Whitby East Pier

Whitby East Pier is a classic, exposed Yorkshire harbour-wall mark which can produce straightforward summer sport and serious winter rock-fishing opportunities. Its attraction is the deep water, tidal movement and access to the open North Sea, but it is emphatically a fair-weather venue rather than a place to fish in a sea.

• The outer sections are most associated with mackerel, pollack/coalfish and autumn-to-winter codling, while the harbourward water can offer lighter mixed fishing.
• It is a popular public mark, so space can be limited in calm summer weather and anglers should fish considerately.
• The pier is much less forgiving than the sheltered harbour: swell can wash over it and conditions can change quickly.

The East Pier runs from the east side of Whitby Harbour towards the sea, with fishing opportunities varying greatly between the more sheltered harbourward length and the exposed outer end. It is reached on foot from Whitby’s east side and is best treated as a walk-in mark, with tackle kept manageable.

• The harbour-facing side is generally the more sheltered option, but anglers must stay clear of vessel movements and avoid casting across navigable water.
• The seaward side and pier end put baits and lures into more open, deeper, turbulent water, but receive the full force of any northerly or easterly sea.
• Access involves a long walk over hard, potentially wet and uneven pier surfaces; do not assume that a vehicle can be taken to the fishing position.
• Check the pier entrance before committing to the walk, as gates, closures or work operations can alter access.

East Pier offers a useful seasonal mix, with pelagic fish arriving in warmer conditions and better prospects for larger bottom-feeding species as the water cools. Results depend heavily on sea state, coloured water and the amount of bait fish about.

• Summer and early autumn: mackerel are the headline catch, with pollack, coalfish, occasional garfish and mixed small fish possible on lures, float gear or light leger tactics.
• Autumn and winter: codling are the principal target when there is a safe, fishable coloured sea; whiting, pouting, coalfish and dogfish may supplement catches.
• Bottom fishing in settled periods: dabs, flounder and other flatfish can appear in suitable sandy or mixed ground, particularly in the more sheltered water.
• Occasional visitors: bass and mullet may show in and around the harbour area in the right conditions, but neither should be regarded as guaranteed quarry from the pier.
• Fish stocks and local patterns change, so regard any species list as a guide rather than a promise.

Match the approach to the part of the pier being fished and the weather; light lure fishing may be ideal on a calm day, while winter bait fishing requires properly balanced heavy sea tackle. Carry only what can be controlled safely on a narrow, busy structure.

• For mackerel, use a modest string of feathers, daylights or small metal lures, retrieving steadily and avoiding excessively long traces that are difficult to control near other pier users.
• For pollack and coalfish, cast metal lures, soft plastics or small baited rigs along the wall and work them at varying depths; take care not to snag ropes, ladders or harbour infrastructure.
• For codling and mixed winter fish, fish fresh or quality frozen baits such as crab, worm, squid and fish baits on a robust clipped-down or pulley-style rig suited to the ground.
• Use enough lead to hold bottom rather than repeatedly casting oversized leads; the required weight changes with tide, wind and the chosen side of the pier.
• A long-handled landing net, drop net or safe retrieval plan is important where the water level is low. Do not attempt hazardous hand-lining or climb down harbour structures to land fish.

Tide and sea state matter more here than simply fishing a named stage of tide. A building or recently subsiding sea can improve winter fishing, but the same conditions can make the outer pier dangerous or entirely unfishable.

• The flood tide and period around high water often provide useful depth and movement, especially for bait fishing, though local flow can be strong.
• Calm, clear summer water is well suited to mackerel and lure fishing, particularly when shoals are visibly working offshore.
• A moderate, safely fishable coloured sea can be favourable for codling, provided waves are not reaching the deck or making footing uncertain.
• Northerly and easterly winds can rapidly create heavy swell on the seaward face and pier end; a forecast that looks merely breezy inland may be severe on this exposed coast.
• Fish the more sheltered harbourward water only where it is lawful and safe, and never use the pier as a refuge from an incoming sea.

East Pier demands conservative judgement: waves can overtop the structure, algae makes surfaces slippery, and a fall into the water may be difficult for companions or rescuers to manage. It is not a suitable mark for anyone unable to make a long walk or move confidently on exposed hard surfaces.

• Do not fish the outer pier in rough weather, during overtopping waves, electrical storms, darkness without competent preparation, or when any gate, warning sign or official closure is in place.
• Wear grippy footwear and appropriate flotation protection; keep well back from the edge and never turn your back on the sea.
• Avoid fishing alone in marginal conditions, and ensure someone knows your plans and return time.
• Keep rods, tripods, tackle boxes and lines clear of the walking route, particularly in a busy tourist area.
• The pier has limited shelter, no dependable seating and no practical step-free angling access; check conditions in person before carrying equipment out.

Whitby town provides the useful facilities, but the pier itself should be regarded as an exposed fishing platform rather than a serviced venue. Plan food, water, warm clothing, lighting and waste storage before setting out.

• Public parking, shops, cafés, tackle supplies and toilets may be available in town, subject to opening times, seasonal pressure and local parking rules.
• There are no facilities on the pier that anglers should rely on for bait storage, fish cleaning, shelter or emergency assistance.
• A compact trolley can help with the walk in calm conditions, but it can be awkward on uneven surfaces and should never obstruct pedestrians.
• Take all discarded line, hooks, bait packaging and litter home; line left on harbour walls is a serious hazard to birds, dogs and people.

The most productive approach is to arrive with a clear plan for the prevailing weather rather than forcing a preferred method onto unsuitable conditions. Watching the water for a few minutes before setting up often reveals whether the day calls for lures, bait, a move to sheltered water, or no fishing at all.

• For mackerel, travel light, use fewer hooks than the maximum you could physically cast, and dispatch or release fish promptly rather than leaving catches on the deck.
• For winter codling, concentrate on safe coloured-water periods and use baits presented cleanly rather than continually casting into snag-prone areas.
• Speak to other anglers about which side is fishing and leave generous room for casting, landing fish and passing walkers.
• Early starts and evening sessions can avoid some daytime pedestrian traffic, but only fish after dark if the sea is calm, access is open and you have reliable lighting and a safe exit plan.
• Inspect traces regularly for abrasion from rough ground, and carry a landing net or drop net instead of taking risks at the edge.

Fishing should not be assumed to be unrestricted simply because other anglers are present. Harbour operations, safety works, temporary exclusions and local byelaws can change, so the signs at the pier and directions from harbour staff take priority.

• Check current notices at the pier entrance and consult the relevant harbour authority or North Yorkshire Council information before travelling, especially after storms or during works.
• Do not cast into the harbour entrance, obstruct navigation, fish from signed restricted areas, interfere with ladders, moorings or lifesaving equipment, or block access for harbour users and emergency services.
• Follow current national sea-angling rules on minimum sizes, retained species, protected species and any conservation measures; verify these from official sources because requirements can change.
• Respect any local restrictions on bait collection, parking, access times, dogs and litter, and obtain permission before using any privately controlled access.
• If signage prohibits fishing, or an officer instructs anglers to leave an area, stop fishing and comply immediately.