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Welcome to Whitby Fishing Trips

One of the premier Charter Angling Fishing Boats operating out of the historical, picturesque Port of Whitby North Yorkshire.

Latest News

Whitby fishing trips – march 2022.

Hi everyone, sorry it’s been a long while since our last update, it’s just seemed every time I’ve sat to do one something has cropped up. As you are aware earlier in the season we expanded bringing onboard Daniel Johnson my son and his boat Tilly-Mae, and despite a challenging summer season, with loosing trips…

Whitby Fishing Trips – 3rd August 2021

What a month of weather we have had here at Whitby, and some cracking fishing to compliment it! The Summer Holidays are upon us, meaning our 3hr Taster Sessions are in full swing. The Mackerel had been very patchy during the month of July, but have finally arrived in there full strength keeping our anglers…

Whitby Fishing Trips – June 2021

We’re really sorry for the long delay in our updates, we were just getting into our 20-21 Winter Uptide Season when we were all locked down with the dreaded COVID pandemic, meaning we lost the winter seasons fishing. As restrictions are slowly easing, we’re finally operating as a COVID safe business once again. The fishing…

Whitby Fishing Trips – November 2020

It’s been too long since our last update, but with the extra work load keeping the boat COVID-19 safe has just seemed to take up all our spare time. Since our last update we have finished our Summer Fishing over the Wrecks and we have seen some lovely double figure fish over the rails with…

Seaspray Whitby Charter Fishing Trips

Chartered boat fishing trips at the harbour in Whitby, North Yorkshire

We welcome everyone from the experienced angler to a novice. If you would like a full days fishing or to try one of our shorter trips here in the famous and historic Whitby harbour, get in touch on 07300 942646

Our fishing trips

Through the Summer months we offer:

• Wreck fishing
• Drift fishing
• Mackerel catching
• Full day 8 hour trips
• Short 3 hour trips
• Customised trips to suit you

In the colder Winter months when the cod move in-shore, we drop the anchor and spend the full day up-tiding.

We take a maximum of 8 anglers per trip to ensure each angler has plenty of room on deck to enjoy their fishing.

Hire rods and reels are available free of charge

Tackle and weights are available to be purchased on board

Bait can be arranged with prior notice

Advanced bookings can be secured with a small deposit

Please arrive 15 minutes before you are due to set sail

Departure and return times will be confirmed when you book

How to book

Whatsapp, text or call David on 07300 942645

Email: [email protected]

Facebook: SeaSpray Whitby Charter Fishing

I’m David Jenkins, the Skipper and owner of SeaSpray. I’ve spent all of my life fishing in the North Sea. For a number of years now I have been fishing out of Whitby harbour. I’ve now relocated to Whitby to run my own boat, SeaSpray, full time.

My goal is to provide a fishing trip that gives anglers the opportunity to fish for the species of fish they are interested in and to have a safe and enjoyable days fishing.

Check out some of our latest catches!

Cancellation Policy

• 2 weeks notice is required for cancellation or a date change
• In the event of bad weather or a problem with the boat preventing your trip going ahead, you will be offered a change of date or a refund of your deposit
• No shows will lose their deposit
• For full boat bookings – your trip will be given a departure and return time. If you arrive late, the boat will still return at the given time
• For single or smaller group bookings – you will be given a departure and return time. If you arrive late, you will be left behind

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Whitby Sea Fishing Trips

Whether you’re a novice angler or have been angling for years, Cee King fishing trips cater for all experience levels.

From our shorter 3 hour trips, which include bait & tackle, to much longer 6 or 8 hour wreck drifting trips, there’s something for everyone.

3 Hour Trips

With bait, tackle and plenty of helpful advice included, our 3 hour trips make for an excellent introduction to sea angling and a very enjoyable morning or afternoon out on the water.

Perfect for groups, families with younger children, or those who are just finding their sea legs. In the summer months mackerel is the prime target – with large shoals visiting the cooler waters off the Yorkshire coast to feed before migrating south in the autumn.

£30 Per Person, with Bait & Tackle Provided During the Summer Holidays This Trip Costs £25 for Under 16s

6 Hour Wreck Drifting

A 6 hour wrecking or drifting trip provides plenty of time to land that big catch. With longer on the water we’re able to visit wrecks and reefs off the coast which are home to various species of North Sea fish, including cod and haddock.

The ideal trip for a more advanced angler wanting to spend a day out on the water.

£40 Per Person An Additional Charge of £5 Per Person if Bait & Tackle are Required

8 Hour Wreck Drifting

An 8 hour wrecking or drifting trip makes it possible to explore even more remote locations. Different recommendations will be made depending on the tides, time of year and sea conditions.

Ideal for the true angling enthusiast wanting to make the most of the opportunity to fish the rich waters off the coast of Whitby.

£45 Per Person An Additional Charge of £5 Per Person if Bait & Tackle are Required

Longer Trips Available By Arrangement

Cee King can also be chartered for longer trips by arrangement. Please contact us to discuss your requirements and possible dates.

Whether you’re looking to target a specific location, or just want longer out on the water to make the most of your day, Cee King is a capable vessel, well suited to longer trips.

More Details

Reduced Rates

Clubs, groups and full boat bookings can get a discount – please ask.

Rods & Tackle

Rod and tackle hire is available for longer trips. However, it’s generally recommended to bring your own equipment if available. Any tackle losses incurred during your sea fishing trip must be paid for.

Winter Uptiding

Winter uptiding from mid to late October. We anchor the vessel on sandbanks at the edge of reefs and cast away from boat.

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Whitby Fishing Trips and Whitby Boat Trips

Whitby is synonymous with fishing, and indeed has many different aspects for the keen angler. From a three to five day fishing trip , to a 10 or 12 hour fishing trip , from a 2 to 3 hour fishing trip , to fishing off the end of the pier, all different types of sea fishing are accommodated here.

Kiddies Corner

Children can be found fishing, or �crab lining� at Kiddies Corner near the Old Swing Bridge . This, a favourite pastime that has been taking place over the centuries.

Boats in Whitby Harbour offering Cruises

The dock-end is where the majority of fishing trips take place. There are numerous placards depicting the length of fishing trip and prices displayed on the railings at the harbour side . There are also many of the sea angling charter boats that advertise on the internet, many have been operating for over twenty years. These charter boats can hire the fishing equipment if required. The full day fishing trips can travel up to 25 or more miles offshore, to fish on old wrecks.

Signs advertising trips to Sea

For those who enjoy a trip to sea without the fishing, there are a number of pleasure craft willing to take paying passengers either upstream or out to sea. These include a replica of an old sailing ship , an old lifeboat , a fast jet speedboat , and larger craft that takes sunset cruises , twilight cruises and whale watching trips ! These too can be found along the harbour on the west side.

Whitby Marina

Beach fishing is popular on both Whitby beach and Sandsend beach but please take care to consult the tide tables. For information on the local tides, consult the National Oceanography Centre Website Tidal Predictions

Whitby's Old Lifeboat

Whitby Boat trip

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Whitby Fishing Trips Booking At Www.whitbycoastalcruises.com

Whitby has a long history of seafaring. From the historic voyages of Captain James Cook, to being one of the busiest whaling ports and home to one of the largest fishing fleets in the UK, Whitby's seafaring heritage is hard to beat!

Today Whitby is still home to fishing vessels of all shapes and sizes. It's also home to some of the best fish restaurants and fish & chip takeaways in the country. 

3 Hour Trips, £30 per Adult £25 child 

2 hour summer evening mackerel trips  £20 adult £15 child. , booking fees included the price you see is the price you pay.

Joining a fishing trip out of Whitby will give you a unique perspective on the rugged cliffs of the North Yorkshire coastline. You'll get to experience the elements as never before - making memories which will last a lifetime.

Rods and tackle are provided free of charge, along with as much advice and encouragement as you need to get started. Skipper Gordon has been sailing these waters for over 35 years and will gladly share his knowledge and insights with novices and experienced anglers alike.

And once you're safely back on dry land, you'll be able to enjoy your catch - or treat yourself to some fresh fish & chips on the harbourside. The perfect day out!

Book Online

North Sea Wildlife

As well as cod, haddock, various kinds of flatfish, crabs and lobsters, the North Sea off Whitby is home to a wide variety of other marine creatures.

Seals are a regular sight, especially through the summer months. And in recent years that have been increased sightings of dolphins and even whales later in the summer.

You never know what you might spot once you leave the harbour. It's always a fantastic experience to see something unexpected!

Click here to find out more about the Whale Watching / Wildlife trips we also operate on the Yellow Boats.

Whitby harbour sits at the mouth of the River Esk, which runs from the moorland near Middlesbrough, down through the Esk Valley to the North Sea at Whitby.

The harbour is home to Whitby's famous swing-bridge. There's a large marina as well as the Lifeboat Station and moorings for Whitby's commercial fishing vessels.

The harbour is in the centre of town, accessible from both east and west of the river and surrounded by shops, cafes, restaurants pubs and more of Whitby's other attractions.

It is overlooked by the dramatic east cliff, on which stands the famous Abbey ruins and St Mary's Church.

Whitby Fishing Information, Boat Fishing Trips & Pier Fishing

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Fishing has been a way of life for many in whitby for centuries. learn about whitby boat fishing trips and where to fish from when you visit whitby..

Fishing is a year-round activity in Whitby, subject to the constraints of the weather. Arguably, the best catches are in the winter with cod coming closer to shore. However, whenever you are in Whitby, you can enjoy a day’s fishing. Here’s our guide to fishing in Whitby, including boat fishing trips.

Whitby fishing throughout the seasons 

During the Winter, the Yorkshire Coast begins to experience the start of sea storms as winds come from the North. The result is that the seas become rougher and marine life such as Peeler Crabs, Lug and Ragworms near the shore are disturbed. That is exactly what Cod want after a summer in deeper waters. Autumn is the beginning of the time for beach casting/rock angling in the area. 

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Peeler Crabs are great bait for tempting the Cod in the gulleys in the area. Some great specimens are caught each year in this fashion with even the chance of catching a 30 pounder. Cod are still in the waters in March. Lugworm and Squid are both good bait during these final weeks of winter. Codling’s spring run follows before anglers take a break to wait for the summer species to arrive.

In May, there is an excellent chance of catching Flounder in the River Esk using a small Crab on a size 10 hook as bait. The best time is when the tide is coming in.

There is a festival south of Whitby and Scarborough in Filey during early September with a full week of competition from both the beach and from boats with the highlight being the North of England Cod Fishing Championships. As soon as the Filey Event has finished anglers’ thoughts turn to Scarborough with a further week of competition. That culminates in everyone trying to win the prestigious “All England” Codling Championship.

Anglers can test their skills in catching Mackerel, Coalfish, Pollock and perhaps a few Bass using a spinner from Whitby piers. 

For those of you looking for an organised boat fishing trip, you’re in luck. There are several providers of fishing trips in Whitby, with most providing all the equipment and experience you need a great day fishing off the coast of Whitby.

Whitby boat fishing trip providers

Whitby fishing trips

Barry and Jon are a great friendly team and will provide a trip suitable for any angler from the novice to the experienced, they pride themselves in excellent customer service. They offer the below fishing trips;

Summer evening trips – 2 hours

The 2 hour Summer Whitby fishing trips specifically target Mackerel and are great for families and groups visiting Whitby or on holiday. This is a short trip giving you something to experience in Whitby as well as something to put on the BBQ. The majority of the evening trips are close to the Whitby Pier Ends as the Mackerel come right into shore, but as there are also some fishing marks close to shore and around the Bell Buoy there is always a chance of catching something a little bigger. These trips run from 6 pm to 8 pm, weather permitting.

Taster trips – 3 hours

Their 3-hour taster trips are great for families and children, especially during the school holidays, as they are not too long but give you a chance to travel to the fishing marks around 3 miles from Whitby Harbour. This enables beginners and seasoned anglers alike the chance to get a feel for boat fishing under drift and how to set up a rig. It’s all great fun and a great learning experience, with the chance of catching a variety of species, from Whiting, Mackerel, and Pouting to larger species such as Halibut, Ling and the, of course, the nations’ favourite Cod. The taster trips run twice daily during the week, from 10 am to 1 pm and from 2 pm to 5 pm, weather permitting, from the Pontoon, please ring or email to check dates and availability.

Wreck and reef trips

Whitby Fishing Trips also offer 6, 8 and 10hr Wreck and Reef trips which are run further offshore, weather permitting, covering various Wrecks, during the slack water periods and covering the various grounds and reefs as the tide runs. All wreck fishing is done on the drift to maximise the chance of catching. These trips are ideal for the more experienced anglers who are used to a long day at sea. They do however recommend the 6hr trip to the less experienced as it’s a great trip to learn the skills of wreck fishing over a half days fishing, with help from the team, when and if needed!

Winter uptiding trips

Winter uptiding is all done under anchor in their inshore waters, as the Cod move close in to shore. It’s a light tackle sport and involves casting, the target fish is Cod, with Jon Whitton being one of the pioneers of this specialist type of fishing. It’s great fishing during the winter and the results can be spectacular. It does get cold so if you book an Uptiding trip please remember to wrap up warm!

Find more information and book here.

Coastal Sea Fishing

3 hour trips: £30 per Adult | £25 child 

2 hour summer evening Mackerel trips: £20 Adult | £15 Child

Joining one of these fishing trips out of Whitby will give you a unique perspective on the rugged cliffs of the North Yorkshire coastline. You’ll get to experience the elements as never before – making memories that will last a lifetime. Rods and tackle are provided free of charge, along with as much advice and encouragement as you need to get started. Skipper Gordon has been sailing these waters for over 35 years and will gladly share his knowledge and insights with novices and experienced anglers alike. And once you’re safely back on dry land, you’ll be able to enjoy your catch – or treat yourself to some fresh fish & chips on the harbourside. The perfect day out!

Whitby Fishing Boats Trips (Libby)

Jump aboard and experience a Whitby fishing trip with one of Whitby’s most experienced skippers. Ken Graham has been taking visitors and locals out to sea on his boat Libby for years and knows the waters of the picturesque Whitby coastline like the back of his hand. Whatever the time of year Ken knows where to head for the best chance of catching fish and whether you’re a novice or have lots of experience Ken can provide all the information and advice you need to make the most of your Whitby fishing trip.

Charter Boat Fishing, Whitby

Sea angling trips have been a popular activity with visitors and locals alike for generations. It’s a great way to get a unique view of our wonderfully rugged Yorkshire coastline. Fishing is also a fantastic family or small group activity, as it’s suitable for all ages and experience levels.

Trips run from 8 am – 11 am, 11 am – 2 pm & 2 pm – 5 pm and their Facebook page is the best place to look for up to date information and changes to their normal schedule.

Whitby Pier fishing

Whitby’s stone piers have been in place since 1632 when they replaced the wooden ones. Wooden extensions were added just before the First World War . Health and safety requirements mean that you cannot drive right down to the pier but there is ample parking just a 5-minute walk away.

If you enjoy fishing but are not too keen to go out in a boat, Whitby’s West Pier is a great alternative throughout the weeks of summer, using spinners and lures as local anglers inevitably do. The ‘ground’ tends to be sandy and almost hazard-free, though some weed and small rocks. Mackerel, in particular, and Flounder are regularly caught off the West Pier.

You should check the tides first of all; it is more likely that you will be more successful near and at high water but that shouldn’t put you off completely from fishing at any time. You never know!

If you try your luck in the Autumn, smaller Cod are likely to have moved closer to land together with Whiting. Both respond to Peeler Crab bait, and occasionally Mussels.

Winters can be cold but that should not deter a hardy fisherman. You must wrap up warm of course but the rewards of Cod make it all worthwhile. There have been regular catches of Cod weighing more than 15 lbs responding to the favourite bait of Peeler Crab, Ragworm and Lugworm.

Please note: Anglers are prohibited from fishing into the harbour from the West Pier.

Whitby’s East Pier has been problematic in terms of access for the last year or two. This issue is still under discussion with Scarborough Borough Council. As with the West Pier, anglers are prohibited from fishing into the harbour. The ‘ground’ is rocky and can be ‘tackle-damaging.’

Summer and Autumn fishing can yield Codling and Mackerel but not in the numbers off the West Pier. However, the East Pier is, more often than not, free and consequently is a very restful place to spend a few hours contemplating the world and reflecting on the frantic nature of it all.

General health and safety

Sea angling can be a risky occupation, especially from the rocky shoreline. It is very easy to fall, and you would be advised not to fish in an area with which you are not familiar without getting local advice. You should check the tides to ensure that entry and exit are available for the time you wish to fish. Similarly, you need to pay heed to the weather forecast.

If the storm gates on the piers are shut, you should forget fishing for the day. Always have a means of communicating if you are going off to fish and tell friends or family where you are going.

If the seas are especially heavy, forget fishing; it is unlikely in those conditions that you would catch anything anyway.

West Pier fishing safety

The West Pier is on two levels with the lower level reached by climbing down a ladder at the end of the Pier. If the weather is not very good, the best advice is to forget about the lower level that day. Checking the tides and the weather forecast are things you should always do before heading for the West Pier.

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6 thoughts on “Whitby Fishing Information, Boat Fishing Trips & Pier Fishing”

good afternoon

i am coming to whitby for a weekend in october, and im planning on a bit of fishing.

please can you advise do you need a rod/fishing license to fish from the fishing platform?

if so where would i get one from?

thanks in advance

You do not need a rod license for sale fishing even off a pier

Been fishing the piers since the late 60s and had some great sessions.

Hi I was hoping you could help me with a question. Can you get lug worm at Whitby? Also how much a pack are they please.

looking for a fishing guide coach lessons around whitby in next 2 weeks around 7th feb , mark 07970256665 ta.

A better question.. where can’t you fish as I know fishing into the harbor is prohibited from both East pier and West pier. Can you fish from the hard standing areas of the pier the concrete part before the parts with lighthouses I’m not sure what you would call them? I’m hopefully heading there this Monday.. I’ve been river fishing for a very long time but I’m new to the sea angling side.. I’ve been fishing up at southbound but like I said in my previous question too many surfers and they think the own the beach. Because I’m new to the scene of sea fishing I tend to stay by myself.. you could I don’t like crowds.. crowds of fisherman not crowds of people I’m not a complete recluse. So if anyone can give me any advice it would be good to hear from you.

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Welcome to Jean-K Seafishing!

Congratulations on finding the best value for money sea fishing charters in Whitby! The Jean-K has been successfully fishing from Whitby for a number of years .

The Jean-K has plenty of room for 10 anglers . She is designed for the angler in mind. Fitted out with top quality, 'state of the art' equipment. She has navigational capabilites second to none.

She is built for charter angling work being fully licensed and insured for 10 passengers and carries a 60 mile code of practice certificate. She is definietly the best value for money boat working from Whitby at this time.

The Skipper

Kev - The Skipper never stops working his socks off when he's out there from the start of the day to the very last minute. Whether you're a complete novice or an experienced angler 100% effort and service is given on every trip.

TIDE TABLES ARE AVAILABLE NOW SO BOOK YOUR TRIPS EARLY TO ENSURE YOU GET THE BEST TIDES.

Our Schedule

The charters.

The wreck and rough ground sea angling from Whitby this year so far has been very good overall.

For only £55 Per Person for a 10 HOUR trip - this has to be the lowest price around.

• Extended trips can be arranged.
• Fishing tackle is availble.
• Please contact us for bookings.

Experience Inner peace..

Get away from it all and experience a top quality , stress-free day !

Check out our charter pictures here at the gallery. You could have your photo's displayed here too!

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• About Sea Urchin Charters

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Whitby Boat Fishing On Sea Urchin III

Sea Urchin III offers fantastic Whitby boat fishing all year round.

Our trips in Spring, Summer and Autumn commence at 07:00 hrs prompt; so please make sure to be on the charter boat pontoon (opposite the Endeavour pub) for at least 06:30 – 06:45 hrs. If the tide level requires the use of the Swing Bridge at 07:00 hrs then we need to be sat on the water waiting at 06:55 hrs. Late anglers can cost the whole party precious fishing time, so if you are late, the boat will not wait for you. Winter uptiding trips see us leave Whitby around 07:30 hrs and come back in for around 16:00 – 16:30 hrs; Spring, Summer and Autumn trips have us back at the pontoon for roughly 17:00 hrs where you can finish off your filleting, if you haven’t already done it at sea (recommended).

If you are not staying in Whitby the night before your trip, we recommend you arrive early (05:00 – 06:00 hrs) in the morning to get a chance at a decent parking place. It can be particularly busy through the summer months and although the pay and display car park on Church Street has space for around fifty cars, it fills quickly (parking for the day in the Church Street park costs £9.00).

Once you’ve got the car parked, it’s worth a stroll to the excellent Singing Kettle which is always full of skippers and excited anglers, for one of their excellent breakfasts (open from 05:30hrs daily). If you need to grab any bait or tackle for the day, the guys at Hook, Line and Sinker on Church straight will be pleased to see you, and sort you out.

Don’t forget to book your dates for the Whitby Charter Skippers Association Festival early so you get the exact date and tide to suit your or your group. Most years, anglers leave it to the last minute and then struggle to get a good tide and space; don’t let it be you this year. The tide tables are available via either the skipper; or you can see the next 28 days on the availability page of the calendar.

Many anglers enjoy a post-fishing pint and The Fleece, Endeavour and Middle Earth Tavern are all popular Church Street

Winter Uptiding – Trips around Whitby, Kettleness, Sands End and Robin Hoods Bay have proven very popular and productive in recent years. The uptiding season really kicks in when the late autumn Northerly winds start stirring up the water close in to shore. It doesn’t take long for the Cod to follow it in and some great sport can be had, only a short run out of Whitby. Most trips will see the anglers fishing within half an hour or so of leaving port.

Tackle – The trips are generally bait fishing for Cod, at anchor, on inshore marks with light tackle. 12-20lb class outfits and reels loaded with 50lb braid straight through are recommended. 5-6oz grip leads with a rotten bottom of 15-20lb and pennel rigs do the damage. Forty-pound hook traces of 4-6ft are fine for a regular tide, but if it starts pushing through, 3-4ft will normally yield better results. If you haven’t tried it yet, fluorocarbon is certainly worth a look (it sinks like a brick and doesn’t move around so much in the tide). For the pennel rigs, sharp hooks are a must; and as the main hook we prefer to use Sakuma Manta Extra 5/0 and a Sakuma Chinu in 3/0 on top, free running. Any advice you need on tying rigs, or if you would like to purchase ours, just ask and we will be happy to help.

Bait – Cod are the main species we target, but occasionally an odd Pollock, Coalfish, Dogfish, Wrasse or even Ling may turn up. It is good to take a wide variety of baits, as each day is different, but the dominant baits which account for the lion share of the fish are Squid and Black Lugworm (available from Hook, Line and Sinker in Whitby). Other baits worth a look at are Crab Cart, Lugworm, Mussel and Peeler Crab.

Tactics – A mistake we regularly see made, is anglers who just drop the lead over the side of the boat and as soon as it gets down to the bottom, they engage the clutch. When uptiding, in particular; you must take into account the strength of tide and pay out a bow of line from the lead, back to the boat (a count to five will usually suffice). The lead will grip onto the bottom and you will receive one of two types of bite; well, we say bite, but it is important that you do NOT strike, as this will do nothing as there is a bow in the line which needs to be taken out. Bites are either a delicate nodding rod, or a classic spring back on the rod tip as the fish pulls the grip lead from the bottom. In both instances pick up the rod and keep winding until you make contact with the fish, do NOT strike.

Not all winter trips are Uptiding, so make sure to check with the skipper when booking, to see if the plan is to go off to a wreck/ground or to uptide.

Lure and Shad Fishing – This method of fishing has evolved enormously at Whitby over the years. Gone are the Scarborough reels and 50lb Class rods, heavy mono line, jigging heavy perks. The introduction of soft rubber lures from the likes of Sidewinder, Redgill, Berkley and Storm etc, have seen a move to lighter gear, which makes the whole experience more enjoyable. Shadding’ all day can be quite physically demanding, so any gains you can make by using lighter, more balanced tackle will pay dividends. Given the right clarity of water,this is one of the most enjoyable and devasting methods around.

Tackle – Light rods in the 12-20lb class and light multipliers loaded with 40-50lb braid make shadding a joy. There is sometimes the temptation to go really light on the lead, but through experience we have found that 10-12oz is optimum; it gets down quickly and is not too cumbersome to jig with for long periods. At the business end, traces made from 40lb fluorocarbon are particularly good. The addition of a rig clip onto the hook trace will allow you to change the shad over between drifts very quickly. It is amazing what difference a colour change can sometimes make.

Lures – There are literally hundreds of different lures available to catch both the fish and sometimes, the angler. Some are constructed using cheap hooks which blunt and rust quickly along with cheap molded rubber that give a poor swimming action. On this occasion it really is worth paying a little more for one of the bigger company’s offerings, as they are of a more consistent quality with an excellent swimming action. There is always much debate amongst anglers as to which is the best colour etc. The simple answer is, the one that gets you bites on the day. That said, there are certain colours which every angler should have in their armoury to get the Cod. Rhubarb & Custard, Blue, White, Orange, and Pink. If you fancy trying for a Pollack a black and red jelly worm on a jig head can prove to be killer.

Tactics – Shads and soft rubbers are not just cod selective, and quite often, Pollock, Haddock and even an odd Ling will have a go at them. The best way to get to grips with shad fishing, is to have a routine that you work through, to cover different possibilities (colours, size, retrieve). We often see anglers just drop over the side with one colour of shad, jig it for a couple of drifts and then go back to bait fishing, having not had a bite. Every now and again, they may get lucky and crack the code straight away; but, more often than not, they will have to wait for someone else on the boat to do it, then jump on board. Ideally the water doesn’t want to be too coloured for a good days shadding’, as visual appeal is important. The two methods to try are jigging and retrieving the shad. Once the lead has reached the bottom, you can either fish it with a sharp upward jig or retrieve slowly up off the bottom. If you opt to jig, be aware that quite often the fish will take the shad as it drops back to the bottom, so always keep in touch with the shad when you lower the rod back down. If you feel the shad being plucked at, do NOT strike, just let the fish take the shad and wind it up slowly under constant pressure. When retrieving you need to feel for the pluck of the fish, but again, do NOT strike; just keep winding until the fish hooks itself. Fifteen turns of the reel is usually enough to pick off the Cod, but be prepared to go 25-30 turns of the reel for the Pollock.

Top Tips – Through trial and experience we have found a few little golden nuggets to bear in mind when shadding’. If you find on the day that jigging is the most productive, a shorter hook trace of 3-4ft will normally outfish a longer one on a moderate tide. Four-inch Shads are a great way to start at Whitby, but if you feel a few plucks that don’t develop into fish, try dropping down to a smaller 3” shad; which can often make a big difference. Don’t be afraid to try alternative baits, jelly worms in particular, can sometimes catch when it seems nothing is interested. Above all else, keep making subtle changes until you start picking them off regularly. Shadding is a great way to fish, no messy hands cutting up bait and very quick to get back down after a fish.

Bait Fishing – Undoubtedly the most popular angling method used at Whitby and accounts for most of the large fish which get caught from boats. As with all methods, there are some guidelines which we recommend you follow, to give yourself the best chance of bringing all the fish you hook to the boat. Most fish species can be caught using bait, including the Whitby favourites of Cod, Ling and Pollock. Stout tackle is required to extract the fish when you are drifting the wrecks and reefs, with many big Ling being lost as a consequence of not gearing up correctly.

Tackle – Boat rods in the 20-40lb Class will give you the necessary backbone to stop the fish getting back into the wrecks where they live, coupled with multiplier reels loaded with 50lb braid. Nothing fancy is required on the trace front, but strong and something which won’t tangle is paramount. 100lb trace material will give you additional insurance against the razor-sharp teeth of the Ling plus wear and tear of drifting through the wrecks. Paternosters with double or single stand-off loops and an 8/0 hook mounted with muppets are a great starting point. With the extra resistance created by the rig in the tide, lead size will need to be somewhere between 12-16oz depending on how big the tide is.

Bait – Cod and Ling are the main targets when bait fishing the wrecks and a huge variety of baits will catch the fish, but there are certainly a couple you should make sure you always bring. The Mackerel usually turn up late May early June and will stay sometimes until November. We will always stop on the way out and give you the opportunity to get yourself some fresh Mackerel for bait when they are around. Fresh Mackerel (either a flapper, fillet, strip or head and guts) and Squid are the essentials and then if you fancy bringing a couple of alternatives; Mussels, King Prawn, Rag or Black Lugworm, Sandeel and Crab Cart are always an option.

Tactics – The key to a good day at sea is to follow the 7P’s principle: Prior Planning & Preparation Prevents Piss Poor Performance. Sea sickness can ruin a day at sea and the last thing you want to be doing is trying to concentrate tying knots and rigs at sea. When fishing the wrecks, you could lose a lot of sets of gear (although you might use the same set all day), so having 10 – 15 bait traces all tied and stored in clear plastic bags, you can be fishing again quickly in the event of a break off. After spending your hard-earned cash on a trip out, you want the maximum amount of time fishing, not tying rigs.

A mistake often made by anglers is to engage the clutch as soon as the bait gets to the bottom. This just results in the bait being dragged around and it is continually on the move. The bait wants to be hard on the deck and static long enough for the fish to pick it up. Put the reel out of gear and control things with your thumb. When you feel a bite, release a bit of line to let the fish take the bait and feel for the pulling again. Repeat up to three times with bigger baits (it takes them a bit longer to take the bait down), then engage the clutch and get at least 15 turns on the reel to get the fish away from the wreck. Once clear, you can back off a bit and enjoy the fight. Make sure your drag is set correctly, as a big fish will smash even heavy traces when they lunge on a tight clutch.

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Useful links, fishing knots.

Albright special Arbor knot Blood Knot Clinch Knot Double Uni Knot Dropper Loop Surgeons Knot Swivel knot Triline knot

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Yorkshire Coast Fishing | Sea Fishing Whitby Pier | Porbeagle Shark Fishing | North Yorkshire | Shy-Torque III

• BOAT DIRECT: 07733 233352
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Welcome… and thanks for taking the time to look at the Shy-Torque lll website.

47lb Halibut caught 28.09.2011 on a specified Halibut trip. We will be running Halibut trips every year from May onwards due to the numbers we have seen here at Whitby over the last 3 years or so. Please call for details. See picture below or in fish pics 4 section.

“THE SHY-TORQUE HAS WON MORE COMPETITIONS HERE AT WHITBY IN THE LAST 30 YEARS THAN ANY OTHER CHARTER BOAT”

Nigel Hall wins 2 competitions in 2019!!  He wins the spring competition with a lovely pollack of 12lb 8oz and wins the September competition with a fine ling of 21lb 5oz. Nigel scooping £2100.00 in cash!!

Richard Horobrov wins 2018 Spring competition on Shy-Torque III. Cod weighing in at 15lb 3oz. Richard wins a lovely £1050.00 in cash!!

Mathew Weatherhead wins September 2017 competition on Shy-Torque III. Ling weighing in at 19lb 4oz. Mathew wins a cracking £1050.00 in cash.

Marek Pracowity wins 2015 Spring competition on Shy-Torque. Cod weighing in at 14lb 12.5oz. Marek wins a very nice £1050.00 in cash!!

Brian Towle from Hull wins 2012 late summer competition and grabs a cool £1050.00 in cash!!! See picture below.

John Wilcock ( past Summer festival £5000.00 winner ) WINS 2011 Summer angling competiton again with 26lb 8oz ling !!!!!! Johns fish won him another massive £5000.00 !!! See picture below.

This years competition dates have been set for (2020) and are as follows: Spring comp : – Sat 18th April – Sun 3rd May inc. Summer comp : – Sat 27th June – Sun 19th July inc. Late Summer comp : – Sat 29th August – Sun 13th Sept inc.

THERE ARE STILL DATES LEFT IN THE COMPETITIONS ALTHOUGH THE SUMMER DATES ARE GOING QUICK !!! PLEASE CALL FOR INFORMATION. 07733 233352

I now have a tidal prediction programme for the next 20 years so if you want to book trips for next year I can sort that for you!!

GET YOUR TRIPS BOOKED EARLY TO AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT.

Heaviest cod in 2014 Summer competition at over 20lbs !! 2nd, 3rd & 4th overall winners in Summer 2014 competition. The boat again winning more prizes and money than any of the other boats in the competition!!!! Biggest Cod and by far the Best fish overall in 2010 Summer angling festival caught on the Shy-Torque III. A cracking cod of 17lb 5.5oz by Guy Wrightson of Pontefract winning him £500.00 plus daily cash prize. See on fish pictures page. . Biggest cod of 2009 caught out of Whitby on a 10 hour trip caught aboard Shy-Torque. 06.11.2009. A whopping 24lbs! See picture at bottom of this page or fish pics 4. 2nd and 3rd place overall in the 2009 Summer angling festival. John Wilcock wins summer 2008 July angling festival with cod over 20lbs taking over £6000.00 in prize money!!!!!!!! Plus loads more daily prize winning fish. See our competition fish in “fish pictures 3” section. (Top left on this page)

WINNER of July 2007 angling festival. See picture below or in Gallery Section. WINNER of September 2007 angling festival with massive ling of 31lb 11.5oz. See picture below or in Gallery Section. “THE SHY-TORQUE HAS WON MORE ANGLING COMPETITIONS HERE AT WHITBY OVER THE LAST 30 YEARS THAN ANY OTHER CHARTER BOAT” (A FACT !) Please browse through the pages to find out about the boat, cost etc…….. We update info to the site on a weekly/ monthly basis or whenever we have anything at all of interest. The picture gallery has had some nice additions last year and this year up to now, so have a look there at the quality and quantity of fish we”ll be working to get for you again this year. Have a good browse through the pictures and find yourself !!! Fishing this year has been very good up to now. The best lures being “Storm Shads” and jiggers (Pirks) and the best bait has been Squid. Pictures in the Updates sections. Sharking trips aboard Shy-Torque are available from the end of May to October every year ( mackerel dependant ) We are now running 2 day sharking trips.

The biggest name in angling, “SHIMANO” are the sponsor for the boat and have put their brand new, heavy duty sharking gear aboard for your use (FOR FREE) A big thankyou as ever to them.

INDIVIDUAL BOOKINGS ARE VERY WELCOME.