Shame steetly is now done with read plenty of good reports from there,fished middleton a few times,seems to produce best on a s/e wind when the seas rolling in towards the harbour,heard there has been a bit carry on recently though with the place some people actually locking the pier so no one else can get on,parking nearby next to the apartments and a canny bait shop nearby think its frirage (could be wrong with the name) but they also do some good bait. Never fished hartlepool alot so cannot comment about the place much,bait wise some good rag and muscle to be collected near the power station parking not so safe though and its a canny treck. Sure they'll be more members who can help if they've fished the area. Good luck and keep us posted on your fishing sessions.  good post