West Sussex Catch Report - 27th September 2026

Report by David Lewis

Good evening, as we approach October this time of year can usually be considered when some of the best fishing can occur locally and it’s been another week where some nice Bass have been reported and presently the fishing is producing plenty of variety in terms of species although there is seemingly a lack of bigger fish which should hopefully change within the coming weeks but there still is lots of fish about and plenty of Squid so why not get out and give it ago. 

Here are Worthing high tides times for the week ahead:

• Monday 28th September: 00:35 (6.2m), 12:57 (6.3m)
• Tuesday 29th September: 01:11 (6.2m), 13:33 (6.3m)
• Wednesday 30th September: 01:49 (6.2m), 14:10 (6.2m) 
• Thursday 1st October: 02:30 (6.0m), 14:50 (6.0m)
• Friday 2nd October:  03:16 (5.7m), 15:37 (5.6m)
• Saturday 3rd October: 04:12 (5.3m), 16:37 (5.1m)

The weather has been decent during the past week with plenty of sunshine and lightish winds and the water clarity has been good from most venues. 

Bass continue to be caught in good numbers with some very nice fish still showing with venues such as Shoreham Harbour west arm and Brighton Marina the most reliable venues to produce good fish although lower stretches of the local rivers are still fishing well on occasions. Bass will be caught at this time of year to a wide variety of baits and methods, and lure fishing is certainly worthwhile in the right conditions. 

Thornback Rays have figured more in local catches during the past week with plenty caught especially from beaches such as Hove and Seaford. Undulate Rays are still about with the occasional big fish caught along with plenty of smaller ones and most Rays currently are caught in darkness. 

Very small Strap Congers have dominated and, in some cases, ruined some anglers night fishing trips lately and majority of fish are only a few ounces. The Eels have been caught to most baits and can tangle your snoods up but into October usually sees some of the bigger Eels move in especially when Whiting shoals arrive. Brighton Marina east arm is best place to target a decent Conger in the current conditions. 

After a couple of Codling were caught locally a week or so ago hopes were high of a few more showing but no reports of any others although Whiting are slowly moving in with the odd fish caught along with a few big Pout.

With big tides and clear water there should be species such as Garfish, Mackerel, Scad and Shad about. Garfish will be caught from the Pier, Harbour and Marina with Mackerel and Shad likely from the Marina and Harbour. Scad will be caught in darkness when the water is clear. Remember Shad are a protected species and must be returned.
 
The Squid fishing has been steady with some days fishing a lot better than others and generally evening tides should produce Squid to Squid Jigs with structures such as the Pier, Harbour or Marina worth targeting them from ideally with calm and clear water in darkness although deeper water beaches such as Shoreham, Brighton and Seaford will all fish well in the right conditions.  

There are still good numbers of Black Bream about although many are small there still are some decent sized fish caught recently on the night tides.

Other summer species including Mullet, Red Mullet, Wrasse and Gurnards have featured in catches this week and at night the odd Dogfish, Silver Eel and small Hounds have been caught. 

There is a mixture of flatfish coming out in small numbers with Sole, Plaice and Flounders showing between Worthing and Brighton to worm baits.

Prime Angling usual 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 which will include plenty of new items from Japan. 

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.

Good luck & Tight Lines!