These marks can be fished in most conditions other than strong northerlies. A mixture of rocky outcrops and a shingle beach offer a variety of marks all within five minutes walking distance of the road.
Those with good casting skills will have the most consistent results, as will those fishing under the cover of darkness. This tackle-hungry ground is a jungle of kelp, which grows on the rocky bottom.
Many of these rocky outcrops are covered over at high water, so care must be taken at all times.
SPECIES
Winter will produce the better codling in the 3-6lb range, along with conger eels, ling, pollack and the occasional dogfish. Summer fishing is catches mainly for coalfish and wrasse with the odd codling.
BEST BAITS
Big baits work best here. Cocktails of mackerel and mussels account for the majority of catches. Float fish with a ragworm or mussels for wrasse and pollack in summer. Squid, lugworms, peeler crabs and razorfish will all give results.
TACKLE
Heavy gear should be used when bottom fishing with 30lb mainline the norm. Snoods should be in the 20lb region with size 3/0 hooks reducing to size 1/0 when float fishing for wrasse. Rotten-bottom attachments are recommended. Tackle losses are reduced when fi shing the flood and over high water. Lightweight spinning rods offer good sport when targeting pollack.
GETTING THERE
Macduff is located 40 miles north-east of Aberdeen. Take the A98 through Macduff and follow the signs for the Marine Aquarium. Highshore is located to the rear of the aquarium. Some of the deeper marks are located towards the end of Highshore, adjacent to the playing fi elds.
Directions : Take the A98 through Macduff and follow signs for Marine Aquarium. Highshore is located to the rear of the aquarium. Some of the deeper marks are located towards the end of Highshore, adjacent to the playing fields
Season : Summer for coalfish and wrasse, winter for codling, conger, ling, pollack and occasional dogfish
