banffharbour.co.uk

HOW TO GET THERE
Portsoy is located between Buckie and Banff on the main A98 trunk Rd. If you're approaching from Banff head right through Portsoy staying on the main A98 until you pass the playing fields opposite the filling station. Immediately after the playing fields, turn Right. If you are approaching from Buckie as soon as you enter the 30mph zone turn left before the playing fields. Follow the road round and take the third left. You are now on the road to the old outdoor pool. (if you get lost ask for directions to the outdoor pool) a couple of hundred yards up this road it veers sharp right. Another hundred yards and the road veers sharp right again just after this there is a reasonable area to park. Looking west you will see a White bungalow with a track leading up towards it. Head up there past the bungalow and the track forks to the right. Head down the right hand fork around 300yds and cross the style. Almost anywhere that you can get down to the sea at along here will produce fish. Take care when climbing down to the marks as many are difficult to access.

SPECIES
Cod, Pollock, Coalfish, Ballan Wrasse, Cuckoo Wrasse, Conger, Ling and Scorpion Fish. Cod of up to 8lb have been caught off these rocks and the marks at the far point produce good Pollock. Some good conger can also be had under the cover of darkness.

TIDES
The water on these marks ranges from around 15 to 40ft deep and are usually fishable in any condition other than a strong north easterly. There is nowhere that blocks off at high water but do watch for the big waves when perched close to the edges as they appear from nowhere.

BAITS
Almost any bait will produce something here but mackerel and mussel cocktail usually work best. Lug and rag target the Pollock and wrasse, with mackerel flappers for the conger.

TACKLE
Shock leaders are not required as many of the fish are at your feet. A strong mainline is recommended 30-40lb due to the rough ground. Trace bodies should be around 60-80lb, Pennel rigs are the norm with 2/0 & 4/0 hooks. 20-25lb snoods and rotten bottoms minimise tackle losses, 4-6oz leads hold well.

TACKLE SHOPS
Banff Tackle on low St Banff
Cullen Tackle on the main road through Cullen

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