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| Three Charters Ready for the Three Day Ray Comp |
Good luck to everyone fishing the inaugural Loch Linnhe 3 Day Ray Competition this weekend 29th Nov – 1st Dec. Organised by skipper Leigh Taylor (Laura Dawn II) along with Angus Mann (Jola IV) and Kyle Dodds (Etive Explorer) the contest will see 8 anglers per boat per day battling it out for the Ronnie Campbell Trophy, with daily prizes and awards for most fish caught, Biggest Ray and more.
We spoke to Leigh about the competition’s roots as he motored
the Laura Dawn II up from Oban yesterday, he was heading up early to recce the
water and get a bit of fishing in himself before it kicks off.
“We were thinking about something to do to get lots of
people together, enjoying fishing somewhere absolutely stunning. After a
successful Skate Competition earlier in the year this one is focussed on the
smaller species that Loch Linnhe is famous for. There are loads of Thornback
Rays, some smaller Skate and plenty of other species to get people catching. The
loch is fishing well and we’re looking at heading up into Loch Eil on one of
the days due to the weather, the size and shape of these waters allow us to
spread out, stay out of the wind and still be catching fish.
This is the first one of these and we’re looking forward to seeing people of
all levels and ages heading up to enjoy the Highlands. Next year we want to
organise some more of mixed events targeting various species and seasons.
Hopefully there will be a couple of Junior contests where a youngster can fish
alongside a parent for a bit of a fun day with plenty of fish and a prize or
two. Getting the younger generation into the sport and some straightforward fun
fishing for the family.
LOCATION
Launching from the Corpach Marina there are anglers from all over the country going up to Fort William for this weekend. From pleasure anglers or angling clubs to charter regulars and including Daiwa’s own Scott Gibson there is a proper mix of folk setting sail over the three days. Thankfully the Marina CafĂ© is opening early to for bacon rolls & coffees to fuel the fishermen up for a chilly day on the water. The competition supported by Daiwa, Taylor Made Rods, West Highland Angler Bait & Tackle and Fishingmegastore is hopefully going to grow into a regular on the calendar as the initial interest has been excellent.SETUP
With a full eight anglers in the boat they’ll be fishing quite heavy to avoid tangles but the rigs and baits are pretty simple. I spoke to one competitor who’d been prepping for the contest making up little baits ready to go, with a bit of Holy Mackerel secret sauce added. These smaller rigs baited with bluey & squid combos, crab cart for the Cod or mackerel as the catch all default. Lumi muppets and beads are needed in the deeper Sea Lochs, adding a bit more visual appeal as well as the scent trail. The anglers are fishing barbless singles on any hooks bigger than #6/0 in case they encounter a Skate during the match.
Winter Scottish Sea Fishing is synonymous with East Coast
Cod fishing but there’s a lot more that that available from our shores
especially with enthusiastic and experienced skippers to get you on the fish.
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