West Sussex Catch Report - 21st December 2025

Report by David Lewis

Good evening, firstly we would like to wish all our customers a Happy Christmas and hope they receive plenty of fishing presents. Please check the pictures for our amended opening hours during the holiday period. The fishing locally remains good but a change in the weather could see catches alter but there should be plenty of fish to target so why not get out and give it a try. 

Here are Worthing high tides times for the week ahead:

• Monday 22nd December: 00:15 (5.7m), 12:21 (5.7m)
• Tuesday 23rd December: 00:51 (5.7m), 12:58 (5.6m)
• Wednesday 24th December: 01:29 (5.6m) 13:35 (5.5m)
• Thursday 25th December: 02:08 (5.6m), 14:16 (5.4m)
• Friday 26th December:  02:52 (5.4m), 15:02 (5.3m)
• Saturday 27th December: 03:40 (5.3m), 15:57 (5.1m)

Another week where the weather has consisted of brisk winds, plenty of cloud and rain although remaining mild but next week the weather is switching with north easterly winds, cooler temperatures with sunshine and generally dry. The sea remains choppy and coloured although if it is calm next week for long enough the water could start to clear out. 
 
Congers remain the species grabbing most anglers’ attention recently although numbers caught do seem to be down on previous weeks. The odd big fish is still being reported, and a large Eel was lost during a pier match last week where surprisingly not many Eels made an appearance. As usual when Whiting shoals is present, they can make good Conger baits either dead or alive whilst other baits such as squid and mackerel will also catch. With a change in the weather next week most Congers are likely to be caught in darkness if the water clears but they will still be possible in the daytime if the water is coloured. Remember to use suitable tackle and take a drop net when fishing from structures. 

It is around this time of year where Flounders can show in good numbers from both the Adur and the Arun and there have been steady catches made with most fish caught in darkness, but they can also be taken during the day and making the effort to source red rag will improve your chances. The occasional Flounders will be caught from the beaches in settled seas and there could be a few small Plaice and Dabs likely to be caught to worm baits. 

Dogfish remain prolific and have shown from most venues with a mixture of sized fish, and they will be caught on most baits and can be hard to avoid. Clearer water will see less Dogfish, but they will still be taken in darkness. Small Bull Huss are also a possibility and occasionally caught in amongst the Dogfish hoards. 

Whiting can be caught from most venues though catches can vary with lots of fish at some spots yet only a few at others. Most fish are sizable at present with smaller fish usually appearing early in the new year. 

It is still possible to catch a decent sized Bass with choppy and coloured seas offering the best chance and the rivers do produce the occasional good Bass in amongst the schoolies. Numbers could drop off if the water clears and coincides with a prolonged cold snap. Worm baits generally find the smaller fish with fish baits accounting for larger fish. 

Anglers wishing to target Rays will find the most frequent catches are made around Bognor, Aldwick and Pagham with a mixture of Thornbacks and occasional Undulate and Small Eyed. Other venues worth trying includes Hove, Eastbourne and Selsey. 

Other species likely to occasionally be caught include odd Codling, Pout, Silver Eels when the water is coloured and if the water clarity does improve Herring could show along with occasional Shad to Sabiki lures. 

Prime Angling opening times are 8am till 5pm Monday to Saturday and 8am till 4pm Sundays. With Christmas approaching please see in the pictures the opening hours during the Christmas and Holiday period. 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.