Old Portlethen

HOW TO GET THERE
From the south, drive up the A90 and turn off to the right at Portlethen signpost onto Bruntland Road. Follow this road until it ends and turn right at the mini roundabout onto Cookston road. Follow this road, past the farm and continue until your drive into Old Portlethen village. Drive past the pub (The Neuk) and take the left hand fork. Drive down the hill until you reach the cliff top. Drive carefully down the track and park on the right in the widened area. Do not park at the top of the pebble beach harbour as this is the turning area. Parking is limited to around 3 cars. Do not drive along the road past the harbour, as this is private.

MARKS
THE BROTHY
The first is to the right of the fishing bothy, an easy walk over the rocks and fish where the rocks slope gently into the sea. Care is needed if the rocks are wet, and footwear with good grip is required. A maximum of three rods is suggested.

THE SHIPS STERN
The second mark is reached by going behind the bothy and walking left. Continue until you reach a gully and head out over the rocks. Head for the corner of the gully and the open sea. Again three rods is suggested here.

SPECIES
Cod, Coalfish, Pollock, Dabs, Strap Conger (after dark), Sea Scorpion and Mackerel in season.

Cod have been taken up to 10 lb, however many fish are in the 2-4 lb range. Coalfish rarely exceed 1 lb and are sometimes a nuisance. Spinning with jellies for Pollock in the summer months can be very entertaining, and have been known to be up to 6 lb. Conger are not commonly caught on rod and line as they are not generally targeted, but are found frequently in lobster creels. Mackerel in season (late July / August) are usually 1/2 to 1 lb. Sea Scorpions are chance catches that turn up from time to time.

TIDES
The water is deep at both these marks, and fish can be caught at all tide states. However, caution is required at both areas on large high tides if a good swell is running. Observe the mark before setting up for 10 minutes if you are unsure.

BAIT
Usual Cod baits are required. Lug, Rag, Squid, Razor, Crab and Mussel all work here. This will also attract the small Coalfish.
Jellies for the Pollock are very successful with orange doubletails and firetail jelly worms being the most successful.
Squid or Mackerel will take the strap Conger, also the Coalfish if float fished.

TACKLE
A mixture of rough and clean ground is available. Cast short for the kelp and rocky areas. Sturdy tackle is required for this, many use 30lb line straight through as distance casting is not required. Dabs are found by casting straight out to sea where the cleaner ground is present, if you wish to target these, remember to use a shockleader. Rotten bottoms are advised in the roughest area, but using 30 lb line straight through can free a lot of tackle from the thick kelp without losing your lead. Use strong rig bodies and fine wire hooks to assist with getting your tackle back.

WEATHER
Being the North East coast of Scotland, this area fishes best for Cod after very strong easterlies when the sea is coloured. Be very wary if a strong swell is running at these marks. Anglers have lost their lives here. Clear conditions and mild winds are better if targeting the Pollock.

TACKLE SHOPS
Somers Fishing Tackle, Bon Accord Terrace, Aberdeen.