In winter, we leave them alone
Winter is a crucial time for the sea bass as it corresponds to the spawning season, the breeding period. During this period, the sea bass will group together in large shoals offshore and disappear almost entirely from the coast. If the pros take the opportunity to catch them with a big trawl, it is up to us to practice an ethical and eco-responsible activity and leave them alone until the beginning of April!
Spring, gradual return to the coast
By the end of March, sea bass begin to move closer to the coast and can be found in relatively deep water in the open sea feeding on smelt and sand eels. Then in late April/early May, they will gradually move closer to the coast as the water warms and often in conjunction with high tides to seek their favourite prey, crabs and shrimp. The shellfish farms will be progressively colonized because this period corresponds to the shellfish reproduction period. By releasing their milt, they attract crustaceans and fry that the sea bass will follow with intelligence!
As the water gets warmer and warmer in the spring, the bars will move closer to the side and the productive sandbanks of sand lance remain excellent areas to exploit.
In summer, you have to look for coolness..
In the summer, sea bass are now on the coast hunting for sprats and other fry and picking shellfish from shallow areas. The heat, sunshine and sometimes windless days slow down the activity of the sea bass during the day and you have to adapt to make good fishing. Thus, morning and evening strokes become the best times, especially if they coincide with good tidal moments.
This is also an excellent time to start the night fishing season... the sea bass are active and the heat of the summer nights is very pleasant for the fisherman!
Autumn, the best time of the year
In autumn, tourists have deserted the coast, the days are getting colder and conditions are becoming ideal for fishing. At the same time, bars need to fatten up in preparation for winter and the first cold spells often trigger an excellent peak in activity.
In autumn, they can still be found on the coast and in the open sea feeding on crabs, but also on larger prey such as small mackerel, whiting... This is the perfect time to catch big fish, especially in the estuary.
While bars obviously have preferred prey depending on the season, it remains opportunistic and will not disdain easy prey. Thus cuttlefish, worms, crustaceans and other small fish are never safe...
