Let's find out how to catch a really nice and powerful little shark: the emissole! This is a small shark specimen, with an average catch size of between 0.80 and 1.20 meters, and cobbled teeth to crush the crabs that make up a large part of its diet (so you won't get bitten).
Easy fishing
Fishing for them is quite simple and fruitful, provided you can locate them. To do this, I look for small pools (between 8 and 20 metres) well exposed to the current, either on the map or with the depth sounder. They can be found in Brittany's estuaries around Brest or even in the Gulf of Morbihan. I prefer tidal coefficients above 75, which increases the current. There, I anchor my boat (fishing is also possible from the shore!). If there are no bites, don't hesitate to raise the anchor and move 20-30 meters to locate the shoal.
A green crab for bait
The rig is basic: a pearl is threaded onto the 40/100 leader, onto which a 100-150g sinker is stapled, depending on the strength of the current. An 80 cm leader in 45/100 or 50/100, a 3/0 hook and a 4-5 cm wide green crab. You'll find these baits at retail outlets or by picking them up on the foreshore (they come out a lot at night).
Fun fishing
If the bites are regular, I advise you to keep the rod in your hand. They're then fairly straightforward and you can strike quickly when you feel the weight of the fish at the end of the line.
Once hooked, the fight is punctuated by rushes, especially when the emissary reaches the surface. This fish is capable of returning to the bottom several times, especially if you miss the tail.
In fact, while it's perfectly possible to use a landing net, catching the emissole just at the base of the tail is an excellent way of keeping it dry. I advise you to have a firm grip, as these little sharks are real balls of muscle. To make unhooking easier, I recommend putting the shark on its back, which has the effect of immobilizing it.
Now you know all about this very pleasant and productive fishery. On a good day, it's quite possible to catch around forty specimens. That's what happened on my last outing, each fish being released after the photo.
