Pollack Fishing off the Rocks on the Sound of Islay

Fishing from the rocks on Islay's East Coast in to the waters of the Sound of Islay

Following the three part series I featured on this blog relating to fishing on Islay in July 2012 and before moving on at least for now to pastures new, I thought this postscript would be appropriate. This trip actually took place in the summer of 2011 but these pictures and details are all previously unshared and unpublished. They relate to a different part of the island from any previously spotlighted. The target species was pollack and the venue was a rocky formation on the East Coast of Islay, fishing the treacherous waters that are the Sound of Islay, the narrow channel which separates Islay from its neighbour, the Isle of Jura.


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A decent pollack taken from the rocks

The bait used on the day was mackerel and calamari squid, together with a number of different lures. Beachcasters and spinning rods were used, over a variety of different casting distances. It was actually a miscast - landing close in to shore - which resulted in the dogfish featured below being taken.

Lesser spotted dogfish will also be around when fishing for pollack on Islay

The pollack were generally taken on spinning rods and of course provide good sport on this lighter tackle. As more people are fortunately starting to realise, pollack also make for great eating.

Decent pollack keep coming and make great eating

The scenery in this part of Islay is particularly stunning, with fabulous views available over towards the Paps of Jura on a clear day.

The Paps of Jura as seen from Islay, across the Sound of Islay

Rock fishing can be dangerous at the best of times but it is especially important when fishing the Sound of Islay to be aware of the treacherous currents which run down through this narrow channel of water. These currents even see the Islay to Jura ferry requiring to follow a long, indirect course at stronger stages of the tide. Falling in to the sea here would see you whisked away in no time.

The waters of the Sound of Islay are beautiful but treacherous