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Fishing

Sea Angling

zoomLoch fishing

Shetland is an excellent base for sea-angling. Whether you're just after some mackerel, ling or haddock for a superbly fresh meal, or want to take on the bigger challenge of halibut or porbeagle shark, Shetland waters are among the most promising you'll find anywhere. It's usually possible to charter one of the local sea-angling boats.

Trout Fishing

Shetland's legendary sea trout are another attraction for the angler, while the wild brown trout in our freshwater lochs are one of angling's best-kept secrets. Thanks to more than 80 years of careful management by the Shetland Angler's Association, superb fish are to be found in more than 300 lochs scattered all around the islands, ready to be tempted by a fly or spinner. The association has boats for hire on several of the most popular lochs.

Brown Trout Festival

The Brown Trout Festival has operated for 20 years and is popular with both locals and visitors.  The 2010 event will take place from 12th-15th May and includes daily competitions.  Find out more...

Permits & Boat Hire

Fishing permits are required for loch fishing and cost a modest £25 for year round access to all Shetland's lochs.  The permits are available from the tourist office or Ocean Tackle Store, both Lerwick, or online here.

Six boats are currently available for hire at a fee of £30 for unlimited use, contact the Shetland Angler's Association for further information.

Clubroom

The Shetland Angler's Association owns a clubroom and office at 6 Burns Lane, Lerwick. Tel: 01595 696025.  This is open 2 nights a week for members and visitors and operates on a 'bring your own bottle' basis.  The clubroom is the ideal location for visitors to talk to local anglers and pick up handy hints and tips.