“On the deserted beach, shells and high tides…” It’s time to go fishing on foot, one of the flagship activities of holidays on the island of Oléron. It's even an art form! We'll reveal the secrets, both big and small, to becoming a master at it.
Where to go fishing on foot on the island of Oléron?
Renowned for its beautiful sandy beaches suitable for nautical activities, Oleron Island It's also about shore fishing, a fun leisure activity that combines the great outdoors, pleasure, and conviviality. Here are some easily accessible places where you can enjoy shore fishing in Oléron without much difficulty:
- on the seafront on either side of the Oléron bridge,
- Boyardville beach,
- Huttes beach in Saint-Denis-d'Oléron,
- the Ecuissière Pass in Dolus d'Oléron,
- Gatseau beach, in Saint Trojan les bains,
- the Passe St Séverin road to La Perroche (2 km south of La Cotinière),
- Chaucre beach (Pointe de Chaucre, Les Trois-Pierres) in Saint-Georges-d'Oléron,
- the Sables Vignier beach in Saint-Georges-d'Oléron,
- Malaiguille beach in La Brée-les-Bains,
- or in the Marennes basin: Bourcefranc beach, facing the southern tip of the island of Oléron and the Arvert peninsula (the beaches of Cèpe and Galon d'Or).
WARNING: Please be aware that fishing is strictly prohibited in the nature reserve of Moëze-Oléron, between the channels of Boyardville and the Oleron Castle, just like in the fish locks and scientific concessions of Chassiron and ofAdes.
Fishing is also prohibited within 25 meters of oyster beds and bouchot farms. Furthermore, an area may be temporarily closed to fishing for health reasons. In this case, a prefectural decree is posted at the entrance to the beach.
What do they fish in Oléron?
On the foreshore or on rocky plateaus exposed at low tide, you can fish for cockles, clams, mussels, clams, scallops, periwinkles, oysters, razor clams, shrimp, but also lesser-known shellfish like flions and tellines. We also have a soft spot for all kinds of crabs: crabs, spider crabs, edible crabs... guaranteed to delight your taste buds!
How to fish properly?
It is forbidden to collect shellfish smaller than the regulatory size, in order to allow shellfish and crustaceans to reach their adult size and reproduce. Remember to bring a shellfish measuring ruler!
Also, respect the quantities set by law. Therefore, don't catch more shellfish than you think you'll consume!
Always replace the stones and algae that have been turned over and fill in the holes to preserve the living environment of the species.
To learn more, consult the general regulations, authorized quantities and specific prohibitions.
As for basic equipment, you don't need anything fancy: a basket or bucket, a knife, and a small garden rake will do the trick. A good shore fisherman will swap his flip-flops for boots or shoes with crampons that can withstand the tide. This makes it easier to scramble over rocks or wade through mud!
Safety rules
- Monitor the water level regularly and return to shore at high tide.
- Keep an eye on other fishermen. If they return to land, do the same!
- Take your mobile phone with you to call for help in the event of an incident (number 112 on land and 196 at sea).
Tips from professional fishermen
Find out about the tide times and favor tidal coefficients between 70 and 95. Also, it is advisable to arrive between 1 hour 30 minutes and 2 hours before low tide.
How to fish for clams? First, look for the small holes they leave in the sand: two small cavities close together in the shape of an 8. Then, using a tablespoon (yes, really!), dig vertically to a depth of 6 to 12 cm, and presto, there you have it!
For knives, locate a keyhole in the mud and place a pinch of salt in it. The knife will magically rise to the surface, and all you have to do is grab it!
All that remains is for us to wish you good fishing, and see you soon in our camping at Château d'Oléron !
photo@© Alison BOISSARD / CMT