Fishing on the Arcachon Basin is one of our campers’ favorite activities. It’s a fun, free activity that’s easy for the whole family to enjoy around the campsite. Discovery.
Everyone puts on their boots and heads for the foreshore!
At low tide, the Bay of Arcachon reveals vast stretches of accessible land known as “crassats”. This is the perfect time to reach the small channels (esteys) and foreshore to gather shellfish: cockles, clams, green crabs, curlers, shrimps and other small fish… Please note that oyster fishing, even for wild oysters, is strictly forbidden throughout the Basin.
How do I equip myself for shore fishing?
As far as equipment is concerned, nothing too complicated. Especially as clams and cockles are easily picked up by hand. But a small rake or spoon for digging in the sand will come in handy, as will a pocketknife for removing shells from rocks. A landing net is an essential tool for children to “pick” shrimps from water holes. And don’t forget your bucket for storing your booty!
As for clothing, opt for waterproof sandals or neoprene slippers. Shell debris is very sharp! Mud skates” are also advisable to avoid sinking in certain places. In summer, sun cream and a cap are highly recommended. In spring and autumn, a pair of boots and a windbreaker are essential.
The best fishing spots in the basin?
Are you ready for adventure? Now you just need to know where to go to make sure you don’t come back empty-handed… You’re in luck, because the Parc naturel marin du Bassin is a fantastic playground for anglers. Please note, however, that it is forbidden to fish within 15 m of oyster beds. The campsite particularly recommends Andernos-les-Bains, La Teste-de-Buch, Gujan-Mestras, Arès and the sands of the Banc d’Arguin.
A few tips for responsible fishing
For your safety :
Before you leave, remember to take your charged cell phone with you to alert emergency services in the event of an incident. Plan to arrive one or two hours before low tide, and above all, keep yourself informed of the tide times. When it’s low tide, it’s time to go back up! Don’t venture out just anywhere… Ask the locals if there are any dangerous places to avoid. And last but not least, keep your catch alive and in the fridge. Cook your shellfish quickly, ideally within 24 hours. Food poisoning could ruin your camping vacation…
Respecting the marine environment:
Only fish what you can eat at home, and respect the minimum size for shellfish. Give them time to grow! Measuring rulers are available from tourist offices.
If you lift a small rock to see what’s hidden underneath, make sure you put it back in place. If you don’t intend to eat the fruit of your catch, release the animals back into their natural environment as soon as you’ve observed them. And don’t bring them back to the campsite with the idea of building an aquarium. Poor things, they wouldn’t survive very long…
Now that you know more, all we can do is wish you good fishing on the Bay of Arcachon!