Jura, Islay,Camping and Fishing

Stevem · 22 July 2018, 20:40

Just back form a fantastic few days boating, camping and fishing around Jura and Islay. The weather and the midge both played ball for once and we even caught a few fish.
Myself and a mate set off last Thursday from Carsaig Bay in an sr4 and an Aerotec sib with the idea to circumnavigate Jura and swing by the north coast of Islay to fish Gruniart bay before returning to Carsaig Bay through the Corryvreckan.

We left Carsaig Bay with a fog over Jura but you could see the sun trying to get through and eventually it did burn through and the fog lifted.

It was an early start from Newcastle travelling to Carsaig Bay and getting on a bit by the time we got to Gruniart Bay stopping off along the way at a few Pollock marks that I found.

Set up camp on the banks of Gruniart and it really is a beautiful spot.

SR4 with a new Tohatsu 50 went 62NM according to Navionics on a 25l tank which I was impressed with, the Aerotec with an older Tohatsu 25hp errm not so good!

charliee · 22 July 2018, 21:09

Is that a nice sea trout, if so very nice!

Stevem · 23 July 2018, 07:08

It is a nice sea trout.

Fenlander · 23 July 2018, 08:55

Well you picked one of the best summers for the trip... can't remember was it your first time up that way?

Stevem · 23 July 2018, 18:54

I have been going to Crinan for quite a few years now and have been down the east coast of Jura before but never circumnavigated Jura or been to Islay.

It was great having the two boats out and though obviously the sr4 was the more capable boat I felt the Aerotec really held its own.
I know the weather could not have been better but my mate in the Aerotec (has owned hard boats in the past) was really impressed with its performance and handling.
I'm up there at the end of this week on a family holiday so hopefully the weather holds up.

Fenlander · 23 July 2018, 19:42

Apologies I'd forgotten but remember now you mentioning Crinan before. I've said already in the past few weeks despite our superb time in Cornwall this year we miss that area and have several tabs open on the PC at the moment for possibilities in the west later this year and/or next.

So how are you getting on with the steering/remotes? I find with mine if solo getting too much of my weight forward makes it bow steer a bit.

Stevem · 23 July 2018, 20:32

The steering set up is still a bit vague when solo at wot.
It was the main reason I went for an sr4 tbh. I was about to buy a new Suzuki 25 but was concerned about throwing that sort of money and still being a bit disappointed with the set up.
In retrospect though I was being picky, and was probably expecting too much. My mate who used it to go around Jura at all sorts of speeds didn't complain once.

After our Crinan holiday we have one week left and as we will be camping will probably head for the West of Scotland or Cornwall depending on the weather.