Fishing at Whitby West Pier
A free, unrestricted concrete pier at the harbour mouth with a sandy, largely snag-free seabed — easier going than the rockier East Pier opposite, and the better bet for mackerel spinning in summer and winter cod after dark.
📍 View on the mapWhat you can catch
| Species | Season | Method |
|---|---|---|
| Cod | Oct–Feb | Bottom fish with lugworm/mussel/crab cocktails on a two-hook flapper after dark, best around high water. |
| Whiting | Oct–Jan | Small-hook rigs baited with worm strips as cod move inshore in autumn. |
| Mackerel | Jun–Sep | Spin feathers or small lures off the end of the pier in daylight, especially on a rising tide. |
| Coalfish | Jun–Sep, also into winter | Feathers or small lures fished mid-water alongside mackerel, more consistent after dark. |
| Flounder | Apr–Oct | Light leger with worm or peeler crab close to the pier structure on the sandy ground. |
Tactics
Head to the lower end platform for the best casting room; fish close to high water on the sandy West Pier ground, switch to feathers/lures for summer mackerel and coalfish. A rod licence is required and casting into the harbour entrance itself is not allowed.
Best tide: Two hours either side of high water · Best time: After dark for cod (autumn/winter); daylight for mackerel (summer)
Dogs
Access & parking
Walk out along the West Pier from the West Cliff/Khyber Pass area; free public access, no permit needed (UK rod licence required). Sat-nav: YO21 3EG.Get directions → Family rating: ★★☆ — Solid, wide pier deck with railings on the upper level, but the lower fishing platform is more exposed to swell/spray and can be closed in poor weather.
FAQs
Do you need a permit to fish Whitby West Pier?
No club permit is required, but you must hold a valid UK rod fishing licence, and you cannot cast into the harbour entrance.
Are dogs allowed on Whitby West Pier?
The pier isn't part of the seasonal exclusion zone, but the adjoining West Beach is dog-free 1 May to 30 September, and the promenade has a year-round on-lead rule.
What's the best time to catch cod at Whitby West Pier?
Autumn/winter after dark with bait cocktails around high water; summer sees mackerel and coalfish on feathers instead.
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.