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Musselgate: The angling debate nobody saw coming
@sonubaits
by Aidan Bordiuk |
Updated on27th May 2026 at 9.06am
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Mussels have long been regarded as one of the most effective natural baits in fishing, but until recently they were more commonly viewed as a specimen bait and weren’t widely used on commercial and match fisheries.
Now, their growing popularity is causing controversy, with more venues banning them over concerns about water quality as increasing numbers of anglers adopt them.
The move has sparked debate among anglers and fisheries, with some supporting tighter rules to protect waters, while others argue mussels remain a safe and highly effective bait when used responsibly. As more venues take different approaches, the growing divide has quickly become known among some anglers as ‘Musselgate’.
Popular fisheries such as Weston Pools Fishery in Shropshire and Woodside Fisheries have taken the decision to ban the use of mussels completely, both citing fish welfare and water quality concerns. Meanwhile, major match venues like Hallcroft have had the ban in place for several years.
In posts on Facebook, leading fisheries have stated that mussels spoil very quickly, especially in warm conditions, which can rapidly foul the water and negatively impact oxygen levels, particularly during hot weather, when dissolved oxygen levels are naturally lower anyway.
Other venues, such as Partridge Lakes, have adopted a different strategy, actively encouraging the use of mussels on their lakes to the extent that they have started selling them in their tackle shop for anglers to buy and use.
With more venues expected to decide whether to allow or ban them in the coming months, ‘Musselgate’ looks set to remain a controversial topic among anglers and fisheries alike.
Regardless of anglers’ opinions, the final decision lies with the fishery, as it is their stock they are seeking to protect, and that must be respected.
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