Sea Fishing in France

Sea fishing is a truly one of a kind and amazing experience. Big swells, waves and dangerous rocks are part of the trip and guarantee lots of thrills.

France offers great sea fishing opportunities in many interesting areas, notably off the coasts of Charente Maritime, Landes and Pyrénées Atlantiques. For a first fishing trip, it is preferable to go with experienced fishermen. Several companies also offer early-morning outings to follow schools of tuna, sea breams and many others.

You can fish on the sea either from the shoreline (coasts, jetties, estuaries) of from a boat (inshore or offshore). Sea fishing in France is excellent and you do not need a licence. To plan your fishing trip, you have to bear in mind that climate dictates the type of fish to be found. Warmer months bring bass and mackerel, which can be caught from beaches using light line with feathers and lures while conger and skate are more numerous around the La Rochelle area. In Aquitaine, you are more likely to catch tuna or sea bream in boat fishing.

Sea Fishing Tackle

Sea fishing tackle is like any sport equipment and has to be thoroughly chosen. Some useful advice are listed below:

Fishing rod : a 10 to 12 foot rod is appropriate and as regards the weight, you need to think what type of fishing you will most often do. A light casting (1-3ozs) suites the estuary/pier angler but consider a heavier one if the casting distance is more important. The rod should flex easily without snapping back straight; taking the curve from the tip gradually down towards the butt is a good option.
Fishing reel: a mid size fixed spool reel will cope with heavy lure work and is suitable for almost all sea fishing types. It is also handier than a multiplier for basic casts.
Fishing line: even if new hi-tech fishing lines sound appealing, the good old fashioned ones work perfectly well. They are also more forgiving and unless you are an experienced fisherman, you should stick to the traditional models.
End gear: it is always worthwhile taking advice from your local tackle dealer to get good quality stuff such as rigs. The end gear has to be adapted to your target waters and species.

Sea Fishing Spots

Corsica: this outstanding island is also the joy of fishermen. Many species are to be found: redoubtable moray eel, sulky-looking scorpene, limpet, winkle, common dentex, vermilion mullet, rainbow wrasse... The offer is really wide. When the seabed seems to sparkle with its inner light, fishing in Corsica is definitely worth the experience.
Charente Maritime: beside the most renowned fishing area La Rochelle, other top spots are the Oléron and Ré islands. A must-try is fishing at night, allowed even during the summer months. You can catch bass off the Ré or Royan islands, and conger and skate off La Rochelle. Madame island is the best place for mussels.
Cote Landaise: this popular area offers a wide range of fishing. The vast sandy beaches are ideal for planting your rod and casting your line beyond the waves. Besides, offshore fishing is another amazing way to catch bass and sole especially. You can also have a go at deep-sea fishing and discover surprising fish.