‘Crabbing’ in Whitby Harbour has been the pastime of youngsters in the town for a million generations. Next to Whitby Bridge is a designated harbour fishing area where 99% of those ‘fishing’ are trying to catch crabs on simple hand-held lines. Called ‘doggering’ (1) by locals, this simple activity comprises of a single fishing line, small weight to sink the bait, a juicy piece of bait (bacon rind, tinned mackerel in oil or, highly recommended – a fish head), no hook needed,  and for mums and dads a more than your average amount of patience ……….. but the babes will love it !  Insider tip 1 : the kids will want to check their crabbing line every 60 seconds ….. leave the line for 5 minutes, which should give time for the crabs to come out, sniff around and then decide on whether to dine on your offerings or scuttle back under the seaweed……. Insider tip 2 : despite what others say, don’t be in a hurry to bring up your fishing line …..slowly and gently is the key …. Harbour crabs are very quick to sense excessive or unusual  movement and will go into defensive mode and let go of the bait if alarmed

Care of the harbour crabs :

Harbour crabs are only small and are not edible. ‘Fishing’ for them provides endless enjoyment for youngsters who are keen to ‘catch..’ Treat these crabs carefully and gently. If you wish to keep any ‘captives’ in a bucket for an hour or more, please put some seaweed in as well because our little friends live at the darkened bottom of the harbour and are not comfortable with sunlight. When your ‘fishing’ is over, please return the harbour crabs to their home, gently and carefully.

 (1) ‘doggering’ :   pronounced   ‘ dog…errr …ing ‘  -   The Whitby term for red harbour crabs is ‘doggers’

Remember the ‘good old days’ when you used to buy fresh fish from your local fishmonger? Well those days are now back!  We might not be geographically local to where you are – but we’re just at the other end of a phone call. Allowing you to have fresh fish delivered and Seafood prepared by hand, packaged to your exact requirements and delivered to your door.

We buy fresh fish from the markets specifically for our orders so you can stipulate how you want it prepared and packaged.  We appreciate that everyone might want their fresh fish packaged differently, for example; if you want 8 fillets of haddock for 4 meals for a couple, then we will vacuum pack the fillets in packs of 2 so you can freeze and cook just what you want, when you want it!  Just let us know!

There are so many varieties of fresh fish available; it is difficult to list them all!  Here are just a few examples!  When you ring, we will discuss the fresh fish available given the season and conditions at the time.  Let us know what you want and when you want it, give us as much notice as you can and we will endeavour not to disappoint!

Examples of fresh fish we can deliver:

• Whitby Crabs
• Cod Fillets
• Halibut
• Haddock
• Lemon Sole & Plaice
• Ling
• Monkfish
• Lobsters

Whatever your requirements, no matter how much or how little fresh fish or seafood you require, Whitby Seafish Ltd: fresh fish suppliers, can provide you with the highest quality at the most affordable prices.

Please do not hesitate to contact us using the details below:

Whitby Seafish Ltd
Unit 1a, Whitegate Close,
Staithes,
Saltburn By The Sea
Cleveland
TS13 5BB
UK

Tel & Fax: 01947 841236
Mobile: 07980866654

Email: whitby-seafish@btconnect.com
Website: http://www.whitbyseafish.co.uk

Here at Whitby we are very lucky to have an abundance of good ground and many wrecks within a short steam.

This year cod up to 18 lb,  ling over 23 lb, Pollock up to 13 lb, in fact most of the bigger fish are taken within 15 mls of Whitby.

Of course there will be times we need to press further afield, and other times we need to get closer in, but where ever we are you can be sure I will  be doing my best to get you over the fish.

Single bookings welcome right through to Corparate days, Works team building days, Schools and youth club party’s as well as regular fishing clubs for up to 12 anglers.

Sea Urchin charters offer boat trips based at Whitby licenced for 12 passengers and a member of the WCSA giving a first class service to the many cod anglers who visit Whitby each year.

Booking a trip with us

If  you are visiting Whitby and fancy a trip with us, then please do not hesitate to contact us using the details below. We can take single bookings as well as group trips, and are always happy to offer advice and answer any questions.

Mick Leonard 
The Skipper

Tel: 07855439380

Any time during the day, and up to 10pm evenings

Email:  enquiries@whitby-sea-fishing.co.uk

Website:  www.whitby-sea-fishing.co.uk

I check my mail every morning when at all possible, but  please be patient during the summer months I work long days and so very ocasionaly  it’s every other day.

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There are many restaurants in Whitby, ranging from low budget, right up to expensive seafood specials, so here you go, these are my top 5 Whitby restaurants.

Greens Of Whitby, Seafood Restaurant

I had my first experience of this little gem last month, and was very impressed. Greens has was won many awards for the fine seafood they serve up, and i was not disappointed with my evening there either. A unique decor inside the restaurant lends for a relaxed atmosphere. There is an extensive menu for both food and wine, and the service does not disappoint.

Well located over the bridge on the east side of town, Greens is quickly becoming one of Whitby’s finest restaurants, and its not just seafood they serve, prime local meats and game are also a speciality, with the menu having a selection of steaks and vegetarian dishes to choose from.

Greens have recently received the Yorkshire Moors & Coast Tourism Award for the Restaurant of the Year 2008

Click here for more information on Greens of Whitby

The Magpie Cafe

Whitby’s most famous restaurant/cafe. The Magpie has been featured many times in local and national press, the Magpie has also been featured in various food TV programs over the past years. There is something about the Magpie Cafe which brings visitors flocking by the thousands each year to queue up along Whitby’s streets just to get through the door, and its for one reason only…the fish and chips. The Cafe is famous for its fine tasting fish and chips, idealy suituated directly opposite the towns fish market allows for the freshest fish been brought in straight from the boats each day, and straight onto your plate.

The Magpie Cafe has a long association with fishing and the shipping industry. It was built in 1750 as a Merchants House and during its history was owned by a member of the Scoresby whaling family and was for a time the pilotage where the pilots would wait for orders to bring vessels into the harbour.

Magpie Cafe is in a prime position for you to enjoy the fabulous views at the same time as sampling the wide selection of meals. Specialities include dishes that use prime fresh local fish, seafood and specially selected ingredients.

Click here for more information on the Magpie Cafe

The Moon and Sixpence, Bar and Restaurant

If your looing for a stylish, friendly and relaxed venue to meet for drinks or a meal either during the day or on an evening, then the Moon and Sixpence is the perfect choice. Having arguably some of the best views in Whitby, sitting in the huge windows you have a great view of the harbour and of the cliffs with the 199 steps winding up towards St Mary’s church.

The Moon and Sixpence is a great example of the mix of tradition and contemporary style that Whitby now offers. Located on the harbour front, amoungst rock and gift shops, this little gem is as cool as they get. Try some oysters and wash them down with some elegant champagnes, the Moon and Sixpence is a fine example of a modern bar/bistro. The food is not bad either, but be warned it can get busy and finding a table to eat at will be difficult, i recommend an late evening visit for a nite cap, sit outside and watch the world pass you by.

Click here for more information on the Moon and Sixpence

The Cross Butts Stable Restaurant, Whitby

Another well respected restaurant is the Cross Butts, just outside of Whitby. Set in tranquil surroundings, the restaurant offers great food, with prompt service and elegant decor. Situated in renovated stables, away from the hustle of the town center, the Cross Butts is the ideal choice for a romantic meal.

The menu is not extensive, but it doesnt have to be either, what’s on offer is a selection of fine meats and seafood, sourced from local suppliers. The selection of wines is impressive, and if you in town on a Sunday, they offer a great carvery service.

The Cross Butts is not just a restaurant, they have first class accommodation available also. The four poster suite with jacuzzi bath is a must and makes for an ideal valentines weekend.

Click here for more information on the Cross Butts Hotel And Restaurant

Trenchers Fish and Chips, Whitby

A Whitby restaurant guide would not be complete without at least one fish and chip restaurant to shout home about. Trenchers is well known for its fresh traditional fish and chips menu served throughout the day.

Well located in the centre of Whitby, opposite the tourist office and railway station, Trenchers are famous for very high quality fresh fish, legendary light batters, bread crumbed or floured fish, served by smart courteous staff, guaranteeing you a meal to remember.

The menu has a good selection and prices are reasonable. A must visit on your trip to Whitby.

Click here for more information on Trenchers Restaurant

If your visiting Whitby and plan to go fishing, you can pick up all the latest tackle, bait and accessories from Whitby Angling Supplies. The shop is conveniently located on Haggersgate.

Whitby Angling Supplies stock everything you need to enjoy a fishing trip in Whitby, from rods, reels, lures, baits and rod and real combo sets.

They can also offer advice on fishing in the local area and the best baits, and places to fish.

You can contact Whitby Angling Supplies using the details below:

65 Haggersgate
Whitby
North Yorkshire
YO21 3PP

Website: http://www.whitbyanglingsupplies.com

Shore and rock fishing

You can fish from Whitby to Sandsend and Whitby to Saltwick.  Fish available, depending upon the time of year, include codling, billet, mackerel and whiting

There is no fee payable or licence requirement for shore and rock fishing.

Beach fishing

You can fish from the beach between Whitby and Sandsend and between Whitby and Saltwick. Fish available, depending upon the time of year, include codling, billet, flatfish, mackerel and whiting.

Bait : Commonly used is mussel and/or lugworm. These are usually available from the tackle suppliers in the town. ‘’Peeler’ crab  is locally regarded as THE bait during the summer months but it is not available through shops. You will need to ask the locals ‘what ?’ and ‘where’ ? to seek this bait out ……. but be assured, it is well worth the time and effort ……..

Boat Fishing :
 
Boat fishing is very popular in Whitby. These trips can be for 2, 4, 6 or 8 hrs. A boat angling trip can be arranged on a daily basis at the quayside. Talk to the ‘professionals’ on the quayside before you book. Fishing tackle and bait can be supplied but check when you make a booking. The charter boats normally take up to 8 or 12 anglers.

Whitby Harbour

Fishing : Whitby Piers : 

Whitby’s West Pier is a delight for any summer angler, with spinners and lures seemingly favourites amongst those ‘in the know.’  The ‘ground’ tends to be sandy and almost hazard-free, though some weed and small rocks. Mackerel, in particular, and flounder are the regulars. Important : check the tide situation – it is more likely that you will be ‘rewarded’, fish wise, near and at high water. However, don’t be put off fishing at any time – there is always the fish ‘maverick’ swimming around !  Autumn angler ?  Come September the smaller cod will move in as will whiting, favouring peeler crab and the occasional mussel. Winter angler ? Definitely peeler crab, rag worm and lugworm but wrap up warm – it can be cold, cold and freezing (!) on the Pier at that time of the year !! However, many examples of large cod (15lb upwards) have been noted over a number of years)   Please note : Anglers are prohibited from fishing into the harbour from the West Pier.

Whitby’s East Pier has been problematic in terms of access for the last year or two. This issue is still under discussion with Scarborough Borough Council. As with the West Pier, anglers are prohibited from fishing into the harbour. The ‘ground’ is rocky and can be ‘tackle-damaging.’ Summer and Autumn fishing can yield codling and mackerel but not in the numbers off the West Pier. However, the East Pier is, more often than not, people free and consequently is a very restful place to spend a few hours contemplating the world and reflecting on the frantic nature of it all

Safety :

Whitby’s West Pier comprises of two levels, the lower level being accessible by a ladder at the end of the Pier. It is strongly recommended that you do not attempt to access the lower level during times of inclement weather. The sea is a joyous product of Mother Nature but it is capable of taking no prisoners should it be in the mood. Please check the weather forecast and tide table before you embark on a fishing session on the West Pier. There is no access at the current time to the lower level of the East Pier.

If you need any advice or fishing tackle while on your trip to Whitby then take a visit to Whitby Angling Supplies, who will be more than happy to assist you.