◀ Licences & rules

Bass Fishing Regulations

In 2026, bass must be released during February and March and retained fish must be at least 42 cm. The EU ceiling is three fish per day, while IFI's currently published Irish page still states two; follow the stricter two-fish limit unless IFI publishes a clear update.

Applies to:Bass

Bass regulations in Ireland are governed by EU fishing-opportunity rules and any stricter Irish national measures administered by Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI).

Conservative 2026 decision

• 1 February to 31 March 2026: catch-and-release only with rod or handline. Bass may not be retained, relocated or landed.
• January and 1 April to 31 December 2026: the EU regulation allows no more than three retained bass per angler per day and sets a 42 cm minimum size.
• Irish source mismatch: IFI’s currently published Republic of Ireland page is still headed “BASS 2025” and states a two-fish daily limit. EU Regulation 2026/249 explicitly permits more stringent national measures.

Until IFI publishes an unambiguous 2026 Irish update, this guide applies the stricter two-fish daily limit. Catch-and-release is the clearest option where the sources remain out of alignment.

Check both primary sources immediately before retaining bass:

• Inland Fisheries Ireland regulations
• EU Regulation 2026/249

Keeping an undersized bass, retaining bass during the release-only period or exceeding the applicable limit can result in enforcement action. This page is a conservative planning aid, not a legal interpretation.