Mackerel continue to be taken from most of the region’s piers when the clear water conditions prevail, no big catches reported lately but some anglers have managed decent bags on early morning tides. There are a lot of better sized coalfish to 3lb present this year from the Roker and South Shields piers together with the lower Tyne and some rock marks north of the Tyne. Anglers fishing South Shields have taken more coalfish than mackerel on some tides, and those bait fishing early morning and late evening have taken cod to 2lb on crab baits. South Shields, the lower Tyne and Tynemouth pier have all been very productive lately both for lure and bait fishing and are well worth a visit. A recent Tynemouth retired members match on Tynemouth pier saw Tony Taylor win with eight coalfish, the best of which weighed 1½lb, two dabs, a flounder and a plaice for a total weight of 11lb. Second placed Neil Garner weighed in four flounders, two dabs and one plaice for 5lb 7oz.
The rock marks north of the Tyne are starting to produce a few more cod to 6lb on crab baits and wrasse, coalfish and pollack are also showing from the usual popular marks around Seahouses, Beadnell, and Newton. The deeper water marks such as Dunstanburgh Castle have seen mackerel, pollack and coalies falling to lures. Further north across the border the marks around Eyemouth and St. Abbs are also producing the same species.
Over on the west coast at Cumbria shore sport for flounders is on top form with anglers taking bags of over 30 fish a session from the various marks around Port Carlisle. Sunderland angler Micky Quayle had another weekend session here taking over 70 flounders to 44cm on two tides, Micky reports that lots of smaller fish were taking mackerel baits with the bigger specimens preferring fresh crab.
The Sea Otter 2 out of Whitby produced a new port record halibut of 56lb for Peter Strickson, the fish was taken on the drift and halibut seem to be making a re-appearance in the North Sea after many years in decline.
The Amble Summer Open is on Sunday July 17th fishing from 9.30am till 1.30pm between Seahouses South Pier and Lynemouth Pipe, all piers and rivers excluded except Amble pier for disabled only. Basic entry is £10; juniors under 16 are free if accompanied by a paying adult. Register at the Amble Angling Centre before 9.15am. Prizes depend on entry with a minimum £100 for the heaviest bag and heaviest fish, and £50 for the heaviest flatfish. The size for flounders is 27cm, and wrasse are not eligible for the weigh in. Contact Jim on 01665-711007 for details.
