Fishing at Hartlepool Headland

Rock markCounty Durham🐾 Seasonal daytime dog ban★★☆ family

Rocky headland ground giving a wide species count — cod and whiting dominate winter, with bass, mackerel and the chance of conger through summer.

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What you can catch → Full fish guide

Species	Season	Method
Cod (Atlantic Cod)	Nov–Mar	Lugworm or peeler crab fished hard on the bottom, best after a north-easterly blow
Whiting	Nov–Mar	Fish or worm bait cast into darkness
Bass	May–Sep	Lures or bait worked around the rock edges
Mackerel	Jun–Sep	Feathers or spinners in daylight

Tactics

North-easterly blows push cod tight in along the Headland's rock edges, off Parton Rocks and around the piers — winter into early spring is prime time. Night tides with a bit of colour in the water dramatically improve bites for cod and whiting. Peeler crab and squid are the standout baits; ragworm and lugworm both work too.

Best tide: Any, with a push · Best time: Winter nights, especially after a north-easterly blow

Dogs

Hartlepool Borough Council bans dogs 1 May–30 September on Seaton Beach, and on the Headland's Fish Sands and Block Sands (including the lower promenade and paddling pool). Fine for breaching the order is £80. Dogs are welcome outside those dates.

Official source: View the rule at source →

Access & parking

Headland car park near St Mary's Street. Sat-nav: TS24 0HG.Get directions → Family rating: ★★☆ — The Headland itself is rocky and exposed with real footing hazards on the rougher ground, though the promenade areas are easy walking.

FAQs

When's the best time to fish Hartlepool Headland?

Winter nights, especially just after a north-easterly blow has coloured the water — that's when cod push in tight to the rocks.

Is Hartlepool Headland dog friendly?

The Fish Sands and Block Sands ban dogs 1 May–30 September; the rest of the year they're open.

What bait is best at Hartlepool Headland?

Peeler crab and squid are the standout cod baits, with lugworm and ragworm both accounting for fish too.

Nearby marks

Redcar Esplanade & Scars · Seaham Harbour

Last updated 16 July 2026 — sources & disclaimer

Compiled from angling guides, forums and the relevant council's dog byelaws, cross-checked where possible.

Rules and conditions change, so always check current signage and tides before you go. We do our best to keep this accurate but can't promise it's error-free.