Tynemouth is a superb winter cod beach offering shore fisherman a wonderful choice of marks.

At the north end of beach adjacent to Cullercoats harbour is a maze of rocky skeers and small sandy bays. In the middle section is my favourite spot, known locally as Stoney Bottom, which is a series of rocky ledges only accessible on big tides with the reputation of producing big cod.

The beach is fairly flat from here down to the south end at Bathing Pool Skeer. Winter storms transform it into a network of sandbanks and deep gullies, which hold a good head of fish.

All of these marks can produce some tremendous bags of cod when a good easterly sea is running. The rock edges are fishable approximately two hours either side of low water, but the beach can be productive at all stages of the tide.

Whiting have made an appearance in recent years and hopefully this trend will continue. Sections of the beach are popular with surfers and the whole area is subject to very strong tides created by a series of offshore reefs.

SPECIES

Cod, whiting and coalfish from September until April or May. Flounder, dab, plaice and the occasional sole are landed during the summer.

BAITS

The top baits are fresh and frozen peeler crabs, black lugworms, mussels and snake white rag. Flatfish and whiting prefer rag tipped with mackerel strip.

TACKLE

Use a medium-weight beachcaster, coupled with a 6500-type multiplier reel, 25lb mainline, 50lb shockleader, a two-hook trace and a 5oz breakout sinker.

TACKLE SHOPS

Billy’s Tackle, 28 Saville Street, North Shields, tel: 0191 259 6262.
Opening times: 8.15am – 5pm Monday to Thursday. 8.15am – 5.30pm Friday. 7am – 5pm Saturday. 7am – 12pm Sunday.
Bait: Live lug and rag daily, peeler crab when available. Wide selection of frozen baits.

I.D. Fishing, 137 Breinkburn Street, Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, tel: 0191 276 3041 or 0191 265 6945.
Opening times: 8.30am – 5.30pm Monday to Saturday. 8.30am – 12.30pm Sunday.
Bait: Live lug and rag daily, peeler crab when available. Wide selection of frozen baits.

Number of lakes/pegs : –
Prices : –
Directions : Take the A1058 coast road east from Newcastle and head for Tynemouth. Go straight ahead at the Broadway pub roundabout, until you reach the seafront. There is ample car parking along the full length of the beach.