West Sussex Fishing Report - 28th September 2025

Report by David Lewis,

Good evening, with settled weather for the majority of the past week as expected we have seen a return of many of the summer species showing during the daytime and there are still some of the bigger species being caught during darkness so at present there is certainly a good variety of fish to target locally and with more reasonable weather on the way why not get out and give it ago. 

Here are Worthing high tides times for the week ahead:

• Monday 29th September: 03:48 (4.9m), 16:01 (4.8m)
• Tuesday 30th September: 04:38 (4.5m), 16:59 (4.3m)
• Wednesday 1st October: 06:09 (4.2m) 18:49 (4.1m)
• Thursday 2nd October: 07:48 (4.3m), 20:22 (4.4m)
• Friday 3rd October:  09:02 (4.8m), 21:23 (4.9m)
• Saturday 4th October: 09:52 (5.4m), 22:10 (5.5m)

The weather lately has been mainly light winds and dry with both cloud and even some sunshine. The water clarity has improved at most venues although some shallower beaches can keep the colour longer especially if there is a sea breeze. Good news is the weed seems to have disappeared locally, and no one is reporting any issues and with small tides this week it should continue weed free.  

It is the time of year where Garfish can be caught in good numbers, and they have returned with fish being caught from Worthing Pier as well as Shoreham Beach and likely to show from the Harbour and Marina too. Mackerel have also been caught from the Marina, Harbour and Pier but not in quantities. A few Scads have also been caught during darkness, and the occasional Shad has been landed but this species is protected, and they must be returned alive. 

As expected, Squid have moved inshore mostly during darkness but still are possible catches in the day with the Marina and Worthing Pier good venues to target them with Squid jigs. 

Bream have featured in local catches and surprisingly it seems more reported Gilt Head caught than Black Bream with fish continually showing from Kingston Beach and Brighton Marina with the Marina seeing better sized fish whereas Kingston Beach have been mostly small. Black Bream is likely to be caught at most venues with Widewater and Selsey east beach areas where better sized fish usually appear. 

Mullet are still visible in vast numbers in the local rivers and Golden Grey Mullet should be caught from Shoreham and Tide Mills to red rag baits. Other summer species occasionally showing include Wrasse, Gurnards, small Hounds and Red Mullet.

Due to the clearing and calm seas most of the Codling which have been caught recently have been during darkness and they are possible catches throughout the region. Odd fish to 5lb have shown with most in the 2-3lb range to baits such as lugworms and Squid. 

At night species likely to show will include some Dogfish, Pouts, possibly the odd Whiting and strap Congers. The bigger Eels seem to be frequently showing from the east of arm of Brighton Marina but Worthing Pier also a venue where a big Eel is possible. 

Again, Bass have continued to be caught with good numbers of sizable fish showing with Shoreham West Arm seeing some decent fish landed and quite a few Bass have been caught on lures both during the day and at night. Live baiting can account for some big Bass at this time of year with Mackerel and Whiting often successful baits.

Undulate and Thornback Rays are present locally of various sizes and have been caught from venues between Seaford and Selsey. Bognor beaches produce the most frequent catches of both species with Hove, Lancing and Pagham also worth targeting them from with night tides ideal. 

Plaice to just under 2lb have been caught from Brighton Marina plus fish also been caught from the beaches around Brighton and Hove with fish caught mainly in daylight along with a few in darkness. Sole should be caught at night along with a few Flounders and odd Dab. 

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.