Bass Anglers Sportfishing Society

09/09/2025

Why Lifting the Bass Drift Net Ban Would Be a Disaster


Full statement here 👇
https://anglingtrust.net/2025/09/07/why-lifting-the-bass-drift-net-ban-would-be-a-disaster/?fbclid=IwdGRjcAMtW7pjbGNrAy1bumV4dG4DYWVtAjExAAEereKOL7VqRtqdIVWGq9vkcK9kUR0xi_gjj7FFYjWid1-9-RF83Mf4NL9oN1s_aem_cVltExUKX_0cGpT_Y1vFdw

A recent article by the Renaissance of East Anglian Fisheries (REAF) in Fishing News claims it’s “time for a rethink” on rules banning bass drift netting. We couldn’t disagree more. Allowing bass drift nets back into our waters would be a giant leap backwards for bass conservation and marine...

08/06/2025

UK Government Announces Ban on Bottom Trawling in 41 Marine Protected Areas

The Angling Trust welcomes the UK Government’s landmark announcement to ban bottom trawling across 41 Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in English waters – covering an area of more than 30,000 square kilometres. This bold commitment, unveiled by Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Aff...

04/06/2025

Our latest blog details how recreational anglers can make a difference in management of the fishery. It details a recent change the the wording of bycatch allowance in the MMO guidance. We call upon enforcement agencies such as the Cornwall IFCA to follow suit.

https://www.ukbass.com/mmo-updates-guidance-on-illegal-gillnet-bycatch/

21/05/2025

The better the attendance, the more likely our voice will be heard. You can register for this MMO led event at c882cc05-8192-47f7-a6aa-677b6bd237f5@770a2450-0227-4c62-90c7-4e38537f1102" rel="ugc" target="_blank">https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/c882cc05-8192-47f7-a6aa-677b6bd237f5@770a2450-0227-4c62-90c7-4e38537f1102

02/04/2025

The bycatch loophole enabling bass to be illegally targeted with nets has been going on for far too long now

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 persi...

12/03/2025

Our latest blog contains some Key Performance Indicators emerging from our Catch Recording Scheme. Join BASS to get involved in the project and to get access to the full report.

BASS Catch Recording Scheme 2024   The BASS catch recording scheme has now been running for 4 years – in this blog we are summarising the 2024 data and sharing the KPIs emerging from the…

26/02/2025

Bass Anglers Sportfishing Society is committed to encouraging recreational anglers to engage and take part in the Sea Angling Diary Project.

With the Bass Fisheries Management Plan groups well underway in England and Wales, it is clear that data gathered from Sea Angling Diary will play a vital part in representing our sector in policy and management decision making at the present and in the future.

Registering couldn't be easier by following the link below and then downloading the free mobile app.

About the project -
The Sea Angling Diary Project is for all sea anglers in England and Wales to help improve the sustainable management of marine stocks and demonstrate the value of sea angling. The project is delivered by Substance and the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas) on behalf of the English and Welsh governments. It has helped to report the activity, catches and economic and social value of recreational sea angling since 2016 which is used to inform better decision making about sea angling’s future. Over 2,000 sea anglers take part every year – join them now and discover some great benefits!

The Sea Angling Diary Project is for all sea anglers in England and Wales to help improve the sustainable management of marine stocks and demonstrate the value of sea angling. The project is delivered by Substance and the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas) on behalf of...

11/02/2025

Have your say on Fisheries Management Plans.

Though some of the FMPs are still in the early stages, the survey linked below provides an opportunity to feed back your own thoughts.

https://icfconsulting.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_73rFjtuDJaQnhK6?fbclid=IwY2xjawIYsp5leHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHfJp_AyYXaTKwBC8yFb_F72vTuJF9yn8wCuhXLfr_bSsx7T3qxvtkjT7tA_aem_1vnWC0p0cOnU3SJvYgoxPw

04/02/2025

The dust has now settled following the inaugural BASS Show at the weekend. We were absolutely delighted to welcome you all to the event and had a fantastic time talking bass all day. We give big thanks to all the exhibitors and presenters for making the day a success.

Did you attend? If so let us know what you thought of the day and especially how we can make it better for 2026.

We are delighted to let you know that the raffle and ticket sales raised £835 which will be donated to https://www.tight-lines.org/about-us

"Tight Lines uses sea angling as the vehicle to help alleviate the growing pressures and struggles within the current social and economic climate of Cornwall with full access for all adults. The main focus of this community project, is on those of adult age who are experiencing difficulty and issues with mental health, including PTSD, anxiety, stress and depression. We strive to help through angling workshops and demonstrating a new life skill, whilst engaging with like minded individuals, creating its very own angling community."

04/02/2025

https://youtu.be/Wpu-wz5u97U?si=kxtZHvpjaZkUlwDO

31/01/2025

There are still a few tickets left for the 2025 BASS show if you were thinking of attending - please click here to purchase: https://www.ukbass.com/product-category/bass-show/

A few details for those attending:

RAFFLE - there will be a raffle at the end of the day with prizes from the exhibitors and other BASS supporters. Please bring some cash along to buy some tickets! Usually the proceeds would contribute to the cost of the event, however in this occasion we have decided to add them to the ticket sales proceeds and donate the total to https://www.tight-lines.org/

FOOD - whilst there will be unlimited Tea and Coffee available, you may wish to plan ahead for lunch as we cannot predict how busy the Bar/Restaurant at the hotel will be. There are plenty of outlets nearby but if you wanted to catch the screening of Britain's hidden fishes maybe bring a sandwich along!

CAR PARKING - I have been assured parking is free for attendees of the event, so please be sure to register your details at reception.

Doors are open at 9am and we will formally kick off proceedings around 9:45 - everyone at BASS is looking forwards to the chance to get together again.