Brighton Inshore Fishing - Catch report 9th September 2025

Three sailings planned this day, based on the forecast the previous evening. However, pretty much nothing was like that forecast, and we were lucky to get in two sailings. As it transpired, the forecast changed mid morning and was more relevant to the actual wind, with it swinging SE in the afternoon. Anyhow, first sailing we actually headed out on a Northerly breeze, and yet, still a fair swell from the previous evening (where a pump and surf session went reasonably well with the big tides. Five landed, three killed, for 3 hours of bait gathering and fishing combined).

With me all regulars, Max, Armando, Andy, and Chris, of Fishing With CJ YouTube channel fame. Always a stress, carrying a YouTuber, but happily, despite this being the first trip out in almost 3 weeks due to wind, I was able to find the fish. Indeed, in two places, but they were slightly bigger in one spot so we focused on that spot. Fifteen fish landed. Only five were required to be killed, but others over the 42 also landed and released Actually, quite a good session, with the swells also flattening a little during it. Looked good for the next session.

However, emerging for the 2nd sailing, with Mark, Mikhail, Matt and Mitch onboard, we were met with a fairly brisk Southerly wind. I pushed away from the marina a bit, and it was well within tolerances, so I made the move to crack on. I poked around a few places, confident I could return to the earlier shoal if needed. It was needed. As we arrived, a grey seal showed us how lazily he could eat his plaice dinner. And because bass are not stupid, they had left the area. Now we were on the hunt.

Quite often, these hunts end with a "saved by the bell" spot where in 30 minutes everyone braced with 3lb fish. This was not one of those sessions. We hunted high and low, traversing lots of quite bouncy sea, for one bass and one mackerel Slim pickings indeed. And now, perhaps two weeks of shore work due to winds.. At least that is going ok