If you are just staring fishing Whitley Bay would not be the spot i would fish, it is hard going, lose alot fo gear and not the safest.
I would try a pier or jetty in the river first, a lob out will clear most rocks in the river but best fish on smaller tides. It is not always easy with no tansport but worth a walk along a mark such as the pier and watch what people or doing, spots and baits and some well most will be happy to chat about fishing.