Bognor Regis, primarily known today as a seaside resort, has a historical foundation deeply rooted in its fishing culture. Before its transformation into a fashionable destination in the 18th century, it was a modest fishing village.

Early Origins and Fishing Traditions:

• Ancient Roots: Bognor's history as a settlement stretches back to Saxon times, with its name "Bucgan ora" (Bucge's shore or landing place) directly referencing its coastal nature and presumed use as a fishing or landing spot.
• A Small Hamlet: For centuries, Bognor remained a small, somewhat isolated fishing hamlet. The local economy would have relied heavily on the daily catches from the English Channel.
• Traditional Methods: While specific detailed records of ancient Bognor fishing methods are scarce, it's safe to assume they employed traditional inshore techniques common to the Sussex coast. This would have included:
  • Netting: Using various types of nets for different species, likely set from small boats.
  • Line fishing: Hand-lining or rod and reel for individual fish.
  • Potting: For crabs and lobsters, a method still used by some today.
• Smuggling: Alongside fishing, smuggling was also a common activity along this stretch of coast, often intertwined with the fishing community due to their intimate knowledge of the local waters and landing spots.

The Rise of the Resort and the Shift:

• Sir Richard Hotham's Influence: In the late 18th century, Sir Richard Hotham began transforming Bognor into a seaside resort, aiming to attract nobility. This marked a significant shift away from its pure fishing identity. While fishing continued, the town's focus gradually moved towards tourism, leisure, and health benefits of sea air.
• Infrastructure Changes: The construction of the pier in 1865 and the arrival of the railway in 1864 further cemented Bognor's status as a resort, bringing in more visitors and changing the economic landscape.

Fishing Families and Community Life:

• Generational Knowledge: Fishing in Bognor, as in many coastal towns, would have been a generational occupation. Knowledge of tides, fishing grounds, boat handling, and net mending would have been passed down from father to son (and sometimes daughter).
• Close-Knit Communities: Fishing communities were typically tight-knit, relying on mutual support and shared experiences. The daily rhythm of their lives would have been dictated by the sea.
• Prominent Families (Historical Records Less Detailed): While it's certain that specific families would have been central to Bognor's fishing heritage, detailed historical records specifically naming and tracing these families over centuries can be harder to find compared to larger fishing ports. However, their legacy is carried forward by modern-day fishermen.

Decline and Recent Revival Efforts:

• Mid-20th Century Decline: Like many traditional fishing communities in the UK, Bognor's fishing industry faced a significant decline through the mid to late 20th century. Factors contributing to this included:
  • Overfishing: Particularly by larger, more industrial trawlers, depleting fish stocks.
  • Habitat Loss: The eradication of kelp beds, vital nursery grounds for fish, had a profound impact.
  • Economic Pressures: Difficulty making a living due to dwindling catches and low "first sale" prices.
• Recent Revival: In recent years, there have been determined efforts by local fishermen to revive Bognor's fishing heritage. Individuals like Clive Mills, a fourth-generation fisherman, have been instrumental in:
  • Restarting small-scale fishing: Relaunching boats and fishing with low-impact methods.
  • Establishing local fish markets: Selling fresh, locally caught seafood directly to the community.
  • Advocating for marine conservation: Working with organizations like the Blue Marine Foundation on projects such as the Sussex Kelp Restoration Project, recognising the crucial link between healthy marine habitats and sustainable fishing.
  • Preserving Heritage: Plans to transform parts of the promenade into an educational hub to document Bognor's rich fishing history.

While Bognor Regis is now a bustling seaside town, the echoes of its fishing past and the determination of its contemporary fishing families continue to shape its unique coastal identity.