Fishing on foot everything you need to know before you go

What do we fish for?

Clams, razor clams, periwinkles and prawns are the main species caught on the rocks and sandy areas of Fouesnant-les Glénan. There are also cockles, mussels, crabs and curlers.

When should you go?

Before setting off, check the weather forecasts and tide times for your fishing area: threatening skies or a rising tide can quickly turn an outing into a dangerous situation. And during high tides, be extra careful as the water rises quickly. Always keep an eye on the water and look out for landmarks on the shore so you don’t end up alone. Avoid venturing out alone and carry a charged telephone in case of emergency.

Where can you fish?

On the rocks and sandy foreshore of the Cap-Coz headland, or at Beg-Meil, where the water is particularly calm, you can easily indulge in the joys of fishing on foot. Please note that the Pointe de Mousterlin and the Mer Blanche are off-limits to foot fishing!

Fishing on foot must be done with respect for nature. To preserve the resource, it is essential to follow good practice.

Respect the minimum sizes.
Each species has its own regulated catch size. To avoid catching fish that are too young, take a ruler with you and check the local regulations before setting off.

Don’t turn over rocks (or put them back).
Rocks and seaweed are home to precious fauna. To avoid upsetting this balance, avoid moving them or replace them exactly as you found them.

Only take what you are going to eat.
It’s tempting to fill your basket, but if you want to fish sensibly, limit your catch to what you’ll eat that day.

Respect eelgrass beds that are off-limits to fishing.

What to bring

Essential equipment: boots, landing net, small trident, bucket or basket.
Useful accessories: gloves, headlamp, waterproof telephone, whistle, warm clothing.
Depending on the water temperature, a wetsuit for added safety.

Rulers indicating the minimum shellfish sizes to be respected are available free of charge on request from the Tourist Office.

The Tourist Office organises “Trésors du Bord de Mer” educational outings with a nature guide: ideal for gaining a better understanding of the marine environment and learning how to fish respectfully on foot, discover fishing in complete safety and get personalised advice.

Some areas are protected or may be contaminated, and fishing quotas may apply. The most important thing to do before you go fishing on foot is to find out about any permanent or temporary bans. Check with your tourist office or local authority. These bans, whether departmental or municipal, are posted at the entrances to Cap-Coz beach and communicated to the Tourist Office.