I like hiking down Etive from time to time. The path is challenging in places, overgrown and boggy, but it’s a fine walk to some very scenic fishing spots. Expect only small fish – but from the most splendid, isolated surroundings.
This was my final fling for 2023, only a couple of days before New Year and just after the shortest day of the year. I reckoned I’d be hiking more than fishing today, so I timed my arrival at Glen Etive for before sunrise.
Despite the semi-darkness I escaped without a muddy faceplant as I splashed my way along bogs and little little burns. Crossing an earlier landslide, I finally reached the start of the proper path and the going became easier.
My mark was one I’ve fished on many occasions before, and offers an easy cast into 100-150 deep water. I performed my usual half-hearted cast into the channel (cast too far and you’ll end up in shallower water). Just the usual chunks of mackerel on a pulley rig, but it’s pretty effective.
Today I was in danger of over heating as I basked in the low lying sunshine and windless conditions. I couldn’t ask for better weather!
The tide was ebbing, which is what you want on this mark as it helps avoid some rocky snags close in. With both rods out I played with the drone for a bit whilst waiting for some action.
I can’t claim the place was heaving with fish, but there was life around and this little spurdog was first to hit the shoreline.
Coffee was essential after a hefty hike, so my little honey stove was soon fired up to boil some water. I cooked up a rather sooty bacon roll too and was soon sitting on the edge of the jetty munching away happily. By now the sunshine was not only warm but bathing everything in a lovely golden glow as well.
I fluffed a couple of bites but finished my very short session with another spurdog.
By now the sun was almost gone so I hurried to pack my gear and get moving whilst there was still a little light left.
I really can’t recommend stumbling around this area at night but I made it back to my car with both ankles still intact. Quite happy too, as this was a very nice way to wind down 2023!
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