Dene Holm, Horden, County Durham

SPECIES
Mainly noted for its winter codling and whiting fishing best from September through to April, it can also produce bass from July to October, plus dabs and flounder all year round.

BAITS
The codling take black lug tipped with blow, lug, ragworm, mussel, razorfish or clam. For the whiting and bigger winter dabs tip worm baits with mackerel or sandeel strip. The flounder and bass take crab and worm, or a combination of the two.

TACKLE & TACTICS
The beach is mainly clean sand backed by shingle and rock. It is a noted low water mark when good casters can reach deeper water and can take good catches of codling and cod. At high water casting distance is less effective with the majority of fish caught within 60yds of the tide line.

It fishes best with a light east to northeast wind blowing, especially at night, or by day in well coloured water.

Typical local tackle is a 4-6oz beachcaster, 6500 sized reel with 15 to 18lb line and a 60lb shock leader. Rigs vary, but a good choice for the dabs and whiting is a standard clipped down three-hook flapper with size 2 Aberdeen's. The long range codling and the summer bass are best targeted with a one-hook clipped down rig using 30lb hook links and a size 3/0 Viking pattern hook. Some anglers prefer a pennel hook system for added insurance.
Grip leads up to 6ozs should be carried, though 5oz will hold in most conditions.

LOCATION
Dene Holm is accessed off the A1085 coast road heading north and turning off at the end of Horden Bank on to Cotsford Lane where there is a small car park. However thieves can sometimes break in to cars in this car park, so it's best to park by the nearby houses.