Bass

Dicentrarchus labrax

Sometimes referred to as ‘Sea Bass’, but in Wales mostly as just bass, the species is a favourite food fish and with anglers. The Welsh name ‘Draenog y môr’ literally translates as ‘sea hedgehog’ a fitting name for this spiny fish.

For rod and line anglers, bass provide fantastic sport when targeted with light tackle. Bass can be caught on lures, bait and the fly; they are a true sportfish.

Bass can be caught throughout the year in Wales with the peak months being May through to end of November when larger bass make an appearance around our shores. 

Bass can be encountered in a huge variety of coastal water – from storm beaches and rocky marks to muddy estuaries – they can be found almost anywhere off the Welsh coast, sometimes even in freshwater in the lower reaches of rivers. 

Bass are extremely slow growing – a 10lb bass could be over 20 years old. in-shore Bass are vulnerable to overfishing and there is a bag limit of 2 bass per angler per day in force in the UK. The minimum size of European seabass is 42 cm. February and March are a mandatory ‘Catch and Release’ period. Sometime in 2026, the recreational bag limit is increasing to 3 bass for rod and line anglers.

We advocate catch and release of bass in Wales.

Find places to go bass fishing in Wales here.