During the summer months, it is plain to see that the most popular form of sea angling activity on the West coast of Scotland is spinning. The target species is usually mackerel, with a hope that a plump sea trout might just grab the lure instead. Whereas feathering for mackerel using a beachcaster is popular south of the border, the light tackle approach is much more common in Scotland. Perhaps this is due to trout anglers, who normally use a spinner, worm or bubble and fly in fresh water, turning their spinning gear in search of mackerel while on holiday. What is certain is that they will get a lot more excitement out of each fish they hook.

Unfortunately, most holidaymakers will leave fishless, which is due to a number of reasons. Firstly, there are just not so many mackerel around as there were a few years ago. The shoals that come within casting range seem smaller and less frequent. Therefore it is important to target known hotspots, rather than the most convenient bit of coastline. Secondly, there are numerous tackle-related problems which beset the holiday angler. The lure might be too heavy and crack off during casting, or too light and only travel a few yards - straight into the weed. Expensive lures are easily lost, calling an early halt to the spinning session.

Technique is important too. The retrieve can be fast or slow; smooth or jerky, but it is impossible to know which will be most successful on the day. One thing worth doing is to vary the length of time you let the lure sink before starting the retrieve. Often you will find that the fish are deeper than you think, and will take the lure on the drop - but again, be careful not to get snagged! Your fishing stance is also important. Too high, and the lure will tend to rise to the surface too soon. Fish as close to the water as you can, and keep the rod tip low if you want the lure to work deep.

For mackerel, this is easy - just about anything that you can cast a reasonable distance. The good old Toby is a favourite, and my choice of colour would be silver. If the mackerel are there, a silver Toby will catch them. Other, more compact, designs might be better where long casting is an advantage.

If the mackerel are not obliging, some of the resident fish might put in an appearance. Small rock codling, coloured red, are common additional catches, as are coalfish and pollack. Sea trout can also be caught, but if you intend to target this species, please first check with the local tackle shop to find out whether a permit is required.

The nearest deep water vantage point to your holiday location might just be OK, but it is better to seek local advice. For mackerel, Loch Long has a good track record - try Portincaple, which has access to deep water from convenient rock ledges. If you want to target pollack, head for rugged, open coastline. The Mull of Galloway area is good, as is the Atlantic-facing North West coast, and Loch Fyne at Furnace is a recognised hotspot.

For spots where you can get down near to the water, and where the fish are expected to be fairly close inshore, a light trout spinning outfit will do perfectly. If pollack are on the cards, a longer and more powerful rod would be preferable. This is to try and stop the pollack from diving deep and wrapping the line round kelp fronds.

I can't understand it. I suppose it is because people are willing to pay over 3 pounds per lure for a 1oz Toby or the like. But lose five or six of these in one session, and it soon adds up. One option is to use cheaper plastic artificial lures, like Redgills and jelly worms, which require additional lead for casting. Another option is to make your own lures - for full instructions, try this manual from Jens Riis.

Often you catch nothing for hours on end when spinning. Personally, I find this frustrating. So it can be a good idea to switch over to a bit of bait and catch some of the small fish that will undoubtedly be swimming around just beneath your feet. You might even catch something bigger. Then you can switch back to lures later on, after the confidence has been boosted a little.

Well, you never know. Keep on asking, and definitely telling to: Alan.Pemberton@ed.ac.uk