S

Shooting head – A shorter fly line with a heavy belly section used to gain extra distance on the cast.

Shock leader – A length of strong line used when casting to withstand the shock of the cast and help prevent line breakage. A general guide is to use 10lb of breaking strain for every ounce being cast. So for a 4oz lead you should use at least a 40lb BS leader and for 6oz use not less than 60lb BS.

Shoal – A group of fish or a sandbank.

Shirvvy – see Chum

Shank – The straight, back part of a hook.

Shad – A plastic, fish shaped lure which is available incorporating an internal lead weight or un-weighted. The un-weighted version can be fished on a leadhead. Used when hopping. Also…

SFSA – The governing body for sea angling in Scotland. Selects international teams for Home Internationals and CIPS events.

Semidiurnal – Locations which have two low and two high tides each day.

Seasick – a horrible feeling on a boat with two stages. In the first you think you are dying and in the second you wish you were dead.

Sea trout – A migratory trout which, like the salmon, spends part of its life at sea.