Aberdeen Newbie after advice on the basics

[zed01]

Hi there,

another newbie to the forum and to sea fishing, and in need of some advice! I have the basic tackle and am also ok with the whole principle of shock leaders. What I'm struggling with is actually catching something...anything.

I have been fishing between Aberdeen and Cove and catch NOTHING but do keep losing my tackle to the seabed. So my questions are: Is there a good all round rig type a beginner should be using? I have been sticking to 2-3 hook flappers as, to be honest, I really don't know when other types should be used, or under what situation they should be used - any avice on this would also be great

Is there anywhere along this stretch of coast that I won't keep losing my rigs/tackle? Is it worth considering North of Aberdeen and fishing the sandy beaches (and what rigs/gear should I use for this!?)

Are there other options to explore when shore fishing such as feathers, spinners, and what are jellies and can these used for shore fishing?

Finally, any advice from Aberdeen based fishermen would be great as to where to try and what works.

Thanks!

[Spinner64]

Hi mate
I used to fish around the Portlethen area a lot for cod and if the marks you are fishing are similar to there i would cut down to a single hook pulley rig or pulley pennel for larger baits.
Baits i used up there was mostly worm/crab and mussels or the odd whole squid now and again.
There is a section on here covering rigs, cant remember exactly where it is so just use the search facility if you cant find it.
Might even be worth trying float fishing some ragworm or sandeel, jelly worms/eels are used on a long flowing trace with a sliding weight on a zip slider or just slid on the line with a couple of rubber beads to cushion against the swivel and a couple of feet of mono to your hook.
You can also use a drilled ball weight above the swivel if you prefer
Just a few ideas for you Zed!
I,l try and do some pics of some of the set up's i use if you need more info.

[zed01]

Thanks for the info spinner64! Much appreciated

[Spinner64]

Forgot to say the jelly worms will catch pollack/bass and sometimes mackerel from the shore, try the firetail ones.

[zed01]

Gotcha - will look into it :)

[Spinner64]

No probs always willing to help mate. Good luck!