A long stretch of beach from the Featherbed rocks in the south to Ryhope Dene in the north, with a promenade running for much of the length.
The beach is a mixture of sand and shingle and the ground is mainly sand interspersed with patches of rocks.
SPECIES
Best times will be during autumn and winter especially after a storm when the beach becomes fishable.
Prolific species will be codling, whiting and bass but coalfish, flounders, plaice and rockling all make an appearance.
During flat calm, frosty nights, the whiting fishing can be fantastic, with fish attacking baits almost instantly and providing busy sessions.
Summer fishing will be slow, with only the very occasional flatfish.
BAIT AND TACKLE
Lugworms, ragworms and crabs will all account for fish, but during a good swell try tipping baits with razorfish or clam. Usually a Pennell-pulley rig or fixed paternoster are a firm favourite with the locals.
During flat calm conditions, a two or three-hook rig with size 2 Aberdeen hooks will be perfect for the flatfish and whiting.
Distance casting during daylight will offer a better chance of finding fish, but as soon as night falls, the fish move close to the beach.
12ft or 13ft beachcaster rod with a reel loaded with 15lb line and leader are ideal apart from fishing into the rocky areas where an upgrade of line and rotten-bottom will be required.
Parts of the beach can see a rough sea coupled with a spring tide push up to the cliffs. Be aware of this and make a note of any cut-off points.
TACKLE SHOPS
SEAHAM ANGLING SUPPLIES, 72 Church St, Seaham, tel: 0191 581 7915.
Opening times: 8.30am – 5.00pm Monday to Saturday, 8.30am – 1.00pm Wednesday, Closed Sunday.
Bait: Lug, rag, wrapped blacks and fresh yellowtail lug, occasionally peeler crabs plus frozen baits.
FISHING REPUBLIC, Woodbine St, Hendon, tel: 0191 567 9770.
Opening times: 9am – 5.30pm Monday to Friday, 10am – 8pm Saturday and 10am – 4pm Sunday.
Bait: Lug and rag daily. Yellowtail lug and peeler crabs when available. Frozen baits.
NORTH EAST TACKLE, Ryhope Rd, Sunderland, tel: 0191 510 3573.
Opening times: 9am – 5.30pm Monday, Friday and Saturday, and 9.30am – 6pm Tuesday and Thursday.
Bait: Rag, lug and crabs, plus frozen bait.
THE TRADING POST, 40 Hylton Rd, Sunderland, tel:0191 565 4626.
Opening times: 8.30am – 5pm Monday to Saturday, and 8.30am – noon Sunday.
Bait: Lug, rag and crab, plus frozen bait.
RUTHERFORD’S ANGLING LTD, 125 Roker Ave, Sunderland, tel: 0191 5654183.
Opening times: 9am – 5.30pm Monday to Saturday, closed Wednesday, 9am – 1pm Sunday
Bait: Lug, rag plus frozen baits.
Number of lakes/pegs : –
Prices : –
Directions : From the A19 north or south, follow the signs for Seaham. Head for Seaham Hall Hotel and Spa and look for the car park opposite on top of the beach. Vehicles are not allowed on the promenade. The car park also has toilet facilities and a small shop that sells hot drinks and food. Be aware that parking at night, cars have been broken into.
