Latest Fishing Reports: Scotland
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13/08/2020
Fishing Report by Kevin McKie
on Size Matters (Craobh Haven, Argyll & Bute)
13 Aug 2020 by Kevin McKie
Report on-board Size Matters
About two years ago I was talking to Mike Shearwood about me always wanting to fish the continental shelf.
After having three fishing holidays abroad cancelled this year due to COVID-19 it give me the opportunity to finally do it.
Because I was in Liverpool the nearest port to the shelf to get fuel and supplies was Baltimore south west Ireland some 300 miles from Liverpool.
I had fished from Baltimore back in 2004 onboard the Rooster skippered by Nick Dent, he told me about the Albacore Tuna fishing over 90 miles south west of Baltimore and it was always something I wanted to do.
We where ment to leave Liverpool on August 3rd but the weather was not good till August 5th and from then on the weather looked amazing for the week.
For once the weather forecast was amazing flat clam seas and bright sunshine for the five days we where out on the shelf.
When we arrived at the shelf we looked on the plotter first for any features such as rock pinnacles or rough ground, sadly where the plotter said these types of features where ment to be the sea bed was just flat, in fact we couldn’t find a snag in five days fishing.
We where fishing 24 hours a day, we always had rods in the water, we stuck to two crew awake at all times while two crew slept, this was for safety and to keep a look out for other vessels.
We done well for Albacore Tuna to 30lb on spinning tackle, they where great fun when we could find them.
We tried deep dropping during the day in depths of 2200ft to 4300ft suspending baits from 1500ft to 1800ft for Broadbill Sword Fish but the Squid where ruthless at times smashing the baits to bits.
During the night we tried drifting three rods for Broadbill Sword Fish but the Blue Sharks where a nightmare rolling on the leaders and biting off hooks, they where from 5lb to 80lb.
We did go Sharking for the day in over 3000ft of water where we had been catching Albacore Tuna, just to try and catch something a bit different.
Our chum consisted of 20kg of bran, 10kg of fresh mackerel, 30 litres of fish oil and chucked Albacore Tuna for good measure, we had lots of Blue Sharks but nothing over 65lb, Tony did show us how to tickle a 5lb Stone Bass into the boat ha ha.
We did try at anchor in 680ft and 1330ft but it was terrible not a fish, we did catch on the drift in 2400ft of water fishing baits on the sea bed, Sam had his first Six Gill Shark around 90lb and I got smashed up by something much bigger.
We all caught Leafscaled Gluper Shark from 20lb to 30lb we think this is the first time they have been caught on rod and line.
The boys where well fed eating fresh Albacore Tuna and Stone Bass each day washed down with a few pot noodles ha ha.
The wild life out there is amazing, we seen
Fin Whales, Pilot Whales, Three different species of dolphin, Sunfish, all different species of jelly fish and sea birds.
Even though we had hours of catching nothing the purpose of the trip was to fish different methods that we had never tried before, we now have a lot of knowledge of the area to do more pleasure trips out to the shelf in future.
On the last evening on the shelf we had a visit from the Irish navy once I give them all the information they needed we got the all clear and wished us good luck.
Please Note,
This was not a charter only a fishing holiday/pleasure trip, we have a satellite phone onboard for emergency’s and we only done this trip because the weather was exceptionally good to do it.
Size Matters is 45ft long with a 16ft beam she weighs 15 tonne and can sleep 6 people with a full galley, this is why we can live onboard for several days at a time if needed, she can handle very bad weather if we where ever caught out by the weather unexpectedly changing.
If you are a skipper thinking of doing this trip I would definitely recommend it but extra caution must be taken because if the weather changes it’s a very long way to steam home.
Thanks
Kevin Mckie
Size Matters (Ireland)
07999628511
#Mckiesfishingcharters
#Shimano
#Ireland
View Boats Page
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01/08/2020
Fishing Report by Kevin McKie
on Size Matters (Craobh Haven, Argyll & Bute)
1 Aug 2020 by Kevin McKie
Report on-board Size Matters
The Bass fishing from Liverpool is excellent at the moment catching up to 53 Bass per trip and many more missed or hooks pulled due to the bass being lightly hooked.
The anglers are only allowed to keep two each and returning the rest, we are catching them on bait and lures using light spinning tackle to enjoy the fight.
Wrecking is going well 70 to 80 fish per trip for the table Cod to 8lb 8oz, Pollack to 7lb, Ling to 6lb and the odd Coalfish to 4lb.
Tope fishing is starting to slow, we are not getting the big numbers we where a few weeks ago but we are getting 4 to 5 per trip up to 41lb.
On one of the days we went tope fishing we couldn’t get through the Huss to 11lb we had over 70, not matter what we tried as soon as the bait hit the sea bed they where on to it.
The offshore mixed fishing is good with up to 15 species a day pretty much standard and if the anglers are willing to scale down for mini species we could see over 20 species a day.
We caught our fish Chub Mackerel in Liverpool bay, it’s the first one I have heard of in this area, we have caught them before from Plymouth, all we need now is the Tuna to turn up in Liverpool ha ha.
From October 1st to February 28th we will be fishing the mighty Mersey for Cod, Rays, Whiting and Dabs.
If you book a Wrecking, Bass or mixed off shore trip during this time and the weather is too bad then we will be fishing in the Mersey as a back up weather permitting.
We have teamed up with Liverpools top accommodation provider "Serviced Living Liverpool" who offer 5 star apartments at internet beating rates.
Located in Liverpools Baltic Triangle area (one of the coolest places in UK) and only a few hundred metres from Liverpool Marina, give them a call on 0151 374 2401 and quote Size Matters book an apartment at the best rate.
Thanks
Kevin Mckie
Size Matters Liverpool
07999628511
#Mckiesfishingcharters
#Shimano
#Liverpool
#Servicedliving View Boats Page
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25/07/2020
Fishing Report by DEREK ANDERSON
on Oceanic & Sagittarius (Eyemouth, Scottish Borders)
25 Jul 2020 by DEREK ANDERSON
Report on-board Oceanic & Sagittarius
It’s been a tuff few days again with good fish hard to find & some days no mackerel about they say July is always a poor month let’s hope August picks up.
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UPCOMING INDIVIDUAL SPACES ONBOARD Oceanic & Sagittarius
View Full Charter AvailabilitySat 23/11/2024 10 Spaces 6 Hours £50.00pp Need 10 more for trip go-ahead. 07:15 start Cod / Coalfish (Coley/Saithe) / Ling (Common) / Mackerel / Pollock.View details Sun 24/11/2024 10 Spaces 6 Hours £50.00pp Need 10 more for trip go-ahead. 07:15 start Cod / Coalfish (Coley/Saithe) / Ling (Common) / Mackerel / Pollock.View details Sat 30/11/2024 10 Spaces 6 Hours £50.00pp Need 10 more for trip go-ahead. 7:30 start Cod / Coalfish (Coley/Saithe) / Ling (Common) / Mackerel / Pollock.View details Sun 01/12/2024 10 Spaces 6 Hours £50.00pp Need 10 more for trip go-ahead. 7:30 start Cod / Coalfish (Coley/Saithe) / Ling (Common) / Pollock.View details -
22/07/2020
Fishing Report by dominic wilson
on Dawn Venture (Portpatrick, Dumfries & Galloway)
22 Jul 2020 by dominic wilson
Report on-board Dawn Venture
So, I have to post some bad news... The boat has suffered catastrophic mechanical failure and was today, put on a low loader and transported to Nobles boat yard at Girvan. Repair time and refloating dates are as of yet unknown. Prior to this disaster, mackerel were prolific, plenty of pollack and coalies on the wrecks, huss to 13lb,tope to 40lb,spurs to a whopping 23lb!!,pollack out of the weeds to 4lb,plenty of pan size haddock along with all the other usual summer species plus a lone dab and a big scorpion fish. We also landed 2 common skate at 138lb and 106lb on big coalfish flappers.... Hard fighting males in only 55ft of water! When I know more, I will let you all know dates to work to but all trips are suspended at the moment... I apologise to one and all for the inconvenience caused and I value your support.
If anyone has any QQQQ's please ring me on 07739231331
Paul is pictured with the 138lb skate View Boats Page
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21/07/2020
Fishing Report by Kevin McKie
on Size Matters (Craobh Haven, Argyll & Bute)
21 Jul 2020 by Kevin McKie
Report on-board Size Matters
The fishing from Liverpool is excellent at the moment so long my it continue.
When Bass fishing we are catching up to 33 Bass per trip on bait and lures using light spinning gear, we even managed to catch a Smoothound on a lure that was a first for me.
Tope fishing has been none stop, I had a group of individuals onboard who had never caught Tope before, after a few hours they got into the swing of things and managed 14 Tope to 42lb on the boat and pulled the hook on 8.
Wreck fishing is going well 80+ fish per trip Pollack to 9lb, Cod to 5lb, Ling to 7lb, Coalfish to 4lb, we did have some 23 hour wrecking trips booked this week but the weather has cancelled one so far so hopefully we will get out on the next one.
Off shore mixed fishing is good for Rays to 12lb, Huss to 10lb, Gurnard, Whiting, Dabs, Mackerel, Herring, Scad, Pout, Weaver and Dogfish. View Boats Page
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15/07/2020
Fishing Report by Kevin McKie
on Size Matters (Craobh Haven, Argyll & Bute)
15 Jul 2020 by Kevin McKie
Report on-board Size Matters
We have just returned from our first trip of the year to the Isle of Man, the four lads I had onboard wanted to target Tope.
I told the lads I hadn’t fished over there for five years so things mite have changed, I said if we get it right you will have no shortage of Tope!
In just the first five hours the lads caught 64 Tope to 30lb with most averaging 20lb to 25lb, it was mayhem trying to keep up to release them with the t-bar at the side of the boat.
The next day the lads wanted to try some new areas to try and find some bigger Tope, the morning and afternoon was a disaster the dogfish where plaguing us in there millions, after three moves we finally found some bigger Tope catching 19 to 38lb and two Spurdog to 16lb in just a few hours.
On the last day we only had a few hours to fish before heading home so the lads decided to fish for Bass using live baits and lures.
The live baits where getting bitten off by Tope and every drop and on the lures the lads where catching lots of jumbo Mackerel, we also tried for a Turbot but as soon as the bait hit the bottom the Dogfish where onto it.
The lads managed to land 3 Tope to 25lb plenty of jumbo Mackerel, Tub Gurnard, Whiting and Weavers.
Here is a list of the next available dates from Liverpool onboard Size Matters.
OCTOBER
Thursday 8th Offshore Mixed £65 pp
8 places available 5am sailing.
Friday 9th Offshore Mixed £65 pp
8 places available 5am sailing.
Monday 12th Wrecking £100 pp
5 places available 8am sailing.
Tuesday 13th Wrecking £100 pp
2 places available 9am sailing.
Wednesday 14th Offshore Mixed £65 pp
4 places available 10am sailing.
Thursday 15th Inshore Bass £55 pp
8 places available 11am sailing.
Friday 16th Inshore Bass £55 pp
7 places available 11.30am sailing.
Thursday 22nd Wrecking £100 pp
3 places available 5am sailing.
Friday 23rd Mersey £55 pp
8 places available 5am sailing.
Friday 30th Mersey £55 pp
8 places 10.30am sailing.
We have now teamed up with Liverpools top accommodation provider "Serviced Living Liverpool" who offer 5 star apartments at internet beating rates. Located in Liverpools Baltic Triangle area (one of the coolest places in UK) and only a few hundred metres from Liverpool Marina; give them a call on
0151 374 2401 and quote Size Matters book an apartment at the best rate.
Thanks
Kevin Mckie
Size Matters Liverpool
07999628511
#Mckiesfishingcharters
#Shimano
#Liverpool
#Servicedliving View Boats Page
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07/2020
Fishing Report by Kevin McKie
on Size Matters (Craobh Haven, Argyll & Bute)
Jul 2020 by Kevin McKie
Report on-board Size Matters
When we can get out due to the ever changing weather conditions the fishing has been good on the wrecks.
Catching 50 to 80 Pollack, Cod, Ling and Coalfish per trip up to 14lb but most are 4lb to 5lb perfect eating size fish.
Over slack water while fishing for Ling we have been catching the odd Tope to 30lb, the mackerel situation for fresh bait is very poor so I would advise you bring bait with you if you are booked on a trip in the next week or two.
Some of our anglers have been staying with serviced living who own fully furnished apartments just a few hundred yards from Liverpool marina, so far the anglers have said they are 5 star and very reasonable, so if you plan to come to Liverpool to fish with us or just want a weekend away definitely contact them for availability.
Here is a list of the next available dates from Liverpool onboard Size Matters.
SEPTEMBER
Tuesday 29th Inshore Bass £55 pp 4 places available 11am sailing.
Wednesday 30th Offshore Mixed £65pp
6 places available 11.30am sailing.
OCTOBER
Thursday 8th Offshore Mixed £65 pp
8 places available 5am sailing.
Friday 9th Offshore Mixed £65 pp
8 places available 5am sailing.
Monday 12th Wrecking £100 pp
6 places available 8am sailing.
Tuesday 13th Wrecking £100 pp
2 places available 9am sailing.
Wednesday 14th Offshore Mixed £65 pp
4 places available 10am sailing.
Thursday 15th Inshore Bass £55 pp
8 places available 11am sailing.
Friday 16th Inshore Bass £55 pp
7 places available 11.30am sailing.
Thursday 22nd Wrecking £100 pp
3 places available 5am sailing.
Friday 23rd Mersey £55 pp
8 places available 5am sailing.
Thursday 29th Wrecking £100 pp
6 places available 10am sailing,
Friday 30th Mersey £55 pp
8 places 10.30am sailing.
Saturday 31st Mersey £55 pp
1 place available 11am sailing.
We have now teamed up with an accommodation company in Liverpool called Serviced Living, we can now offer fully furnished apartments to rent close to Liverpool Marina if you need accommodation when fishing with us in Liverpool.
Thanks
Kevin Mckie
Size Matters Liverpool
07999628511
#Mckiesfishingcharters
#Shimano
#Liverpool
#Servicedliving View Boats Page
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07/2020
Fishing Report by Kevin McKie
on Size Matters (Craobh Haven, Argyll & Bute)
Jul 2020 by Kevin McKie
Report on-board Size Matters
Over the last few weeks most charters have been cancelled due to strong winds, when we have managed to get out the fishing has been very good on the off shore wrecks catching Pollack, Cod, Coalfish and Ling.
On one of our 23 hour trips we had our regular polish lads from London on board and these lads love there fishing.
They where very lucky to have amazing weather and fishing to go with it catching over 230 Pollack, Coalfish, Cod and Ling, no monsters most fish where 4lb to 6lb with the biggest at 9lb 8oz.
On another occasion I had a small group of regulars from Liverpool who booked the boat for three consecutive days to target Tope.
The weather window was only looking good for two out of the three days so I said to the lads are you up for a little adventure Size Matters style.
They said yes of course, now the pressure was on to produce the goods because there previous trip with us was a disaster due to all the red tide that had gathered in Liverpool Bay a few weeks earlier.
I decided to go old school and fish an area I hadn’t been to in over 20 years when I had my warrior 150, on the long steam out one of the lads was quizzing me saying are you sure it’s good fishing where we are going? I said well I hope so or I wouldn’t be traveling all this way ha ha.
From the moment the anchor went down it was none stop action over 30 Tope to 35lb, plenty of Huss to 13lb 8oz, Rays, Gurnard, Mackerel and Dogfish.
The lads really enjoyed the first day and wanted to try something different the next day because they had caught enough Tope.
On the second day we started the morning on the Bass only catching 6 to 2lb and a bonus Turbot, then we headed out to the wrecks the first two drifts we didn’t get a bite then just as I was about to try a different wreck I could see the fish holding about 200ft off the wreck from the next drift on it was game time.
The lads landed plenty of Pollack, Cod and Coalfish most where 5lb to 8lb with the odd double figure fish.
Here is a list of the next available dates from Liverpool onboard Size Matters.
SEPTEMBER
Tuesday 29th Inshore Bass £55 pp 5 places available 11am sailing.
Wednesday 30th Offshore Mixed £65pp
7 places available 11.30am sailing.
OCTOBER
Thursday 8th Offshore Mixed £65 pp
8 places available 5am sailing.
Friday 9th Offshore Mixed £65 pp
8 places available 5am sailing.
Monday 12th Wrecking £100 pp
8 places available 8am sailing.
Tuesday 13th Wrecking £100 pp
8 places available 9am sailing.
Wednesday 14th Offshore Mixed £65 pp
8 places available 10am sailing.
Thursday 15th Inshore Bass £55 pp
8 places available 11am sailing.
Friday 16th Inshore Bass £55 pp
8 places available 11.30am sailing.
Thursday 22nd Wrecking £100 pp
4 places available 5am sailing.
Friday 23rd Mersey £55 pp
8 places available 5am sailing.
Thursday 29th Wrecking £100 pp
6 places available 10am sailing,
Friday 30th Mersey £55 pp
8 places 10.30am sailing.
Saturday 31st Mersey £55 pp
1 place available 11am sailing.
We have now teamed up with an accommodation company in Liverpool called Serviced Living, we can now offer fully furnished apartments to rent close to Liverpool Marina if you need accommodation when fishing with us in Liverpool.
Thanks
Kevin Mckie
Size Matters Liverpool
07999628511
#Mckiesfishingcharters
#Shimano
#Liverpool
#Servicedliving View Boats Page
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27/06/2020
Fishing Report by DEREK ANDERSON
on Oceanic & Sagittarius (Eyemouth, Scottish Borders)
27 Jun 2020 by DEREK ANDERSON
Report on-board Oceanic & Sagittarius
Well it’s been a challenging weekend with the cod very hard to find & no mackerel about,best angler was Derek Purvis with 9 keepers & best fish was Jamie with his 4:5 kilo cod let’s hope we see a few mackerel soon
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UPCOMING INDIVIDUAL SPACES ONBOARD Oceanic & Sagittarius
View Full Charter AvailabilitySat 23/11/2024 10 Spaces 6 Hours £50.00pp Need 10 more for trip go-ahead. 07:15 start Cod / Coalfish (Coley/Saithe) / Ling (Common) / Mackerel / Pollock.View details Sun 24/11/2024 10 Spaces 6 Hours £50.00pp Need 10 more for trip go-ahead. 07:15 start Cod / Coalfish (Coley/Saithe) / Ling (Common) / Mackerel / Pollock.View details Sat 30/11/2024 10 Spaces 6 Hours £50.00pp Need 10 more for trip go-ahead. 7:30 start Cod / Coalfish (Coley/Saithe) / Ling (Common) / Mackerel / Pollock.View details Sun 01/12/2024 10 Spaces 6 Hours £50.00pp Need 10 more for trip go-ahead. 7:30 start Cod / Coalfish (Coley/Saithe) / Ling (Common) / Pollock.View details -
24/06/2020
Fishing Report by dominic wilson
on Dawn Venture (Portpatrick, Dumfries & Galloway)
24 Jun 2020 by dominic wilson
Report on-board Dawn Venture
So we managed our 2nd trip out yesterday and we had a great day afloat, strings and strings of mackerel, 13 spurdogs all over 12lb with 2 at 20lb,2 huss at 5lb,whiting,codling,haddock,coley,gurnard,sandeel and doggies... And the sun shone all day.
Pictured is one of the 20lb spurs View Boats Page
