Brighton Inshore Fishing - Catch report 6th March 2026

My first day back on BIF1 with clients, in 2026. I had been preparing the boat, the previous few days. Charging the batteries, cleaning the algae that grows when you dont visit your vessel for 2 months, stuff like that. I had also managed to slip out to do a couple of pokes. One for bass, one for flatties, and had found enough that I was confident for todays two sailings. March is a very tough time for bass, especially the first half, so the few I found, last Tuesday, were encouraging signs. And yesterday, I had found a few flats, although with the water fairly clear, I was surprised I didnt find more than a few.

But changes happen fast at this time of the year. And one change, even from yesterday, was the presence of good numbers of whitebait just by my mooring in the marina. Bass food, and a reason for bass to come inshore. I began to get excited for my guys. Maybe the fishing would be good. But it was not. It was EXCELLENT!!

Good rods on board, Simon, Matt, Andrei and Mikhail. I marked a good shoal as I exited the marina. Worth a drift straight away. 2 fish landed, but small. I felt we could do better, and headed off to where we found the good fish back on Tuesday. Here, birds were working hard. And soon, so were all my anglers. Quality fish, 2-6lb bracket. None killed, as we have a catch and release enforcement until 1st April. But 40 bass learned about how not every fish is good to eat. The first hour being especially fast and furious.

2nd sailing, I was expecting things to be quiet for the first hour, as the tide died and turned. But sadly, the whole session was quiet, and further torture in the shape of rain, that wasnt quite the light drizzle predicted, but more of a face stinging downpour at times. Just one bass, ironically on the slack part of the tide. A few missed. But a shadow of what had been. We did the last hour on the plaice, which were insistent on not taking the isomes. Quite frustrating after such an amazing start. Hey ho... As the guys said to me, "Thats fishing!"

4 spaces on tomorrows 1100 sailing remain available. With the seas clearing rapidly, I do expect some better flattie action on the ebbing tide. But only time will tell. If you would like to give it a go, sms to 07970 112774. Same goes for Sunday, where I have just one space available on the 1430 sailing. And now for a warm bath, whilst my rather damp waterproofs drip dry on the hall floorway. A little more breeze tomorrow, but happily no more rain forecast.