The Northumberland Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority (NIFCA) district offers many recreational angling opportunities, from piers and harbours, estuaries and open sea to sandy shallow beaches and craggy outcrops. Within these areas there is a variety of fin fish species of interest to recreational sea anglers including cod, mackerel, whiting, saithe also known as coley and flounder. The recreational sea angling sector within the district brings social and economic benefits to individuals and the wider community in the form of angling competitions and clubs, both private and charter boats, and tackle shops.
2024 Species Challenge!
Northumberland IFCA (NIFCA) is excited to launch its rod and line shore-based competition in the NIFCA district for its second year! Get out on the coast and cast a line for your chance to win £500 as well as monthly fishing prizes! This will help us understand more about the different fish species present in the area. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or someone looking for a new hobby, we’d love to hear from you.
The 2024 Species Challenge leader board can be viewed here
To learn more and to register your place, visit here:
Bass Regulations 2024
The recreational bass catch limits for 2024 are as follows:
1st – 31st Jan 2 x bass (42cm or over) per fisher per day
1st Feb – 31st March Catch and release only
1st April – 31st Dec 2 x bass (42cm or over) per fisher per day
No fixed or drift nets for recreational fishing.
These rules apply if you are fishing from a boat or from the shore.
If you would like a recreational bass regulations poster please call the office on 01670 797676. For more information please visit the UK government’s bass fishing guidance page here.
Minimum Conservation Reference Sizes
This notice is intended to provide information on the measurement of finfish, crustacea and molluscs within the Northumberland IFCA District. Minimum Conservation Reference Sizes are used to manage stock with an aim to protect juveniles to enable them to reach breeding age.
Recreational Sea Angling Strategy
NIFCA wants to strengthen the relationship we have with recreational sea anglers and we have produced our Recreational Sea Angling Strategy to facilitate and develop positive engagement. The Strategy is designed as a working document that will evolve over time as more information is gathered, developing a dialogue with sea anglers and incorporating input and feedback we get from the sector.
RSA History in the NIFCA District
Historically, the Sea Fisheries Committees that came before the IFCAs were under no obligation to assess or manage recreational fishing. Now, under the Marine and Coastal Access Act (2009), NIFCA has a legislative duty to seek to ensure the sustainability of sea fisheries resources as well as balancing the social and economic benefits. The term “sea fisheries resources” means any plant or animal that live in the marine environment, excluding migratory fish and freshwater fish (including salmon and trout). Migratory and freshwater fish are managed by the Environment Agency.
Catchwise Angling Survey
Catchwise is a ground-truthing new survey of recreational sea angling taking place across England and Wales in 2023 and 2024. Substance, the Angling Trust and Cefas have partnered to deliver this exciting, new project. The project has been co-developed with the recreational sea angling community and aims to significantly improve recognition of sea angling’s value to coastal communities and inform relevant fisheries management decisions accurately.
Get involved and volunteer with Catchwise to help conduct shore surveys of recreational sea anglers around the English and Welsh coast throughout the year! Catchwise will start on site in July 2023 and run for 12 months to the end of June 2024.
To find out more about becoming a Volunteer Angling Citizen Scientist click HERE To sign up, click here HERE
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