The area around Loch Ryan and the coasts of Portpatrick down to the Mull of Galloway is famed for its sea fishing. Over 20 sea fishing records have been claimed by anglers fishing this area.

For more details of fishing marks please visit www.stranraer.org

Fishing marks in the south

The coastline around Kirkcudbright and its surrounding area is also well known as being very productive for shore fishing. Whilst the following information may be useful to help generally orientate sea anglers, for specific information please contact the Scottish Federation of Sea Anglers.

To the east of Kirkcudbright, follow the coast road out of Mutehill where there are some good fishing marks directly in front of and to the south of the life boat station. The coastline in this area has steady rock formations that continue below water, forming canyons that are good for dogfish, cod, bass, pollack, saithe and rockling. The marks are quite obvious but do take care on the rocks. It can be very swelly here so make sure you wear a life jacket.

Sea fishing in Gallloway

Rocky coastline around Portpatrick

A sunny day in Portpatrick Harbour

To the west of Kirkcudbright, follow the B727 towards Borgue turning off where Brighouse Bay is signposted. When the road forks, follow the left hand fork (in the direction of Kirkcudbright Bay) but follow to Ross Bay. Fishing Bar Point (just north of Ross Bay) at high tide will mean that you are into some deep water, with a good likelihood of mullet and bass. In lower water, flounder are also caught. It's not really an area to spin in but is more suitable for beach casting.

At Brighouse Bay itself, the rocks to the east of the May are good for rockling and pollack. With a sandy bottom and it's relative shallow water depth, it's also one of the better places to catch flat fish.

If you've got the means to travel slightly further east, why not try fishing from the infamous Balcary Point near Auchencairn? Reknowned for its sea fishing it is famed for its cod, with an individual of over 40lb having been taken from the shore as well as record dover sole and conger. Boat fishing is also very productive in this area, with record bass having been taken.