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The arrival of summer

Well, it looks like summer has finally arrived. There are still the odd random spring-esq meteorological temper tantrums’ showing from time to time though, so it’s definitely not a good idea to fully loft the floatation suits just yet, and this past weekend’s nasty winds proved it! 

I’m convinced the fish were completely baffled during the beginning of May; they didn’t seem to know if they were coming or going, which led to anglers basically having to wing it and see if their intended quarries had arrived. It was strange though; the mackerel for instance, you could go out and pick up a few one day and the next they disappeared again.

As I was saying; finally things have settled. I believe that mackerel epitomise the arrival of summer, and they have now started showing everywhere from the north of Scotland to the south of England and everywhere in between with consistency. You can now go to your favourite marks with confidence that you will bag up. On the south coast, bream and garfish have arrived also.

It is a common moan however, that things seem to be about a month late this year – and this seems to be nationwide fishy chat. Although in the south west of Scotland the large pollack are certainly around, in the north of the country they are still showing signs of spawning, which is very late indeed. Still – if you’re into sharks you should be happy because the tope, huss and hounds are around in numbers, and always provide the best of light tackle sport.

An irritating problem has hit the western sea lochs of Scotland... Mayweed! This is a yearly phenomenon, so we should expect it really. Popular marks on the open sea suffer it too, but the tides and waves clear it quickly. In the sea lochs on the other hand it doesn’t shift at all, and will hang around like a bad smell (literally sometimes!) in these relatively stagnant and tide free waters for about 3 weeks.

The fishing turns hopeless, mainly because the baits and lines become caked in this slimy green stuff. Some people believe that the water becomes choked due to lack of oxygen during the mayweed blooms too, and this would pose even greater problems in the lochs than in the open sea. Unfortunately there is little you can do other than grin and bear it... you will still catch fish, but it might not be prolific sport. Here’s hoping the next set of spring tides will freshen things up. For the record, lochs Etive and the shallower reaches of Fyne seem to be effected most; my advice would be to look for deep water!

 

Rainbow over Loch Aline

 

OBAN COMMON SKATE HANDLING
On another note, I've been informed about a meeting in Oban this week regarding the handling of common skate. Ronnie Campbell has organised this as it has been brought to the attention of him and others that fish are being severely mistreated by anglers and skippers in the area who don’t know any better. Full details - if you are interested please contact forum member Davy Holt; There is going to be a meeting in Oban on the evening of the 12th of June between 7pm & 9pm. It has been arranged through SNH partially by Ronnie Campbell and is aimed at the issue of fishing gear to minimise risk to the Skate, a discussion as the ideal gear to use etc. It will also used to highlight the direction the tagging programme will take now that we have a Graduate working on the data already obtained from the tagging.

BACK HOME!
Me, well I’m not long home from a short foreign adventure, and my first fishing job on my return is to go out collecting fresh crab so that I can go smoothie fishing. In the absence of bait, the fly gear will be coming out as I go in search of schoolie bass on the surface, especially if the winds disappear. SWFF is something that I intend to get stuck into in a big way during the summer of 2008 – pollack, bass and anything else that might eat fluff, beware!

Signing out!

By popular demand, more fishy youTUBE entertainment!

Tight drag + P****d marlin = projectile angler! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7x1eZbn6drk&feature=related

Random fishing funnies – hilarious! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lge3hyQt-Nc

The famous Loch Long ‘Conger Alley! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3_j8QhlVL40&feature=related

WSF Tackle
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BERKLEY FRENZIED POPPER £3.91 Each
Berkley PopperThe most versatile topwater bait ever produced. The Frenzy Popper just might be the best ever! Its unique balanced design allows it to be fished several ways. Chug it or pop it, and it spits water like a big fish chasing little ones. Slow it down with soft twitching actions, and it walks with the best of 'em.

TIDEWATER LURE RIGS 83p Each
FeathersAs any boat or shore angler will tell you, lure rigs when used alone or with bait are great for catching all manner of species. We've selected the very best rigs from the Shakespeare TideWater range that are idea for boat and some shore work.

7" WSF Jelly Worms
Berkley Power WormsDeadly 7inch jelly worms that are deadly for all manner of predator fish, especially pollack. We allow you to buy individual colours so you can mix and match what you want!
Jelly worms are 30p each!

Get ready for the new Plugging Season, Buy 3 get one of them for free, Blue Pilchard Divers
Blue PilchardBuy 3 Devil's Own Diving Plugs you get one of them for free in our 3 for 2 offer.
Check out our Devil's Own Lures.
These lures are ideal for bass and other predatory species. Price: £2.74 each. or £5.48 for 3.

WSF NOW STOCKS SAKUMA HOOKS
Sakuma HooksSuper strong Japanese Hooks from Sakuma. We now stock the 545 Manta Extra, 540 Manta, 560 Stinger and 543 Pennel Manta Extra hooks. All hooks are supplied in boxes of 30.

Bass PoppersBASS POPPERS! FROM £3.67
These excellent long range casting popper lures are ideal for numerous saltwater species including Bass. Berkley Frenzy Poppers.

SALTWATER FLIES FROM FULLING MILL FROM £1.25
Saltwater FliesWSF Now stocks the high quality range of saltwater flies from Fulling Mill. We have picked out a deadly selection from the Fulling Mill range that will help any saltwater fly angler this season.

BACK IN STOCK PENN CAPTIVA CV2 REELS
Captiva ReelsPRICE FROM: £37.18
Sea spinning reel, ideal for use with the Shakespeare Salt Spin Rod. Packed with features including an ultra smooth front drag, permanent instant anti reverse and a metal spare spool. The 5000 is idea for use with spinning with heavier nylons between 12 and 15lbs and Braid.

BACK IN STOCK SALT / CAPTIVA SPINNING COMBO DEAL
Captiva Reel DealsIdeal spinning combo from Penn and Shakespeare. Featuring the hugely popular Salt Spin 10ft, 3 piece spinning rod, and the fantastic Captiva 5000 CV2 Spinning Reel from Penn. PRICE: £73.39

BACK IN STOCK ABU CARDINAL 304FD PRICE: £37.18
Abu CardinalThis Front Drag version of the popular Abu Cardinal range of reels is an ideal reel for braid. Each reel features 7 bearings (1AR) Bearing, Instant Reverse and a spare spool. It holds 210/10lb line. Each reel comes with a free Abu Cardinal Reel Bag.


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