Tips When Deciding to Go Trout Fishing in the Waters of Scotland

Know the trout, know the best bait, know the best gear, and know the best techniques- -these are the basics to trout fishing. But then again, the environment where you’re going to fish plays a huge part in the game. So if you’re going on a trip, and decide to try Scotland’s waters for fishing the infamous trout, then it’ll be best to get to know Scotland really well first.

Just like a tourist yearning to try out the country’s delicacies, you’d want to go where the abundance is. The banks of the Don, Tweed or Clyde, as well as the Isle of Lewis, or any other areas surrounded by trout loch are indeed good places. But still, research and planning are a prerequisite that must not be missed.

Books on Scotland’s best places to go trout fishing, as well as the internet, would really help in getting a bird’s eye-view. Excellent spots are found all throughout the Highlands, in the rivers and lochs located at Argyll, Caithness, Orkney, Durness, and Perthshire and some commercially stocked fisheries on either the Central belt or in Aberdeenshire. Decide on the regions you’re going to, so as not to waste your time unnecessarily and to have more fun, rather than more fatigue during your trip.

And like fruits that have their seasons, look up Scotland’s best times for trout fishing. You would find that the best dates to go on trout fishing in Scotland would be during the 14th of March to the 7th of October- the open season for fishing for trout. Also research on where you can purchase or rent quality gear for a good price.

If hiring a guide is possible, it’s best to get one. If you don’t have a guide when you arrive, start by asking the natives, especially those who are specialized in trout fishing, it’s a great way to get about. Before you even travel, make sure you’ve gotten a place to stay.

Once you’ve mapped out your preliminary plan on how you’ll go through your fishing trek, prepared all the gear you need to bring, and established a good budget, then you’re ready to go.

By the way, you’ll need to get permits for trout fishing on Scottish rivers since most of it is covered under Protection Orders. Permits are affordable and can be easily picked up at tourist outlets, tackle shops, tour operators or angling clubs. Standard permits will only allow you to fish for wild brown trout and rainbow trout, a migratory fish permit is required for you to be able to do sea trout fishing.

Once you’ve arrived and have finally settled down, the last thing to do is get into the waters of Scotland! Get around and communicate with the locals to find out more about the area, the best things to do when going trout fishing, and also to be able to connect with the place. The bond will help you be more comfortable in the area helping things become easier and more fun.

Before plunging in, hone your skills first. It’s good to concentrate on shallower waters, where the trout are more likely to be found. You can start by practicing your fly-fishing on the loch first, then moving on to the river banks, and then setting out in the boat once you’ve warmed up. Remember what you’ve read and learned from the experts’ advice on fishing for trout. Move with a consistent rhythm of casting and  keep that rhythm.

Have fun, learn more, and use that gained knowledge the next time you go trout fishing again!

JAMES FIELD is a trout fishing expert. For more information on trout fishing Scotland, visit http://www.troutfishingheadquarters.com/.

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