WEST COAST OF SCOTLAND
Scotland's west coast has a vast range of places that holds a great number of large fish.
The west coast of Scotland has probably the most diverse selection of species in Scotland. Whether you are a cod angler looking for a double figure fish, or a seasoned match angler, the west coast has it all.
Solway
Starting in the south, the Solway has for many years been noted for it's variety
of species on offer. Huge cod can be got from areas like Balcary Rocks during
the winter months and a bucket of lugworm with some frozen shellfish is all
that's really needed. During the summer months some fresh Mackerel, frozen
sandeel, and if you want some Rag-worm, will catch most species from the shore
including the beloved Dogfish. Marks such as the Isle of Whithorn, Abbey head
and Borness all have more than their fair share of these fish, but can become
very busy during matches. The river estuaries can produce some excellent
flounder sport using fresh peelers for bait, along with the occasional bass.
From the deeper rock marks, Pollock can be found and can be caught using light
spinning outfits, with float fished Rag-Worm or a freshly spun Sand eel for
bait.
Stranraer
Moving slightly north you will find one of the best-known sea-lochs in Scotland,
Loch Ryan. This Loch is popular with match anglers and pleasure anglers alike.
With the two points at Cairnryan being probably the most fished in the Loch.
During the summer months huge numbers of dogfish can be caught here using Worm
tipped with fish, and in the winter shoals of Whiting can be located using the
same baits. A word of warning here be careful of the ferries as a back wash is
produced as they pass and there has been a few rods and tackle washed out so
don't set up next to the water stay back.
Firth of Clyde
Moving further north the next main area of interest to the angler is the firth
of Clyde. Though not as fruitful as yester year there are still areas where good
sport can be found. Skelmorlie and Wemyss Bay can produce dogfish to worm tipped
with fish or plain fish baits. During the summer months shoals of mackerel
patrol the shores looking for food and if located will produce good sport on
light tackle. Areas worth trying for Mackerel include Cloch point, but any pier
with a depth of water in front of it should be worth a try. Over on the north
shore the muddy banks of the Firth are a haven for Flounders and Silver Eels;
these can be caught in the summer using Peeler crab for bait. Noted areas are
Bowling Old Kirkpatrick and the Dumbarton area. An hour's drive from the Clyde
brings you to loch Fyne. This sea loch has probably the most diverse selection
offering the visiting angler more choice in such a small area than anywhere
else. For the small boat angler there are plenty of slips to launch from and
with the huge shoals of mackerel there is a lot of fun to be had during a
summers evening. Or you could free line a frozen sand eel down the side of a
drop off for hard fighting Pollock. Even anchor up for a chance of a Conger or
two and, if you are lucky enough, you may even catch a Haddock! For the shore
angler the choices are much the same, from spinning for mackerel to float
fishing for Pollock using light tackle, to ledgering fish baits for dogfish or
Conger, this loch has it all. Even mullet, if you are skilful enough to trick
these fish.
Fort William
The last port of call is Ft William and it's numerous sea lochs, which are in
the surrounding area. These lochs hold good numbers of Pollock which will
readily take a float fished Rag-Worm, and fight like Demons, or if you like, try
for the Thornback Rays which inhabit these waters. These will take a well
presented sand-eel, or a fresh mackerel strip ledgered on the bottom, that's if
the Dogfish don't take the bait first! A few of the lochs still hold a small
number of spur dogs, which can be caught using fish baits. Again these fish
aren't as numerous today, due to over fishing with commercial long lines, but
they are still about and can offer good sport, but the best marks are well
guarded secrets, and will not be divulged in a hurry, after all we want these
hard fighting fish to thrive one day again!