Fishing at Tynemouth Longsands
A classic North East winter cod beach, with Tynemouth Pier itself producing mixed bags year-round and gurnard becoming a regular catch in recent seasons.
📍 View on the mapWhat you can catch → Full fish guide
| Species | Season | Method |
|---|---|---|
| Cod (Atlantic Cod) | Oct–Feb | Peeler crab fished hard on the bottom, best on a rising tide |
| Pollack (Pollock) | Apr–Sep | Spinning or float-fished in calm summer weather |
| Gurnard (Tub Gurnard) | Jun–Oct | Fish strip cast from the pier |
| Coalfish (Saithe) | All year | Fished close to the pier structure |
Tactics
Tynemouth is a superb winter cod beach, with the rock edges fishing best two hours either side of low water and the open sand productive at any state of tide. Tynemouth Pier is a classic mixed-bag venue year-round, and has been producing plenty of gurnard lately alongside the usual coalfish and pollack. Fresh or frozen peeler crab is the standout cod bait. Fish the rising tide or high water for the best results, and take extra care on the pier in rough conditions.
Best tide: Rising tide to high water; rock edges 2 hours either side of low water · Best time: Winter for cod; calm summer days for pollack and wrasse
Dogs
No verified source. Check current signage and the relevant authority.
Access & parking
Grand Parade car park above Longsands. Sat-nav: NE30 4NT.Get directions → Family rating: ★★☆ — A big, popular beach with plenty of space, though the pier itself needs care in any swell — better for the beach fishing than the pier with young kids.
FAQs
Is Tynemouth Longsands dog friendly?
The southern end (toward Tynemouth) bans dogs 1 May–30 September; the northern end toward Cullercoats is dog-friendly all year.
What can you catch off Tynemouth Pier?
Cod and mixed bags year-round, plus a good run of gurnard in recent seasons and pollack/coalfish in calmer weather.
Best bait for Tynemouth cod?
Fresh or frozen peeler crab is the standout choice.
Nearby marks
South Shields Pier · Roker 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.