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Every year, many of us wait impatiently for the Nantes sea fishing show to hand in our registration forms for the Open des Glénan. It's a dream competition, but it's a tough one, and many of us fall by the wayside...
14 years of existence
The Open bar des Glénan was first held in 2007 as part of the Labrax Tour, which brought together several different bass fishing competitions. It was created by the association des Pêcheurs Sportifs de Fouesnant les Glénan. For various reasons, the competition has not been held every year, and although 2021 saw the 10th edition, L'Open des Glénan will truly celebrate its 10th anniversary next year.
The 5 longest bars
The Open des Glénan brings together around 120 teams of 2 anglers, whose aim is to catch the longest length of sea bass in 5 fish during the first round (Saturday) and the second round the following day. It goes without saying that only bass over 42 cm in length and released in full health are counted.
As the competition takes place off the coast of Concarneau, around the Glénan archipelago, only boats over 5 meters long, equipped with a VHF, all safety equipment and a livewell are allowed to compete.
Beyond the fishing aspect, the Open des Glénan is an opportunity for everyone to get together every year, thanks to perfect organization.
In addition to the "package" of prizes and a picnic, the association's volunteers organize a banquet on Saturday evening, with langoustines, grilled pig and gratin dauphinois; and to make this a truly festive occasion, a concert is organized every year.
An extended fishing zone
The fishing zone, home to 120 crews, is very extensive and is bordered by Laouennou, La Jument, Basse Perennes, Bluiniers and Pourceaux to the north.
At the heart of the archipelago lies the Chambre, a special area whose waters are reputed to be the clearest in Europe. This biotope is the heart of the archipelago, where competitors can sail (at a maximum of 8 knots) from one islet to the next on a seabed alternating rocks, seaweed and sand. Depths here range from 1 to 8 meters.
As for the outsides, they are made up of the same substrates, and the rock heads must number in the hundreds. But the depths can be as much as 40 metres, and the approaches are very different.
All techniques
Given the diversity of spots encountered and the extent of the area, all fishing techniques are possible and can be productive.
While the Chambre is the ideal place for "finesse" anglers or even fly mens, aficionados of heavy pull, fly or surface fishing will find a multitude of spots allowing them to express themselves.
A special feature of the 2021 edition
The 2019 and 2020 editions of the Glénan Open have been cancelled; for weather reasons the first time, and due to the epidemic we are experiencing the second time. The volunteers, keen to keep the competition alive despite the health context, have managed to organize a "light" edition this year for everyone's enjoyment.
In 2021, for example, all meetings (briefings, prize-giving ceremonies, etc.) took place at sea in Concarneau Bay, and the event was limited to a single round and 60 teams. But whatever the formula proposed, entries were closed within a few hours, and the organization had to draw lots to reach the targeted restrictions, which goes to show just how popular this event is with sea bass anglers!
