Brighton Inshore Fishing - Catch report 13th August 2025

One of the hardest parts of my job, is getting the sailing right against the weather. I am a skipper that believes fishing should be fun, not a test of your endurance against the conditions, and with my boat being very small, it doesnt take too much wind from the wrong direction to make it a no sail. And yet, despite eight years into the game now with BIF1, I still get it wrong. Today a classic example.

Clearing the dock with regulars Matt, Nick and Ryan. plus Matts lad Sonny aboard, I was very enthused by the grey skies. With the tide down to low with the first of flood also included, I decided to keep to the shallows and hope surface lures would go, with the grey skies. They went very well.

Not at the first few spots, which surprised me. But by making a big move, we did finally find some happy to take off the top. Quality fish as well. Maximum kill was achieved for the first time in a good few days. Big smiles on everyone. That is the reward we skippers really look for. The money is just needed to keep it all happening. Great fishing. However, the wind spiked a couple of times, from the SW and instantly the sea kicked up. With a stiffer wind forecast for the afternoon, I assumed this was it arriving early. With most of my next crew coming from London, I decided to not risk a wasted journey for them. I canned the rest of the day.

Of course, Neptune then seized on that to make me look silly. Wind completely dropped and as I write up this report, remains dropped. We did just have some heavy rain mind. But I could have done my second sailing after all. Such is the life of a conscientious fishing guide...