Why North Easterly Winds Are Bad for Sea Fishing in the UK (And Why You’re Better Off Mowing the Lawn)

Ask any seasoned UK sea angler what the worst wind is, and they’ll barely let you finish the question before muttering “a North Easterly” with a scowl that could curdle milk. Whether you’re targeting cod in winter or bass in summer, when that wind swings round from the northeast, it’s often time to hang up your rod and grab a spade instead (for gardening or digging bait — your call).

But why exactly are North Easterly winds so notoriously bad for sea fishing in the UK? Let’s dive into the science, the seaweed, and the salty truths behind this angler’s nemesis.

Is fishing a North Easterly really worth it? Lets have a look!

1. The Direction of Doom: Understanding Wind and Sea Fishing

Before we slate the North Easterly like it insulted your nan, it’s worth understanding how wind affects sea fishing in general.

Wind plays a major role in:

• Water clarity

• Wave action

• Baitfish movement

• Water temperature

• Sea bed disturbance
  

In short, wind dictates whether your bait gently flutters in enticing currents or gets spun into a tangled, weed-choked mess.

Winds that blow onshore (from sea to land) usually stir things up — pushing in surf, swell, and often murky water. Offshore winds (from land to sea) tend to flatten things out, making conditions calm but potentially too clear.

So where does the North Easterly fit in this weather roulette?

2. A Chilly, Uninvited Guest: What is a North Easterly Wind?

A North Easterly wind blows from the northeast. In the UK, that often means cold, dry air coming in from northern Europe or the North Sea. It’s the kind of wind that bites your cheeks, makes the dog walk backwards, and turns your line into a kite string.

More crucially, it’s usually an onshore wind on many of the UK's east-facing coasts — from Norfolk to Northumberland — and that’s where the problems begin.

3. Stirred, Not Shaken: Water Clarity and Turbidity

North Easterlies push water in from the cold, open North Sea, often creating a dirty, coloured soup of sediment and suspended particles. That’s fine if you’re targeting bottom feeders like flounder who don’t mind a bit of rough. But for most species — especially predators like bass or pollack — this is a big no-no.

These fish rely heavily on sight to hunt. Murky water means they’re less likely to find your bait — and more likely to sulk in deeper, clearer areas offshore.

4. Weed Invasion: The Sea Lettuce Uprising

North Easterly winds are notorious for dumping rafts of floating weed right into your fishing spot. This stuff clogs your rigs, buries your bait, and makes reeling in feel like dragging a wet carpet through treacle.

If you’ve ever reeled in a perfectly placed pulley rig only to find it draped in slimy weed spaghetti, you know the pain. Your bait might still be there — but no self-respecting cod is biting through that jungle.

5. Choppy Seas, Unsafe Conditions

Let’s not forget safety. Strong North Easterly winds can whip up short, steep waves that hammer east-facing beaches and breakwaters.

It’s not just uncomfortable — it can be dangerous. Slippery rocks, crashing waves, and rogue surges are a recipe for an early bath (and not the kind that ends with cod and chips).

For boat anglers? Forget it. Most charters won’t leave the harbour in strong North Easterlies, especially along the east coast. Skippers have enough sense not to take paying punters into a floating washing machine.

6. Fish Move Offshore – And You Should Too

With murky water, disturbed seabed's, and weed-choked inshore zones, many fish simply head for deeper, calmer water. They follow the baitfish, which also move out beyond the surf.

If you’re shore fishing, this means the fish are likely well out of casting range — even with your best sea fishing rod and a pulley pennel rig armed with peeler crab.

This is why, under a stiff North Easterly, the beach might look promising — but the fish are off on a mini holiday, sipping plankton cocktails in clearer pastures.

7. Exceptions Prove the Rule

Alright, let’s not be totally doom and gloom. Some species don’t mind the chaos. Flatties like dabs and flounder often stick around in coloured water, and codling have been known to turn up in rough conditions during the colder months — especially if there’s been a prolonged blow and the seabed is nicely churned up. But it’s a gamble, and not usually a productive one unless you really know your marks and how the sea reacts locally.

8. What Should You Do Instead?

When faced with a North Easterly, UK sea anglers usually consider three options:

• Head to a sheltered west-facing venue. Find a headland, estuary, or west-facing beach that’s protected from the wind. These spots can still produce in tough conditions.

• Change species. Go after fish that thrive in churned-up water like flounder or whiting.

• Don’t bother. Use the time to sort your gear, tie up some fresh rigs, or browse the Big Fish Fishing shop for some shiny new fishing tackle you don’t technically need (but definitely deserve).
  

9. Final Cast: Is It Ever Worth It?

Let’s not say you can’t fish in a North Easterly. You can. But is it usually worth it?

If you're desperate for a session, and willing to brave the weed, the chill, and the risk of blanking, go for it. But manage expectations, bring hot tea, and don't forget the waterproofs.

Otherwise? Wait it out. The fish will still be there when the wind swings round to the south or west — and so will your sanity.

Tight Lines (When the Wind Behaves)

So there you have it — the gritty truth about North Easterly winds and why UK sea anglers collectively sigh when they see them on the forecast. While there are a few silver linings, for the most part, you’re better off retying rigs, reading blogs (like this one), or spending time on the Big Fish Fishing site plotting your next tide-chasing adventure.

And remember: if the wind’s from the North East, your chances of a decent catch may have just gone South.