Sea Fishing and Sea Angling Online: Portsoy Rock Marks, Aberdeenshire

Portsoy Rock Marks, Aberdeenshire
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Ian Page on 01 January, 2006 08:55:00
 
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