West Sussex Fishing Report - 5th October 2025

Report by David Lewis

Good evening, we are approaching the time of year where arguably the fishing locally can be considered at its very best with vast numbers of species within casting distance, both big and small as well as a few surprises as witnessed last week and with some of the biggest tides of the year predicted next week as well as an improving weather forecast why not get the rods out and give it a try. 

Here are Worthing high tides times for the week ahead:

• Monday 6th October: 11:16 (6.2m), 23:31 (6.2m)
• Tuesday 7th October: 11:57 (6.4m)
• Wednesday 8th October: 00:13 (6.4m) 12:37 (6.6m)
• Thursday 9th October: 00:55 (6.5m), 13:18 (6.6m)
• Friday 10th October:  01:39 (6.4m), 14:01 (6.5m)
• Saturday 11th October: 02:26 (6.2m), 14:44 (6.2m)

The weather during the past week was certainly changeable, starting off with light winds and dry before another named storm moved in at the weekend bringing with it strong winds and occasional rain. Winds are due to ease early next week and the coloured water now should soon clear especially with big tides.  

The fishing at this time of year is certainly varied and what you are likely to catch is dependant on the sea conditions with coloured and clearer water offering the chance to catch a variety of different species. When the weather is settled with calm and clear seas the likelihood is most of the summer species will be worthwhile targets whereas when it is windy, rough and coloured seas, species such as Congers, Dogfish, Bass and Codling will be what most anglers venture out for. 

For much of the past week the sea was flat calm with clear water and species such as Mackerel, Garfish and Scads were taken from venues such as Brighton Marina, Shoreham Harbour and Worthing Pier as well as some of the deeper water beaches. This time of year, often sees a few Shad caught but this species is protected, and they must be returned alive. 

A 40cm Turbot was caught from Worthing Pier early last week which is a rare catch locally and other species of flatfish such as Plaice, Flounders and Sole were more frequent catches from venues between Shoreham and Brighton with the Marina producing some nice sized Plaice in calm conditions with the odd ones almost up to 2lb. 

Another rare catch was a John Dory caught from Brighton Marina east arm as well as a 7lb Pollock caught from Eastbourne Pier. 

The calmer conditions at the start of last week meant Squid 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. The weekends bad weather means waiting till later next week to target them again with clearer water needed and light winds.

Both Black and Gilt Head Bream are still showing throughout the region with Gilt Heads seemingly becoming more widespread than recent years although the Marina seems to produce the more frequent catches.

Other summer species which are still inshore include Mullet which are still present in the local rivers and Golden Grey Mullet should be caught from Shoreham and Tide Mills to red rag baits. Wrasse, Gurnards, small Hounds and Red Mullet can also be expected but not in big numbers.

The winds during the weekend causing rough and coloured seas should mean a few Codlings are likely to be caught in the day as well as at night whilst the water remains dirty and mainly at night once it clears. Odd fish to 5lb have shown with most in the 2-3lb range to baits such as lugworms and Squid. 

Congers should increase in both numbers as well as size with this time of year usually seeing some very big fish move inshore with Worthing Pier, Shoreham Harbour and Brighton Marina venues worth targeting them especially if there is a food source such as Mackerel or Whiting being caught. 

At night or daytime when the water is dirty species likely to show will include some Dogfish, odd Bull Huss, Pouts, and it will not be long till the Whiting make an appearance. 

Bass as they have throughout the summer have shown in reasonable numbers and decent sized fish have again been caught from many venues and this should continue during the next few months with the occasional double figure fish a possibility. Baits will work in coloured water whilst lure fishing is still accounting for fish when the sea is calm and clear. 

Undulate and Thornback Rays seem to show regardless of sea conditions locally of various sizes and will be caught from venues between Seaford and Selsey. Bognor, Pagham and Selsey beaches produce the most frequent catches of both species with Hove, Lancing and Seaford also worth targeting them from with night tides ideal. 

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.