This popular mark offers fishing from a single level stone platform that is easily accessed by all anglers. Very popular in summer when mackerel are the main quarry, but also offers a variety of species throughout the year. Fishing is mainly on to sand from either side of the pier and it fishes best three hours each side of high water on medium to large tides.
SPECIES
Plaice, flounders, dabs, cod, whiting, coalfish, dogfish, mackerel, garfish, eels and rockling are the main species at various times of the year. Odd bass, congers, gurnards, pollack, mullet and sea trout are caught.
BEST BAITS
Spring lug, rag and white rag take plaice. In summer crabs, worms baits and mackerel strip all take fish off the bottom. Float fishing with a strip of mackerel or sandeel works well for mackerel and garfish, as do the usual lures and feathers. Winter lug and rag take most species, but tipping off with mackerel or squid can improve catches. At times frozen crabs, mussels and razorfish will take fish.
TACKLE
Any tackle will do the job. In summer a light rod and float gear can be used for mackerel and garfish. Try a light beach rod for feathering and lure fishing. Flatfish and whiting can be taken on a light beach rod and reel loaded with 15lb line at short ragne on smaller tide. Try a one-up, two-down rig with size 2-1/0 hooks and a 3-4oz grip weight. For larger species, such as cod and dogfish, or when fishing at distances or on larger stronger tides use a standard beach rod and reel with 15lb and shockleader with 5-6oz leads. Use the same rig but increase the hook size.
TACKLE SHOPS
Cumbria Angling Centre, 5 Tangier Buildings, George St, Whitehaven, tel: 01946 693233.
Opening times: Tuesday to Friday 10am-6pm, Saturday 9am-5pm, Sunday 10am-2pm.
Bait: Fresh and frozen.
Graham’s Gun and Tackle Ltd, 9-15 South William St, Workington, tel: 01900 605093.
Opening times: 9am-5.30pm Monday to Saturday.
Bait: Live rag and frozen bait.
Number of lakes/pegs : –
Prices : –
Directions : From the A66, take the A595 south to Whitehaven. Turn right at the first junction onto the A5094 into Whitehaven, which takes you down a steep hill. At the bottom of the hill take the third turning right past the Tesco store onto North Shore Road, then left to the north shore where there is parking beside the pier.