Oban, Skate Fishing

Fancy having a go to try and catch a Common Skate, well why not head off to Oban on Scotland's west coast.

HOW TO GET THERE
From the South take the A82 to Crianlarich then take the A85 to Oban, if you are coming from the East the A85 will take you all the way to Oban, parking in Oban is very easy with ample parking spaces at either the North pier or at the train station, charges are approximately £4 per day. There are a couple of tackle shops in town one in George Street the other is in Combie Street both are only minutes away from the parking.

TACKLE
Recommended tackle would comprise normally of a 50lb-class but a 80lb class would be better, teamed up with a serious, well-loaded lever-drag multiplier. Penn Senator 113H 4/0 is ok but the International series would be better suited The choice of monofilament or super braid is down to individual taste, but remember that 500 feet is a long way down! Monofilament, with its stretch and thickness, means more lead will be needed to hold bottom - sometimes 3lb or more. Terminal tackle will consist of 4 or 5 feet of 200lb nylon, joined to 2-3 feet of 250lb line by a strong swivel, and a 10/0 - 12/0 hook. The trace is fished as a running ledger. Also needed would be a butt pad and shoulder/kidney harness, Don't worry if you do not have gear suitable, the Skippers will have the tackle available to hire out.

STARTING OFF
It can be a bit of a waiting game when you are Skate fishing, you are by no means guaranteed to catch a fish, but you can sometimes pick up some bonus fish along the way, often when out on a days Skate fishing you will bring in Thornback Ray, Lesser Spotted dogfish, Blackmouthed Dogfish, Conger, and Spurdog . I have even seen Cod to 11lb take a whole mackerel flapper. When the ratchet does start to click off or when you bend into a fish, there is no need to strike just get harnessed up and lift into the fish. Continuous pressure must be applied for 10-15 minutes or more before the skate begins to lift from the bottom. At this stage, line is gained slowly, and the skate will often head back to the bottom, making you start all over again. After the skate is moving, there is the backbreaking job of pumping it up 400 feet or more to the surface. When you do get the fish to the surface it is likely to put its nose back down acting like a kite in the tide and making a powerful dive. Eventually the skate will be at the side of the boat, ready for gaffing, which must be done in the wing not the body if it is to survive once returned. Gaffing apparently causes no major distress to the skate, and returned fish have been recaptured within hours. The fish is measured from nose to tail and across the wings, and these dimensions compared to size-weight tables, to allow the weight to be estimated. Separate tables are used for males and females. The males tend to be smaller but put up a harder fight. Male fish do not go much bigger than 120lb, Female fish on the other hand do grow to 200lb + there have been instances of Commercial boats catching fish of over 300lb

GENERAL
A days Skate fishing can be an thrilling experience, from the breath taking views down the Sound of Lorn, looking across to Mull and its craggy hills, or sitting anchored of one of the many deep water marks waiting for the ratchet screaming off that lets you know you have connected with a Barn Door.
So what are you waiting for why not give it a go.

CHARTER SKIPPERS
Laura Dawn (Oban) Come fishing for giant skate with Ronnie Campbell, new 35ft offshore 105, COP 60 miles, licensed for 12 anglers, toilet, hot drinks and galley, for skate and general fishing, rods and bait available, beginners and individuals welcome, accommodation can be arranged.

MV Cheviot (Oban) Skate or general fishing, 33ft licensed fishing boat, COP 12 anglers, tackle hire available, free bait, toilet, free hot drinks, beginners welcome, accommodation available, Skipper Donald Maclean.