West Sussex Fishing Report - 16th February 2025

Report by David Lewis

Good evening, pleasing we can report finally the fishing locally has shown signs of improvement with the welcomed arrival of Plaice from numerous venues with some decent fish being caught last week whilst the conditions were ideal and if the Plaice do not show there are other species likely to be caught so why not get the rods out and give it a try. 

Here are Worthing high tides times for the week ahead:

• Monday 17th February: 01:55 (5.8m), 14:03 (5.6m)
• Tuesday 18th February: 02:23 (5.6m), 14:31 (5.3m)
• Wednesday 19th February: 02:52 (5.4m), 15:03 (5.0m)
• Thursday 20th February: 03:24 (5.0m), 15:42 (4.6m)
• Friday 21st February:  04:06 (4.6m), 16:39 (4.2m)
• Saturday 22nd February: 05:15 (4.2m), 18:06 (4.0m) 

The weather for the past week has again been cloudy and rather dull with light winds for start of the week which increased slightly towards the weekend. The sea clarity was good midweek although its coloured up again as winds picked up. The sea state is still calm, choppy on occasions. 

At this time of year occasionally the daytime fishing is more rewarding than fishing in darkness, this was proved last week with flatfish showing in the day whilst the nighttime tides fished quite poorly. Ideally clearer water produces the better catches in calm conditions. 

The settled weather has meant the water clarity had finally improved which has resulted in reasonable numbers of Plaice with catches made at Lancing, Shoreham, Hove, Brighton, Seaford and Eastbourne. Once the winds picked up catches of Plaice decreased mainly due to coloured water. Clear water reduces their competition and means baits can be left longer to find fish. Casting at distance usually improves your chances of catching Plaice. 

Dabs remain plentiful mainly from East Sussex areas such as Seaford, Eastbourne and Pevensey but occasional ones are caught from Shoreham and Lancing to worm baits with black lug probably the best option. 

Some Flounders have been showing throughout the region and even the odd ones from Worthing Pier. The rivers are producing a few fish but not fishing as well as they were a few months ago with darkness more likely to see better catches. 

Whiting numbers “seem” to be thinning out judging by recent match fishing results with Worthing Pier seeing hardly any Whiting caught in darkness during two Pier competitions. They will still be caught throughout Sussex with more fish likely to show if the water is coloured. 

Thornbacks reports are on the increase and venues to target them could include Eastbourne, Seaford and Pagham. Most are small fish with the odd better one in amongst them. Undulate Rays remain scarce with Selsey the most realistic venue to target them. 

Bass are still currently catch and release only, see accompanying picture for details, and catches are few and far between bar some Schoolies and the odd sizable fish. 

Other species that could feature in catches will include Rockling to small worm baits and Pout. Dogfish should be caught throughout the region but do not seem to be about in numbers although best chance will be in darkness.  Congers are a possibility, but majority will be straps.

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!