High cliffs back the beach with the base protected by a wooden barrier and groynes. On spring highs the tide will come up to the barrier, but you can still fish over the top.

The beach is generally shallow with sand and patches of chalk known locally as marl. This creates gullies and sandbanks, but the gullies often have a chalk bottom or patches of large stones. A check at low tide is advisable. Two hours before and after high tide is favoured, but the ebb can also produce, especially towards Mundesley.

SPECIES

Bass show well from spring to autumn, especially when a surf picks up. Smoothhounds to double figures have been taken in May and June, and even tope to 35lb in August. Night fishing is usually best for these. Codling are caught from October to April, with January and February best. Whiting, pouting, dabs and flounders and also caught.

BEST BAITS

Low spring tides here produce some yellowtail lug and these are superb for codling. Blow lug are nearly as good, with peeler crabs and squid the top baits for bass. Whole squid is best for bigger bass.

Smoothhounds go for peeler crabs, while the tope take a mackerel fillet.

TACKLE

Tides aren’t too strong because the groynes provide some shelter and the fish can be close in. Standard surf rods with 150g sinkers are fi ne with either a fi xed-spool or multiplier reel. Use 18lb mainline for additional strength to pull out of the marl, especially if you stick to fi ne-wire hooks. Waders are essential if the sea is anything other than flat calm.

GETTING THERE

The venue is next to Mundesley on the north coast of Norfolk along the B1159 road. Turn off onto the rough dirt track adjacent to the Ingleside Hotel at the end of the Sandy Gulls caravan site. Follow the track, turning left at the cliff top onto the Tarmac road which takes you to the beach.

There is a good parking area, but keep the access road clear.

TACKLE SHOP

Marine Sports, 21 New St, Cromer, tel: 01263 513676.

Directions : The venue is next to Mundesley on the north coast along the B1159 road. Turn off onto the rough dirt track adjacent to the Ingleside Hotel at the end of the Sandy Gulls caravan site. Follow the track, turning left at the cliff top onto the Tarmac road which takes you to the beach

Season : Bass from spring to autumn, smoothhound in May and June, top in August, codling from October to April