Fishing at Marsden Bay

Rock markTyne and Wear🐾 Dog-friendly all year★★☆ family

Rock platforms and ledges beneath Marsden Rock give South Tyneside's best winter cod fishing, with doubles taken most seasons, and a lively summer mix of wrasse, coalfish, mackerel and the odd pollack.

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What you can catch → Full fish guide

Species	Season	Method
Cod (Atlantic Cod)	Sep–Feb	Bottom fished worm/peeler cocktails from the rock platforms, doubles taken most winters
Wrasse	May–Aug	Float fished crab or worm tight to the kelp
Coalfish (Saithe)	May–Aug	Feathers or spinners off the ledges
Bass	Jun–Sep	Lures or peeler crab worked around the gullies
Mackerel Pollack (Pollock)	May–Aug	Feathers and spinners

Tactics

Fish worm and peeler crab cocktails from the rock ledges either side of high water for the winter cod; a dying sea after a storm often pushes fish into the gullies and can fish even better than dead calm conditions. In summer switch to float-fished crab for wrasse and feathers for coalfish and mackerel. Take real care in a big swell — several marks here are cut off or swamped by waves.

Best tide: 2 hours either side of high water · Best time: Autumn through February for cod; May–August for the mixed summer species

Dogs

No seasonal restriction — South Tyneside Council confirms its summer Dog Exclusion Order (PSPO) applies only to Sandhaven Beach; Marsden Beach and Marsden Bay remain open to dogs year-round. (the page names only Sandhaven beach; Marsden is never mentioned, and "no restriction" is inferred by omission)

Unofficial source: View the supporting source →Not an authority; check current signage.

Access & parking

Park at the Marsden Grotto / Marsden Bay car park off Coast Road, South Shields, and take the steps or path down to the rock platforms. Sat-nav: NE34 7BS.Get directions → Family rating: ★★☆ — Spectacular scenery around Marsden Rock but the rock platforms are uneven and exposed to swell, so keep young children well back from the edge.

FAQs

Is Marsden Bay dog friendly?

Yes, there is no seasonal dog ban at Marsden Bay — the South Tyneside exclusion order only covers Sandhaven Beach further north.

What's the best time to fish Marsden Bay?

Winter (September to February) for cod, with double-figure fish reported most years; summer for wrasse, coalfish and mackerel.

Do I need a rod licence to fish at Marsden Bay?

No rod licence is needed for UK sea fishing from the shore, but IFCA size and bag limits still apply.

Nearby marks

Whitburn Beach · Roker Pier · South Shields Pier

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.