West Sussex Catch Report - 19th January 2025

Report by David Lewis

Good evening, most anglers at present have been chasing flatfish and although the fishing remains challenging there are positive signs with the odd Plaice starting to show locally and there are plenty of other species regularly being caught so why not get the rods out and give it a try. 
Here are Worthing high tides times for the week ahead:

• Monday 20th January: 03:07 (5.4m), 15:17 (5.1m)
• Tuesday 21st January: 03:44 (5.1m), 15:57 (4.8m)
• Wednesday 22nd January: 04:26 (4.8m), 16:46 (4.4m)
• Thursday 23rd January: 05:18 (4.6m), 17:48 (4.2m)
• Friday 24th January:  06:24 (4.4m), 19:05 (4.2m)
• Saturday 25th January: 07:39 (4.4m), 20:21 (4.4m) 

Again, the weather has been settled during the past week with light winds, surprisingly the sea is very slowly clearing despite being calm for so long and the forecast shows little change for the first half of the week ahead although towards the weekend strong winds are predicted. 

Although very few in numbers at present, some Plaice are starting to appear with Eastbourne, Seaford and Brighton seeing the odd fish caught. Ideally clearer water should see more Plaice show and more likely on the bigger tides. Casting at range is often an advantage using baits such as black lug or king rag.

Dabs are the most frequent flatfish being caught locally especially from East Sussex beaches such as Eastbourne, Pevensey, Seaford etc to bait such as black lug. Hove and Shoreham will see a few Dabs also. 

There are still some decent Flounders to target locally with the River Adur producing some Flounders generally fishing in darkness to baits such as White or Red Rag. Flounders will also be caught on local beaches and usually to worm baits by anglers targeting Plaice. 

Whiting shoals continue to be still present in numbers in darkness and they do seem to be mostly “pins”. They are still showing during the daytime whilst the water holds colour. Slim chance at present of Whiting used as live baits of hooking a Conger or Bass. 

Dogfish are hit and miss now with some venues producing plenty of fish whilst others are seemingly void of them. Venues such as Pagham or Selsey should see plenty of fish caught to fish baits. 

The Ray fishing is slow but with slight improvements during the past week or so with the occasional Thornback appearing and venues worth targeting them would include Pagham, Eastbourne or Seaford. Undulate Rays remain scarce with Selsey east beach possibly best area to try. 

Bass are still about but most are Schoolies being caught although the occasional sizable fish are still a possibility especially when the wind picks up towards the end of the week. Some fish still likely to be in the local rivers in the lower stretches.

Other species that could feature in catches will include small strap Congers, Rockling to small worm baits, a few Silver Eels, and Pout.

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 feel free to 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. 

Good luck, Tight Lines!