I've fished Roker for years Mick and its a good mark in the winter. Its at its best right during

or after a big sea. I normally head for the end as thats where I've caught the majority of my fish, which have included 4 over 8lb, best 11-8-0. The only problem being if you do get anything over 6-7lb, I'd advise you to 'walk' it to the first steps, and even then you could still lose it (as I've found out

)
The bay side fishes really well during or after an Easterly, especially further down the pier. The ground can be heavy as theres some lovely kelp beds out there, and this is what holds the fish.
The outside around the middle section of the pier (The Barrier) again fishes best during or after a big sea. The fish here tend to be a better stamp than those on the end although you don't tend to get the numbers.
When its flat, there can literally be dozens of Whiting caught from the pier, especially at night, although the end section normally produces the most fish.
As for the old North pier (Rathouse), one of my all time favourite marks is the end casting towards Roker in a big east or North East sea. Theres a hell of a tide rip here and some lovely mixed ground, and I've had fish to 7-12-0 here, and seen fish up to 13lb.
BUT please be careful in a big easterly, as the end can literally get swamped by the sea towards high water.
Hope this helps.
P.S.
One of the best winter marks (if not the best) on this coast is Sunderland South pier, but unfortunately, its closed to the public
