tackle & clothing
58
Photography: Alastair Gowans, Paul Barr
G
oing fishing somewhere new can sometimes bring nagging doubts to
the surface. Will I have the right gear? What happens if I forget
something essential? Are there any good tackle shops?
With this in mind we have included a short rundown on gear for the main
types of fishing. It is not fully comprehensive, as there are so many
permutations of weather and waters, but will hopefully point you in the right
direction. Permit providers will be able to give you more precise information
based on when you are coming etc.
Don't forget that Scotland has a fantastic network of tackle shops and they
will be more than happy to help. A list of most of the tackle shops, guides
and instructors can be found by going to www.visitscotland.com/fish and
clicking on the "links" page.
The size of fly rod you use normally
depends on the size of river you are
fishing. However the most popular
one is a double handed 15 foot rod
rated 10 or 11. For smaller rivers a 13 or
14 foot rod rated 9 or 10 could be
more appropriate. Bring a floater,
intermediate and sinker (or one of the
excellent multi tip Spey lines that are
now available) no matter what time of
year you are fishing. It is worth
bringing a 10 foot single handed
number 7 or 8 with you as well in case
you encounter low water - you will be
surprised how effective it can be in
those conditions. Leader matter
should be from 8lb to at least 15lb.
Scissor pliers or similar for carefully
unhooking fish. Classic salmon flies
include Willie Gunn, Ally's Shrimp,
Garry Dog, Cascade Shrimp, Silver
Stoats Tail. Sizes 6 - 12 will cover most
things. Mainly in spring and autumn,
tube flies or Waddingtons are
extensively used in sizes 1 - 1� inch
or bigger. The best advice is to ask
your ghillie or permit provider for
the best patterns and sizes for your
visit as there are huge variations due
to time of year etc. Game fishing
tackle shops will carry all the
necessary flies, leaders etc.
Make sure you have good warm
clothing that can be worn on the
layered principle as weather can
change quickly. Good waterproof
clothing is essential. For the larger
rivers a wading stick is a must. One
with a heavy "foot" is particularly
useful in the bigger rivers. Life
jackets are essential for boat fishing
and are usually provided if asked
for. If in doubt - bring your own.
Many anglers are also now wearing
them when wading, especially on
the big rivers such as the Tay, Spey
and Tweed. This is strongly
recommended.
Salmon
Sea Trout
useful advice
For fishing on loch or river, normal fly fishing
tackle will do fine. Whilst there is some bait
fishing for sea trout, the vast majority is fly
only. A 10 foot number 7 rod would be ideal.
Floating line will cover most situations.
However a selection of intermediate and
sinking poly tips would be an excellent
addition. Classic sea trout flies include Teal
Blue and Silver, Stoat's Tail, Silver Stoat's Tail,
Peter Ross, Silver Invicta, Kate McLaren and
Claret Bumble. Sizes 8 to 14 will see you
alright. Many anglers are now using small,
lightweight tubes of �-inch size. Game fishing
tackle shops will carry all the necessary flies
and equipment. Leader material should
generally be in the range from 4 - 8lb.
Make sure you have good warm clothing
that can be worn on the layered principle as
the weather can change very quickly. Good
waterproof clothing is essential. For the larger
rivers a wading stick can be a great
confidence builder and they are widely used.
Life jackets are essential for boat fishing and
many anglers are also now wearing them
when fishing the big rivers such as the Tay and
Tweed, or at night. If you are fishing at night
then obviously a torch is absolutely essential.

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