Fishing in Selsey

Sea angling from the shore and the boats

Selsey has a long tradition of recreational fishing alongside its commercial fleet, and the waters around the Manhood Peninsula offer some of the best sea angling on the Sussex coast. The rocky ground off Selsey Bill, the shingle banks, the deep channels and the tidal currents create a diverse marine environment that supports a range of fish species.

Shore fishing is popular from Selsey Bill, where the rocky foreshore provides access to deeper water within casting range. Bass, wrasse, pollack, flounder and various species of ray are caught from the rocks, with the best fishing often around dawn and dusk or on the change of tide. The rock pools and boulder fields provide habitat for smaller species, and bait can be gathered locally. East Beach and West Beach also offer shore fishing from the shingle, with bass and flatfish being the main targets.

Boat fishing from Selsey is excellent. Charter boats operate from the area, taking anglers out to the offshore marks where cod, bass, tope, smoothhound and various ray species are caught depending on the season. The wrecks and reefs in the eastern English Channel, accessible from Selsey, are productive for pollack, ling and conger eel. The Mixon rocks, a reef system just offshore, are a particularly well-known mark.

The Selsey area has a strong match fishing tradition, with competitions held throughout the year from both shore and boat. Local angling clubs organise fixtures, and the results are keenly followed by the fishing community. The annual festival competitions draw anglers from across the south coast.

Fishing tackle and bait are available from shops in the town and the surrounding area. Local knowledge of the marks, the tides and the conditions is shared among the angling community and is invaluable for anyone new to fishing at Selsey.

The relationship between recreational and commercial fishing at Selsey is generally harmonious. The commercial fleet works the pot fishery for crab and lobster from East Beach, while the recreational anglers fish from the rocks, the shore and the charter boats. The two activities coexist on a stretch of coast that has supported fishing of all kinds for centuries.

For visiting anglers, Selsey offers accommodation, easy access to productive marks and the atmosphere of a genuine fishing community. The combination of shore, boat and rock fishing within a small area makes it one of the most versatile sea angling locations on the Sussex coast.