It’s that time of year when the Isle of Man comes alive, motorbikes everywhere, lunatics using and abusing our roads as if it was some glorified track day. Beer, music, unbelievable racing. For 2 weeks around the end of May, beginning of June the Isle of Man becomes the “road racing capital of the world”, it’s TT time!
Locally speaking, some love it, some hate it. Personally I love the racing, big fan of all motorsports and the TT is immense. Love the majority of the fans and atmosphere, here to watch the racing, go fast responsibly, enjoy the island and in some cases even do some fishing….I’ve got fond memories of taking groups of lads out in my dads boat when I was young. Not so keen these days on the younger British (oi oi geezer, just been at the darts, fuck all interest in watching the racing) crowd the event seems to have gathered up who seem to be under the impression that it’s a free for all, they are “racing” and that there are “no limits”. Bollocks. I remember well being on the ferry when the old man was sick in Liverpool, surrounded by English lads in their 20’s who spend the whole journey at the bar before jumping straight on their bikes at the other end for a lap of the course. As if drink driving isn’t a thing on the Isle of Man. Any mention and they think they are keeping the Isle of Man economy alive by coming here to throw themselves at walls, fucks sake, the entire visitor economy over here account for less than 1% of GDP, we’re an offshore finance center! I’d bet 99% of the islands population gain NOTHING from the TT, except for disruption, the amazing atmosphere and a massive change in pace to island life. Bugger, this is going way of course and like I said, I’ll take it, big fan of TT, just less bell-ends please. I’m getting old. Moving on, you’ve come to watch the TT and fancy doing some fishing as well, here’s a quick quick guide on how the TT affects things.
First of all June is very early in our season. It really takes until July when we start seeing proper numbers of bait fish and so the larger numbers of bigger predators. The Isle of Man has built a reputation over the years for Tope fishing and more recently Bass. However the majority of that fishing takes place on the north west beaches. The bad news is that getting to these areas when racing is on is a massive pain in the ass. I mean massive, I wouldn’t bother. Kirk Michael, Ballaugh and further north all fall within the TT course and unless you’re camping right on the doorstep I’d lose the notion of trying for a Tope. You can get there when racing isn’t on but the course roads are mental busy, it is not a fun experience. Be warned. Bass are still a possibility but you’d have to stick to the east coast north of Ramsey towards the point during race times, and even outside racing it is a more pleasant journey. Again though June is early and there is no guarantee. However June is late enough for the rock marks around the south of the island to be really productive and if you’re coming to the Isle of Man during TT then this is where I’d concentrate. Our Callig (Pollack) fishing is world class, double figures from the shore is possible. 6lb+ not that unusual. Light spinning gear is all you need, you’ll get great sport without local knowledge (just find somewhere that looks fishy) from anywhere around Langness, Scarlett, The Sound, Port Erin up too Niarbyl and Peel Castle. Nowhere near the course and for the most part very accessible. If you want something even easier then Laxey, Port St Mary and Peel breakwaters are all public bus’able even when races are on and fish well this early but can get very busy, keep in mind it’s local school holidays during TT week. Tackle shops can be a bit hit and miss during TT, a lot of locals take holidays to get away and so if you’re wanting to bring tackle think along the lines of Savage Sandeels, Sidewinders etc I’m assuming you’re not going to be digging bait anyway, can’t imagine a garden fork goes well on a bike!
Boat fishing? The Isle of Man has some stunning coastal scenery which is best enjoyed from a boat, the fact the fishing is way better as well helps. Check out the Casey J Fishing Trips Facebook page for details of fishing trips through the TT period. Based in Peel, Nicky is an old mate who has been commercial fishing the west coast of the island as long as I’ve been angling. Absolutely 100% guaranteed to get you on some fish at the TT time of year.
Worried about missing racing? Of course if you’re here during TT then the chances are your main priority is going to be the racing, of course it is. The good news is that even if things go pear shaped and you end up stuck a little out of the way the options for following the TT have got much better. First of all there is an official TT live streaming service that will be showing all sessions and races live for a really small fee (£15 for 2 weeks of action). Secondly the live radio commentary has changed so it is now being broadcast by 2 different radio stations. The AM signal could always be hit and miss but the FM signal from Energy is rock solid across everywhere on island I’ve tried, even on the boat. So if worst does come to the worst you can still follow the races (more info on how to follow the TT live here).
In short then don’t be afraid to combine a love of bikes and sea fishing whilst the TT is on, the vast majority of our better fishing spots for the month of June are still accessible during the whole TT period, the boat fishing is just starting to warm up and besides fresh fish goes really well on a BBQ.