Off to Edinburgh for Uni - When do the fish arrive?

[mabster]

HI there folks.
Popping down for a few years to live with the girlfriend and to go to uni.
Got own transport and looking to meet other like minded folk.
Haven't done much spearo this year but got my nose clip out last night and attempted to hold my breath; bit dissapointing but hey, it's a start.

I'll be heading back north for the summer but fully intend to get out as much as possible during the colder times.
No idea when the fish will be around so some information would be greatly appreciated.

Before my stop I was comfortably diving to 10-12 meters and hope come the summer this will be closer to 20m.

Cheers folks and I look forward to hearing back from any locals.

Michael

 

[DafyddRees]

Hey mabs,

Did you manage to catch many fish up in Shetland?

I may be heading up to Dundee to uni aswell come September (interview in january) and have been looking at all the possible dive spots. There is loads of info on worldseafishing forums...

I have a few spots North of Dundee to check out but the one that looks really interesting is St Abbs head, about an hour south of Edinburgh. either way, I have consigned to the fact that viz is going to be very limited.

There does seem to be a fair few fish caught on rod and line but as far as I can tell there are pretty much no people that spearfish regularly on the east coast. I think it is going to be a summer of receeing and learning the best methods for myself once up there!

Daf

 

[mabster]

Hi there Daf.

Managed to get a good few pollack, coalies and doggies. Sadly the doggies were the only fish of decent size.
This year was plagued with ear infections and other things that got in the way of my sea time but fingers crossed!

I shall be in Ed for the next 4 years (Was in aberdeen for one term but have just transfered to ed)
I'll just check out St Abbs head. Vis aside I'm sure the Forth must be good for flatties.

Good luck for the interview in January.
Would be good to get oot with a buddy.

Cheers.

 

[sunfish]

Hi Mabster and Daffyd, this guy:- http://forums.deeperblue.com/search.php?searchid=1167691 hasn't posted for a year or so but I remembered that he'd dived the St Abbs area a bit. His posts may be useful to you.
I come from Northumberland and although the water's a bit cold the vis may be a lot better than you think. It's possible you could get codling, even in summer in the rocky "scaur" areas and lobbies and crabs should be there too. I'd be interested to hear how you get on so good luck with it.

 

[DafyddRees]

Hi Sunfish, that link does not seem to work :S

I have also applied for Newcastle as alot of my family are based there. I have been scoping out and talking to my sisters friend who speared alot up in the NE. He mentioned starting at Howick and going from there...

Only one way to see hey!

Thanks again Dave!

Dave

 

[sunfish]

The link was to the posts of a member called grantl who lived in Berwick at that time. If you go to his profile you can check his posts. He mentions that the area round St. Abbs head is a marine reserve (voluntary luckily).
The vis is not too bad around Tynemouth-Whitley Bay and gets better as you go North and away from the North Sea. Beware of any currents and of rough seas and expect the water to be a bit cold.:blackeyerofl

 

[DafyddRees]

Hey Dave,

I am spending at the least the next 5 years at Uni in Durham which a) is really exciting to have a new start but b) I am moving away from S.Wales = tears and pain!

I have spotted/heard of a few spots around Howick which can produce fish North of Newcastle but do you have any info on the area around Seaham/Peterlee?

I need to see if there are any freedivers in Newcastle that do any spearing on the side!

Thanks

Dai

 

[grantl]

Hi All

Not been round for ages- bust my shoulder up and it's been quite some time since I've done any spearing- that's going to change this summer

I would avoid St Abbs as it's pretty sensitive with lots of divers around who come there due to the reserve status and abundant sea life. There are (were?) Wolf fish in the area that were known by name! It's also pretty deep/ exposed water but tbh I would totally avoid the area as the no. Of divers there is huge.
Further south towards Beadnell / Seahouses can be good for flatties & pollack , maybe cod and plenty lobster. I've never been in the water N of St Abbs but it will no doubt be good in the rough ground as well.
Viz on the East coast can be pretty variable but can be exceptionally clear if it settles for long enough.

Grant