🎣 North Wales Sea Fishing Conditions and Regulations (2025)

Wales has some of the best lure fishing opportunities in the UK, with an extensive coastline and diverse marine habitats. Regulations are in place to protect fish stocks and ensure sustainable fishing. Below are the current recreational fishing rules for Welsh waters.

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🗝️ Key Fishing Rules

Species	Minimum Size	Bag Limit	Season	🎣 Lure Caught?
Bass	42cm	2 per angler/day	Catch & release Feb–Mar; retention allowed Jan & Apr–Dec	✅
Cod	35cm	None	Open	✅
Haddock	30cm	None	Open	❌
Hake	27cm	None	Open	❌
Herring	20cm	None	Open	❌
Horse Mackerel	15cm	None	Open	✅
Ling	63cm	None	Open	✅
Mackerel	20cm	None	Open	✅
Plaice	27cm	None	Open	❌
Pollack	30cm	None	Open	✅
Saithe	35cm	None	Open	✅
Sardine	11cm	None	Open	❌
Sole	24cm	None	Open	❌
Whiting	27cm	None	Open	✅

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🐟 Protected Species

The following species are protected under UK or Welsh law and must be released immediately if caught:

• Tope (no parts may be taken)
• Angel Shark (protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act)
• White Skate (protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act)
• Allis Shad (protected species)
• Twaite Shad (protected species)
• Giant Goby (protected species)
• Couch’s Goby (protected species)
• Bluefin Tuna (strictly protected – fishing prohibited)

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📌 Local Restrictions

Currently, there are no additional local restrictions beyond national regulations for Welsh waters.
⚠️ However, Marine Conservation Zones (MCZs) and Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) may have specific rules.
Always double-check with the official Welsh Marine Fisheries Website before fishing.

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⚠️ Disclaimer

Regulations are correct to the best of our knowledge. They may change at any time.
Always check the latest updates before you fish.

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🔗 Navigation

• UK IFCA Regions & Rules
• Species Identification & Size Limits
• Conservation & Ethical Lure Fishing