MARK FOCUS: DUNSTANBURGH CASTLE, NORTHUMBERLAND
Large fish, such as cod, pollack and ling, can be caught from Dunstanburgh Castle point.
A south-easterly sea in winter produces codling, especially in darkness. The deep water close to shore can give good results when the sea is calm. Expect flounders too.
March and April can be quieter, while the best summer fishing at the end of June.
Summer produces mackerel and coalfish, which make for exciting sport on light tackle. Codling and wrasse are caught from the weed beds to peeler crabs. Float-fished ragworms produce pollack and ever-present coalfish. Lure fishing is good for seeking mackerel, coalfish and pollack.
The upper cliffs of the point are high, so care must be taken, while the rocks at sea level can be slippery, so studded boots are advisable, and should be avoided in rough seas.
Tackle losses can be high, but cleaner ground is found by casting in a north-easterly direction from the lower point.
January and February are often best for cod. Ling, pollack, conger eels and dogfish can be caught throughout the year.
A beefy rod and powerful reel loaded with heavy line straight through are best for close-in work in the kelp and in deep water.
Longer casting will require a reel loaded with a minimum of 25lb mono and 60lb shock-leader to cope with the rough terrain and larger fish.
Pulley rigs made with 60lb mono to a size 3/0 hook should be used for codling or wrasse in summer, but a 3/0 or 6/0 Pennell pulley is best in winter. A rotten-bottom system attached to a 6oz breakout sinker will cope with the strong tide.