West Sussex Catch Report – 16th June 2024

Report by David Lewis

The recent brisk winds have meant there is an increased chance of catching some of the bigger species which frequent our inshore waters as well as the all the usual species so there should some good, varied fishing on offer for anglers in the coming week with plenty of species to target so why not get the rods out and give it a go.

Here are Worthing high tides times for the week ahead:

• Monday 17th June: 08:34 (4.5m), 21:02 (4.8m)
• Tuesday 18th June: 09:27 (4.7m), 21:48 (5.1m)
• Wednesday 19th June: 10:13 (5.0m), 22:29 (5.3m)
• Thursday 20th June: 10:55 (5.3m), 23:09 (5.4m)
• Friday 21st June: 11:36 (5.5m), 23:48 (5.6m)
• Saturday 22nd June: 12:19 (5.6m)

Last weeks weather was mixed with plenty of sunshine, rain and variable brisk winds and the winds during the weekend were from the Southwest and with very small tides the sea has coloured up and been quite choppy. The winds could see seaweed appear and hamper the fishing from some venues.

At the beginning of last week, a couple of Tope were caught to just over 40lb and the next few months they can be targeted from venues such as Pagham, Selsey and Bracklesham.

Smoothounds seem to be caught throughout the local region lately with plenty of fish in the 4-6lb bracket with the occasional better fish in amongst them. Venues where they are likely to show include Selsey, Pagham, Bognor, Lancing, Shoreham and Brighton and Hove beaches.

Whatever the conditions Bass seemingly continue to be caught with lots of fish around 4lb showing to most baits and again venues such as Shoreham West Arm has produced numerous good-sized fish. Beaches have fished reasonably well when it’s been choppy with baits fished into the surf both at high and low tide. Bait wise crab, worms, fish and squid will all catch, and live baiting can be successful during the summer months. Lure fishing is yet to really take off yet this year but should do once conditions are ideal.

Rays are being caught in decent numbers with Undulates appearing throughout West Sussex mainly during darkness whereas Thornbacks tend to be caught from Eastbourne, Seaford and Hove beaches. along with the occasional Stingray. A Stingray will still be possible from West Sussex beaches with Climping to Aldwick the areas worth targeting them from.

There has been lots of strap Conger caught recently and chance of a bigger fish to show whilst the sea remains choppy and coloured. Dirty water should also mean Dogfish return inshore and they can be caught both during daylight and darkness.

A few Golden Grey Mullet continue to show from Kingston Beach during recent matches and the occasional fish has been caught on the West Arm and beaches such as the Burrells.

When the water is clear Black Bream are present at most venues with a mixture of decent sized fish along lots of smaller fish. Anywhere from Brighton Marina in the east to Selsey in West could produce fish with some venues fishing better in darkness with small hooks and baits such as worm or squid strips.

As usual the best spots to target flatfish will be from Shoreham to Brighton with the Harbour and Marina offering Plaice, Flounders and Sole. Decent Flounders have been caught recently from Kingston Beach to red rag baits.

Still very little to report regarding Mackerel, Garfish and Scad and all 3 species remain very scarce presently. Best venue to target them would be either Brighton Marina or Shoreham Harbour once the water calms and clears out.

Other species likely to be encountered whilst fishing locally include Gurnard, Red Mullet, Smelt, Wrasse, Pouting, Silver Eels.

Prime Angling is open 7 days a week; opening hours are 8am till 5pm – Monday to Saturday and Sunday 8am – 4pm, 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 new online website which can be found at primeangling.co.uk and there is plenty of new stock regularly added so keep an eye on our Facebook page for updates.

Please feel free to send us your local catch reports, either Sea or Freshwater fishing along with pictures 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.

Good luck and Tight Lines!