Mark, finger and eye fishing during high tidesMark, finger and eye fishing during high tides
©Mark, finger and eye fishing during high tides|Pauline Vidinic
Discoverresponsible shore fishing

Learn to fish responsibly

In the theater of Europe's highest tides

The scene of Europe’s biggest tides, the foreshore is home to shellfish that you can enjoy as an aperitif: coques, palourdes, oysters, mussels and other shellfish. But to keep lady nature generous, it’s up to you to take the right precautions. You can’t just become a fisherman!

Here, the sea offers

a grandiose show

all year round

Great natural spectacle, you won’t be able to remain indifferent to the changing landscapes… Each time, the magic works whether you make an appointment with the moon or the sun. And, to make the show complete, when the wind invites itself, the waves play leapfrog over the dikes to the delight of spectators.

The equipment

of the good fisherman
  • The caliper to check the size of the shellfish, which you will find at the Tourist Office.
  • A landing net and a bucket (or a small basket).
  • A 3-pronged claw for cockles and clams.
  • A little bit of salt to fish the knife without hurting it.

Gestures

of the good fisherman

To ensure that the practice of fishing on foot remains a sustainable pleasure, here are some simple gestures:

  • Check that the practice of fishing on foot is authorized.
  • Catch only what is consumed.
  • Respect sizes, quotas and fishing periods.
  • Use authorized, non-destructive tools.
  • Sort your catch at the harvesting sites. If a shellfish is too small, dig it back into the sand to protect it from predators.
  • Return rocks to their place and in the right direction to avoid disturbing living things.

Other practical information

Fishing on foot

The right outfit (depending on the weather)

  • A good pair of boots (or sea sandals)
  • A warm hat (or cap and sunglasses)
  • A windbreaker (or T-shirt)
  • A neck warmer (or sunscreen)

Tricks for finding our sea friends?

Good to know

The perfect time

We recommend you to be on site 2 hours before low tide and to leave the premises 30 minutes maximum after low tide time.

Good to know

Respect

sea workers

The estran is a place of leisure, but also a place of work. To respect the activities of the men and women whose job it is, you can’t collect farmed species within 3 meters of shellfish farms.

I missed a tip?

Important reminders:

  • Watch the tide schedules and don’t forget your watch to stay safe throughout the practice (remember to lift your nose from the sand to anticipate rising water).
  • Take into account the tide coefficient (between 90 and 110, you’re off).
  • Check the weather conditions.
  • 196: number to call in case of accident/incident.

Meeting, sharing, exchanging

with fishermen on foot!

Don’t hesitate to go and meet the fishermen and share with them, like Claude who confides in us, “Sometimes you come back empty-handed, but the important thing is to take a good breath of iodized air and completely clear your mind” or Michel who practices this hobby all year round, “I fish mainly for my personal consumption.“

This activity, which is very present in Destination Granville Terre et Mer, is a moment of conviviality and sharing that encourages exchanges about good spots and recipes.


Find out more about

Tides and seafood

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