Aberdeen Beach Fishing

A well-known sea fishing mark on Scotland's east coast. It’s easily accessible and offers productive fishing across various seasons. Here’s a detailed guide for fishing at Aberdeen Beach, covering what you can expect to catch, when to visit, gear recommendations, and more:

Location and Accessibility

• Location: Aberdeen Beach stretches along the northeastern coast of Scotland, close to the city center. It’s easily accessible by car and public transport, with parking available nearby.
• Accessibility: The beach is popular among locals and tourists, with amenities such as bathrooms, restaurants, and tackle shops nearby. Aberdeen’s rugged coastline and sandy shores make it easy to cast from shorelines, piers, and breakwaters.

Best Fishing Seasons

• Winter: Cod fishing is most popular during winter, from November to February, when larger cod come closer to shore.
• Spring/Summer: In warmer months, especially from May to September, you can find mackerel, flounder, and plaice.
• Autumn: September and October are good for pollock, with flounder and occasional bass also present.

Species to Target

1. Cod – Most anglers visit Aberdeen Beach for cod, particularly in winter. Larger cod tend to feed closer to the shore during colder months, and you can expect some substantial catches.
2. Flounder and Dab – Flatfish species like flounder and dab are available year-round. These are often caught in shallower waters, making them ideal for beach fishing.
3. Plaice – Common in warmer months, especially around sandy patches. They’re best targeted with lighter rigs.
4. Mackerel – Summer brings mackerel closer to shore, and they’re fun to catch on light tackle or lures.
5. Pollock – A strong fighter, pollock is often found around rocky areas or piers near the beach.
6. Occasional Species – Other fish such as coalfish, bass, and even whiting (in colder months) are occasionally caught here.

Best Fishing Spots Along Aberdeen Beach

• Northern Breakwater: Known as one of the most productive spots for cod. Fishing close to the breakwater rocks can attract pollock and coalfish too.
• Central Sandy Areas: Ideal for flatfish like flounder and plaice. Fish tend to move with the tides here, so low tide is ideal.
• Piers and Groynes: Aberdeen Beach has several groynes along its length where fish gather, especially pollock and mackerel in summer.

Tackle and Gear Recommendations

• Rod and Reel: A 12- to 15-foot beachcaster rod paired with a strong fixed spool or multiplier reel is ideal for targeting cod. A lighter setup with a 9- to 10-foot rod is sufficient for flatfish.
• Line: For winter cod, use a mainline of 20-25 lb breaking strain with a shock leader. Lighter line (10-15 lb) can be used in summer when targeting mackerel and flatfish.
• Rigs:
  • Pulley Rig: Effective for cod as it handles rough ground well and keeps the bait close to the bottom.
  • Two-Hook Flapper Rig: Good for flatfish and other smaller species. This rig offers multiple bait presentations for catching smaller species like flounder and dab.
  • Feathering Rigs: Great for mackerel, especially during summer.
• Hooks: Use size 3/0 to 5/0 for cod, while smaller hooks (size 1 or 2) are sufficient for flatfish.
• Weights: Use grip leads (4-5 oz) to hold your bait in place against the tide and waves.

Best Bait Options

• Lugworm and Ragworm: Both are fantastic for targeting cod, flounder, and other bottom-feeding species.
• Peeler Crab: Works very well for cod, especially in winter.
• Mackerel Strips: A favorite for summer fishing, attracting mackerel, pollock, and other fish.
• Squid and Mussel: Often used in combination with lugworm for a stronger scent trail, great for cod and other larger fish.

Tips for Fishing at Aberdeen Beach

1. Fish with the Tides: Cod and flounder are especially active during rising tides, with high tide being particularly productive. Flatfish tend to come in closer with the tide as well.
2. Night Fishing: Cod are more active at night, making Aberdeen Beach a great place for evening sessions, especially in winter. You’ll need a headlamp or beach lighting to help with visibility.
3. Long Casting: The ability to cast far can increase your chances of reaching larger fish, especially cod. Practice long casting or use a beachcaster rod to increase distance.
4. Observe Weather Patterns: Fish are often more active after storms, as strong waves can dislodge food, drawing in fish closer to shore.
5. Tackle Shops Nearby: Aberdeen has several tackle shops, like Somers Fishing Tackle, where you can get bait, tackle, and any advice on local conditions.

Local Fishing Regulations

• Licensing: No permit is required for saltwater fishing on Aberdeen Beach. However, always check if local regulations have changed before heading out.
• Catch Limits: It’s advisable to check any catch limits, particularly for species like cod, as these may be subject to conservation rules.
• Conservation: Responsible fishing is encouraged, including returning undersized fish to protect local stocks.

Nearby Amenities

Aberdeen Beach has convenient amenities for anglers. Nearby you’ll find restaurants, cafes, and public restrooms, and there are several bait and tackle shops in the city for any last-minute needs. The area is also well-lit at night, making it popular for evening and night fishing.

Popular Fishing Events at Aberdeen Beach

Aberdeen Beach sometimes hosts angling competitions, especially during the winter cod season, where local anglers gather for friendly or competitive sessions. Participating or spectating can provide a great opportunity to learn from seasoned locals.

Aberdeen Beach is an ideal spot for both beginners and experienced anglers, offering a variety of fish and fishing conditions across the seasons. Whether you’re targeting cod in the winter or mackerel in the summer, Aberdeen Beach provides plenty of opportunities for a successful day by the sea.