West Sussex Catch Report - 6th September 2026

Report by David Lewis

Good evening, the fishing locally is certainly varied from venue to venue with coloured water and clear water producing differing catches and its often around this time of year where you never know what it’s going to appear on the end of your line so why not get out and give it a try. 

Here are Worthing high tides times for the week ahead:

• Monday 7 September: 08:37 (4.8m), 21:07 (5.0m)
• Tuesday 8th September: 09:51 (5.3m), 22:13 (5.4m)
• Wednesday 9th September: 10:50 (5.8m), 23:07 (5.8m) 
• Thursday 10th September: 11:39 (6.2m), 23:54 (6.1m)
• Friday 11th September:  12:24 (6.3m)
• Saturday 12th September: 00:35 (6.2m), 13:02 (6.4m)

The weather during the past week has been mixed, sunshine, cloud, rain and at times the wind has been reasonably strong or brisk. The water has been coloured when it has been onshore winds although at deeper water venues you can reach clearer water and with big tides next week the water should generally be a lot cleaner next week. 

The fishing at present and what you are likely to catch is dependant on the clarity of water you are fishing. Venues with dirty water offer the chance of some bigger species such as Hounds, Congers and Rays whilst clearer water means most of the usual summer species are present.

Mackerel have again shown in numbers from venues when the water clarity has been good with deeper water structures the venues to try from including Brighton Marina, Shoreham Harbour and Worthing Pier. With big tides next week and lighter winds, the water clarity should improve throughout the region and means Mackerel may turn up from the beaches at Shoreham, Brighton and Seaford. 

Garfish are around in small numbers which should increase in the next few weeks with Brighton Marina and Shoreham Harbour seeing a few caught and Worthing Pier is usually a good venue although it’s been poor in recent years. Again, quite a few Shad have been caught around Brighton and Newhaven and as a protected species must be returned alive. Brighton Marina has again been the venue to target Scad especially from the West Arm at night although a few are caught from Shoreham and Worthing. 

Other fish which are likely to be present inshore and can be caught will include Mullet, Red Mullet, Smelt, Gurnards, and Wrasse. 

As mentioned, some good Undulate Rays have been caught recently to double figures and Congers are also showing with the better fish reports coming from Brighton Marina whereas most venues have very small straps which will be caught at night. The occasional better Hound is appearing along with the odd Bull Huss, Dogfish and anglers’ attention will be trying to catch a Codling which always show this time of year. 

Bass continue to show throughout the region and good numbers of sizable fish are regularly reported. Lure fishing is certainly worthwhile if the clarity is good from the shore or rivers and most baits will catch Bass this time of year with live baits often picking out the biggest fish. 

The flatfish fishing is certainly improving with some very nice sized Sole caught both during the day and at night along with random big Flounders and some Plaice. Brighton or Shoreham are worthwhile venues to fish with worm baits with coloured water meaning Soles often can be caught in daylight. 

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!