West Sussex Catch Report - 29th March 2026

Report by David Lewis

Good evening, for the time of year the fishing is seemingly better than usual with some very good fish showing and there have been numerous species caught and there is certainly plenty enough to keep the rod tips rattling. As we enter April even more species should appear once the weather improves and with an Easter weekend approaching why not get the rods out and give it ago. 

Here are Worthing high tides times for the week ahead:

• Monday 30th March: 10:32 (5.4m), 23:00 (5.7m)
• Tuesday 31st March: 11:18 (5.7m), 23:42 (6.0m)
• Wednesday 1st April: 11:56 (5.9m) 
• Thursday 2nd April: 00:19 (6.1m), 12:31 (6.0m)
• Friday 3rd April:  00:52 (6.1m), 13:03 (6.0m)
• Saturday 4th April: 01:21 (6.1m), 13:35 (5.9m)

The weather lately has been mixed with brisk winds, plenty of cloud and occasional rain plus brief glimpses of sunshine. Small tides and onshore winds have meant the sea has been choppy and coloured. Lighter winds are predicted for much of the week ahead although next weekend is looking windier. 

Another week where Dogfish have featured heavily in catches locally both during the day and at night and they have been caught throughout the region on a variety of baits. Along with the Dogfish the occasional small Bull Huss has shown up and tiny Smoothounds have also been caught with the odd better sized fish from Hampshire. 

The Ray fishing remains worthwhile although the fish do seem localised with plenty of fish showing from certain areas regularly. Thornbacks, Undulates and Small Eyed Rays have shown from venues including Selsey, Bognor, Hove and Eastbourne and once the weather warms up expect the first Stingray to show from around Climping, Bognor or Pagham. Making the effort and travelling to different venues can improve your catch rate. 

Anglers wishing to target flatfish will find Plaice will show when the water is calm and clear from venues such as Shoreham, Hove, Brighton and Seaford. Ideally a prolonged calm spell is needed, and bigger tides usually produce more and better sized fish with casting at range an advantage. The past month or so has seen quite a few small Turbot caught plus the Flounders have been caught randomly along with odd early Sole.

Congers are still being caught with the majority being straps although there is always the possibility of a double figure fish showing especially during darkness. The reopening of Brighton Marina has seen Eels show and it’s a venue which last year produced some good numbers of fish.

April 1st is when the Bass ban is over and 3 fish will be allowed per angler per day of 42cm plus. There a mixture of sized fish showing lately with majority being Schoolies and the occasional sizable fish. During spells when the water clarity is good lure fishing at some venues could be worthwhile especially if there is some bait fish present. 

There are plenty of other species featuring in catches including Whiting, Pouts, chance of an odd Codling, Rockling and Silver Eels.  If the sea is calm and clear Garfish and Black Bream could make their appearance. 

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. 

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!