Shad Fishing for Cod at Whitby

Fishing with Shads is great fun and can catch plenty of fish at Whitby.
The aim of the video is to give an insight into the tackle to use and the methods of actually fishing the Shads. It isn't difficult to do, but is still a quite underused tactic on my Charter Boat.
Why not give it a go next time you're out boat fishing......

[@surfpete31]

I don’t often like videos with loads if chat but this skipper has knowledge and even better, he’s happy to share and educate us novices (and I’ve been sea fishing for 55 years!!). I could listen to him all day. Thanks skip. I wish my local professional boys would be happy to do the same 😩.

[@whitbywreckandreeffishing]

Thank you very much for the kind words. I really appreciate the feedback. Best Regards, Andy

[@mytube2959]

I was brought up in Maske by sea, my dad had a boat that was launched off a trailer at Saltburn. We used to catch cod, whiting, ling, mackerel etc. But, this was 50 years ago. I'm knocking on a bit now. Great video, thank you.

[@whitbywreckandreeffishing]

Thanks very much for your kind words. I’m sure you must have some fantastic memories and fishing stories from back in the glory days. Best Regards, Andy 👍

[@damonwright5598]

Fantastic videos to learn the techniques. Thought I new what I was doing until watching all these videos.

[@whitbywreckandreeffishing]

Thanks very much Damon, I'm glad that you found it useful. There's always lots of different ways to catch the fish, but I've found this to work well around Whitby. Best regards, Andy

[@bengolby-mw6ee]

Nice boat nice fishing rod's i am a century man love the rods they make expensive but quietly fishing rods . Some good fishing 🎣 👌 👍

[@whitbywreckandreeffishing]

Thanks Ben. I’ve had quite a few Century Rods over the years. 3 sets of different carp rods, plus boat and shore rods. I’ve always found them to be ultra reliable, great build quality and components and even more importantly, they’re an absolute joy to use. 👌👌

[@MALCOLMSMITH-t2p]

I agree with Surfpet31 - very watchable and informative. If I had the chance to visit Whitby for a boat trip this would be my first choice - thanks for a lovely vid

[@whitbywreckandreeffishing]

Thank you very much for the kind words, I’m glad that you enjoyed it Malcolm. Best Regards, Andy

[@benradley4895]

Brilliant advice mate !! I ain’t got my sea legs, so just wave when your in and out of the harbour ! I’ve had a couple of decent Codling off the east pier in last couple of weeks 👍 If anyone is wanting to go out sea fishing - this is the guy and boat to book !👍

[@whitbywreckandreeffishing]

Thanks very much Ben. Appreciate the feedback. Regards, Andy

[@joedennehy386]

Fascinating how different methods are used in different countries. I fish in New Zealand and use a Daiwa certate 3000 spinning reel. 15 lb braid, 20 lb fluorocarbon, joined with a pr knot, no swivel. 7 ' graphite spin rod 8 to 15lb. Abu garcia veritas. We cast ahead of the drift with a 1/2 0z jighead, heavier if needed, but often isn't. We put a Berkley 5" jerk shad on the jighead. With your gear I use saltiga 10 with a bendy shimano x tune rod, and 20lb braid, 30 lb fluorocarbon trace and 100 gram slider/ kabura. ( skirted lure) works great with pretty strong fish to 10 ks plus. Not great a slack tide here either. But gulp softbaits are smelly and edible, not plastic

[@whitbywreckandreeffishing]

I love seeing how the approaches differ from region to region in the U.K. as well as different countries. Nobody is right or wrong, it’s simply fishing and the enjoyment of it. I continually learn new things which I can put into my own fishing. The day you think you know everything, is the day to stop fishing. How I fish on a fully booked Charter Boat differs somewhat, from when I fish on my own or with a couple of friends. I prefer to use much lighter tackle when I know I’m not going to be causing/getting in tangles all the time by using lighter gear, which always happens on a boat with 10-12 anglers aboard. Good luck with your fishing and thanks for taking the time to post. Regards Andy

[@timcayton5114]

Another great video Andy,I’ve been looking forward to this one. Very informative I’ll have to try the jelly worms!! Thanks again

[@whitbywreckandreeffishing]

Thanks Tim, much appreciated. Best Regards, Andy

[@andrewthomas6922]

Thank you for the great videos 👍, really interesting watching 💯!, just a little input 🤔, I've found threading 2or3 jelly worms up the trace works well on slack water over wrecks 👍👍

[@whitbywreckandreeffishing]

Thanks very much Andrew. That isn’t something I’ve tried before. I usually switch to bait or Slow Pitch Jigs at slack. I’ll give it try at some point. Regards, Andy

[@abdul-hadidadkhah1459]

This technique is called bottom bouncing which is great for cod. Alteratively, having a longer trace and reeling up slowly, or a bit faster if the tide is slack, about 15-25 turns will allow you to cover more of the sea level and wreck. The result is more pollock but also flubber the pout.

[@alinceban8634]

Thanks for video, God explain Andy ...Well done!

[@whitbywreckandreeffishing]

Thanks very much 👍👍

[@gordoncarass2360]

Very nice video. Really interested in your technique for working shad and jelly worms over wrecks.

[@whitbywreckandreeffishing]

Thanks very much for the kind words Gordon. Best Regards, Andy

[@Oli.Brown.]

I think when the tide drops, the problem with shadding is that to work the lure you have to impart a lot of action. The lure is going up and down, up and down…in such an irregular manner, making the Shad look absolutely mental, over such a short distance that not even dumb cod are convinced. To get them back feeding, dropping the weight so the lure looks more natural and has more hang time works well or even slow pitch jigging, though I know that’s probably harder on a charter boat than on your own. Good series of videos, Cheers

[@whitbywreckandreeffishing]

Hi Oli. I think you're spot on and agree. When the lines are straight up and down, the Slow Jig will undoubtedly be a better option. I had a couple of lads try them yesterday and they caught a few nice Codling on some 200g Jigs. It's harder to fish them with 10 anglers on board, but if used when the lines are vertical, I think it's a really viable option. I'm certainly going to be doing a lot more Slow Jigging, it's great fun. Regards Andy

[@darrenbrewster3345]

Another great vid Andy And nice to see a guest out with you 👍👍 Well done to both you and Ian on a great video and a good days sport 👍👍👏👏👏

[@whitbywreckandreeffishing]

Thanks for taking the time to comment Darren. Glad you enjoyed it. Best Regards, Andy 👍🐳

[@darrenbrewster3345]

@@whitbywreckandreeffishing I’ve watched them all Andy just not had time to reply bud Your vids are something different for me from course angling Grew up fishing the northeast cost and boat fishing out of Sunderland ( not been out for a very long time but that’s a story in its self) my Mrs keeps saying to me when you bring some fish home most time that I’m out so Your videos are giving me a lot of food for 🤔🤔🤔🤔 😉😉😉 Keep up the gud work Andy 👍👍👍

[@stuartrice8143]

Another great watch Andy,thanks for sharing 👍

[@whitbywreckandreeffishing]

Thanks Stuart 👍🎣🐳

[@BTurner.]

Bloody Hell Andy, I’ve just stumbled upon this on KZbin and recognised you straight away. A bit of a change from the carp in the Racecourse. Hope you’re all well. Bob

[@whitbywreckandreeffishing]

Now then Bob. Great to hear from you. Hope you’re keeping well. 👍👍

[@BTurner.]

@@whitbywreckandreeffishing Yes, I’m fine and not long off retirement. Don’t fish anymore but got other hobbies now. Lost Bruce in 2015 which still hurts. I’ve still got some photos of you with Lucy.

[@fester.]

Another great watch Andy,thanks

[@whitbywreckandreeffishing]

Thanks very much for the kind words. Good of you to take the time to comment. Best Regards, Andy

[@robertquinn3743]

great video and shows the technique well Andy 👌👌As you say always have both bait and shads in your armoury as the tide changes through the day

[@whitbywreckandreeffishing]

Thanks Robert. I always think it’s best to cover all the bases. 👍

[@davidfuller1768]

​@@whitbywreckandreeffishingthe

[@steveg2756]

Great video showing how the shads can kill them when they are on . Great watching the technique. I have to admit its easier when it's not a full boat seen them come up like Christmas trees when been out with killer on sea otter but had some great days with the shads and saves on the bait 👍

[@whitbywreckandreeffishing]

Thanks Steve. The tangles do come when people can’t control their gear. 👍

[@boatfishingscottyano]

Been enjoying the videos really informative great work

[@whitbywreckandreeffishing]

Thanks very much for taking the time to comment. I’m glad you enjoyed them and they were useful. Best Regards, Andy

[@natureisallpowerful]

Good little team yous two. Thanks lads 👍

[@whitbywreckandreeffishing]

Thanks very much. Appreciate the kind words. Regards, Andy

[@VictorBowey-jx1pt]

Hi love the video you get some nice fish I come from the island of sheppey in kent not good in the winter but great in the summer for bass and skate have great fishing my friend

[@garytownend3236]

Another cracking video cheers Andy 🎣

[@whitbywreckandreeffishing]

Thanks Gaz. Much appreciated 👍

[@robertpaterson7311]

Just discovered your channel. As a newbie to boat fishing I have found your videos very helpful, so many thanks for sharing. I watched this Shad fishing and the one about Wreck Bait fishing and you do not seem to using a rubbing leader especially when fishing over wrecks ? Do you ever catch Pollock on bait over wrecks if so what bait do you use ? Many thanks and look forward to your videos.

[@whitbywreckandreeffishing]

Hi Robert. Thanks very much for the kind words. I’m glad that you found the videos useful. I have never found it necessary to use a rubbing leader for the style of fishing we do. 60lb braid straight through seems to work fine. If you break off in a wreck, having to tie on another leader costs you fishing time and you may miss the next drift. We do catch an odd Pollock on bait, but the majority come to Shads. They usually get caught on either a smaller Squid or piece of Mackerel which are the dominant baits in the Spring and Summer. Best Regards Andy

[@robertpaterson7311]

Hi Andy, many thanks for your reply and thoughts. Will certainly try the methods you are saying and thanks for explaining about shad fishing over slack water which would also explain the massive tangles we were getting. Appreciate your time to do the videos they do help. Tight lines and hope you have a good 2024.@@whitbywreckandreeffishing

[@HaveAagutd]

Ahoy Andy. That was a pleasure to watch the video with my son. He was asking many questions and you answered nearly all of them later in the video as if you were listening to him 😂 My bricklayer Joseph asked me recently if I would like to join him on a trip. However I wonder how many people make it viable for you to do it. Another roofer who work with me loves fishing too but he is worried about having no equipment for sea fishing. Is it possible to hire some equipment from you or would you advise to bring own rod? We all have some but I use ultra light rods 1-7g as well as fly fishing rod. So that would be useless on your boat. I would prefer to buy some lures and bring it over to try and if you provide life baits it would be great (assuming it's an extra cost?) Lots of questions but I could always write to you in your chosen way so you an reply when it's convenient to you. Peter Ps. Greeting for Ian he seems like a great companion!

[@whitbywreckandreeffishing]

Hi Peter Thanks very much for the kind words, I really appreciate you taking the time to comment. It would be great to get you and a few friends aboard Sea Urchin. I welcome both experienced anglers and complete novices aboard, and I really enjoy getting new anglers fishing well and have all the tackle aboard to make sure they are equipped properly, for whatever we are doing. My booking calendar is always bang up to date and can be viewed at www.charterboats-uk.co.uk/boats/detailedcalendar/?id=571&year=2024&month=2 If there are any more questions you would like me to answer, feel free to drop me a message on the Sea Urchin FB page or IG. Best Regards Andy

[@robertmeakings9774]

Hi Andy great video and all your information

[@robertmeakings9774]

Andy can I hire fishing equipment from you. I stay at Great Hatfield near Hornsea and would like to have a trip out

[@whitbywreckandreeffishing]

Thank you for the kind words Robert. I can provide full tackle hire for the day. The only thing you would need is some bait. The shop in Whitby opens at 6am every day. Regards, Andy

[@robertmeakings9774]

Thanks Andy I will give you a call next time I am in Hornsea

[@tomjenkinson8958]

I remember the first Sea Urchin parked near the Swing Bridge

[@PaulDaly-uh9ey]

I went fishing out of whitby..on the north star..the captain was tut uttley.

[@andrewgoodall2183]

I have a 3.2m air deck inflatable with a 9.9hp, looking to comes to Whitby to get experience of using the boat in salt water (plenty of river experience) . Choose Whitby for the harbour launch. Once I get some experience with the sailing part I'm going to do some fishing too, so watching your vids with interest. Can you give me any advice for best Whitby conditions, wind direction, wave size etc., for a small craft like mine? I'm never planning on going very far out of course. Just don't want to have wasted drives up there or struggle the second I get outside the wall. Thx for replies.

[@whitbywreckandreeffishing]

Hi Andrew. I'm not an unhelpful person, but I don't want give advice on "best tides" and "best winds" over the internet. There are a lot of factors which determine whether we go to sea or not (not just wind and tide) and could well be misinterpreted by someone who is inexperienced if I were to advise.. One thing to always be concious of is that Whitby is a North Facing Port, so any wind from NW round to SE comes to us unabated by land, so always have that at the forefront of your mind. If you're planning on heading out to sea in a small craft, I would honestly advise doing an Online Course at the very minimum. Navathome are great to deal with. So that would be my piece of advice. www.navathome.com/rya-day-skipper.aspx?gad_source=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIxJnPjsX4hAMVH5lQBh14HwEpEAAYASAAEgJm-PD_BwE regards Andy

[@davelester1985]

Last question... I try to buy fish in my market in N. Italy as much as I can afford. Do you tire of eating fish, since you catch it all the time? What is your favorite to eat?

[@whitbywreckandreeffishing]

I will never tire of eating fish Dave. I adore Cod and have it a couple of times a week in different guises. It would have to go down as my favourite fish. Although.....if Halibut was readily available round Whitby, that would probably be my ultimate favourite. 👍

[@andrew999cooper]

Can’t believe I only asked yesterday for you to make this video 😂😂

[@whitbywreckandreeffishing]

I could lie and say I went out “special” to do it for you Andy. But I think you’d see through that!! 😂😂

[@andrew999cooper]

@@whitbywreckandreeffishing 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@johncraddock3018]

Just discovered your channel. and watched a couple of them. Excellent advice and technique. I think I would find it more informative if you mentioned the depth at which you're fishing, and some description of the wreck (if you know what it is) The size and length. Is it battleship size or something smaller??? You get a good idea of it when you look at the screen. We can't, but clearly you know it from past visits. You have a lovely boat too. V Envious! I'll be in touch to book a trip soon.

[@whitbywreckandreeffishing]

Thanks very much John. Duly noted about depth and wreck size. I never thought about that. The two wrecks I was on were decent size; 50-75m long. The water off Whitby is generally 50-70m unless you’re hard inside. Thanks for the feedback, exactly what I was hoping for. Regards, Andy

[@johncraddock3018]

@@whitbywreckandreeffishing I fished out of Whitby 10 years ago. I knew the guy who owned the tackle shop, which he subsequently sold, and he fixed up a trip with a mate of his who owned a boat and did charter trips. Can't recall who it was but the state of his boat was a disgrace and the wheelhouse a cluttered mess. It was also in appalling weather. Cold and rain. We caught quite a few codling I recall, but never been back (primarily because I live in Worcs). I owned a Mitchell 32 for 15 years which was based in N Wales so I know that area well. Boat now sold, but I fished mainly for tope, bass, pollack and mackerel. I had never used a shad bait before but experimented with something called a black minnow?? I had a few sizeable wrasse on those and a few decent pollack, but until I saw your vid and the way you fished the shad lure, well I found that most interesting, and to be honest it surprised me. When I tried it (not often) I just let mine sink into 40ft or water and let the drift do the rest. I like your set up better though, especially on rough ground in deep water. Be in touch. J

[@whitbywreckandreeffishing]

@@johncraddock3018 I'm no expert John, but I do try my best to keep a clean and tidy boat. The techniques developed in other parts of the country, etc, I can't comment on. Jigging the Shads can be absolute killer at Whitby, but the slow wind is always`ys going to pick off a fish or two. 👍

[@michaelbrown-ub6jr]

Nice video, well done.

[@whitbywreckandreeffishing]

Thanks very much Michael. Appreciate the kind words. Regards, Andy

[@devonshire5482]

Portland rig. Brilliant to use.

[@whitbywreckandreeffishing]

Yes, I got corrected by Ian, that it was called a Portland (not Alderney), but I had to edit some bits out. I find it really effective. Definitely reduces tangles, as opposed to just putting lead and trace into the same clip.

[@chrisbateman4100]

Hi skipper I want to fish with you in November early M8👍

[@whitbywreckandreeffishing]

Hi Chris There’s a link to my booking calendar here. www.charterboats-uk.co.uk/boats/detailedcalendar/?id=571&year=2024&month=11 Hopefully see you aboard Sea Urchin for a day out soon. Regards, Andy

[@chrisbateman4100]

Hi skipper could I book a space for one on the 6th of November please time and place for boarding, best regards 👍

[@chrisbateman4100]

Would we be wrecking or up tiding best baits to take best regards.

[@jamiejones7058]

Hi bud great videos thanks for the video's I'm looking to get my self a rod just for shad fishing what do you recommend I'm want something similar to the style ur using not sure I could afford the excaliber tho haha

[@whitbywreckandreeffishing]

Hi Jamie. Thanks for the kind words. Much appreciated. In terms of a rod for Shadding, I would recommend a 12-20lb Class for here. Depending on budget, the Daiwa Super Kenzaki is a good deal cheaper than the Eliminator or the Shakespeare Ugly Stik is an absolute steal for the money. I’d be happy to use either of those. Regards, Andy

[@mickyboy1955]

Why have a link swivel above the trace? Why not just thread the barrel swivel and trace straight on to the line?...Good vid,btw

[@whitbywreckandreeffishing]

Thanks Mickey. If I understand what you're saying, I don't want the swivel running on braid, as it is too supple and the shad won't work as well. Apologies if I haven't got it right. Regards Andy

[@mickyboy1955]

@@whitbywreckandreeffishing I forgot that you don't use a mono leader.I prefer to use a leader and i put the trace onto the leader.Many thanks for the reply..

[@bobmathews7678]

Nice video but much better if both had life jackets on

[@nathanmcintosh2527]

Hi Andy how is the summer competition going who is leading it an what size fish

[@whitbywreckandreeffishing]

Hi Nathan. Festival is going ok on the neap tides. A 16lb 12oz Ling is currently leading overall. facebook.com/whitbycharterskippersassociation Regards, Andy

[@martinmctaggart244]

Myself and five of my friends are thinking of doing some boat fishing within the next month, is this something you could accommodate for ?

[@whitbywreckandreeffishing]

Hi Martin. Unfortunately I'm already fully booked until August. But if you follow this link, it will take you to my availability www.charterboats-uk.co.uk/boats/detailedcalendar/?id=571&year=2023&month=6 hopefully see you on board for a day out in the future. Regards, Andy

[@nathanmcintosh2527]

Hi Andy am fishing on shy torque on 10th July an trying my first time own gear will a get away with 10oz weight for shads on reck

[@whitbywreckandreeffishing]

Hi Nathan. I only use a 10oz leads for Shad fishing, so you should be fine (unless you’re using mono or really thick braid). Rich Ward will keep you right. He’s one of the longest serving Charter Skippers in Whitby and loves his Shad Fishing. Hope you have a great day out. Regards, Andy

[@nathanmcintosh2527]

Thanks an next trip will after give your boat a go 🎣

[@mickyboy1955]

Another question.When using a jelly worm such as a Mr Twister,can i thread it straight onto a hook or should i be threading it onto a weighted jig head? Does it make any difference ?....

[@whitbywreckandreeffishing]

I would always put a Jellyworm on a Jighead Micky. I have 1oz, 2oz, 3oz and 4oz Jigheads to cover the different tides we experience at Whitby. I like to fish with the lightest I can get away with. Regards Andy

[@mickyboy1955]

@@whitbywreckandreeffishing Thank you

[@bertbasset8961]

Hey buddy not trying to be a knob,, but how can you tell its breaking at 50 lb that would be difficult to do unless you have some way of measuring it and yes i do alot of fishing myself

[@whitbywreckandreeffishing]

It’s definitely not scientific, and I can’t tell exactly at what it breaks at, but it’s consistent with what I’m used to dealing with. I break out the anglers on my boat, day in, day out when they get stuck. With the amount of resistance it takes for me to break the braid, I can pretty much tell the breaking strain through experience. Most people use 60lb, so it’s fairly easy to identify. This braid was in line with what I’m used to experiencing and I’m more than happy with how it holds up. Obviously, you can take or leave my recommendation. Regards, Andy 👍

[@cblaster171]

What about using a large jig or pirk for the weight?

[@darryldodd8508]

Me and my wife ate coming to whitby for a week at the end of September. What are the chances of coming out with you in that week? I'm a novice, and my wife has never been out.

[@whitbywreckandreeffishing]

I don’t think we’ll get out that week Darryl. You can have a look at my availability here www.charterboats-uk.co.uk/boats/detailedcalendar/?id=571&year=2023&month=9 and it is always bang up to date. Regards, Andy

[@barrymidgley9369]

Hi sea urchin what do you carry in your box for a typical session.

[@Optimistic-101]

Is Ian rod a 12/20 or a lighter model?

[@whitbywreckandreeffishing]

Ian uses a Daiwa Saltiga Braid Special 15-25lb for Shadding 👍

[@Optimistic-101]

@@whitbywreckandreeffishingthey must have stopped making them. Can’t find one anywhere.

[@abdul-hadidadkhah1459]

Good ol' Portland rig

[@whitbywreckandreeffishing]

Yes Abdul. Not Alderney as I mentioned. The main thing, is it works 👍

[@abdul-hadidadkhah1459]

@@whitbywreckandreeffishing definitely, better than booms in my opinion, especially if you stick some knot protectors on it to avoid tangles.

[@gavingilchrist8057]

Love to fish off a boat sometime always down that end any skippers able to help me

[@bennpete]

A Novice here. Would mono be ok for the rig? Or is it worth buying some Flourocarbon?

[@whitbywreckandreeffishing]

From what I see on the boat, the majority of anglers still use mono, and do catch fish. But, to be fair, sometimes I cringe when I see it wound off the Shad that has been stored in a plastic bag for months/years and looks like old fashioned telephone wire. Flourocarbon straightens brilliantly and ultimately I feel gives me a much better presentation. If you haven’t done it before, don’t outlay a lot of money just to try it. Utilise what you’ve already got would be my advice. Regards Andy

[@bennpete]

Thanks for taking the time to reply. Really appreciate it..

[@bennpete]

​@whitbywreckandreeffishing7791 Thanks for your reply. Appreciate you taking the time to reply.

[@davelester1985]

Do you know what type of wreck it is? wooden, metal, big boat, ship?

[@whitbywreckandreeffishing]

It’s a large steel boat. There’s a book with all the wrecks off Whitby in. You just need the long and lat to ID them and plenty of spare time 👍

[@benradley4895]

Wooden, sorry but are you kidding us ?

[@philhutchinson1966]

How much is a days fishing from whitby know ?

[@whitbywreckandreeffishing]

A 10hr trip is £55 Phil. Regards, Andy

[@alexsteele1632]

It's called a portland rig👍

[@mattadams6639]

A Portland rig is leader to a three way swivel and minimum 12ft trace with a barrel swivel in the middle

[@alexsteele1632]

Matt Adams it's not buddy what he showed is a portland rig

[@abdul-hadidadkhah1459]

Definitely a portland rig

[@abdul-hadidadkhah1459]

@@mattadams6639 definitely not.

[@tomjenkinson8958]

Fish Locker . John Locker is a true Whitby Legend Sacked from the Fisheries Vessel for his Dodgy behaviour.

[@kevinwootton205]

"Shad" ? Last i heard thats an Edistone eel.

[@davelester1985]

Do you eat shad? I cannot find it here in Italy.

[@abdul-hadidadkhah1459]

Shad is the name of the small plastic lure they use, there's no real shad or herring used here. In Italy there are sgombro and sardine, no?

[@geordiejones2]

There fishing for cod not Shad ???