Hello mate,i always use a pully rig in the winter 2 swivels,2 beads and a bait clip,cheap and quick to make also when you get a fish on it lifts the lead away from snags.I do nearly all my fishing around ryhope,fav spot is the dene have had 3 5lb fish from there this winter,also the cliff tops can fish great during a swell and on a big tide.I only fish the barrier at roker pier,i use 30 lb diawa sensor .55 to get out of the kelp also the same on seaham south pier, it can fish great in right conditions.I use big baits of fresh musscle that i collect my self (shop stuff is blanched to make shelling easier and is not as good)frozen razor and lug.Hook size varys depending on conditions and venue use 5/0 pennell on the barrier.If the sea lifts will be out sat night,ryhope or seaham north pier,fish of 5-6lb show in good conditions,will pm you to see if you fancy it,cheers gary.