Winter is coming towards a blustery end but the rough weather has certainly brought out some big catches as people start thinking about mothballing the cod gear for the year.
Cod fishing is a mainstay for Scots sea anglers and has been for longer than anyone can remember.
Massive shoals and giant fish might be in the past but many anglers up and down the country know
this continues to provide excellent sport all winter long.
A recent fish of the week winner from the Hebrides, and some of the big beasts caught off the shore of
Shetland, possibly bode well for giants becoming regular bags once again.
The most popular area for winter cod fishing in Scotland is probably the east coast, from the mouth of the Tay estuary all the way to Aberdeen.
The area is becoming so popular with visiting anglers that when the conditions are good, easily accessed and productive, marks can get busy.
The reason for this influx of anglers from across Scotland and beyond, joining regulars on the east coast is straightforward. When the fishing is on, it can be red hot.
I’ve missed a few opportunities to get out this year – unfortunately days off didn’t seem to coincide with good weather.
Aiming for a sweet spot two days after a good easterly blow, while the water is still nicely coloured, is one thing – but you’ll never catch anything if you don’t go.
So I grabbed a chance at a quick evening session near Arbroath, in between storms.
The good thing about cod fishing is it improves as you move into the dark. Fish feed more vigorously when the light fades because those who hunt by smell and feel come out of their hiding areas.
While night fishing is productive, it means you’ve got to take steps to get ready for it – so tackle up, prepare baits, identify bites and, of course, land a catch.
If you’re like me and prefer not to illuminate half the beach with a tilly lamp or LED lantern, I do my best to get prepped and ready before the head torch is the only option, keeping movement to a minimum.
Baited up with a downsized 3/0, 2/0 pennel rig, baited with a selection of mussel, peeler crab and black lugworm, cocktailed up to ooze flavour into the tide, it wasn’t until I couldn’t see much of anything that the rod tips started to rattle.
I can certainly recommend tagging along with someone who’s fished the area, as the local knowledge will definitely get you some extra bites.
I hadn’t picked up any movement at all and needed a prompting to set the hook, before landing the first of a couple of keepers as reward for taking on the wind and missing out on an evening on the couch.
