For hundreds of years sea anglers have collected their own bait, digging for lugworm and ragworm, searching for small crabs or prising limpets or mussels from rocks and structures.

This is increasing as sea angling expands. Collectors are strongly urged by the NFSA to follow advice in “The Bait Collectors’ Code” * for their own safety, to ensure the bait supply is sustained and to maintain the reputation of sea anglers as protectors of wildlife.

The code applies wherever anglers collect bait and clearly states that recreational sea anglers may gather bait to share with family or friends, but not for sale or reward.

The main recommendations are:

1. Collect bait sustainably. Back-fill holes for safety and to maintain intertidal habitats.
2. Observe local bye-laws and regulations on the use of the coast and access to permanently and seasonally closed areas.
3. Treat the foreshore with respect. Replace all rocks and stones. Do not dig in eel grass. Do not disturb wildlife.
4. Do not dig around moorings, slipways, and sea walls. This tarnishes the reputation of anglers, creates unwanted conflict with other shore users and property owners and may contravene byelaws.
5. Carry a mobile telephone and compass. Tell someone where you're going to dig, when you will return and contact them if you are delayed. That could save them calling out emergency services.
6. Litter causes extensive damage to the environment and may threaten marine life for decades. Take yours home with you. Wherever possible remove any angling debris you may find such as discarded fishing line.

* The Bait Collectors’ Code was developed by the Solent European Maritime Sites with the support of bait collectors and anglers, English Nature, the NFSA (notably material from Frank Nesbitt’s paper “Bait Collection – The Ultimate Issue”), The Crown Estate, local councils and the police.

For a full copy of the code (PDF format) click here or e-mail sems@hants.gov.uk.