Sea anglers make good catches of skate in Oban (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Sea anglers make good catches of skate in Oban

MEMBERS of Corinium Sea Angling Club have just returned from Oban in Scotland where they have been very successful in catching the common skate.

The Oban area is one of the few places left in British waters where these creatures can still be found.

And members, who spent four days aboard Ronnie Campbell's boat, caught a total of 28 skate which were weighed, photographed and returned unharmed.

Malcolm Manock caught the best specimen, weighing in at 193lb, beating his previous club record of 160lb.

Corinium has been travelling to Scotland for the past three years and this trip proved by far the best.

All the skate were caught with mackerel, small fish or squid in a depth of up to 600 feet and using 50lb-class rods and reels. Also caught was a new specimen for the club, a rarely seen blackmouth dogfish.

The club, which next year is celebrating a 30th birthday, meets on alternate Wednesdays at the Fisherman's Rest in South Cerney where a warm welcome awaits any new member.

Apart from at least one boat trip a month, a keen beach fishing group organises shore trips on a monthly basis and the club also arranges weekend trips to Ireland and Wales throughout the year.

Anyone interested in sea fishing is invited along to a meeting or to contact membership secretary Dave Savage at D & J Sports in Cricklade Street, Cirencester.