The mark in its summer glory, be cautious as the ground is uneven in places.
The Jarrow oil jetty is situated on the south banks of the Tyne and is just around the corner from Bede’s world and Bede’s church and a 10 minute drive from the Tyne Tunnel. The mark itself is positioned on Slake road, just off church bank. Once there you will see an unlocked gate which leads you onto the mark. The oil jetty itself is now un-fishable due to a large metal fence but the walkway next to it is perfect ground. It can cater for around 5-7 anglers depending on the tide as you can get gear caught up in the jetty if you are fishing too close .
You can park your car at the car park next to the gate so it is a fairly short walk away to the mark itself. Although it is not a ‘secure car park’ I have never had any problems with damage or breakages, just remember not to leave valuables on show as you would anywhere. Please also be aware that the walkway around the mark is covered in uneven grass and ground so be careful when walking during the day or the night. Now let’s get down to what you came here for!
Best time to fish: This mark to me is a mark for any tide, I tend to come here when there’s too strong a tide to fish other venues up river closer to my home. Best fishing times can vary here but the most effective I found is 5 hours on the flood and then a further 2 hours on the ebb. From the many trips I’ve had here the best productivity has been during these times. Although due to the nature of the ground it can be difficult when retrieving line but it’s not often that you would get caught up.
Summer Species: During the summer months, you can expect to catch common river species such as coalfish, flounder and large common eels. Although it’s not uncommon to catch codlin toward the end of spring.
Winter Species: Fishing here in the winter can be very productive on its day, whiting, being the scavengers they are come very frequently along with codlin, some of size. During a fishing session my father caught a 7lb specimen. To add, flatfish are a common catch among the winter species. Night time in winter has proven very productive for cod on the right tide.
Best baits: During the summer months, I prefer to use worm baits such as ragworm when targeting flounder, whilst occasionally using fish baits such as mackerel and bluey to add extra scent. Fresh and frozen crab are aslo effective on this mark like most of the river. As the cold creeps in along with the cod, I use both ragworm and lugworm on a flapper rig, sometimes using black lugworm or crab to tip off to add extra attraction in the water. On a stronger tide I use a pulley pennel rig with a worm cocktail consisting of black lugworm, ragworm and crab on a stronger tide as the scent gets washed away faster, hence the larger baits. Year round I add beads in order to add more attraction to fish.
Ground: The ground itself is relatively clear but can be snagging in some places. I have found to have reeled in items such as old boat ropes and large amounts of seaweed. There is the odd snag as anywhere but due to the nature of the area and its past, it is likely that there is debris from shipping days or when the jetty was in use.
Tug boats and freight carriers often move past during the day so be aware at all times of waterway users.
TIP Access is often difficult or restricted all together and you may be moved on at this mark by the authorities although it has never happened to myself.
The mark isn’t fenced off so be careful where you step as it is not as safe as other marks. As Usual the mark does not come with any bins so please take you litter home, stay safe and TIGHT LINES!
Sea Fishing Tactics 