Fishing at South Shields Pier
A mile-long, freely accessible south pier at the mouth of the Tyne with clear ground reachable at range — this replaces Tynemouth Pier on the opposite bank, which requires angling-club membership and match-day access only, so it isn't a viable public mark for most visiting anglers.
📍 View on the mapWhat you can catch
| Species | Season | Method |
|---|---|---|
| Cod | Late Sep–Mar (bigger fish), smaller codling in summer | Pulley-pennel rigs with big cocktail baits (black lugworm, yellowtail, mussel, squid) cast to clear ground on a flooding or high tide. |
| Whiting | Oct–Feb | Multi-hook rigs with worm bait fished on the bottom. |
| Coalfish | Year-round | Feathers or small lures fished mid-water alongside mackerel in summer. |
| Flounder / dab | Apr–Oct | Light leger with worm or peeler crab on the snaggy inshore ground. |
| Mackerel | Jun–Aug | Feathers/spinners in numbers during the summer run, best from the Round End. |
Tactics
The Round End at the pier's tip fishes best a couple of hours either side of low water; the Brigade Hut area favours two hours before/after high tide on big springs. Most regulars cast 70-80 yards to reach clean ground past the snaggy inshore area.
Best tide: Round End: either side of low water. Brigade Hut area: either side of high water on big tides · Best time: Flood tide/high water for cod; daylight for summer mackerel
Dogs
Access & parking
Free public access, no permit required, via the pier entrance off Pier Parade/Sea Road; nearest car park Pier Parade. Sat-nav: NE33 2JS.Get directions → Family rating: ★★☆ — A long, solid public breakwater with gated access locked at night/bad weather; reasonable for families in calm conditions but the mile-long walk needs supervision.
FAQs
Do you need a permit for South Shields Pier?
No — unlike Tynemouth Pier on the opposite bank (which requires angling club membership and is restricted to daylight/match days), South Shields Pier has no fishing restrictions.
Are dogs allowed on South Shields Pier?
The council's exclusion order covers Sandhaven beach (pier to Trow Point) 8am-6pm, 1 May to 30 September; this is a beach rule, though Littlehaven and Marsden beaches allow dogs year-round.
What's the best spot on South Shields Pier for cod?
The Round End at the tip, fishing best around low water with big cocktail baits cast well out.
Nearby marks
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.