Hi Troutman - welcome along!
Tynemouth Pier must be the most enigmatic fishing mark on the NE coast! Depending on the tide, you can fish along its whole length - BUT - it is on two levels and you can only fish the lower level, which means casting to the river side.
The top third towards the lighthouse end -
- you will be unlucky to loose a rig as the ground is quite clean. Varying casting distance may help you find fish - sometimes just a gentle lob is all that is required, but beware if you are tempted to fish straight down - it is VERY snaggy. Most type of rigs will do too. Always use a spider to help hold bottom as the tide pull can be very strong. Popular rigs amongst members of the fishing clubs who fish here include - 1up/1 down: 2 up; 3up; wishbones; pennels. Use clip-down rigs for a bit more distance.Tipping baits is really a must. Most baits will do but rag can be most effective tipped with mackerel or runnydown. The Pier is marked out along this length and those marks toward the end consistantly fish the best. Most fish are caught towards the lighthouse end - BUT - the better fish seem to get caught along the first 2/3 length of the pier.
- first 1/3 length -
- really only fishable the flood and high water and start of the ebb. Quite clean ground from about 20 yards out. Again, most rigs and bait will do. Along here you will be fishing with a \'construction, a bit in front of you called the Four Posts. Don\'t worry though - it is easily avoided when casting.
second 1/3 length -
- the ground changes here and can be COD LAND! It is a bit rough in places so a rotten bottom set up is advised. Again, most baits will do but crab may have the edge. Vary casting distance but watch out for lobster pots! Many anglers prefer fishing here - waiting for the bigger fish rather than the many whiting and dabs that could be getting caught towards the end.
Fishing Tynemouth Pier is quite safe with the general public having to keep to the upper level. A 12\' rod is ideal - a 13\' at a pinch because of the distance from the pier edge to the back wall. Bring a bucket with you to fill with sea water and with a length of elastic strapping you can secure it to your rod-rest to hold it in place - almost essential if a SW is blowing! There are some rails along the pier to rest your rod on but you should bring a rod-rest as most marks have no rail. Bring sun glasses too! You are facing South the whole time and if the sun is out (it does show in the NE sometimes!) you\'ll be glad you\'ve got them!
PHEW - I think that\'s it for now. Good luck and let us know how you get on!
When are you fishing?
