Noted for large numbers of flatfish, Chalky Point on the Humber also produces bass
Words & Photography by Matt Hope
Located at Kilnsea, a hamlet two miles south of Easington and just before Spurn Head, you’ll find Chalky Point on the north bank of the Humber Estuary.
The fishing is from the rock-lined raised bank of the estuary’s flood defences. It is a shallow mark fished only at high water and best on bigger tides (at least a 5.5 metres on the Bridlington scale). The incoming tide floods over the estuary mud and reaches Chalky Point about two hours before high water.
SEASONAL SPECIES
The ground is light silt-covered estuary mud, probably best known for its year-round flattie fishing along with spring and summer school bass.
Some local angling clubs use this very productive mark in their summer league matches because it produces large numbers of dabs and flounders. Big bags of flatties, bass and eels are needed to place in these matches (mainly catch and release). Don’t be put off thinking this is just a small fish venue because it does produce the occasional better bass in the right conditions.
Bass turn up in late March or early April and stay until late October. Some of my best bass from here were caught during June and July on evening tides during hot days with a light south-westerly wind. Chalky Point can also fish well in rough weather, when the mud gets stirred up and gets the fish feeding.
The area is part of a nature reserve, with many species of wetland birds, so be respectful and take all litter home.
TACTICS
Matt Hope 4lb 8oz bass
Light tackle is all that is needed at Chalky Point. Use a Continental, bass or flattie rod, although when targeting bass I step use my standard beach rods because some of the bigger fish seem to stay out at range. For bass, the rig can be a pulley or fixed paternoster, both incorporating two size 2/0 to 4/0 hooks rigged Pennell style.
For the flatfish, use a two or three-hook flapper with small fine-wire Aberdeen hooks.
The local Spurn lugworms, black lug, ragworms and harbour rag all catch well. Small worm baits tipped off with fish, squid or crab interest the flatties, while bass go for worms, peeler crabs or squid.
PREVENT MISSED BITES
Be aware that heavy lead weights can stick into the mud on casting so either feather your cast down so it lands gently or pull back after casting freeing the sinker out from the mud. It will prevent a lot of missed bites.
During a visit on March 26, I fished two-hook clipped rigs and loop rigs for flatfish and my dad Bill used pulley rigs for early bass. We had lug and black lug for bait. After catching a small flattie on my first cast, my dad had two school bass. So I switched to pulley rigs too and caught a 4lb 8oz bass. Later my dad added another schoolie and a decent flounder.
NEED TO KNOW
Getting there
From Patrington, take the B1445 to Easington. Once through Easington, you are on Seaside Road where you turn right on to Firtholme Road. Drive towards Spurn until the Crown and Anchor pub on Easington Road (HU12 0UB). There is room to park off the road. It’s short walk to the mark.
Across the road from the pub is a flood defence wall with black railings. To your right, across the bay, follow the small beach until you see the raised bank. The part where the bank bends at the end of the bay is Chalky Point.
Alternatively, go back down the Easington road about 100 yards or so and, on the left after the hotel, is a metal farm gate and track that follows the Humber bank. Walk past the second farm gate and the bend in the track is Chalky Point.
Tackle shops
Holderness Tackle, 118 Queen Street, Withernsea, HU19 2HB, tel: 01964 612340.
