Codling return to our shores.

WHEN the sea came away last weekend, a few codling returned to our shores. Jimmy Atkinson, fishing from the first gate on South Shields pier, took the biggest recorded by a long way with a cod of 10lb.

There was a reasonable showing of codling on Roker Pier with the best around 3lb, with some decent-sized coalfish to over 1lb being taken from the Wear, with the Glass Centre the best venue.

Amble were lucky enough to have a match on the Sunday night. Ian Harrogate won with two codling and three flounders for 5-5-12, including the heaviest flatfish at 0-14-12, all taken at Cresswell. Jim French fished at

Amble pier, taking a codling, which was the heaviest fish at 4-13-0, and a flounder for a weight of 5-3-12. Barry Tweddle fished the Middens Rocks to win Tynemouth's match with two coalfish for 2-0-0.

John Isley fished Whitley Beach to take the heaviest fish, a decent bass of 1-8-0, and a small plaice for 1-15-0. The retired members fared no better, Tony Taylor taking only two DIARY DATES April 4-19: Predator's event, Blue Reef Aquarium, Tynemouth, on display Giant Pacific Octopus, & deadly stonefish, also talks & feeding demonstrations, so it could be very interesting. Call 0191 258 1031 or visit www.bluereefaquarium.co.uk.

April 10: Seaham Good Friday, open 1pm-6pm. For more information phone [phone] or 07881442289 or email [e-mail] April 11: Senhouse Street Open, Perch light Workington to Maryport Pier. Reg Senhouse Street W.M.C. fish 9- 1pm. Entry pounds 8, opt h/bag pounds 2, h/f pounds 2 Contact Mike 01900 601426 or Mark 01900 605394 April 13: Tarnside Easter Open Netherton to Sellafield Reg 9.30 entry pounds 10, jnrs pounds 5, Presentation Tarnbank, Braystones 4 to 4.45pm, contact Heather 01964 841162 April 13-26: Whitby Boat Spring Festival, Whitbycharter Skippers Association, www.wcsa.co.uk pounds 1,000 prize for Heaviest..

coalfish and a dab for 2-9-0 in a six-hour match, Peter Carr taking the heaviest fish, a flounder of 14oz. Gareth Gardiner, fishing South Shields pier, took the only two coalfish weighing 1-11-0, taken in East End and Hendon's match for a weight of 1-11-0.

In the Eastenders Open, fished on a measure and release basis, 33 coalfish, 31 codling, 28 whiting, and a rockling were taken, Steve Rackstraw winning with 11 fish for 268cm.

Steve Brown took a nice coalfish of 44cm, the longest fish taken. Thomas Rutherford once again showed many of the seniors the way, winning the junior section with four fish for 120cm. Next week Steve Walker will be writing my column, all information to Steve at [phone] evenings, email [e-mail] ALAN CHARLTON [phone] [e-mail]

CAPTION(S):

LING LINE Skipper Alan Skinner with his ling of 14lb 8oz taken from his boat, Sarah JFK.