West Sussex Fishing Report - 25th May 2026
Report by David Lewis
Good evening, firstly we hope you are all enjoying yet another bank holiday weekend and the recent change to the weather could see some of the usual bigger species feature in catches locally within the next few days, plus there are lots of other smaller species to target so why not get the rods out and give it a try.
Here are Worthing high tides times for the week ahead:
- Monday 26th May: 11:03 (6.0m), 23:27 (6.2m)
- Tuesday 27th May: 11:55 (6.1m)
- Wednesday 28th May: 00:17 (6.3m), 12:50 (6.1m)
- Thursday 29th May: 01:07 (6.2m), 13:43 (6.1m)
- Friday 30th May: 01:58 (6.0m), 14:36 (5.9m)
- Saturday 31st May: 02:47 (5.7m), 15:27 (5.7m)
The weather has finally changed with an end to weeks of north easterlies winds and sunshine as they have switched to brisk southwest winds and spells of cloud and rain which has started to colour the seas although seaweed has increased at some venues. The winds are predicted to continue from southwest with temperatures set to increase towards the end of the week.
Smoothounds have been caught throughout the region with bigger fish generally caught in the west from venues such as Bognor, Pagham, Selsey and Bracklesham. Plenty of smaller fish have been caught from Shoreham and Brighton and with coloured water bigger fish could show from Shoreham Harbour and Worthing Pier so remember to bring a drop net. Anglers targeting Hounds from Bracklesham or Selsey could get a bonus Tope.
Anglers using worms are still finding good numbers of flatfish with plenty of Plaice, although a large percentage are now undersized, Dabs which are surprisingly to move out yet and some Flounders and the occasional Sole. Shoreham and Brighton produce the more regular catches both from the beaches as well as the Marina and Harbour arms.
Windy conditions, choppy seas and coloured water could mean a few decent Congers appear from Worthing Pier, Shoreham Harbour and Brighton Marina and there should be plenty of straps especially at night to fish baits.
Some venues have seen plenty of decent sized Black Bream caught including from the Marina, Harbour, Widewater beach and a few from Worthing Pier. A lovely Gilthead Bream of 44cm was caught Friday night from the beach.
Most of the Rays caught locally seem to be taken from areas between Bognor and Selsey with the odd fish showing from Hove and Seaford. Undulate Rays and Thornbacks are still regularly caught, and a Stingray was landed at East Preston on Thursday evening.
Mullet can be found in both the rivers and beaches with shoals spotted whilst the water has remained calm and clear. The odd Golden Grey has been caught to worm baits, and they should appear in reasonable numbers from Kingston beach as well as the Burrells to red rag baits once the weather and sea settles.
Again, the only local Mackerel catches are from Brighton Marina east arm and Shoreham west arm mainly to feathers and still only a few Garfish appearing along with odd Herring and Smelt.
Conditions during the week should see a few Bass caught to baits and depending on venues some can be caught over low water when a surf is running whilst some beaches can fish better over the high tides. Lure fishing has accounted for a few fish in right conditions. Schoolies are slowly increasing in numbers to worm baits.
Dogfish should be plentiful this week and other species which are likely to be caught locally include Wrasse, Pollock, Gurnard, Red Mullet, Blennies, Bullheads, and Pout.
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!
