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!

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