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🌊 Southern IFCA Sea Fishing Regulations (2025)

The Southern IFCA region covers the coastal waters of Hampshire, Dorset, and the western Isle of Wight. This area is renowned for bass fishing, wrasse-rich reefs, and prime mullet grounds.

Below are the minimum sizes, bag limits, and protected species based on national and local regulations. Always check the official IFCA site for the latest updates.

✅ Key Fishing Rules for Southern IFCA

SpeciesMin SizeBag LimitSeason🎣 Lure Caught?
Ballan Wrasse18cmLive release >28cmOpen✅
Black Seabream23cmNoneOpen✅
Brill30cmNoneOpen❌
Conger Eel58cmNoneOpen❌
Corkwing Wrasse14cmLive release >22cmOpen✅
Dab23cmNoneOpen❌
Flounder27cmNoneOpen❌
Grey Mullet42cmNoneOpen✅
Golden Grey Mullet36cmNoneOpen✅
Goldsinny Wrasse12cmLive release >18cmOpen✅
Rock Cook Wrasse12cmLive release >18cmOpen✅
Skate/Ray40cm whole / 20cm wingNoneOpen❌
Turbot30cmNoneOpen❌
Witch Flounder28cmNoneOpen❌
Cod35cmNoneOpen✅
Bass42cm2/day (outside Feb–Mar)Catch & release Feb–Mar✅
Horse Mackerel15cmNoneOpen❌
Mackerel20cmNoneOpen✅
Plaice27cmNoneOpen❌
Pollack30cmNoneOpen✅
Sole24cmNoneOpen❌
Whiting27cmNoneOpen❌

🐟 Protected Species

  • Cuckoo Wrasse (all live specimens must be released)
  • Tope (must be returned; no parts can be kept)
  • Angel Shark (protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act)
  • White Skate (protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act)
  • Allis Shad (protected)
  • Twaite Shad (protected)
  • Giant Goby (protected)
  • Couch’s Goby (protected)
  • Bluefin Tuna (strictly protected; catch & release only under licensed programs)

📌 Local Restrictions

  • Poole Rocks MCZ: No live wrasse fishing.

🔗 Official Source: Southern IFCA Website

⚠️ Disclaimer

Regulations are correct to the best of our knowledge. They can change, so always consult the official IFCA website.

🔗 Explore More

👉 Return to the UK Sea Fishing Regulations Tool