gingerally - 15 February 2011 12:53 PM
Hey Colin
I live in Fort William and wondered when to fish for the salt species up here, or if I can, have seen mullet in Arisaig bay before but can’t remember what time of year it was. Most of the salt water is pretty inshore but I can travel to Arisaig, Ardnamurchan, Skye, eigg etc.
Cheers Ally
Hi Ally.
Sea water temperature determines when the various species come close to shore. Last winter was a cold one throughout the UK and consequently the season was late in starting. Along parts of the south coast the Bass arrived a good month later than ‘normal’.
However, a fishing pal of mine was on holiday on Skye and caught some nice Pollack while we struggled down south. Perhaps the Gulf Stream helps your area?
Bass should appear around estuaries during May in your neck of the woods. Once some settled, warm weather comes along would be a good time to explore. Bass will normally stay in residence until October, with the chance of some better fish once autumn arrives.
Finding Mullet is half the battle, so re-visiting the mark where you saw them previously from early May will get you off to a good start. Tempt them with red flexi-floss blood worms, small shrimp patterns and Red tags. Fish the flies static as a shoal approaches.Persevere with these fish. They are worth it! Mullet normally slip away for the winter from late September to late October.
As Profly mentioned, Mackeral will no doubt appear during summer and give fantastic support on the fly rod. Ask local sea fishers for advice on venues and times when Mackeral come close to shore and keep an ear to the ground.
Your area of the west coast will provide great scope for Pollack on the fly, a species well worth seeking out from early spring until late autumn.
Estuaries can also see runs of sea trout. Part of the fun of salt water fly fishing is you never know what might take your fly!
All the best for the coming season and keep us updated on your successes.
Colin
