Flix

I've rented a cottage on the east coast of Scotland for a week. The kids want to do some beachcasting while we're there. I can buy a rod and reel for £35, the dealer said he could rig us up with a complete set up for less than £60.
Thing is I've never done any beachcasting before and don't really know what baits or lures to use. I know its better to go near rocks, after that I'm lost.
Any advice would be appreciated.
Chris

richiewong

Don't know anything about sea fishing but I would say a paternoster rig and baits probably rag/lug worm, squid or peeler crab.

Failing that just buy some for the local tackle dealers and ask what he recommends.

Think you need the 'pendulum' cast to bang it out far probably with a shock leader.

Waits for a proper sea angler to turn up and correct everthing

pslewis

A 1oz weight (35p) tied to a set of (49) 6 feathers will do just the job - pull in Mackeral by the bucket-load (are there Mackeral that far north?)

NAF

I'd agree with what richie said
best bet is a 2 hook (size 1 - 2/O) paternoster rig baited with either mackerel strip /lugworm or peeler with a 4-6 oz lead depending on tide conditions imho .

good chance with this set up of catching a good variety of species

you are limiting yourself too much if you just use feathers plus you'll have to be casting and retreiving them all the time which imho is a rite pain in the ***

pendulum cast isn't needed really .... you should find lots of species just beyond the breakers , specially at dusk or nightime

I would def use a shock leader though ... prob something around 60lb breaking strain so do the trick

Flix

Was thinking of using lug/rag, might be able to dig our own. The beach nearby has rocks at each end, would it be better there?

NAF

you might find conger eels around the rocks maybe , worth a try

If your digging your own use a garden fork if you have one instead of a spade .

its easier and doesn't cut up the worms as easily

look for the casts that the worms leave on the sand

Its a telltale sign that there's some there

NAF

A sizeable conger will destroy a paternoster rig though so make sure you use a good swivel to counteract their spinning

Flix

Congor, cool. I wasn't expecting to be able to catch something like that.

richiewong

God when I use to fish I was happy with a 1lb tench, need to try sea fishing one day.

ScoobyDriverWannabe

1-2 size hook mak be a bit small for up there considering the fish you will be attempting to catch if you get anything of a decent size it will bend. As wuill if if it gets caught on any rocks or sea weed entangled.

If you going to be fishing over the rocks expect to get snagged and loose a fair bit equiptment so have plenty of spares.

Although i would agree with using a shock leader for the more advanced angler, if your just a novice it will add a weekness to the line which may snap if you get snagged and attempt to pull the line out.

One tip i would give u is once you pull of the bottom and start reeling in dont hesitate or stop, espechially if there is sea weed. A good strike of the rod before your going to begin relling will lift you off the bottom.

If your going to attempt to dig your own worm be warned its hard work and not as easy as it sounds. Rag, lug, crab, mackeral all give you a chance. I would have a mixture.

Also is the dealer from where you plan on going fishing or live, if the later i would maybe hold out and get your equipment up there as a local dealer to the location will have more of an idea whats needed.

If you tell me a approx location of where your going il try and find out some more information for you.