Recreational win on Bass – bag limit increase to 3 bass / angler
As part of the 2026 UK-EU Fisheries agreement, the recreational sea bass bag limit will increase to three fish per angler per day. The closed season (February-March) and the 42 cm minimum conservation reference size will remain in place for recreational and commercial fisheries alike.
This is a major win as for the past 6 years there were expansions in catch levels for the commercial fisheries sector, without improvements for the recreational fisheries.
So after years of hard-fought advocacy, the European Anglers Alliance (EAA) – by means of its members Angling Trust and Sportvisunie – welcome this improvement as a long-overdue recognition of the socio-economic value of recreational angling.
The current deal offers a vital boost for many recreational charter businesses and gives anglers the opportunity to take a little more home – especially at a time when food security matters more than ever. Of course, the EAA recognises that not every angler will land three fish every trip – but restoring the principle of fair access is a significant and symbolic step forward.