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While you are on holiday in Whitby why not try your hand at a spot of fishing?
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.
