Winter Shore Fishing - Beach fishing in Whitby for Cod and Flatfish | The Fish Locker

Winter Beach Fishing for Cod is a favourite of so many anglers in the UK. Today I revisit my home town of Whitby and fish with my friend from Whitby's Beachfront wall. We explain the baits, the rigs and the tactics for fishing for cod from the shore.
Here are links to some of the tackle we used in this session. I hope it helps.
AFAW 6nbait 13F - bit.ly/2XDELZh
AFAW 6nbait 14F - bit.ly/38Gg1G0
Penn Spinfisher 7500LC - bit.ly/2NfF1M6
Penn Rival 8000LC - bit.ly/3EiqqYw
C&R Specimen Xtra - bit.ly/35FHrd1
C&R Chinu - bit.ly/39oB3YE
Braid - Fireline - bit.ly/3SEC04u
Braid - Powerpro - bit.ly/3bBNfIi
Barrel Swivel - bit.ly/3oH7V5q
Bait Elastic - bit.ly/39tPta4
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[@LordPubeck]

When it's cold and dark outside, nothing like settling in with a glass of wine and watch you do the fishing for me! 😁

[@TheFishLocker]

Sounds like a plan David. 😉

[@digihorse6730]

I agree that whacked me out.

[@ironix1]

I fished that wall in the seventies with my dad. It was an unholy place, but we caught some fish. He told me that Dracula lived around there which didn't help matters! There was a lovely chip shop not far away. Nice video John, best go and warm up mate.

[@TheFishLocker]

It can be a really comfortable mark to fish when others aren’t fishable.

[@corporalclegg914]

those Dad trips sear into our memories, don’t they? we got to see him for how he is around his pals (without the wife [mom] around) retrospectively, we also see how much fun he was having with us & our minds, with tales of Dracula & the like (Wookalars, Wampas Cats, etc.) not all Dads are like that, but the ones that take kids fishing (and may have a cooler for beer & fish ) are…I’m that Dad now & it’s a GD blast. our coolers, beer & equipment are way better, too.

[@KomodoSerpent]

The creator of Dracula, Bram Stoker, was staying in Whitby when he first learned about Vlad the impaler and the Russian shipwreck from 5 years prior. Which in his story came to be the ship that brought Dracula to England.

[@robbieallan6522]

Was that because of the Bram Stoker's dracula?? I know it was partly set in England just can't remember where.

[@justinbarkby3580]

Good vid and you're braver than me going out in this weather. You should try Blyth Pier if you want ice, wind and no shelter! lol

[@TheFishLocker]

Haha. If it’s all the same I’d rather not mate. 🤣🥶

[@justinbarkby3580]

@@TheFishLocker lol, don't blame ya mate. I need to book a holiday and travel down south and try some fishing down there... Any recomendations,might be a good vid on some travel spots for others?

[@leeforeman3656]

Good day out there. Reminds me of Amble when the weather's rough. Lots of care to return the fish live and well. 👍

[@TheFishLocker]

Just doing what I feel is right. 👍🏻😊🎣

[@happybee7725]

Fish locker will always have a plaice in my heart as the channel has a lot of sole. Plus John is a dab hand at fishing and its sometimes fun watching him flounder on the rocks trying to get a line out .

[@TheFishLocker]

Rhyming for a reason or just for the halibut?

[@happybee7725]

@@TheFishLocker 😂😂😂Brill 😂

[@dzintrarowe4272]

I enjoyed your fishing trip with my morning coffee. Thanks for sharing your adventure. Burr

[@TheFishLocker]

It is my pleasure. 😊🎣

[@kevinbuckler1085]

That was a tidy trip John, and no interpreter required either 😂😂🎣🐟

[@TheFishLocker]

Haha. You must be learning the lingo. 😉

[@kevinbuckler1085]

@@TheFishLocker 😂😂 I’m getting the hang of it 🎣🐟

[@darrenb2582]

What a great tip on getting the hook out that gets my thumbs up

[@TheFishLocker]

I hope it helps folks out.

[@alexisgrunden1556]

"I dunno who would be daft enough, _crazy_ enough to be out on a night like tonight." Uh-huh, suuuuure. Pull the other one, it's got bells on~😆 Nothing fit for table, but you had fun 😊 And maybe after these winds and surf die down a touch, you can find something washed up ashore from the seabed. Take care, and God Bless, John!

[@TheFishLocker]

Despite the cold I had a great nights fishing.

[@chrismorris8480]

Thanks mate your T bar work was really helpful thanks again Chris

[@TheFishLocker]

My pleasure Chris. That is what I hoped when showing it in the video.

[@kevinbartlett1017]

In Northumberland the flounders are also quite spotty. You could, perhaps, in a future video show how to tell flatties apart by touch. Dab have a sandpaper rough back, Flounder have raised bumps on the lateral line and smooth both sides Plaice have a smooth back

[@TheFishLocker]

Correct. Though it is very rare I catch all three species in a session. I did suspect this Plaice was a hybrid. But it had too many Plaice characteristics. Bony lumps on the head, spots, herringbone underside and smooth. But did still have the Flounder look.

[@samuelgarrod8327]

Lots of Dabs and Whiting about down in Norfolk. Great eating 😋

[@TheFishLocker]

You get a decent size one and they’re tasty arent they. 👍🏻

[@dpwarb100]

Could you please show the knot you use to attach your 80lb shock leader in another beach video when you do one please. Great channel you have, ive not been able to drive since I had spine damage so watching you on boat and shore is the next best thing to going myself Thank you

[@TheFishLocker]

I use an FG knot. 👍🏻

[@phil7301]

I love your Commitment to what you love to do ! It looked bloody freezing ! I love my Motorsport and often would drive into Wales early morning , in the winter , just to watch the Rally cars fly by ! It was well worth it, like it was for you in this video 👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@TheFishLocker]

It is my passion. 😊🎣

[@benji.B-side]

I remember in the late 70's, early 80's,when we used to walk along the docks seawall in the northeast, past the many fishermen and chat to them. I remember some having over ten large cod, laid out on newspaper or carrier bags. My uncles used to fish there and always brought cod and plaice for my grandad to eat. Access to the long, winding seawall was eventually sealed off due to a few tragedies at a particular bend, which caused an occasional rogue wave because of its layout and angle. Fantastic fishing spot, that's why many took the risk, but a risk not worth taking in high seas. On another matter, it would be great if you did a video on how and why you got into fishing, where did your knowledge come from, who taught you, who were your influences, the characters you met, your first boat fishing trip and so on. Your history from being a boy, up to now, would be interesting to know mate. You know how much I love this channel.😀

[@TheFishLocker]

Sadly those days are long long gone now. A double figure cod from the shore now is something that the whole county would hear about.

[@benji.B-side]

@@TheFishLocker Yeah it is sad. That is why we need to look after our sea's and shoreline, to make sure we don't destroy sea beds, pollute and over fish the stocks. You are doing your bit in educating the viewers of your channel on the importance.

[@garyrodgers9620]

One time the cod British record fish of 44lb was shore caught...off South Wales I think.

[@17losttrout]

Uses for the translucent dab: Wall lamp shades!

[@TheFishLocker]

🤣

[@dean1970able]

Old fart alert, mint John Billet on mussels from back of the Brigg, flatties from the Filey side. Cod an obsession 40 years ago. Some things never change. 👍

[@TheFishLocker]

Haha. Old fart. 🤣

[@ronladen1158]

Enjoyed that John just shows your small hook rig was the wsy to go in thst weather it kept you busy. Nothing worse than drawing a blank in bad weather. I also agree that the way you handle the fish you catch and return should be applauded, well done sir. Ron

[@TheFishLocker]

Thank you Ron. Have a good one mate. 👍🏻🎣

[@l.r.sfishing4011]

Top class I enjoyed that mate. I think catching place and flounder is my favourite I love them!!! That unhooking tool is brilliant! A great way to unhook the fish safely without causing damage to the fish. Great video John brilliant stuff. And great you out fished ya mate hahahahah tight lines 🎣🎣🎣

[@TheFishLocker]

I’ve got a video on the workshop showing how to make the unhooking tool. Takes seconds. 👍🏻

[@Phil144gbp]

Your face when you caught that Plaice 😁

[@TheFishLocker]

I was really pleased to see it.

[@Polishfishhunter]

Whitby always will be in my best memories, it's where all started for me. My first ever cod off the west pier and my first flounder from this prom just from the corner as you enter to it. I hooked that much I have moved up north so I can enjoy fishing almost every day! Great to see you here again!

[@TheFishLocker]

It’s a fine place isn’t it. 😊

[@Polishfishhunter]

@@TheFishLocker it is just great :) and if you wanna fish up Northumblands or Tyne and Wear I would be more than happy for you to be my guest

[@TheFishLocker]

@@Polishfishhunter - Thank you for the offer. Do you watch Nathan’s channel Slippy Limpets?

[@Polishfishhunter]

@@TheFishLocker yes, I do got him sub as well, but I must admit I do not watch him as often as you (don't tell him though) 😂

[@carldawson832]

Hi john you ok mate, i enjoyed the vid again cheers. The good old 2 hook flapper saves the day again lol. All the best john from GRIMSBY.

[@TheFishLocker]

Can’t beat it mate. 👍🏻

[@paulgodden2343]

Great little session, not seen a codling that small

[@TheFishLocker]

Haha. Practically still had the egg casing on it. 🤣

[@natureisallpowerful]

I had a good coalfish in Scarborough once and it nearly pulled the rod in. Smashed the bait. Good fighters.up there with Pollack. I think the record coalie was caught from the brigg

[@TheFishLocker]

Correct. It was a bloody big one too. 👍🏻🎣

[@tonycamplin8607]

It looked like a really good safe place to fish in those conditions. Another FL master class, well done.

[@TheFishLocker]

That’s why we picked it. 😉👍🏻

[@0nman]

8 hours ago? How did I miss it…well better late than never…awesome

[@TheFishLocker]

Always better late than never. 😊👍🏻

[@CoastlineFishing]

Tough but good session by the looks of it! Funny how these fish get different kicknames, we call the coalie a pottly up here in scotland :-) Thankw for a good vid. Cheers Ben

[@TheFishLocker]

Thanks Ben. Aye we called small Coalie a Billet and a small Whiting a Pennock. 👍🏻

[@nicholascavie2464]

Awesome video again John loved fishing the old Hastings pier in rough conditions u cold keep out of the wind as there was plenty of shelter used lug sprats slipper limpets 4 big whiting codling and cod & flat fish. Happy catching from AUSTRALIA Nick

[@TheFishLocker]

Do you watch Matts channel. The Saltwater Angler?

[@nicholascavie2464]

@@TheFishLocker yes I do brings back lots of memories 😁😀

[@JohnnyLaps]

Thanks John! I love cold weather fishing too the lonelier the better. Carry on mate,thank you for a surprise today.

[@TheFishLocker]

My pleasure bud, have you been receiving notifications for the last few videos? A few folks have told me they haven’t seen our last few videos?

[@JohnnyLaps]

@@TheFishLocker I have John but not this one.Was alerted by my subscription indicator though.

[@TheFishLocker]

@@JohnnyLaps - That’s a relief. Take care mate. 👍🏻🎣

[@donaldadams5342]

Well, nothing big enough to take home but you sure seem to have had a lot of fun John. Even though the fish were small there was still plenty of opportunity for you to explain all that you were doing so it was very educational. Your commentary style always makes for an interesting video. Cheers to all, Don from South Aust.

[@TheFishLocker]

Thank you Don, for just catching fish it was a fun session. 😊

[@dawnhaynes7784]

Enjoyed that very much John loads of fun love watching u 🐠

[@TheFishLocker]

Glad to hear it Dawn. 😊🎣

[@mrstamp5121]

By eck John totally loved this vid, fishing all weathers and all hours I ain’t no poncy film critic but this was very atmospheric! Hahaha cheers mate for putting up.

[@TheFishLocker]

Haha. Glad you enjoyed the video mate. I have to say though, I am getting spoilt down south. I’m not up to the cold wind anymore. 🤣🥶

[@wendyedwards1612]

like your accent love the scenery cheers from australia

[@TheFishLocker]

Thank you very much Wendy. Have a lovely day. 😊

[@motorsnutts6594]

Dab,plaice,flounder, hat trick of flat fish John ! well played mate, thought conditions were going to hamper things but the fish kept coming! Appreciate your efforts bud👍🏼👍🏼

[@TheFishLocker]

It was hard going to start with but I managed a few fish. 👍🏻

[@davidallen7540]

Excellent video. Class way to unhook flattish

[@TheFishLocker]

I hope it helps folks out.

[@nigelmilne3503]

I love catching Dabs. They are great fun and put up a right scrap.

[@TheFishLocker]

They’re good fun when nothing else is going aren’t they. 😊👍🏻

[@fatfish6839]

As always John a great video and informative Fished them very same spots as a kid in the 80s ....oh the memories 😊 Make me giggle every time you "Go back up.north" lol You drop straight back into "Whitby talk" ...... lovely ...never forget your roots mate 👌 Keep.on John good health to you and yours 👏

[@TheFishLocker]

I tone it down when I’m in Cornwall just to stop people getting upset.

[@fatfish6839]

@@TheFishLocker no 1 would get upset John. ..... you are what you are ...

[@fishmanfishman6511]

Cool video. Enjoy the fishing trips!

[@TheFishLocker]

Thank you.

[@Mark-td4gl]

All those fish you catch look so happy. God bless you.

[@TheFishLocker]

They are excited to be on TV. 🤣👍🏻

[@paullefur6213]

super vlog John...........thanks

[@TheFishLocker]

Thanks Paul. 🎣

[@llewellynrose1093]

Really enjoyed, cracking flick 🎣👍

[@TheFishLocker]

Thank you very much. 😊

[@mikeockler7121]

I'm loving the animated intro! Funny to see the waves wash away that flounder too haha just like magic. Thanks again for sharing, John! Tight lines!

[@TheFishLocker]

Thank you. A subscriber made it for me. I like it too. 😊👍🏻

[@ianturner3033]

Loving the local marks John.❤️ Nice to see a variety of fish.🎣🎣🎣🎣 Sometimes all we want is just a chilled session, 😎😃no specific target so no pressure.🥴 Thanks for sharing.👍👍 Take care and stay safe.😷🙊

[@TheFishLocker]

That’s why it was really good fishing with Tom. He went for the big stuff and I could just scratch around 🎣

[@chrisstokie2361]

Thanks John. Just what I needed on a cold night on my narrowboat with a beer in hand 👍

[@TheFishLocker]

My pleasure mate.

[@gordoncarass2360]

Hi John being a local angler to the Whitby area its good to hear someone else using the name Billet for Coalfish of a certain size. Too many times when I am out fishing I hear Coalies, Puddlers etc used instead of Billet so its good to hear some other likeminded angler using the correct name.( As you might have guessed I am an angler of a certain age) Best wishes Gordon.

[@TheFishLocker]

Haha. They were always called Billet when I was growing up. So that’s what I call them. 😊👍🏻🎣

[@benradley4895]

Brilliant video as always John !👍 The memories I have fishing that exact place could bore you and your viewers for a lot longer than this video!🤣 I’ve never caught anything huge from that wall, but cannot remember blanking. Thanks to you and Tom for braving that weather to bring this fantastic winter fishing info - just makes me want to jump in van with gear and drive over to Whitby !! All the best 👍

[@TheFishLocker]

That’s it bud. I’ve always known it to fish in those conditions. Nothing amazing but you catch fish.

[@garyrodgers9620]

As kids we used to spend days fishing all around Whitby harbour while our dads went out on boats. It was always teeming with fish and John catching every cast shows that it still is. By September the water is so thick with plankton I used to think it was like fish soup. I bet it won't be long before the blue fin tuna come back to the North Sea.

[@TheFishLocker]

@@garyrodgers9620 - They’ve been there for a few years already mate.

[@John-ng2vg]

Love your videos John Brings back good memories shore fishing, great take care

[@TheFishLocker]

Thanks John. 👍🏻

[@jacquibradley1598]

I'm a bit late for this one John, they are coming quite fast and I am not a spring chicken anymore. Great upload, shame that Plaice was not a bit bigger, lovely fish. Regards to the family, greetings from Cyprus. 🐟🐟🐟🐟

[@TheFishLocker]

Haha. Don’t worry about anything like that Jacqui, that’s the beauty of KZbin you can watch at your own convenience 😊👍🏻🎣

[@jacquibradley1598]

@@TheFishLocker John I not sleeping making sure old woman no miss upload, ha ha, God Bless lovely

[@dannymcevoy9363]

Oh the video was amazing keep up the good work....

[@TheFishLocker]

Thank you Danny. Take care buddy. 👍🏻🎣

[@nigelleyland166]

Looks like a grand night to settle in the fishermans club, I may be picking up on my fish identifying a tad. Lad over the rosd from me often has sucess fro Saltburn Pier, once fetched me a bag of cod 10 at o'clock one night, it was 1am by the time I finished filleting and stuffing them in the freazer.

[@TheFishLocker]

Those are the type of neighbours you don’t mind having. 😉🤣

[@grahamcliffe8672]

Great Video as usual John. Whitby is probably my favourite place on the planet

[@TheFishLocker]

You should visit Cornwall.

[@grahamcliffe8672]

@@TheFishLocker Last time we went to cornwall, we camped near Bodmin, took me 14 hours to drive there from manchester, we nearly lost the kids on Perranporth beach, never seen so many people in one place. Used to take Scouts camping in a farmers field between Helmsley and Pickering, always had a day out to whitby. I'll stick to the North Yorks Coast, although went to lyme regis a while ago, that's pretty awesome.

[@TheFishLocker]

@@grahamcliffe8672 - I will always love Yorkshire, but I prefer Cornwall.

[@stucook8622]

Thanks for another great video!🔱

[@TheFishLocker]

My pleasure Stu.

[@melvjohnson8773]

9Ideal session thanks for sharing John👍🎣

[@TheFishLocker]

I enjoyed myself.

[@unearthed-detecting-tv]

Always good content from the fish locker!

[@TheFishLocker]

Thanks mate. 😊👍🏻

[@edwardrooney3249]

my first sea fish i ever caught was 54 years ago off the red light pier at hartlepool mad eh john

[@kenhickford6581]

Great stuff John, ....As usual!...A master class in Sea Fishing!

[@TheFishLocker]

Just sharing what I love doing. 😊

[@rhino5419]

Hello John. The only dab i have caught was in the river Welland in the middle of Spalding Lincs. It must have travelled up from the Wash but it was a long way from saltwater. All the best.

[@TheFishLocker]

You do find Flounder quite far up rivers too. 👍🏻

[@happytadaa]

Ohh perfect timing, I was just about to leave for work! Now I have an excuse not to for the next 23 minutes 🤣🤣

[@TheFishLocker]

Haha. Don’t be late for work!!

[@happytadaa]

@@TheFishLocker Self employed! Otherwise I wouldn't be going in today at all! 😆

[@Phil144gbp]

🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@GarySmith-dm1iy]

Loved the info on the types of flat fish, cheers John!

[@TheFishLocker]

My pleasure mate.

[@DJFIDGET]

Fantastic video as always. Interesting and informative. A pleasure to watch. Thank you

[@TheFishLocker]

Thank you very much. 😊🎣

[@beckyjackson7755]

If you were here in Iowa, you would be ice fishing. :-)

[@TheFishLocker]

I’ve never been ice fishing I would like to try it. 😊👍🏻

[@Fishingdorsetlive]

That’s a nice selection of flat fish you caught John great watch

[@TheFishLocker]

Thanks bud. 👍🏻🎣

[@abbanon]

Might I consider some light-reflective tape along the tips of your rods? Could help with low-light visibility on dark nights such as these. Enjoyable footage as always.

[@TheFishLocker]

I’ve since bought some from Amazon. 😉

[@wendymaddock7705]

Loving your fishing 🎣 xx 🦋🦋💙💙🙌🙌⭐️⭐️🫠🫠

[@TheFishLocker]

So do I. 😊

[@steverpcb]

Have a look on aliexpress for the domed night fishing LED lights, I bought 8 of them for £11 :) They slow flash red (or white) , and green when there is a bite.

[@TheFishLocker]

I don’t like tip lights tbh, they hurt my eyes.

[@WayneHarrison79]

Great video! Loved the comparison of styles. I've got a night session planned on a beach in Aberdeenshire this week. Plan A is Cod (obviously). Plan B will be scratching rig for species!

[@TheFishLocker]

Sounds like a plan. Let me know how you get on mate. 👍🏻

[@fishingnorfolk]

Nice one john. Yes thats, what i do. 1 rod with a big bait off to the side i can chuck it and chance it. And two with scratching rigs 2 hook flapper or 1 up 1 down small hooks, and bait for owt. They normally do all the damage. Tight lines. Was out this morning - 6°c but plenty of whiting and dabs

[@TheFishLocker]

You’re a better man than me mate. I was fixing stuff and tidying the garage all day today.

[@fishingnorfolk]

@@TheFishLocker as they say. No pain no gain. And there, was first thing in my feet 😂

[@robertcotton9091]

Thanks mate, enjoyable as always :)

[@TheFishLocker]

Glad you enjoyed it mate. 🎣👍🏻

[@nigelpenfold8291]

Lovely little session mate! Lots ov flat fish where i live on the Bristol channel and a few cod have been caught recently too but the water is so coloured here due to the mud! Not quite the clarity you are used too in Cornwall!🤣🤣🤣 great content mate👍

[@TheFishLocker]

The clarity down here atm hasn’t been great tbh. Less than a foot which is really unusual.

[@jonpeterson1614]

What an awesome video. I’m liking the land vids! Great stuff brother!

[@TheFishLocker]

Thank you Jon, just working with the conditions. 👍🏻🎣

[@noahbutler4671]

It was so cold that even here in Devon there was knee deep snow on Dartmoor. P.s. Another brilliant video, my dad was reminiscing about the days he used to do the same thing.

[@TheFishLocker]

I hope it shows that even when the weather is fierce the fishing can still produce. 😊🎣

[@stinkymuppet9207]

Can’t beat a bit of scratching to sate the fishing itch mr locker . Just wish I could find a few of the codling along my way they are still the holy grail for many on a winters night but sadly it appears local stocks have been eaten bar the odd one . Perhaps one day slowly improving North Sea stocks will swim down to the Kent coast and turn left into the English channel . Thanks for sharing 👍

[@jaycfc6955]

If they turned left stinky they'd end up in Belgium 😀😀 I think you mean right

[@TheFishLocker]

Depends if they’re coming over from Norway.

[@stinkymuppet9207]

@@jaycfc6955 🫣yeah thanks🤣 senior moment there , think I may have to retake my driving test and never ever buy a boat 🙄

[@stinkymuppet9207]

@@TheFishLocker now thats even better there’s some big ones over there …ah we can dream 😴

[@happybee7725]

John out all the fish species around the british isles that you have caught which is your favourite to eat and how do you prepare them?

[@TheFishLocker]

Just have a look at the catch and cook playlist 😉👍🏻

[@mateusztalaga4667]

You should try the inova Baiting Needles For the frozen lug it’s easy to fill it up with elastic so it will last a few fish 👍

[@TheFishLocker]

The more elastic you put on, the more you have to cut off.

[@solarfunction1847]

Tom must of gotten a little envious of all the times you were landing fish while he was catching nothing lol. You should suggest to Tom that he should use a 3 hook scratching rig with a small sized hook then a medium sized hook & lastly a large sized hook & he might have better luck.

[@TheFishLocker]

I don’t think Tom needs any advice about fishing.

[@solarfunction1847]

@@TheFishLocker just teasing

[@johnnylong8821]

Looking after the fish, top man Jon!

[@TheFishLocker]

I hope it transfers across in the videos and helps others to do the same. 👍🏻🎣

[@mixiepalms8338]

great video John !

[@TheFishLocker]

Thanks bud.

[@johnmartin7182]

As always awesome content thanks for your time to do this video 📸🙂

[@TheFishLocker]

I am glad you enjoyed joining me John 👍🏻🎣

[@melscott9643]

Im going to have to have a trip to that mark, i was there about 4 months ago fishing for macs

[@TheFishLocker]

Good luck. 👍🏻🎣

[@garyrodgers9620]

Mussel was always far and away the best bait on that coast. On the charter boats, the boatmen would skein an endless supply for the anglers. We'd pile 4 or 5 on a 1 / 0. Not sure if they even provide bait now. I think you can only get frozen packets now from that tackle shop near the swing bridge. I've seen those "savage" dab bites as well! It's a wonder you didn't pick up a bass. Filey Bay near the paddling pool is similar fishing with the sea coloured even in the day time.

[@TheFishLocker]

Them dabs bite well above their size don’t they. 🤣

[@garyrodgers9620]

@@TheFishLocker They sure do. Re the smaller hooks, I'm like you. I can't bear not to be catching anything and the bigger fish are very hit and miss. You'll know those billet are there at Whitby all year round and right in the harbour at the height of summer. Never seen any much bigger than 2lb here even out at sea although I know they get up to 20lb off Cornwall and Norway. I think they have a different lifestyle to pollack although I've caught the latter in the harbour as well.

[@marksutton116]

Great vid mate, looked a bit chilly there! Love the care you show for your catch.

[@TheFishLocker]

🥶 Chilly is an understatement

[@marksutton116]

@@TheFishLocker 🤣

[@michaelsadventures4261]

Good afternoon John.

[@TheFishLocker]

Good afternoon mate. 👍🏻

[@andrewsycamore3661]

Brilliant video John (they always are amazing). Was very interesting learning the differences between the flatfish as I didn't know much about them apart from plaice.

[@TheFishLocker]

The real interesting part is when you get some that hybridise. That Plaice I caught I don’t believe was a full 100% Plaice. It definitely had a bit of Flounder in it.

[@andrewsycamore3661]

@@TheFishLocker it did look like a bit of flounder was there.

[@TheFishLocker]

@@andrewsycamore3661 - It had spots - the camera lighting didn’t really show them as vivid as they were. It was smooth. It had lumps around its head and a herringbone underside. All Plaice characteristics. But it did still have the look of a flounder. I’d say partial hybrid.

[@andrewsycamore3661]

@The Fish Locker after looking closer I will definitely agree with you. Very interesting with hybrid creatures

[@daystatesniper01]

Cracking session John ,well done matey

[@TheFishLocker]

Cheers bud. 👍🏻🎣

[@yvonnetresidder9171]

Interesting how many flat fish there are. If I was catching them I would have thought I was catching flounder. I am out of touch with fishing but I have😢 never seen bait elastic used. (Only on your videos).

[@TheFishLocker]

I am not sure if it is a purely European thing, but it was first showing to me properly when I fished my first match competition. It was used to make small shaped baits from soft bait.

[@MauriceTarantulas]

Looked like a lot of fun! Made me want a hot bowl of soup though😂 P.s Had a pot noodle.

[@TheFishLocker]

Haha. Meal of champions

[@robbieallan6522]

Do dabbs get much bigger than that 🤔? I've seen a few (not my catch) and none were as big as the one you caught. Lovely little fish , cod n coalie also👍💯😉😉

[@TheFishLocker]

Biggest I’ve ever had was 1lb 2oz

[@pacman4568]

Squid head killer bait. 🐙

[@TheFishLocker]

Yes. 🦑

[@svenandersen1459]

Thanks for the great content mate

[@TheFishLocker]

It is my pleasure Sven. 😊👍🏻

[@barrywood5357]

nice one john keep em coming and be safe Crack on

[@TheFishLocker]

Cheers Barry. 😊👍🏻

[@donttuga9310]

I hate it when the fish tries to swallow the hook like that flounder did. It always makes me feel like I'm trying to disarm a bomb trying to get the hook out if I'm planning on releasing the fish. If they're going to swallow the hook I'd rather it be a fish I plan on keeping so it can be quickly dispatched, the hook removed, and then put on ice. I'll have to try your method on the larger fish that are in my waters. Most of the bluegills we have are a little too small to try that on though.

[@TheFishLocker]

Those little disgorgers work well for small flatfish but as you say, the smaller fish like sunfish are sometimes too small. Google aluminium coarse fishing disgorger.

[@feralgrandad4429]

Bit of a shocker for me. used to seeing you on a fishlocker t shirt and multicam trousers lolol! Got to say those steps you were releasing the fish on looked a bit sketchy too 🙂

[@TheFishLocker]

I had a Fishlocker shirt on and was wearing my camo trousers?

[@TheFishLocker]

I have been trying to find your email address about the package you sent!!!

[@tomwebley1932]

Hi John I'm heading upto whitby Saturday where was you fishing. Can you fish by the beach huts and park .love your videos keep them coming mate

[@TheFishLocker]

Go to the tackle shop on church street and he’ll point you in the right direction. 😉👍🏻🎣

[@tomwebley1932]

Cheers mate much appreciated

[@anthonymagill3714]

Great show made me get my rods out and sorted for a fishing trip next week

[@TheFishLocker]

Good luck. 👍🏻

[@cag1763]

I always liked my yellow fisherman's rain coat in the windy cold weather...but I'm not doing that anymore...I'll just watch...

[@TheFishLocker]

I’m starting to be more of a fair weather fisherman. I don’t mind a little wind, I just don’t do rain.

[@tonycooper7503]

Fantastic true dedication if you don't catch a fish you catch a cold boys. Good luck you nutters

[@TheFishLocker]

Haha. We definitely caught cold!!

[@ronpoole7121]

well done

[@TheFishLocker]

Thanks Ron.

[@russellmiller9863]

Well done on the flat fish n codling. I do like it on there near the steps. Can you buy the woolly hat you had on?

[@TheFishLocker]

Go over onto the Facebook page bud. 👍🏻

[@SocialRoom]

Great video John as always. Didn’t think that would be a flat fish from that bite ! Does Tom have a channel ?

[@TheFishLocker]

Haha. Tom isn’t really one for social media. But he has been in quite a few of my videos. 👍🏻🎣

[@MrBern91]

You're absolutely right! The red spots on the plaice is how you recognise them. This is why they're named "rödspätta" (Red-spotted) in Swedish. xD Seems, silly... But at the same time it makes too much sense. :D They are quite delicious as food too. (:

[@TheFishLocker]

They are delicious. 😊👍🏻