Fishing in Estuaries
Here we deal with the small river estuaries such as the wansbeck, and Aln rather than the big ones like the Tyne or the Wear which are best fished like harbours. In the north east of England estuary angling means one thing, flattie bashing. Yes eels are landed, yes we do get the odd school bass or coalie but we don't get mullet like those lucky southerners.
The first thing to determine are the fish holding areas. At low water have walk around and note where the main channel is remembering where the deeper parts are, The outside of any bend is normaly deeper than the inside. In places where the channel narrows the water will flow through quicker causing problems for little fish caught in the current, larger fish will wait at the exit to pick off the strugglers. Also look for worm beds and anything which will slow down the progress of fish swimming upstream on the incoming tide. Better still ask the locals who always know the exact spot to hit. At low tide the mudflats are exposed, the mud is often very soft and deep as many idiots have discovered. Stick to the firmer surfaces and do not attempt to take a quick cut, this may seem obvious but some people do need protecting from their own stupidity. Remember that when the tide comes in the mudflats will get covered quickly hidding the creeks and channels from view. People who get trapped always end up drawing a large crowd including the local press.
Fishing is either done using a float with the bait tripping along the bottom or using a simple bottom rig. Remember to keep the tackle light. Float fishing is best done at low tide. First determine the depth (See tips) and allow a little extra to make sure the bait stays on the bottom in deeper parts. If the tide is coming in cast as far as possible up down river and allow the float to float back past you and up river then real in slowly. This method can cover a wide area and help you find where the fish are. Flounders often prefer a slow moving bait to a static one. A bubble float is the best bet as they can be filled with water to give extra casting weight. Experiment with the amount of lead needed to give a slow moving float.
At high tide the water is often too deep for float fishing and so use a bottom rig, if you can let it roll a little all the better. At high tide local knowledge is what makes the difference between a heavy bag and going away empty. The use of a baited spoon (often called a flounder spoon) is common if the ground is clean. Cast out and reel in a few turns, rest a minute then repeat. It is best to make your own spoons at home using old or cheap dessert spoons.