The Fleet

The inshore fishing fleet at Redcar originated in the early 14th Century with crab, lobster and fishing bringing in much needed income to local fishermen. However as the fishing industry has steadily declined over recent years so to the fleet has reduced in size so that today only a small number of boats put to sea from the town.

What remains of the fishing fleet at Redcar can be found parked either on the seafront promenade or at an area known as ‘Fisherman’s Square’ located a little distance into the town. From both sites the boats that put out to fish or check the pots are towed to the waters edge on trailers pulled by tractors.

Many of the boats that no longer go out are left and are in a state of disrepair but those that remain seaworthy continue to eke out a living despite the issues that are affecting the whole fishing industry such as fishing quotas, running costs and over-fishing and as long as they can do this they help to keep alive the fishing heritage on this part of the north east coast. At least for now.