Onshore recreational angling occurs all along the Sussex coastline; piers, marinas and harbour walls are particularly important for anglers throughout the year. The open beaches and the many closed bays and estuaries are also significant areas for recreational sea anglers.
The diversity of the nearshore habitats produces a diverse range of fish species. Offshore the Sussex District contains ‘marks’ that are nationally recognised as offering a unique angling experience. These include, but are not limited to, an area known as ‘Utopia’; famed for tope fishing; ‘The Overfalls’ (just outside the 6 miles limit) popular for bass angling (both of these sites are in the eastern Solent) and a bream nesting area near ‘Kingmere’ offshore from Littlehampton.
Angling as well as crabbing is not prohibited within the river however it is requested that lines are kept well clear of mooring and underway vessels. This can be particularly dangerous in the narrows between the piers (by day or night) due to the fast tides affecting maneuverability so be especially aware of boats and bring in your lines to the edge of the channel. RNLI lifeboats departing at speed including in darkness are especially at risk here.
Do you need a license? It depends exactly where and which species you are targetting. Licenses are required when fishing non-tidal freshwater rivers or when targetting freshwater species (e.g. coarse fish, eels, salmon or sea trout) in tidal rivers/estuaries including the Arun or 6 miles out to sea. If you are fishing on the Arun for sea fish (e.g. bass, flounder, mullet) then there is no need for a license.
Inland rod fishing licenses can be bought from the Environment Agency here.
Littlehampton is home to many resident charter angling boats, for a list click here. Littlehampton and District Angling Club has a club house next to the Lifeboat Station on Fisherman’s Quay. West Sussex Sea Angling Club also offer club trips from their vessels in Littlehampton. There are various well stocked Angling shops in the area including Littlehampton Angling.
More information on recreational angling can be found on the Sussex Inshore Fisheries & Conservation Authority (Sussex IFCA)’s website.