VERDICT ON MATCH BASS CATCHES

Fears that bass must be released without weighing or measuring in matches has prompted new advice.

David Mitchell, of the Angling Trust, contacted Defra and the MMO to seek a statement with regards to the weighing/ photographing of bass under the current regulations that require immediate release of bass caught recreationally.

“This is an issue which was raised with us by anglers and, therefore, required clarification,” said David.

The main intention of the regulations, which restrict landings of bass, is to protect the stock for the long-term sustainability of the fishery. Current rules in place for recreational fishers and angling for bass are limited to catch and release only throughout 2018. This means that any bass caught during 2018 must be returned immediately. This applies if you are fishing from a boat or from the shore.

As a result, Defra and the MMO released a statement that said: “We have been made aware of the confusion this has raised within the recreational angling sector, where fish are usually weighed and photographed, during competition conditions, for example.

“We are able to clarify that, for enforcement purposes, we interpret the term ‘immediately’ to mean as soon as practicable to maximise the chance of survivability.

“During any inspection, it would be the responsibility of the individual to demonstrate this and to assist enforcement officers in determining that this is the case.

“We would encourage angling competition organisers to ensure that competition rules explicitly include provisions to promote an effective catch-and-release process that encourages competitors to adhere to safe and careful fish-handling techniques, and to encourage fish being returned to the sea as soon as reasonably practicable after capture,” said the statement.