This small sandy beach has a growing reputation among match anglers as a winning venue during the winter. Best fished over low the entire beach can provide excellent sport, but the hot spots are the rocks at either end. Easterly seas will provide the best conditions, although darkness can find fish in almost any weather from October to February. Weed can be a problem, especially early season over high and the flooding tide can catch out the unwary when fishing from the rocks. Stewart Falconer
SPECIES
Codling dominate with fish of 2-6lb being the norm, with a few cod to double figures taken each year. Occasional flounder, coalfish and school bass are caught, but are not generally sought.
BEST BAITS
Lugworm-based cocktails using crabs, mussels, razorfish or white ragworms are standard baits. Very little bait can be obtained locally, so make sure you travel with plenty.
TACKLE
Fishing is from the rocks, so a heavy rod will be needed because there can be quite a few snags. A standard beachcaster will suffice from the sand. Big, fast-retrieve reels loaded with 40lb line are best from the rocks and could be used on the beach because there is no need to cast more than 40 or 50 yards. A Pennell rig made with size 3/0 Mustad Viking hooks is best held in place by a 5oz or 6oz grip weight with a rotten bottom only needed at either end of the beach.
GETTING THERE
Signposted from the main A92 coast road between Dundee and Arbroath, Easthaven sits almost on top of the beach where a car park overlooking the beach is easily found going under the railway bridge and bearing left.
