Recreational sea angling (RSA) is one of the largest participation sports in the UK with more than one million sea anglers, male and female, of all ages and ability, who fish from beaches, harbours, piers, and from boats both close to shore and offshore. Recreational sea anglers spend £1 billion a year on the sport and areas such as the Banffshire Coast is becoming a hot favourite amongst this set.
Banffshire is a haven for fishing and many anglers can be seen perched on rocks around the rugged coastline. The River Deveron is a good base for freshwater fishing for brown trout, sea trout and salmon and there is excellent sea fishing either from the shore or by boat for many varieties such as mackerel, pollock and wrasse. Local fishing trips are available from Puffin Cruises who run special trips by boat – rods and bait are supplied.
Karen Crowe, of the Banffshire Coastal Tourism Partnership, says, “Sea angling makes a substantial economic and social contribution to the national economy today. We welcome many visitors to the area for this sole purpose. The coastline and stunning scenery lends itself to such a peaceful and relaxing sport. The ends of Macduff and Whitehills piers are popular places to fish from.â€
Karen continues, “It is a diverse sport where anglers can fish alone or with family and friends from sand or shingle beaches, rocks, piers or in river estuaries. There are sea angling trips available all year round, weather permitting, but the species numbers and average sizes do change with the season with people spinning and float fishing in the summer and bait fishing in the winter.â€
For further information on Banffshire Coastal Tourism Partnership and things to do in the area, visit www.banffshirecoast.com or call 0870 803 0251. For further information on local fishing trips contact Puffin Cruises on 01542 832560.
The Banffshire Coast is becoming a hot spot amongst recreational sea anglers. The end of Macduff pier is one of many popular places to fish from.
