Site Last Updated 14/07/2010

Whitby Sea Fishing

Charter Boats

Summer Festival

2009 Festival Results

Sea Fishing in Whitby

People from across the world visit the picturesque town of Whitby based at the mouth of the river Esk every year.  It is world famous because of the awesome tale written by Bram Stoker about Dracula and of course also probably the most famous sea man of all, Captain James Cook.
Whitby has a timeless dimension about it's old cobbled streets, fish quay and harbour and the town is dominated by the cliff-top ruins of the beautiful 13th century Whitby Abbey.

Whitby is probably the premier port in the UK for charter boat fishing and it still holds the record for the heaviest cod caught on rod and line in British waters, weighing in at an incredible 58lb 7ounces!   The fish was caught by Noel Cook aboard Stuart Johnson's boat, Sea Trek way back in 1992.

Whitby provides plenty of diversity when it comes to fishing.  From fishing aboard the many charter boats hoping for a record cod or ling from the many wrecks that adorn the North Sea, to fishing the Whitby piers, both into the outer side of the piers into the sea or to having a leisurely couple of hours fishing into the harbour for a nice sized Flounder or Plaice.

There are some excellent charter boats plying their trade out of Whitby, skippered by some of the most experienced skippers in the UK.  You are always in with a chance of a good catch aboard boats like Sea Urchin 2 skippered by Mick Leonard, who has a great reputation for being able to get you among the fish.
Trot On is another good charter boat, skippered by the experienced Paul Eddon.  His boat has won the Whitby sea fishing festival on no less than four seperate occasions!
There are many other charter boats available to book but if you are wanting to fish one the many fishing festivals over the year then you need to book early!  At other times many of the charter boat skippers are willing to take single anglers to full fishing parties, but you will have to check with them for dates and times etc.

If you prefer sea fishing from a pier or a jetty then look no further than the two piers at Whitby.
Both piers provide excellent fishing near enough all the year round. The West pier provides both easy access and parking, but the parking can be a bit hit and miss in the height of the summer months when 1000's of visitors descend on the town.

One of the reasons I prefer Whitby pier, is that there is normally plenty of room to maneuver about and you can fish at a safe distance from others if you choose.
Both piers provide great fishing all year round.   Fish into the river for 'flatties' of all species, with eels normally in abundance using Lug Worm or Rag Worm and fish the seaward side for mackerel in the summer, using 'spinners' or float fish a bit of mackerel strip.
In the winter of course you can fish the seaward side of both Whitby piers for all your favourite species such as cod, whiting, coalfish etc.

Whitby is no exception to anywhere else for catching fish, apart from when you fish at whitby you tend to catch more! 

There is plenty of accommodation if you want to stay over for a few days fishing in the winter, accommodation should be quite easy to find.  
In the summer months though it is highly recommended that you book as early as possible to avoid disappointment.

It is a traditional maritime town, with old cobbled streets, picturesque houses and boasts a sandy blue flag beach.  It is a great place to take a holiday or enjoy a long weekend break in the summer, so if you have a family bring them along then and let them enjoy the diverse attractions which includes Pannett Park,  the Victorian Jet Works, while you enjoy a few hours or a full days trip on one of the many charter boats to catch your favourite species.   You can call in on another website after you have finished here, for Tourist Information, Calendar of Events, News and Forum for Whitby.  Whitby runs fishing festivals throughout the year, the summer festival being the biggest.

Why not come along and enjoy some very good sea fishing in Whitby ?

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