Good news for bass anglers

FROM 2020 recreational sea anglers will be able to keep two bass for the table instead of one after the EU Council of Ministers amend catch limits for the species.

In a double delight the open season for ‘catch and keep’ seabass fishing will also be extended from seven months to nine months (March 1 to November 30 2020).

The changes have been made thanks to lobbying from the Angling Trust, European Anglers Alliance and the Save Our Sea Bass group, who since 2015 have pressed DEFRA ministers and officials to ensure a fairer deal for anglers.

David Mitchell, Head of Marine at the Angling Trust, said:

“This is great news for bass, as the science shows that the stocks are recovering as a result of the restrictions on commercial netting. It's also great news for the fishing public whose right to take a few fish for the table has been severely curtailed in recent years.”