There so many brilliant marks in the River Tyne that local anglers are spoilt for choice. The grassy banks on the south side of the river, opposite the Copthorne Hotel Quay, illustrate perfectly the quality of fishing available.
This venue can produce some excellent sport with flounders and eels prolific during the summer and autumn. As winter approaches most of the eels depart to warmer climes and are quickly replaced by small whiting and codling. Most of the marks are within a short distance of parking facilities and you can literally fish out of the back of your car.
With the introduction of catch, measure and release by local clubs fish stocks should remain buoyant and sport can only go from strength to strength.
SPECIES
In the summer flounders and eels are the main target species and are landed in tremendous numbers with fish to over 2lb not uncommon. Eels in particular can provide hectic sport on an evening high water when the tide starts to ebb.
Movement is the main ingredient to get the fish feeding. In winter whiting, codling and the occasional coalfish join the shoals of flounders.
BAIT AND TACKLE
Fresh or frozen peeler crabs tipped off with a sliver of mackerel is the summer bait. Use ragworms, lugworms and white rag when the weather cools.
To reach the main channel requires a cast of over 100 yards, so use a 13ft beachcaster coupled with an Abu 6500-type multiplier, 15lb mainline, 50lb shockleader, two-hook trace and 5oz breakaway sinker. For close work use a bass/carp rod, a Shimano Baitrunner- type fixed-spool reel, 10lb line, two-hook trace with 1oz rolling sinker.
Directions : Take the A167 north for Gateshead and as you reach the Tyne Bridge turn sharp left, signposted Swing Bridge. As you approach the Swing Bridge, turn left and drive past the nightclub, parking opposite the Copthorne Hotel
Season : Summer for flounder, eels, Winter for whiting, codling, flounder
