As the Bass Season Opens, It’s Time to End the Bass Bycatch Scandal

As the bass season kicks off today (Tuesday, 1st April 2025), recreational anglers across the UK will once again be able to keep bass for the table in line with the two fish per angler per day bag limit designed to protect this valuable species. Meanwhile, off our coasts, a much larger problem persists—the blatant misuse of fixed gill nets to target bass under the guise of bycatch, especially in Cornwall. These nets are legally restricted to landing bass as incidental catch, capped at 1.8 tonnes per year. Yet, time and again, recreational sea anglers are observing commercial netters placing their gear where they know bass will be concentrated, making a mockery of the rules.

If bass is truly a bycatch species, then what fish are these netters supposedly targeting? Analysis of historical landings data by the Bass Anglers Sportfishing Society demonstrates that some of these vessels show an overwhelming composition of bass, year after year, at precisely the same time.

Despite clear evidence of rule-breaking, enforcement remains inadequate. The Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authorities (IFCAs) and the Marine Management Organisation (MMO) seem unwilling to investigate historical landings or scrutinise fishing practices that continue to exploit loopholes. This lack of action stands in stark contrast to the Cornwall IFCA’s prosecution of a recreational fisher for unlawfully retaining bass using both rod-and-line and a net. In that case, officials noted that the net used had an unusually large mesh size for its supposed target species, making it obvious that bass was the intended catch. If such evidence can be used against an angler, why are commercial netters given a free pass?

The consequences of this enforcement failure extend beyond conservation. Recreational sea angling contributes millions to coastal economies, supporting tackle shops, charter boats, and tourism businesses. When commercial fishers deliberately target bass under the false pretence of bycatch, they are not just damaging fish stocks—they are also undercutting the livelihoods of all those who depend on sustainable fisheries.

This season, who will step up to challenge this ongoing abuse? Will Defra, the Marine Management Organisation, or IFCAs finally take meaningful action?

As enforcement agencies continue to fail in their duty, the angling community must step up. We must collect evidence to hold those responsible to account. Anglers, charter skippers, tackle shops, and conservationists all have a stake in this fight.

With the bass season now underway, it is time to stand up for the fishery. If you witness illegal netting activity, report it and demand action from regulators. Only by holding rule-breakers accountable can we secure a future for bass stocks and the communities that depend on them. Report your observations to the Angling Trust at [email protected] and join the movement advocating for stronger enforcement and sustainable fisheries.

The health of our bass stocks—and the future of our sport—depend on our community standing up and demanding action by the UK Government.

The Angling Trust remains committed to working collaboratively with stakeholders and the government to ensure the long-term sustainability of the bass fishery and a fair deal for recreational sea anglers. We are evidence-led, and our positions are informed by the best available science on the status of the bass stock.

Stay Informed and Get Involved

As recreational sea anglers, staying informed and engaged in issues that directly impact our oceans and the future of our sport is essential. The Angling Trust is committed to fighting for fish, fishing, and the environment.

Become a member of the Angling Trust today and pledge your support.
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