West Sussex Fishing Report - 6th July 2025

Report by David Lewis

Good evening, it has been another week where anglers are having to endure some tough fishing conditions with weed hampering many venues but those who are venturing out are still finding plenty of fish and with a more favourable weather forecast for next week hopefully conditions will improve so why not get out and give it ago. 

Here are Worthing high tides times for the week ahead:

• Monday 7th July: 09:39 (4.7m), 21:57 (5.0m)
• Tuesday 8th July: 10:27 (5.0m), 22:42 (5.2m)
• Wednesday 9th July: 11:12 (5.2m) 23:24 (5.4m)
• Thursday 10th July: 11:54 (5.5m)
• Friday 11th July:  00:04 (5.6m), 12:34 (5.6m)
• Saturday 12th July: 00:43 (5.7m), 13:15 (5.8m)

Last week’s weather started off warm and sunny with light winds before the wind returned for the weekend plus cloud and occasional rain. The water has gone from very clear and calm to slightly coloured and choppy. Next week’s weather is for more sunshine and light winds. 

As mentioned, weed is causing problems at many venues so at present, if possible, it is always worth checking before you fish in case you may need to relocate. If weed is an issue there are venues such as Brighton Marina, Shoreham Harbour and Worthing Pier which all offer a better chance of fishing plus the bonus they all produce good numbers of species during the summer months. 

Most venues have seen some reasonable sized Bass show lately during various conditions with fish taken in calm, clear water as well as when its choppy and dirty. Lure fishing is certainly worthwhile when there is good water clarity fishing dawn and dusk whilst baits produce good catches when the water is coloured. Bass can be caught at most stages of the tide so even low tiding can be worthwhile with fish likely present. Successful baits can be dependant on the sea conditions at the time, but they will take a wide variety of baits. 

At times during the past week there have some big shoals of Mackerel feeding alongside Brighton Marina east arm with fish on surface chasing Whitebait. Other venues have seen the occasional catches of Mackerel, but the Marina remains the most reliable venue to target them. 

During the calmer conditions earlier in the week large shoals of Mullet could be seen around Worthing Pier when the water clarity was good. Golden Grey Mullet have been caught from Kingston beach with the odd fish from the Burrells on Shoreham beach and the West Arm when conditions are right to red rag baits. Other species of Mullet can be caught from the local rivers as well as from the Marina. 

Not much to report regarding Smoothounds but they are a likely catch whilst the water has some colour although majority of Hounds caught in the last week or so seem to be smaller than the fish showing a few weeks ago. Selsey or Bracklesham when fishable should be the best place for better sized Hounds and the possibility of a Tope. 

Some Stingrays are still showing with the odd fish taken from local beaches such as Ferring and East Preston although most fish are now below 10lb in weight. The odd small Thornback have also been caught mainly from East Sussex beaches. Undulate Rays could be a possible catch from Shoreham, Bognor and Selsey. 

Conditions should see plenty of strap Congers especially in darkness to fish baits. Brighton Marina high pegs on the East arm should see the odd double figure caught. 

Flatfish are still showing although most are on the small side with plenty of undersized Plaice, some reasonable Flounders and the occasional Sole all seemingly being caught mainly between Shoreham and Brighton to worm baits. 

The other species which have figured in local catches include Black Bream, Gilt Head Bream, Red Mullet, Wrasse, Gurnards, Dogfish, Pout and Silver Eels. Scad should start to appear in catches from Brighton to Worthing during darkness. 

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!