SEA ANGLING

AT last there is some better news for the boat angler with some boats getting out over the weekend.

Sport was mixed, with some taking decent numbers of codling between 3lb and 5lb on shads from the Sow and Pigs area at Blyth and from the yellow can off St Mary’s Island.

The Sunderland boat “Sapphire” fished an offshore wreck and had a reasonable amount of codling to 6½lb on bluey. The party aboard also picked up one or two mackerel.

Hartlepool boats also reported better catches of codling with fish to 7lb taken, while Tyne charter boat “JFK Two” had ling to 9lb, cod to 8lb, pollock to 3lb and also a wolf fish (catfish), plus a few sizeable coalfish. The codling averaged between 4lb and 5lb. Hokis and daylights baited with squid while light-coloured sidewinders also accounted for a number of fish.

Amble boats also reported taking a few codling 3lb to 4lb from Coquet Island areas and Cresswell Skeers taken on worm and mackerel strip.

A commercial boat landed 42 boxes of mackerel on North Shields Fish Quay at the weekend. These were taken only eight to nine miles off, so with some settled weather, it will not be long before they move close inshore.

Because of the sea conditions over the last couple of weeks, kayak anglers have been unable to get out. With the Northumbrian Puffin Kayak Competition being held on May 27, I hope that the weather and sea conditions settle down before then.

Shore angling, especially north from Newbiggin, is still giving codling with the majority being undersized. The best fish reported have been 2½lb to 3lb taken mainly on crab. Druridge is giving plenty of flounders but very few of them are sizeable. The same venue has produced a lot of coalfish – again mainly undersized, but there have been a few to 1½lb on crab, rag and mackerel strip.

Amble Pier has produced some codling, again mainly undersized, but there have been flounders to 1½lb. The Middens at North Shields has also produced flounders, plus the occasional codling, with crab being best bait.

A surprise ‘Starry Hound’ was taken by Stephen Simpson from Seaham North Pier, weighing 2lb 12oz.

Whitley Bay AS hold their first Open Summer Match on Sunday, June 11 at Beadnell. These matches are open to all anglers. Fishing is from 9am to 1pm, meet one hour before the start at Patterson’s Garage. Entry is £10 with a 100% payout for first and second heaviest bag and heaviest fish. Boundaries are from Seahouses south pier (excluded) to Beadnell Harbour. Round fish only (no mackerel). Bait fishing only (no lures). For more contact Gary on 07957 949 557.

This Saturday’s broadcast of “Gone Fishing” on CVFM Radio is the last until July 2. When we return the show will be two hours, from 8am-10am.