Sea fishing in East Riding of Yorkshire

East Riding of Yorkshire sea fishing overview

East Riding of Yorkshire has one of the most varied shore-fishing coastlines in northern England. It runs from the chalk headland and sheltered bays around Flamborough and Bridlington, south through the long, mobile sand-and-shingle beaches of the Holderness coast, to the tidal Humber approaches at Spurn, Kilnsea and Easington.

It is a genuinely seasonal coast. Autumn and winter bring the best chance of cod, codling, whiting and larger mixed bags in rough weather; spring can produce good flatfish and early bass; summer is best for mackerel around the headland, plus bass, smoothhound, flounder and mixed beach species. The Humber side adds strong-tide fishing for flounder, bass, eels and occasional larger estuary visitors.

The coast is exposed to North Sea weather and is heavily affected by wind direction, sea state and beach movement. A mark that fishes well one year can be shallow, scoured out or inaccessible the next. Checking conditions in person, rather than relying solely on old reports, is important.

Key principle: fish the right type of water. Rocky/chalk ground around Flamborough suits rough-ground tactics and summer lure fishing; open Holderness beaches suit surfcasting and bait fishing; Humber marks require careful tide planning and an awareness of mud, currents and restricted access.

Fishing by area

Flamborough Head, North Landing and South Landing

The chalk headland is the East Riding's most distinctive fishing ground. Deepish water, kelp, gullies and broken ground can hold mackerel, pollack, coalfish, wrasse, codling, whiting and occasional bass. Mackerel are most reliable in settled summer weather, while codling and whiting are more likely from autumn into winter, particularly after a coloured sea and a northerly or north-easterly blow.

• North Landing / South Landing: useful for mixed fishing, but access is steep in places and landing fish from rocks can be difficult in swell.
• Chalk ledges and cliff-base marks: can be productive but should only be approached in calm conditions, on a falling tide where a safe retreat is certain.
• Bridlington-side headland marks: offer convenient access to deeper water in some areas, but always observe signs, private land boundaries and cliff-path restrictions.

Do not fish directly beneath unstable cliffs. Chalk falls without warning, especially after rain or frost.

Bridlington, harbour area and surrounding beaches

Bridlington offers accessible fishing for visitors, with beaches, promenades and harbour-side opportunities. The harbour and its entrances can produce small pollack, coalfish, wrasse, pouting, whiting, flounder and occasional mackerel, depending on season and water clarity. Nearby beaches can produce dabs, flounder, whiting, codling, bass and dogfish.

Harbour fishing is subject to local rules, working-vessel movements and safety restrictions. Avoid obstructing slipways, moorings or commercial activity, and check whether a particular wall, pier or harbour section is open to angling before setting up.

Sewerby, Danes Dyke and northern Bridlington coast

The coast north of Bridlington provides a transition between beach and rougher chalk/rocky ground. These marks can fish well for mackerel and pollack in summer, and codling, whiting and rockling in colder months. Rougher patches favour short casts into gullies and kelp edges rather than simply casting as far as possible.

Holderness beaches: Barmston, Skipsea, Hornsea, Mappleton and Tunstall

The central Holderness coast is mainly open beach, with sand, shingle, clay, occasional rough patches and changing gullies. It is classic bait-and-surfcasting territory.

• Hornsea and Skipsea/Barmston: often provide accessible flatfish, whiting and codling fishing. Dabs and flounder are common targets; summer can bring bass and smaller species.
• Mappleton and Tunstall: can be worth fishing when a sea is running, especially in autumn and winter. Coastal defences, groynes and changed beach contours can create fish-holding features, but may also produce snags and awkward footing.
• Open beaches generally: fish best when there is some colour and movement in the water. A feature such as a gutter, sandbar gap, drainage run or edge of a rough patch is more important than maximum casting distance.

Withernsea, Cowden and southern Holderness

These are open, exposed beach marks with similar potential for whiting, codling, dabs, flounder, bass, dogfish and occasional rays. Cowden is particularly known for its rapidly eroding cliffs: access changes regularly and some old paths or parking arrangements may no longer be usable.

Withernsea can be a practical option for an evening session because of its town access, but anglers should still check local promenade, beach and parking restrictions. Fish away from busy bathing areas in summer and leave pedestrian routes clear.

Easington, Kilnsea and Spurn / Humber approaches

The far south-east of the county offers a different kind of fishing. The Humber is tidal, silty and powerful, with productive estuary water but serious hazards.

• Kilnsea and the outer beach: can produce bass, flounder, whiting, codling in season, eels and mixed beach fish.
• Humber-side marks: are noted for flounder, eels, bass and occasional larger estuary species. The stronger flow often means that the most productive periods are around slack water or the easing stages of a tide.
• Spurn: is a dynamic, environmentally sensitive area. Access can change due to erosion, storms, conservation management and flooding. Check current access arrangements before travelling and do not attempt to cross flooded or unstable sections.

Some areas around Spurn lie within protected habitats or managed land. Follow all site signage, keep clear of nesting birds, use established routes and do not drive onto beaches or tracks unless explicitly permitted.

Main species and realistic seasonal expectations

Species	Best period	Likely areas and notes
Cod and codling	October–March, often best after autumn/winter seas	Holderness beaches, Bridlington area and rougher Flamborough marks. Bigger seas can improve sport but also make marks unsafe.
Whiting	September–March	Common night-time target from beaches and harbour-adjacent marks; worm, squid and fish baits work.
Dab	Autumn–spring, though present widely	Open beaches and cleaner sand. Small worm, mussel and fish-strip baits are effective.
Flounder	Spring and autumn especially; present much of the year	Beaches, drains and Humber-influenced water. Often feed well over mixed sand/mud or estuary ground.
Bass	May–October, with best spells in warm water and moving seas	Holderness surf beaches, gullies, river/estuary-influenced areas and Humber approaches. Return undersized fish carefully and follow current legal minimum landing size rules.
Mackerel	May–September, occasionally later	Flamborough headland and Bridlington coast in clear, settled water. Dawn, dusk and a flooding tide can be useful.
Pollack and coalfish	Spring–autumn; coalfish may continue in colder months	Flamborough rough ground, harbour structures and deeper rocky water.
Wrasse	Late spring–early autumn	Rocky/chalk ground around Flamborough; use light but abrasion-resistant tackle.
Smoothhound	June–September, variable year to year	More likely from warmer beaches and Humber-side/southern marks; peeler crab is the principal bait.
Dogfish	Summer–autumn, sometimes later	Beach and mixed ground marks, usually at night on fish or squid baits.
Eels	Late spring–autumn	Humber and estuary-influenced marks, especially after dark. Handle carefully and return promptly.
Rays	Mainly summer–autumn, not guaranteed	Occasional from suitable sandy beach marks, particularly farther south. Treat as a bonus rather than a dependable target.

Seasonal approach

• Winter: Concentrate on codling, whiting, dabs and flounder. Fish evenings, flood tides and periods following a safe, fishable sea. Fresh or salted lugworm, ragworm, crab, mussel and squid/fish cocktails all have a place.
• Spring: Flatfish remain a good option. Flounder fishing can be very worthwhile as water begins to warm, and early bass may appear in sheltered or coloured surf.
• Summer: Divide time between lure/float fishing around Flamborough for mackerel, pollack and wrasse, and evening bait fishing on beaches for bass, smoothhound, dogfish, flounder and mixed species.
• Autumn: Often the most eagerly awaited season. Cooling water, bait movement and the first coloured seas can bring codling and whiting close to shore. This is when Holderness beaches can be at their best.

Catch rates vary substantially with weather, water temperature and local bait concentrations. No East Riding mark produces cod or bass consistently on every tide.

Methods, rigs and practical tackle

Beach fishing for codling, whiting and mixed winter fish

A 12–14 ft beachcaster rated around 4–8 oz, paired with a robust fixed-spool or multiplier reel, covers most situations. Use a shockleader when casting heavy leads. In normal conditions, 4–6 oz grip leads are common; stronger surf or Humber flow may require more, but if tackle will not hold safely, change mark or abandon the session.

Useful rigs:

• Pulley pennel: a dependable choice for codling over mixed or slightly rough ground, especially with larger worm/crab/fish baits.
• Single-hook clipped-down rig: good for distance and neat presentation on cleaner beaches.
• Two-hook flapper or wishbone rig: effective for whiting, dabs and smaller flatfish on cleaner sand; use only where snags are limited.
• Simple running ledger: useful in calmer conditions and for flounder or bass fishing with a natural-moving bait.

Typical hook sizes are roughly 1/0 to 4/0 for codling/bass baits, size 1 to 2/0 for whiting, and size 2 to 1/0 for dabs and flounder. Adjust to bait size rather than following a fixed rule.

Baits

• Lugworm: an all-round East Coast bait for codling, whiting, dabs, flounder and bass.
• Ragworm: excellent for flatfish, bass and mixed summer fishing; often useful tipped with squid or mackerel strip.
• Peeler crab / soft crab: prime bass and smoothhound bait in summer, and a valuable codling bait in season.
• Mussel: useful in codling and flatfish cocktails, but secure it with bait elastic.
• Squid, mackerel and bluey strips: durable scent baits for whiting, dogfish and codling; often best as a tip rather than the entire bait.
• Cocktails: lug tipped with squid, rag tipped with mackerel, or crab/mussel combinations can be effective after a sea.

Buy bait locally where possible: local shops and anglers often have the most up-to-date view on recent catches, beach access and which bait is currently producing.

Lure, float and light-tackle fishing at Flamborough

For mackerel, pollack and coalfish, use a 9–10 ft spinning rod rated approximately 10–40 g with a 3000–5000 size fixed-spool reel. Metal lures, slim casting jigs, sandeels and small plugs work well. Use a short, heavier fluorocarbon or mono leader around rough ground.

For pollack and wrasse, fish soft plastics, small metal lures or baited rigs close to kelp edges and gullies. A float-fished strip of mackerel, sandeel imitation or ragworm can also be effective where safe to do so. Keep tackle strong enough to turn fish away from kelp; very light line results in lost fish and terminal tackle.

Summer beach fishing

For bass and smoothhound, a 2–4 oz or 4–6 oz beach setup is usually adequate according to surf conditions. Fish dusk, darkness, dawn and a building tide, particularly around gutters and broken water. Fresh crab or worm baits generally outfish large, static baits in calm summer conditions.

Use a landing net only where it can be deployed safely; on rocks, do not attempt to climb down wet ledges to retrieve fish.

Tides, weather and sea conditions

The East Riding coast is highly weather-led. Tide matters, but wind and sea state often matter more.

Wind direction

• North-east through east winds: can create the coloured, rolling sea associated with winter codling and whiting fishing. They also create dangerous swell, steep surf and cliff/rock access problems. Fish only sheltered, safely accessible locations.
• North or north-west winds: can make the coast cold and uncomfortable. North-westerlies often flatten or clear the sea after a blow; this may suit mackerel and lure fishing once the water settles.
• South and south-west winds: can produce more manageable, clearer water on many east-facing beaches, though local effects vary. These conditions can suit summer species and flatfish.

Choosing a tide

There is no universal “best tide” for the whole county.

• On open surf beaches, the flooding tide and first part of the ebb often provide the best depth and movement. A moderate tide is usually easier and safer than an extreme spring tide, particularly where beach access narrows.
• On rocky Flamborough marks, a flooding tide can bring fish closer, but safe access and escape routes must govern the session. Never stay below a cliff or on a ledge that will cut off your return.
• In the Humber, tidal flow can be severe. Fishing near slack water, or when the current begins to ease, is often more practical than trying to hold bottom at peak flow.

Reading the beach

Arrive in daylight when possible. Look for:

• deeper, darker-coloured gutters running parallel to shore;
• cuts through sandbars where water drains seaward;
• areas of shell, gravel, clay or broken ground among clean sand;
• rippled or disturbed water showing current lines;
• birds working close inshore, which can indicate baitfish.

A simple cast into a nearshore gutter can outfish a very long cast onto shallow sand. Reassess the water through the session: Holderness beaches shift frequently after rough weather.

Safety, access and good practice

Coastal hazards

East Riding is a rewarding coast but one that deserves respect.

• Cliff falls: The Holderness coast is among the fastest-eroding coastlines in Europe, and Flamborough's chalk cliffs can also collapse. Keep well away from cliff bases and edges. Never shelter beneath a cliff during rain, frost or after a storm.
• Tide cut-off: Rock marks, coves and low ledges around Flamborough can become inaccessible quickly. Check tide times and physically identify your return route before fishing.
• Swell: Long-period North Sea swell can look manageable at first but can wash unexpectedly across ledges, sea walls and groynes. Do not turn your back on the sea.
• Humber currents and mud: Do not wade in Humber channels or attempt to cross mudflats. Fast tides, soft mud and changing channels are serious hazards.
• Night fishing: Take a headtorch plus spare batteries, warm waterproof clothing, a charged phone and tell someone your location and expected return time.

Access

Use public car parks, signed footpaths and established beach access points. Access at Cowden, Spurn and other eroding areas can change rapidly; do not rely on old online directions. Respect private land, farm tracks, caravan parks, harbour operations and any seasonal closures.

Spurn and nearby Humber habitats are important for birds and wildlife. Keep dogs controlled where required, avoid disturbing birds, remove all line and bait packaging, and observe reserve or National Trust / site-management rules.

Fish welfare and regulations

Carry a tape measure, long-nose pliers/disgorger and a landing mat or wet surface for larger fish. Return unwanted fish quickly, especially bass, rays, eels and undersized fish. Retain only fish that are legal to take and that you will use.

UK sea-fishing rules, minimum conservation reference sizes, bass restrictions and local harbour/byelaw rules can change. Check the current official regulations before your trip; do not rely on old printed size charts or social-media posts.

Local shore-angling tips

1. Plan around conditions, not just a named mark. If a north-easterly makes Flamborough unsafe, choose an accessible beach or postpone. If the sea is flat and clear, switch from cod tactics to flatfish, mackerel or summer species.
2. Fish after dark for bait species. Whiting, codling, dogfish and larger bass are often more confidently caught in darkness, particularly from busy beaches.
3. Use fresh bait and keep it simple. A well-presented lugworm or ragworm bait on a single-hook rig will often beat an over-large cocktail.
4. Do not automatically cast to the horizon. On Holderness beaches, close gutters commonly hold feeding fish. Start with one rod short and one farther out if permitted and practical.
5. Carry spare leads and rigs. Groynes, clay, rock patches and storm-shifted debris can all take tackle. Rotten-bottom systems can be useful over rougher ground.
6. Watch the sea for 15 minutes before setting up on rocks. Note the largest sets, not the average waves.
7. Avoid busy summer beaches. Fish early, late or outside bathing areas; cast only when the area is clear of swimmers, walkers and dogs.
8. Ask locally about recent erosion and parking. The most valuable local information is often whether the path, car park or beach section is still usable.
9. Keep a tide and catch diary. Record wind, sea colour, tide stage, bait and exact beach features. East Riding fishing becomes much more predictable once you build your own local pattern.
10. Leave no trace. Discarded line and bait elastic are particularly harmful to wildlife and dogs; take every scrap home.

Nearby areas worth considering

• North Yorkshire: Just north of the East Riding boundary, the Scarborough, Filey and Whitby coasts offer additional rock, harbour and beach options. Filey Bay is particularly relevant for anglers travelling from Bridlington/Flamborough.
• Lincolnshire: Across and south of the Humber, Lincolnshire's estuary and open beach marks provide different surf and flatfish opportunities, though travel and tide planning are important.
• South Yorkshire / West Yorkshire: These are inland counties rather than sea-fishing destinations, but anglers travelling from Sheffield, Doncaster, Leeds or Wakefield commonly use the East Riding coast as their nearest major sea-angling area.

For a short East Riding-based trip, the most practical contrasting combination is often Flamborough for daytime lure/rough-ground fishing and a Holderness beach for an evening bait session.

Frequently asked questions

Is East Riding of Yorkshire good for sea fishing?

Yes. It offers productive and varied shore fishing, especially for autumn/winter codling and whiting, summer mackerel around Flamborough, and year-round flatfish opportunities from beaches and Humber-influenced water.

Where is best for a beginner?

An accessible beach around Bridlington, Hornsea or Withernsea is usually a better starting point than exposed rocks or Humber mudflats. Fish in daylight first, use a simple two-hook flapper or single-hook ledger with lugworm/ragworm, and choose a calm-to-moderate day.

When is the best time for cod fishing?

The main period is generally October to March. Productive conditions often follow a safe, fishable northerly or north-easterly sea that has coloured the water. The roughest conditions are not necessarily the best conditions if they make casting or access unsafe.

Can I catch mackerel from the shore?

Yes, especially around Flamborough Head and Bridlington's more open, deeper-water structures from late spring through summer. Clear water, moving tide and early morning/evening sessions are favourable.

Is Spurn safe to fish?

It can be productive, but it requires more caution than an ordinary beach. Conditions, access and tidal flooding can change quickly, while Humber currents and mud are dangerous. Check current access information, stay on suitable ground and do not wade channels or mudflats.

Do I need a licence for sea fishing?

A standard Environment Agency rod licence is generally required for freshwater fishing in England, not ordinary sea angling. However, local restrictions, harbour rules, protected-area rules and species regulations can apply. Check the current rules for the exact place and species before fishing.

What is the best all-round bait?

Fresh lugworm is the most versatile starting bait for the East Riding shore. Add ragworm for flatfish/bass, crab for summer bass and smoothhound, and squid or fish strip as a durable tip for whiting or codling.

Can I fish during the day?

Absolutely. Daylight is especially good for flatfish, mackerel, pollack and wrasse. For winter codling and whiting, however, the last few hours of daylight and the first part of darkness are often more productive.

Quick planning table

Objective	Best general area	Best time	Tackle / bait
Winter codling	Holderness beaches; rougher ground near Flamborough	Autumn–winter, coloured but safe sea, evening into dark	4–8 oz beach gear; pulley pennel; lug, crab, mussel, squid tip
Whiting and dabs	Bridlington-area beaches, Hornsea, Withernsea and other clean beaches	Autumn–spring, often after dark for whiting	Two-hook flapper or clipped rig; lug, rag, squid/mackerel strip
Flounder	Holderness beaches and Humber-influenced marks	Spring/autumn; moving water	Light beach ledger; ragworm, lugworm, small crab or worm cocktails
Summer bass	Holderness surf beaches, Kilnsea/Humber approaches	May–October, dusk/dawn, building tide	Single-hook ledger; peeler crab, ragworm, lugworm
Mackerel	Flamborough and Bridlington headland/structure marks	May–September, clear water	Spinning rod; metal lures, feathers used responsibly, small jigs
Pollack/wrasse	Flamborough rocky and chalk ground	Late spring–early autumn	Spinning/light rock setup; soft plastics, small lures, ragworm
Smoothhound	Warmer southern beaches and suitable Humber-side marks	June–September	Beach gear; crab bait, strong hook and abrasion-resistant trace
Estuary mixed fishing	Kilnsea, Easington and Humber-side locations	Warmer months and easing tide stages	Strong beach gear; worm, crab, fish bait; avoid wading

Best all-round visit: fish Flamborough in daylight for mackerel, pollack or wrasse when the sea is calm, then move to a safe Holderness beach for an evening bait session targeting flatfish, whiting, bass or seasonal codling.