Situated at the southern end of the Arbroath cliffs, the Ness fishes best over low in winter for primarily cod.
Every year cod well into double figures show between the first frosts in October through to the last of the winter weather around March. Many of the rocks and individual gullies have their own names, but the entire area fishes in the same conditions using the same methods at the same time of year.
The sea falling, but still coloured after an easterly wind, will see ideal conditions, but care should be taken because these rocks are fairly low lying and are liable to be swamped during rough weather.
SPECIES
Cod are the main target species with the average size around the 3-6lb bracket. The occasional strap eel, coalfish, pollack and rockling show.
TACKLE
Heavy gear is a must to help overcome the rough sea bed and extreme fishing conditions. Stiff, powerful rods and fast-retrieve reels loaded with 40lb mainline are the norm. Pennell-rigged Viking hooks anchored with a gripweight are standard and a rotten-bottom device should complete your set up.
BEST BAITS
Squid is the choice of the locals because it does tend to sort out the bigger fish, but matchmen prefer a more traditional lug, crab, mussel or razorfish based cocktail bait. Good results have come to imported black lug, while tipping blow lug with white rag can be effective.
GETTING THERE
Parking is best right at the end of the Victoria Park at the start of the cliffs, which are signposted from the A92 coast road that runs through the town of Arbroath.
TACKLE SHOP
Arbroath Cycle and Tackle, 274 High St, Arbroath, tel: 01241 873467.
Directions : Parking is best right at the end of the Victoria Park at the start of the cliffs which are signposted from the A92 coast road through Arbroath
Season : October to March
