About the Outer Hebrides

The Outer Hebrides consists of a chain of islands approximately 130 miles in length and lying just off the north-west coast of Scotland. The islands range from Lewis in the north, through to Barra in the south via Harris, the Uists and Benbecula.

The enormity of fishing locations across the Hebrides makes any angler's experience one to remember. It's here that an angler's thoughts wander no further than on the enjoyment of fishing - in some locations the only sounds you're likely to hear all day is your line whizzing above your head, the eagle soaring high above, the red deer munching on the heather near by or your line tightening and the splendour of a Hebridean fish breaking the water's surface and leading you a merry dance. Experience all this in spectacular surroundings where the air is fresh and the mind is free. It's no wonder that the Outer Hebrides has become the prized and enjoyed location of anglers year after year. You will feel truly revitalised as you breathe in the fresh Hebridean air.

The variety of angling opportunities in the Hebrides is outstanding. River catchments vary from vast peat moorlands that hold infinite still waters to rough uplands with steep rocky burns and rivers. The western Atlantic fringe consists of productive lochs on grassy machair, while the east coast (facing the mainland) is made of fjordic inlets fed by spate rivers.

The sheer ratio of freshwater mass to landmass in the Outer Hebrides, with over 2000 fishable lochs at the last count, means that the islands guarantee the game angler a fishing experience of discovery and adventure.

Grimersta's record catch

Amongst other things, the Outer Hebrides can boast a UK record which was set on the shores of the famous Grimersta Estate. Back in the summer of 1888 Mr Naylor landed 54 salmon in one day (314lb) and also managed 15 sea trout (72lb). This is a feat that is never likely to be matched again and the sheer enormity of this achievement leaves anglers today in awe with admiration, professional jealousy and absolute amazement that such an event could actually have taken place - certainly in present day terms this is hard to comprehend despite the good run of salmon entering the crystal clear waters of the Grimersta system each year. Mr Naylor also managed 45 salmon the following day before giving up at lunch time.

The account of this magnificent day in history can be read in the pages of Cecil Braithwaite's book, 'Fishing Here and There'. The book is quite rare now but should still be available in the reference section of most local authority libraries in Scotland and is well worth a read, as it's sure to whet your appetite.