Reef and Ground Fishing Trips

We run ground fishing trips all year round, which normally involves fishing inshore on some rough ground or on a reef. Most of these marks are no more than a 20 minute cruise out of Brighton Marina. This type of fishing is ideal for those who are new to boat fishing and also for experienced anglers looking for a relaxing day out without the hurly burly of wreck fishing. Some "species specific" trips are also on the ground, for example Bream fishing in May and June.

Ground fishing normally involves anchoring the boat over a suitable mark and fishing on the bottom with bait. The depths of water fished maybe anywhere from 10m to 30m, which can make for a more relaxing day than fishing the offshore wrecks in 60m of water.

Ground fishing during the summer always makes for an enjoyable and exciting day as every bite can result in a different species of fish being landed. You never really know what you’re going to catch until it nears the surface. We stop on the way out to the fishing mark and drop a few feathers for mackerel. This proves to be excellent bait and it’s free! Other good baits include squid, cuttle, worm and crab.

What you Might Catch

There are so many species you might catch, depending on the ground fished and time of year. But to give you some idea of spring to autumn species: Bass, Bream, Smoothhound, Spur Dog, Tope, Bull Huss, Plaice, Dab, Ray's, Garfish, Mackerel, Cod, Whiting and even Conger are all possible to catch on the ground and reefs off Brighton. If you want to catch a big Cod inshore, winter is the time:

Winter Cod Fishing

During the winter months cod move inshore and we fish for them on the ground. The prime months are normally October through until January. We fish large baits of cuttle, squid or lug on 8/0 pennel rigs nailed hard on the bottom, either uptiding or downtiding in depths around 20m. The winter cod fishing in Brighton has been superb during 2009/10, with good numbers of fish to double figures with several specimens of 20lb+ plus caught. The future is looking really good with cod stocks increasing in number and size.

Winter Cod Special - see prices below. We advise you book early as these trips are VERY popular!

Ground Fishing Prices for 2010

Here are our 2010 prices for ground fishing, based on our standard 8 hour trip (longer trips available by arrangement). We keep our online calendar updated if you want to check available dates.

If you wish to book please give us a call on 07850 171722. Alternatively, you can use our contact form to send us an email.

• A deposit of £150 is required for boat bookings. The balance is payable in cash on the day.
• For Individuals the full price is payable at the time of booking.
• In the event of bad weather another date or refund is offered.
• Please ring between 6pm and 7pm the evening before to check the weather is ok to go.
• Rod Hire can be arranged in advance or on the day if needed and includes end tackle for ground fishing.
• We can order bait at cost on your behalf if required.
• We do run individuals days for ground fishing on certain dates, subject to availability.
• Departure at 0730 (unless otherwise agreed) returning approx 1530.
• Our Terms and Conditions of Booking apply.