This Week's Catches

[Sam Harris]

For the shore angler, one or two codling have been taken from Dunstanburgh and Cullernose Point. Newton produced a cod of 7 lb for Craig Middlemist using a cocktail of runnydown and mussel. Lynemouth beach and the Beacons areas have given odd cod up to 3 lb on baits and spinners. Amble pier has produced some mackerel this week, plus flounders. Blyth pier has produced mainly mackerel and also small codling.
South Shields and Roker piers have both given decent bags of mackerel, also small codling with odd keepable cod among them.
An angler went into Billy’s Tackle this week with a Twaite Shad, not realising that this fish is a protected species and must be returned alive to the water. They are very similar in shape and colour to a herring. They also have a series of black dots down each side, making it identifiable as a Shad. The fish was taken on a lower Tyne estuary jetty and weighed 466 grams.

As part of National Fishing Month, there is a Crab Catching Competition this Sunday for juniors up to the age of 16 at the Glass Centre, River Wear, Sunderland. There are two categories - up to 12 years of age, who must be accompanied by an adult - and 13 years to 16 years. Juniors who are 16 on the day will not be eligible for this competition. No rods, reels or hooks will be allowed - hand lines only. These will be provided, but competitors may bring their own hand lines. Bait will also be provided. Every child will receive a ‘goodie bag’ and there will also be three prizes in each of the two categories. One for “most crabs” “total heaviest weight of crabs” and the “largest crab”. Competitors are asked to bring a bucket or similar container to keep their catch in, which will all be returned alive to the water afterwards. Registration is between 11.00 am and 12 noon beside the Glass Centre, with fishing from 12 noon to 2.00 pm. Weigh in will be up to 2.30 pm.