We have once again received a contribution from Billy Scott, whom we featured on the blog before, where he told a little about his sea trout fishing. We pleased that Billy Scott once again has shared a little info with us.
For many years now I’ve always tried to find the time to get away from the rat train and head away into the Scottish Highlands. To chase the sea trout in their own saltwater habitat this year was no different, Scotland once had an abundance of these wonderful species many years ago with big bags not uncommon all over Scotland, but sadly it’s not as it once was due to man’s interference.
The Scottish sea trout are still here, but are harder to catch in the big numbers of old, so you have to put in the hours and hard work to catch them. Finding them, working them out, then bringing them to the net can be very frustrating to say the least. But when it all clicks together it’s certainly worth the time and effort, when you release one see it bullet away, nice and strong. It certainly gives me a sense of satisfaction to know that I’m helping them, although it’s not much in the bigger picture.
The east coast of Scotland doesn’t have any man-made interference apart from wind farms, and to be honest, I actually think these wind farms on coastal areas. I’m sure then foundations work as an incubator for small baitfish, similar to a coral reef or wreck does. I could be wrong, but that’s just my thinking on it, because if it draws in the baitfish, then the sea trout will follow.
Now to more important things, ie the sea trout. Experience tells me that the week normally starts a wee bit slow, as we work out where they are and what they are feeding on. By this, I mean looking into the sky! Yes, you heard that correct the sky! The terns diving into the estuary are a great way of finding the sea trout. Looking as close as you can, you can often see what the terms are feeding on as it hangs out the beak. Sometimes it will be elvers in olive/blue and silver. Sometimes sprats in all white or white/silver. If so, the sea trout will be there too.
White Shannons Terror tied by Billy Scott and an excellent baitfish imitation.
The big summer tides are strong at this time of year and push very hard sometimes. You can’t take the chance to wade that extra foot or two, because you could be away with it, something that you don’t wish to happen. Even the most experienced anglers out there never takes the chance. The tides push things around to the point you think you are OK, then the next minute you have walked into a wee drop off or hole so please be careful.
All the very best
Billy Scott