Brighton Inshore Fishing - Catch report 27th July 2025

Another pretty tough day, but at least sizes are coming along, as one would expect. Inshore bassing is incredibly different from last year, mainly I suspect as the spider crab invasion simply didn't happen this year. Have they been wiped out en route by the Octopus plague that is heading East along the channel, even as Moroccan octopus fishermen weep over their vanishing? Many questions need to be look into as the seas warm. But, I dont see any mention of specific studies. Surely there must be some somewhere? The spiders always felt a little alien anyhow, although they have always been here in Brighton since I arrived in 2002. And, personally, I like the changes. We arent seeing any of the deliveroo cheating of removing bass from the marina walls, as was often happening last year, when the bass were so easily caught. Drop the net, grab the peeler spider, chuck it out on any old rig, and if the line didnt snap, at some point a bass would be caught. Or many. And not everyone agrees with the regulations that have pretty much pulled bass back from the brink of stock crash.

All super regulars on first sailing, which does rather highlight how hard it was. Mark, Nat, Dave and Miles. For five fish landed. One for the table, to my rod. Hard going as the wind was strong but there also just wasnt the number of fish in the places as was last time I was out. But I did find some, in the end. A fair few missed takes on the top as well.

2nd sailing, the return of dynamic duo, father and son team Peter and Leo. And with them, another father and son team, but BIF1 virgins, Stuart and Darren. Such a shame it was hard work once again. With the final tally the same. But with two killed for the table. All on shads this trip. Not really sure why it didnt fish as wind was ok up until the last 30 minutes. 3rd sailing was cancelled due to a poor forecast. And as I write, it seems that is the case. A stiff W wind shaking my trees just now.