Mackerel now a popular fish to catch and eat
Mackerel were, at one time, not on the menu for Scots who preferred staples like cod, haddock or salmon.
Many fishmongers in the UK 50 years ago did not stock or display the fish. Fast forward to now and they are an extremely popular fish to eat and to catch.
Why? They are considered a healthy fish to eat because they are a great source of Omega-3 fatty acids.
They are closely related to tuna and are also a source of protein and other essential nutrients. What's more, they are now in the Forth area.
Derek Anderson, boss of Aquamarine Charters out of Eyemouth, said anglers on his charters along the Berwickshire coast have landed 'huge' mackerel.
Word has gone round and his regular trips on Sagittarius, a Blyth Workboat 33 catamaran, are popular with anglers from as far afield as Glasgow and Newcastle and, of course, the Lothians. He does half-day, full-day and evening trips.
Leanne Taylor of Forth Sea Safaris based at Burntisland is now regularly dropping a line from her boat to monitor the situation.
As yet, mackerel have not arrived around Burntisland, but you can book your spot on her wide-decked Pathfinder boat for a two-hour trip out of the Fife harbour. The trips are set to start in July, but, if the mackerel arrive then dates may change.
Both charter bosses state that 7ft rods are required. Equipment can be hired.
Further afield, anglers on the MV Rachel May off the North-East Coast are catching mackerel. The boat is run by Gordon Morrison and anglers on Misty Angling trips from Fraserburgh Harbour can also catch codling, haddock, ling and dab.
Fishing note. Mackerel are normally easy to catch, just ask two young girls who were on the Misty trip recently. They using several feathers on a line with a weight and simply dropped that over the side of a boat. Bingo. They went home with a carrier bag full.
Feathers can also be cast from a harbour or jetty and the fish also responds to a wide range of lures which are available in local tackle shops.
MACKEREL FISHING: Anglers drop a line from the Forth Sea Safaris boat off the Fife coast. Picture Nigel Duncan
Like this:
Like
Related
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Scottish Sun
5 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
Major new transport link for Scottish holidaymakers revealed
Tickets are available now Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) SCOTS holidaymakers will now be able to travel directly to and from the UK's busiest airport as a brand new transport link launches. Bus operator FlixBus has announced a brand new daily service between Edinburgh, Glasgow and London Heathrow. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 FlixBus is launching a new service between Edinburgh and London Heathrow Credit: Alamy From Monday, June 16, the coach service will run a direct service from the Scots capital to the airport's Central Bus Station. Tickets are available to buy now and start from just £14.99 with luggage included in the price. There's also free Wi-Fi onboard and the option to book a neighbour-free seat. The route provides a seamless link between the cities - without the hassle of changeovers or expensive airport parking. FlixBus also offers free travel for Young Scot under 22s, over 60s with a bus pass and anyone with a National Entitlement Card. Andreas Schorling, Senior Managing Director of FlixBus UK, said: "We launched direct routes to Heathrow from the Midlands earlier this year, which have been hugely popular, so we're delighted to be bringing our affordable, sustainable and reliable airport services to Edinburgh in time for summer! "We see this growth as a major step forward in our plans to be the largest coach network in the UK." Elsewhere, a major Scottish city is set to get London-style public transport system. Passengers in Edinburgh will soon be able to tap on and off buses and trams using seamless smart ticketing. An integrated fares system, already popular in other major cities, is finally coming to the Scottish capital. Moment man swearing on bus is put in his place by fellow passenger We told previously how Scots with free bus passes are being urged to check the expiry date. National Entitlement Card Renewal forms are no longer being sent to disabled passholders ahead of the expiry date. A renewal can take at least five weeks - users are advised to apply in pleanty plenty of time.
Scottish Sun
7 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
Thunder warning EXTENDED across Scotland after day of heavy rain, flooding & travel chaos
More than 30,000 lightning strikes were already recorded up to 6am on Saturday as storms push northwards STORMY WEATHER Thunder warning EXTENDED across Scotland after day of heavy rain, flooding & travel chaos Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) SCOTLAND'S yellow weather warning for thunderstorms has been extended. Parts of the country have today been battered with stormy weather, heavy downpours and flooding. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 The Met Office has extended the yellow weather warning for thunderstorms Credit: Alamy 3 Up to 50mm could fall in some parts of the country 3 The stormy weather could lead to difficult driving conditions Stretching from south-west Scotland, across the central belt and up to the Highlands, the weather warning was initially set to last until 6pm this evening. It has since been extended until 9pm. More than 30,000 lightning strikes were already recorded up to 6am on Saturday as storms push northwards, although the Met Office said the "vast majority" had been over the sea. As much as 50mm of rain could fall in some parts of Scotland. Scots should also brace for strong gusts and hail along with the thunderstorms. The Met Office said: "Thunderstorms are currently spreading northwards across Scotland. "Torrential downpours, lightning, hail and strong gusty winds are possible. "Take care if you are travelling and stay weather aware." The forecasters said that spray and sudden flooding could lead to difficult driving conditions and some road closures. But no major transport issues have arisen yet. Watch moment lightning strike 'blows all power' in popular Irish seaside town Further areas of heavy rain and some thunderstorms are expected to move north over the course of this evening. We told previously how thunderstorms can trigger a rare phenomenon called "thunder fever". Scientists believe that during a thunderstorm, pollen grains absorb moisture and split into smaller fragments and create a "super pollen". Airborne allergens expert Max Wiseberg says this weekend's weather could be particularly bad for those with hay fever.
Daily Record
7 hours ago
- Daily Record
Scotland yellow weather warning for thunderstorms extended
The wet weather came after Scotland had its warmest day of the year so far with 25.7C recorded in Lossiemouth in Moray. A yellow weather warning for thunderstorms in Scotland has been extended, as a similar alert for England was lifted. Parts of the UK were battered by thunderstorms on Saturday as the rainy weather caused flooding and travel disruption in parts of England. The warning for thunderstorms in the eastern half of Northern Ireland will remain in place until 6pm. The Met Office said: "Thunderstorms are currently spreading northwards across Scotland. " Torrential downpours, lightning, hail and strong gusty winds are possible. Take care if you are travelling and stay weather aware." The forecaster has extended its yellow warning for most of Scotland from 6pm to 9pm on Saturday. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. Scots have been warned that spray and sudden flooding that could make driving conditions difficult and lead to road closures. The Met Office said the impact of any flooding or lightning could see transport delays. But no major transport issues were reported as of 5pm. It comes after torrential downpours caused transport disruption in Kent while Dover was hit with flooding. The Met Office had said as much as 80mm of rain could fall in the worst hit areas of the UK. More than 30,000 lightning strikes were recorded overnight, although most happened at sea. The wet weather came after the UK recorded its hottest day with West Suffolk reaching 29.4C. Scotland also had its warmest day of the year so far with 25.7C recorded in Lossiemouth in Moray. The Met Office said further outbreaks of heavy rain and thundery weather will affect parts of Scotland overnight, while elsewhere in the UK would become drier with some clear spells. The forecaster said Sunday would being better weather with variable amounts of clouds and sunny spells developing across the country, with a few isolated showers in the afternoon.
