I remember my old housemate Gaz coming back from a team building day at his office in Brighton. I was expecting it to be a corporate day at a country house or maybe those cheesy team bonding games in the office where you build a bridge out of straws.
He then emptied several packs of tupperware out of his rucksack full of mackerel. They had apparently gone to Brighton Marina and spent the whole afternoon fishing.
I do wish he at least washed them before putting them in the fridge, as there was fish poo everywhere and the smell was quite intense. But anyway, I was young, so I just nodded my head and moved on.
People always think that, if you fancy some fishing, you have to find an old lake in the middle of the countryside, but you can actually do a decent job right here in Brighton.
Personally I’m not a fan of the idea. I’m a complete hypocrite, I love eating fish, salmon is my favourite food in the world, but I feel too guilty on them to go fishing. I’d rather not hurt a living being, but I’ll happily eat it at dinner time.
Shore Fishing in Brighton
I’d always make sure to check the government rod fishing byelaws for the area you’re in before you go. You should also check whether the area of water you’re looking at angling in doesn’t have any set rules at all, as many do.
The shoreline from Brighton Marina to Hove Lagoon offers a mix of sandy bases (well, ish, with a lot of pebbles everywhere), rocky outcrops, and groynes, creating ideal environments for different species throughout the year. Popular fishing spots along this part of the South Coast include:
- Brighton Marina (both sides)
- Brighton Palace Pier (I know, you wouldn’t guess it, but you always see fisherman at the end)
- Hove Beach Groynes
- Rottingdean and Saltdean beaches (ideal if you rent out a bike to get there)
I’m new to fishing, it actually took a lot longer to get any nibbles, so I ended up playing on Big Bass Floats My Boat at Bet442 on my phone. Sure, it’s not quite fishing, but it kept me amused for a good while!
What Can You Catch from Shore?
Bass (April–October)
One of the most prized catches, especially around the marina walls and piers. Early mornings or dusk with lures or peeler crab bait work best. You can then make a pan fried bass with a lemony garlic herb sauce.
Mackerel (May–September)
During the summer, huge shoals approach the coast. Feathering from piers or groynes can yield a full string in minutes. Many people love them, while they pack in a lot of omega 3, being an oily fish, but I find the aroma too fishy for me.
Flounder & Plaice (Spring–Autumn)
Often found in sandy patches, especially west of the marina. Use ragworm or lugworm on a light rig. These are really nice when baked and with some butter.
Whiting (Autumn–Winter)
These become prolific as temperatures drop. They’re easy to catch and good fun on light tackle. A friend of mine cooks them with bacon, allowing the fats to combine, alongside some chips, which sounds like a naughty treat.
Dogfish & Smoothhound (Summer)
You can find them at the beaches near the marina with squid or crab baits. Smoothhounds offer a strong fight for shore anglers. I’ll be honest, I’ve never cooked these, but apparently they work really well in a Thai coconut milk based curry, so I do need to give this a go.
Boat Fishing off Brighton
If you’re willing to go offshore, Brighton’s boat charters offer access to deeper waters, wrecks, reefs, and banks teeming with marine life. Many charter boats operate out of Brighton Marina, with half or full-day trips available.
I’ve taken the speed boats from the Brighton Marina as a fun activity (albeit quite intense), while I often see them offering the chance to go fishing and rent a boat and captain for a few hours. You can even pay to do it alongside experienced fishermen, so they can guide you on the process.
What Can You Catch by Boat?
Cod (Winter to Spring)
Found near inshore areas and reefs. Squid, cuttlefish, or lugworm baits are effective. Some specimen fish exceed 10lb supposedly. Cod is a British classic, ideal for some fish and chips that evening, while it’s even great for those that aren’t too keen on something ‘fishy’. Crazy to think how much it costs, when you can get it for free just off Brighton beach.
Pollock & Conger Eel (Year-round)
Especially abundant around wrecks, if you can find a good spot. Pollock go for lures and baited hooks, while Congers require heavier gear and mackerel bait.
Bream (Late Spring–Autumn)
Black bream are a favourite among boat anglers for their fight and eating quality. Try light tackle and squid strips. I do love bream, I hadn’t actually eaten it before a year ago, but I was mesmerised with how tasty it was, so this is a brilliant one to catch.
Skate & Rays (Spring–Autumn)
Common around sandy seabeds offshore. Thornback rays are most often caught using sandeel or squid baits. Considering I had a hole in my foot after being attacked by a stingray in San Diego, this is the only sealife I wouldn’t feel guilty about catching.
Tips for a Successful Brighton Fishing Trip
Tides Matter, remember that. Fishing two hours before and after high tide often achieves the best results, especially from shore.
Look into Licensing. No license is required for sea fishing in the UK; however, be mindful of local rules, particularly near the marina, as you don’t want to get in any trouble.
Safety must always come First. Wear life jackets on the boat and be cautious on slippery groynes and piers. If the weather is a bit crazy, be careful how close you go to the edges, as you can have big waves crashing against the sides sometimes.
Try to use local Bait. Visit Brighton’s tackle shops, such as Lagoon Bait & Tackle or The Tackle Box, for fresh bait and advice. This way, you’re using local produce and also supporting a local independent company.