West Sussex Fishing Report - 10th August 2025

Report by David Lewis

Good evening, despite a few Codlings showing within the past few days the fishing is tough at times but there still is fish being caught with plenty of species showing locally and with big tides this week hopefully the fishing should improve so why not get out and enjoy the warmer weather predicted for next week and give it a try. 

Here are Worthing high tides times for the week ahead:

• Monday 11th August: 01:06 (6.1m), 13:37 (6.2m)
• Tuesday 12th August: 01:47 (6.1m), 14:18 (6.2m)
• Wednesday 13th August: 02:28 (6.1m) 14:57 (6.2m)
• Thursday 14th August: 03:08 (6.0m), 15:37 (6.1m)
• Friday 15th August:  03:53 (5.8m), 16:20 (5.8m)
• Saturday 16th August: 04:42 (5.5m), 17:13 (5.5m)

The weather has been mainly settled during the past week with dry, sunny conditions and light winds which did pick up briefly Saturday afternoon. The water has been clearing throughout the week, and the sea has good clarity and is calm. 
Seaweed has again been hampering some venues which is mainly due to the increasing tides washing old weed back in previously beached above the high tide line on the bigger tides two weeks previous. 

The first of the Codling have made their arrival with the odd fish showing midweek with one caught from Shoreham arm, Worthing Pier, and Shoreham beach, and even some Whiting were caught midweek again from Shoreham Beach and Widewater. Codling may appear fishing from the beaches on the big tides during darkness and baits to use include blacks, blow lug and squid. 

Golden Grey Mullet have been caught on occasions from the Burrells at Shoreham and from the Harbour with red rag the ideal bait to target them with during daytime with calm and clear water. The rivers hold plenty of Mullet and patience can be rewarded with fish to over 4lb possible from both the Arun and Adur. Mullet shoals can often be seen cruising in shallow water especially in the rivers as well as structures such as Worthing Pier. 

There is still reasonable good-sized Bass showing throughout the region and they will be caught to both baits and lures and they can show at high and low tide all dependant on the venue. Low tiding between Lancing and East Preston can produce Bass at dawn and dusk on lures wading out in the shallows. Brighton Marina and Shoreham Harbour are good places which produces regular catches of Bass to various baits. 

Black Bream are still being caught from most venues, and some decent sized fish were caught from Shoreham midweek on the night tides. Daytime tides produce a mixture of size fish and venues worth trying includes Brighton Marina, Worthing Pier and Shoreham Harbour. Gilt Head Bream can show at certain venues especially around Chichester and Kingston Beach as well as from Climping. 

Flattie fishing is generally slow presently although there are Plaice and Flounders often caught from Shoreham and Brighton along with a few Soles at night. Worm baits such as red rag, kings and lug account for majority of flatfish.

Mackerel reports are scarce with just a few fish reported from the Marina and Harbour and Scad are also not about in numbers although reasonable amounts were caught on the Pier yet both species were showing in huge shoals about a month ago but not regularly since. Garfish should feature in catches towards the end of the month, and all three species presence often depends on the bait fish they prey on. 

Rays are still showing although mostly on the small side with Thornbacks and Undulates being caught although better Undulates are a possibility. Stingrays are still present along the beaches between Goring and Climping but fishing at high tide is difficult due to the amount of weed. 

Smoothounds are still being caught although sadly most are extremely small fish and have been caught on worms from beaches within the last week. The occasional better fish is possible from Worthing Pier at night and most likely beaches from the western end of Sussex with Bognor, Selsey and Bracklesham likely to see a few catches made during darkness. Again, this week most Congers that are being caught lately seem to very small straps but there always is a realistic chance of the odd bigger Eel appearing anywhere especially at night. Tope could appear from Bracklesham or Selsey with ideal conditions next week. 

Summer species such as Gurnards and Red Mullet have been caught lately and other species showing include Wrasse, Pout and Silver Eels, Blennies etc. 

Prime Angling opening times are 8am till 5pm Monday to Saturday and 8am till 4pm Sundays. We are located at 26 Marine Parade, Worthing, BN11 3PT, just to the east of Worthing Pier with limited customer parking available at the front of the shop. For bait availability it is advisable to phone us on 01903 821594. We also stock a large variety of frozen sea baits as well as a wide range of freshwater baits and tackle. 

Visit our online website at primeangling.co.uk with plenty of new stock regularly added so keep an eye on our Facebook page for updates. 

Please send us pictures of your recent local catches via our Facebook page messenger or email and we will aim to publish them for you in the weekly report. Please note we DO NOT claim ANY FISH used and mentioned in our reports are caught on our baits or tackle, it is a report to show what has and is likely to be caught locally.