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.
You can check the Charter Boat Directory for more information.
Trout fishing
Anglers are spoilt for choice in Shetland and you can fish a dozen lochs a day at astonishingly low fees.
The wild brown trout in Shetland’s freshwater lochs are one of angling's best-kept secrets. Thanks to more than 80 years of careful management by the Shetland Anglers' 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 Shetland Anglers' Association website has full details on trout fishing in Shetland, as well as valuable hints and tips. You can buy a fishing permit from the website, giving you access to fish in all Shetland’s lochs. Permits cost just £30 per season. They also have boats for hire on several of the most popular lochs.
A brochure on trout fishing in Shetland is also available and contains a map and details of more than 70 of the best angling locations, as well as information on boats, fish species and access. You can buy the brochure online for just £2.50. It's also available to buy in Lerwick from The Shetland Times Bookshop and LHD Marine Supplies.