Ballast Bank is a low water venue, which fishes from May through to October. As with most of the Clyde marks winter fishing is almost non existent. Best results will be achieved on an evening low water in calm conditions. The fishing takes place from the rocks uncovered by the receding tide so suitable footwear should be worn.

There are no particular hotspots as all the rock points will produce some fish, the best results tend to come from the area around the slip but the east end of the venue also has its good days.

Best baits will be a combination of sandeel, peeler crab and ragworm. A good fish will be anything above 3 pounds with only the occasional conger topping that. You will be fishing into rough ground so expect some tackle losses.

Long casting is not required on this venue in fact most times the fish can be caught anywhere from 30yds out. Most bags will be made up of dogfish and wrasse with cod, pollack and coalfish the occasional bye catch. Conger eel are rare but there are straps caught on a regular basis with most falling to crab baits.

Please note that Troon Pier is off limits to all anglers now due to it being an Irish ferry port.

SPECIES

Dogfish, Wrasse, Pollack, Conger, Cod, Coalfish & Rocklings.

BAIT

Sandeel, Peeler Crab, Lugworm, Ragworm, Mackerel.
Lugworms can be dug from Barassie beach.

TACKLE

Medium to heavy beachcasters are reqd as the ground can be quite snaggy. High speed multipliers or fixed spools loaded with 25-30lb line + shockleaders. Most rigs will work with a 2-hook paternoster working best. Hooks tend to be on the small side to reflect the size of fish, sizes from 2 up to a 2/0. Best to use grip leads on a breakout system, once on the bottom do not move it until it’s retrieved. For wrasse either free line or float fish a ragworm bait on light spinning tackle.

TACKLE SHOPS

The Big Reel, 1-3 Lime Kiln Road , Ayr, tel: 01292 290011.
Opening times: 10am – 5pm Monday to Friday. 9am – 5pm Saturday and Sunday.
Baits: fresh and frozen available.

Gamesport of Ayr, 60 Sandgate, Ayr. Tel: 01292 263822
Opening times: 9am – 5pm Monday to Saturday. Closed Sunday
Bait: Selection of frozen baits.

Number of lakes/pegs : –
Prices : –
Directions : From Glasgow head south down the A77 toward Ayr. At the 1st roundabout take the A78 for Irvine, at the next take the head straight through following the signposts for Prestwick airport. Approx. 300yds turn right on the B749 for Troon. Follow this road for 3 miles, which will be sign posted for the Irish Ferry. Just before you enter the port there is a left turn at a cottage this leads to Ballast Bank. Car parking is available free here.