West Sussex Fishing Report - 13th April 2025
Report by David Lewis
Good evening, at present its more of a case of quantity rather than quality with plenty of fish and various species being caught although the majority are small, pleasingly there has been an increase in Rays at long last and it should not be too long before other better fish move inshore so why not get the rods out and give it a try.
Here are Worthing high tides times for the week ahead:
- Monday 14th April: 00:50 (5.9m), 13:02 (5.8m)
- Tuesday 15th April: 01:17 (5.9m), 13:32 (5.8m)
- Wednesday 16th April: 01:43 (5.8m), 13:59 (5.6m)
- Thursday 17th April: 02:09 (5.7m), 14:29 (5.5m)
- Friday 18th April: 02:38 (5.5m), 15:01 (5.2m)
- Saturday 19th April: 03:12 (5.2m), 15:41 (5.0m)
The weather recently has been mainly sunny, occasionally with a brisk north-easterly wind which switched to south-westerly at the weekend. Most venues the water is reasonably clear with shallow venues seeing slight colour on the edge.
The first confirmed Stingray caught locally this year has been made during the past week and numbers should slowly increase during late April and early May with venues from Climping, Bognor, Aldwick and Pagham all likely to produce fish.
There has been quite a few small Smoothounds caught during darkness with Shoreham and Pagham, majority are below 1lb in weight although there have been odd fish to 3lb.
Various species of Wrasse have been caught from Worthing Pier and at Newhaven and some larger fish are a possibility from the Marina. Black Bream seem reluctant to move within casting distance but are being netted by the inshore commercials with good numbers of big fish.
Again, the local rivers seem to be holding vast shoals of Mullet with large numbers visible both on the surface and in the shallows.
Worthing Pier should produce a few Garfish on the bigger tides in clear water, tightlining small slivers of Mackerel mid-water near the pier structure. A few are also likely from Shoreham Harbour and Brighton Marina.
Some decent sized Plaice have been caught from Shoreham Harbour and the usual beaches at Brighton, Hove and Shoreham are seeing regular catches with casting at range an advantage. Black lug and king rag are the preferred baits with clear water, a big tide, making ideal daytime conditions for targeting Plaice.
Other flatfish being caught includes Flounders with reasonable numbers caught at Shoreham to worm baits plus plenty have been landed in by anglers targeting Plaice. Dabs also showing from the Burrells and most East Sussex beaches plus the occasional Sole have shown recently which have been good sized fish.
Bass fishing seems slow at the moment, but it will soon liven up with numbers of Schoolies likely to increase plus some better sized fish usually appear from Shoreham and Brighton plus the River Arun can see good catches on occasions. Lure fishing at low tide can be worthwhile when the conditions are right.
Last week saw an increase in the number of Undulate Ray catches with a few nice fish caught locally. Thornback Rays have been caught regularly with Hove, Aldwick and Pagham producing the most consistent catches.
Dogfish have been caught from most venues in darkness or in the daytime if the water is slightly coloured and there has also been lots of small Whiting at night especially around Shoreham.
Herring are an occasional catch with odd ones from Shoreham and Brighton Marina. Squid and Cuttlefish should move in during the next settled spell with calm and clear water needed for jigging from structures. Mackerel should soon make an appearance as they are in slightly deeper water a little distance from the Marina. Sand Smelt have been seen around the landing stage at Worthing Pier and can make good live baits for Bass.
Other species that could feature in catches will include Rockling, Pout and possibly some Congers.
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 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!