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THE River Blyth is a wonderful
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fishery, much underrated by some experts but enjoyed by a huge army of local anglers. The pier is one of the top cod marks in the country, and is rated as the best mackerel spot north of the River Tyne.
There are a wide variety of fishing marks available within the estuary, which should satisfy even the most discriminating angler. Flounder fishing upriver can be fantastic at certain times of the year. There is also some excellent eel fishing to be had too.
BLYTH PIER
The pier is without doubt one of the best marks in the country. During the colder months of the year the cod sport is brilliant, especially when a good sea is running and many of the open shore marks are unfishable. January and February often produce a run of double-figure fish. Various baits are used but frozen peeler crab, lugworm and ragworm account for most of the fish. In spring plaice can show in good numbers along with flounders, coalfish and eels.
PEEPING TOM ROCKS
This short rocky outcrop situated just inside the harbour is a favourite with match anglers. A low water mark, it is capable of producing excellent catches of cod and coalfish to peeler crab baits. Fishing from most of the lower estuary jetties is prohibited, and the ‘Toms’ is one of the few spots that anglers are allowed to use. The first two hours of the flood tide will produce the best results as the fish are moving in with the tide.
NEW QUAY
The quayside has undergone a dramatic improvement over the past few years. Most of the industrial legacy of the past has been chiselled away, leaving a well-kept and attractive waterfront. Here you can fish literally out of the back of your car, making it an ideal place for youngsters who are just learning. Catches consist of codling, coalfish, flounders and eels. Local charter boats use these quays as a pick-up and drop-off spot for their fishing parties.
COAL STAITHES
Situated on the north bank of the river, these jetties run between the North Blyth Club and the start of the old, and now out of bounds, Cambois Pier. Fishing can be hectic for cod and coalfish during the winter months. At other times of the year flounders and eels are taken in good numbers, with peeler crab the top bait. In August and September fishing into dusk can produce some spectacular eel fishing, and many club matches are won with double-figure bags of fish.
BATES JETTY
These old jetties make superb casting platforms and can produce some excellent sport throughout the year. In the summer, eels, flounder and coalfish are landed in good numbers to fresh crab baits. Winter cod fishing is good, especially when the weather is rough and the heavy seas push the cod shoals upriver. A size 3/0 hook loaded with lugworms can occasionally produce fish to double figures. Other baits such as ragworm, mussel and razorfish can be very effective.
BEHIND THE FACTORIES
The mudflats along this stretch of the river are best fished over high water. The biggest bags of flounders are taken where the river brushes close to the south bank. A close examination over low water is recommended, highlighting the most convenient places to fish. Flounders and eels are the main species and can be taken at very short range, literally fishing down the side of the banks. Crab is the best bait, often when tipped off with a sliver of mackerel.
