Bass are subject to strict UK regulations including minimum size, seasonal closures, and daily bag limits to protect spawning stocks.

Bass Regulations (UK Recreational Angling)

Legal Regulations

Minimum Conservation Reference Size (MCRS):

• 42 cm

• Applies to all recreational fishers across UK waters.

• Undersized bass must be released immediately and unharmed.

Closed Season (Rod & Line):

• 1 February to 31 March: No targeting or retaining of bass during this period.

• Applies to recreational anglers from shore and boat.

• Catch and release is permitted during the closure, bass can be targeted but not retained.

• The closed season currently matches that of the commercial sector.

Bag Limit (Outside Closed Season):

• Maximum of 2 bass per angler per day (April–January).

• This includes all forms of recreational fishing: shore, private boats, charter vessels, kayaks.

• Applies per person, not per vessel.

Note: Regulations are reviewed annually and can change based on scientific advice from ICES (International Council for the Exploration of the Sea).

Bass Nursery Areas

The UK has over 30 designated bass nursery areas, where fishing restrictions are in place to protect juvenile bass stocks. These vary by location but typically include:

• No angling or netting from piers, jetties or boats in specified areas.

• Seasonal closures (often May to December).

• Heavily enforced in estuaries, harbours and power station outfalls.

Full details and maps of nursery areas can be found in the relevant IFCA byelaws and on the MMO website.

Best Practices for Responsible Bass Angling

Even where fishing is permitted, anglers are encouraged to follow principles that minimise harm to fish:

• Use single hooks rather than treble hooks on lures to reduce injury.

• Support bass horizontally when photographing, never hold by the gills or jaw.

• Use circle hooks when bait fishing to reduce gut-hooking.

• Return fish quickly and gently to the water; avoid dragging fish over rocks or sand.

• Consider voluntarily releasing large bass over 60cm to protect breeding stock (they are often females).