How to book a sea fishing trip with Brighton Charter Fishing on Grey Viking II and information including what to bring, directions, parking and departure times.
How to Book a Trip
- You can check what dates and types of trip are available using our availability calendar then pay your deposit/payment online to book it.
- If you already have a deposit from a cancelled trip please contact us by email or reply to your original confirmation with your name, date of cancelled trip and new date required.
After your Trip is Booked
- You MUST call 07850 171722 the evening before your trip between 5.00pm and 7.00pm to check the weather isn’t too rough to go to sea and confirm departure times (which may occasionally vary) and for a full briefing for the trip.
- If the trip is cancelled due to rough seas you can move your booking to another suitable date or request a refund.
- If you need to change your date after booking or rescheduling please note there is a MINIMUM of 2 weeks notice required, or 4 weeks to cancel your booking altogether. Please see our Terms and Conditions for full details.
How to Find Us and Directions
Grey Viking is located at: Pontoon 5, Brighton Marina, Brighton, East Sussex BN2 5UP – underneath the restaurants on the main boardwalk. The ramp to access pontoon 5 is by the West Quay pub. Our telephone number is 07850 171722.
FREE PARKING: Car owners are advised to use level two or above of the free multi-storey car park situated approximately 200 metres from the boat. The car park signage states “maximum 4 hours” but the marina is obliged to provide free parking all day for those using marina facilities, including our fishing trips.
Parking High Sided Vehicles: Drivers of high sided tall vehicles should contact Brighton Marina security office for a parking space on 01273 693636. There is NO GUARANTEE that high sided vehicles will be accomodated and this is out of our control.
By Car: From the A27 take the B2123. Turn right at first set of traffic lights, sign posted for Brighton Town Centre, Racecourse and Marina Village. Turn left at second set of traffic lights, past the Racecourse and follow the signs for the Marina Village. Alternatively, follow A23 (London Road) and turn left at seafront onto A259.
By Train: Arrive at Brighton Station and follow instructions as if traveling by car, taxi or bus.
By Bus: From central Brighton (North Street), the number 7 bus runs every 15 minutes daytime with the night bus running twice an hour throughout the night.
By Taxi: There are many taxi companies available. City Cabs are now based at the Marina – Call 01273 205205
Departure Times and Trip Duration
- Full day trips normally depart at 0800 and mostly return to port at 1530 or 1600 depending on the type of trip.
- 4 hour trips normally depart at 0800, 1215, 1600 or 1630 (depending which slot you have booked). Please board 15 minutes before departure, having collected your bait first (see below).
- Charters for longer trips are welcome by arrangement and the details must be agreed at the time of booking, subject to availability.
- Please do not board the boat or place belongings aboard until invited to do so by the Skipper.
- Departure times are subject to change. It’s another reason why it’s VITAL to call between 5.00 to 7.00pm the evening before to confirm. 07850 171722
- Please DO NOT be late. The trip WILL depart without you and you WILL lose your deposit/payment
Bait, Lures and Tackle Shop
Bait, lures and tackle are available in the marina from The Tackle Box, West Quay, Brighton Marina BN2 5UT. Telephone 01273 696477. They open at 7.00am. The shop is located behind the Weatherspoons West Quay Pub, opposite McDonald’s and the bus stops.
We reserve bait/lures as appropriate for everyone on board on a daily basis and you collect and pay for it in the shop before boarding, unless you already have it sorted. Please get your bait at least 30 minutes before departure.
Tackle Hire
Our hire tackle is top quality equipment – Penn, Daiwa and Shimano reels and Shakespeare Ugly Stick Charter rods. Hire rods come complete with one set of end tackle suitable for reef and ground fishing. For wreck fishing you will need to purchase end tackle due to the amount you will typically lose on the wreck. If you need to hire tackle please advise when you phone the night before the trip, there is no need to notify us beforehand.
Keeping your Catch
Anything you catch you can keep if above the legal minimum landing size and not subject to a temporary landing ban. We encourage conservation angling and like to see fish returned if you have enough for the table.
Food and Drink
You will need to bring along your lunch and any snacks and soft drinks you require. Fluids are especially important in hot heather to avoid the risk of heat exhaustion. During Covid-19 we are not allowed to serve tea and coffee
Comfort Facilities
There is a toilet on board easily accessed from the deck.
Breakfast
There is a McDonald’s fifty metres from the boat which opens 24 hours if you want breakfast. For a proper fry up go to Macs Cafe, 30 Arundel Road, Brighton BN2 5TD (just outside the Marina).
Hotel Accommodation
We are often asked to recommend hotel accommodation for those staying overnight, but there are literally hundreds to choose from in Brighton to suit every budget and we won’t recommend somewhere we haven’t stayed ourselves! Its best to search the internet to see what deals are available instead.
Alcohol and Illegal Drugs
Anybody “under the influence” at the time of boarding will not be allowed to do so. ALCOHOL AND ILLEGAL DRUGS ARE STRICTLY FORBIDDEN ON THE BOAT. Skippers have increasingly suffered abuse from customers “under the influence” in recent years plus we have a duty of care for the safety of everybody on board. This zero tolerance policy has therefore become essential.
Suitable Clothing
Consideration should be given to suitable footwear for the trip. The deck may become wet and slippery. For your own comfort and safety waterproof footwear with a non-slip sole is advised. Trainers or deck shoes are acceptable and walking boots or wellingtons are best.
Temperatures at sea can be considerably colder than those onshore. We recommend that you are prepared with plenty of thin layers, a good fleece and a set of waterproofs.
Sunscreen and Heat Exhaustion
The power of the sun is magnified at sea because the sunshine reflects off the water and its affect should not be underestimated. Our advice is to bring sunscreen and a hat and keep your skin covered as far as is practically possible. In hot weather there is a risk of heat exhaustion. Drink plenty of fluids and avoid alcohol. There is a covered area on the deck to shelter from the sun if needed.
Sea Sickness Prevention
Its best to eat sensibly and avoid alcohol the night before and during your trip. Various medications are available from pharmacies to try and prevent sea sickness, but please read the instructions carefully for them to be of any use! Try and keep busy on board and if you feel unwell try and focus on the horizon and stay out in the fresh air.
Medical
You MUST advise the skipper when boarding of ANY medical conditions or medications you are taking. We may be a long way offshore and if you are taken ill the Skipper needs this information to liaise accurately with the emergency services – it might save your life!
Safety
Grey Viking II and her Skipper are fully qualified as per the requirements of the UK Coastguard or “MCA”.
This includes, for example: Life Raft for 12 people, Lifejackets, Life Rings, First Aid Kit, Fire Extinguishers and Flares for the boat. Ray, your Skipper, is an Offshore Yachtmaster with an “MCA” Commercial Endorsement in full compliance with our MCA Cat 2, 60 mile all weather rating for Charter and Work Boat Codes of Practice. Suitable insurance, including Public Liability of £2 million, is maintained accordingly.
Any injury or loss sustained on board MUST be immediately reported to the Skipper.