My first Scottish bass!

 Had a lovely break down Dumfries way with the family last week. Obviously, it would be rude not to try and wet a line in the salt and freshwater down there and it was the perfect opportunity for me to get my first Scottish bass. I had an Invitation from my mate Colin last year but with covid and other commitments (plus the 7h drive) I never got round to it.

Througout our stay the weather had been very warm and I had a day on Loch ken in the kayak. It was some hard fishing as the water levels were low and I lost the morning by the time I managed to sort out the fishing permit and launch. Why cant we have online permits everywhere in this day and age...! Anyway, I only fished till mid afternoon and I was baked by the end of the session with barely a fish to show for my efforts. A feisty jack and a couple perch but at least I enjoyed the pedaling. Lovely Loch but super busy and I think itd be better in Autumn.

The next day, I met Colin on a bouldery beach at mid-morning to go after some bass. I used my APIA Foojin'R Best Bower 96MLX paired with Shimano Stradic FL 3000XHG and mainly casting Savagear Seekers as we reasoned the fish would be keeping further out in such a sunny day. There was a good face-on breeze blowing though, something I find positive when bass fishing on beaches. Colin indicated the spot we'd be casting from and within a few casts I got a good strike and fish on. It was only a schoolie but I was very happy to finally tick it off the list. 

We had about half a dozen fish each in a couple hours, mainly schoolies with some keepers too. They were stubbornly holding far out and with the chop and high sun wouldnt hit topwaters. Thus, seekers and similar lures were the best option. We each had a couple falls in the water as its been a while since I've waded a beach and wasn't wearing studded boots. To my surprize, the water temperature was very pleasant and in retrospect I should just have worn some shorts!

My first in Scotland!

Beautiful!

Perch from loch Ken.

Theres definitely good potential for better fish down there but unfortunately, we live so far away that it can only be a once a year treat. Back in Skye now and the weather seems to be holding up. Planning some fishing very soon...

 

Tight Lines

New place new beginning.

On Friday, me and my brother set off for the long trip to the west coast of Scotland where our new job and home is going to be for the coming summer season.
We are living near Oban and naturally I had made my research for the best looking marks in freshwater and saltwater beforehand.
The area is breathtakingly beautiful but the Scottish weather... Well, its just the way it is!
So today I got the opportunity to check out some marks on two sea lochs near me.
I first visited loch Creran and fished under the bridge with heavier gear. I was mostly aiming to check the actions of lures as well as the depth and current flows and not really expecting any fish so early in the season. And not surprisingly I didn't catch anything but saw a pretty otter swimming around. . I always feel fuller when I'm fishing in areas where I get to have wildlife encounters, as they are truly wild and unaltered by human intervention.

Spring not here yet...

After an hour or so, I got in the car and drove to loch Etive.  I went to a promising looking natural harbour where I wanted to do some lrf just to see whats there.. The water was calm as there was no wind but some rain drops started falling.
I tied a #12 split shotter hook and pinched a single ssg shot 5inches from it. The lure was a small Berkley gulp earthworm. After a couple casts I got a slight rattle but reacted too fast, I recast and after waiting (substantially) for the rig to touch bottom I felt a couple bites and set the hook to a fish. I had the drag set  a little loose as I was aiming for mini species and the fish pleasantly took some line before I brought it up.  It was a small codling, my first of its species and also first fish in Scotland!
I was quite excited and kept fishing. . I got another similar take but this time the fish was larger and made a good run. Unfortunately the small hook pulled out..
I persisted and had a couple more bites but the rain got heavier and I decided to go home.

My first ever.

Not great results but I got a new species and my first fish in Scotland! I think this can only be a good sign of things to come..
More reports to come soon from freshwater as well since we are near the opening of the new season, I am really excited and looking forward to some new fishing adventures!

Thanks for reading.

Gear used.
Rod: Awa Shima Qlite spin, 1-5g, 2.40m
Reel: Mitchell Mag Pro1000
Mainline: Sunline Siglon Fluorocarbon, 4lbs
Rig: mini carolina
lure: Berkley gulp worm