Fishing at Roker Pier
A long, free, publicly accessible breakwater at the mouth of the River Wear with deep water off the end — reopened in August 2025 after storm-damage repairs, and gated shut in rough weather for safety.
📍 View on the mapWhat you can catch → Full fish guide
| Species | Season | Method |
|---|---|---|
| Cod (Atlantic Cod) | Oct–Mar (best), smaller fish in summer | Cocktail baits (worm, crab, mussel, razorfish) on pulley-pennel rigs, particularly around the first flight of steps in a slight-to-moderate swell. |
| Whiting | Nov–Feb | Two-hook rigs with worm bait; can come in huge numbers on winter nights. |
| Coalfish (Saithe) | Year-round, most consistent autumn/winter | Feathers/daylights fished mid-water, often mixed in with mackerel catches in summer. |
| Mackerel | Jun–Aug | Feathers cast from the pier during the summer mackerel run, heavy beachcaster gear. |
| FlounderDab | Apr–Oct | Light leger with worm or crab close to the pier base. |
Tactics
Fish the steps roughly opposite the first flight for a noted winter cod mark; switch to feathers for the summer mackerel shoals, expect codling to follow once the pier empties after dusk.
Best tide: Fishes throughout the tide; deep water off the end works on most states · Best time: After dark in winter for cod; daytime in summer for mackerel
Dogs
No verified source. Check current signage and the relevant authority.
Access & parking
Free public access via a gated entrance on Roker seafront; gate locked in bad weather. Nearest parking: Marine Walk / Harbour View car parks. Sat-nav: SR6 0PL.Get directions → Family rating: ★★☆ — A long, exposed structure with a barrier gate closed in rough seas for safety; lighthouse tours require children 10+.
FAQs
Is Roker Pier open for fishing right now?
It reopened in August 2025 after nearly two years of storm-damage repair, but the entrance gate closes at short notice in rough seas.
Do you need a permit to fish Roker Pier?
No permit or club membership required — open public access, weather permitting.
Are dogs allowed on Roker Pier?
The seasonal dog exclusion applies to part of Roker beach, not the pier itself; check on-site signage.
Nearby marks
South Shields Pier · Saltburn Pier
Last updated 7 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.