Hello Dominique, I've just written an article about my fishing on the Etang de la Ramade, guided by Geoffray Begard, one of the two Moniteurs Guides de Pêche (fishing guide instructors) who have the privilege of guiding on this stretch of water. But beyond fishing, is your aim to make the site on which the Etang de La Ramade is located a place dedicated to nature in the broadest sense?
Dominique Basttistoni - Indeed, with the purchase of the lease 2 years ago, Benoît and I have always aimed to develop leisure and nature tourism in addition to fishing. Our aim is to offer a complete service. Nature-based leisure activities include fishing, of course, but also hiking, mountain biking, mushroom picking, wildlife photography, paddling, canoeing and so on.
Obviously, we're primarily interested in fishing, and as you can imagine, how is it organized, especially for predators?
Dominique Basttistoni - Our regulations for predator fishing are quite specific. Fishing is open to the public for short periods in the spring and autumn, with the number of people limited in order to preserve the fish population. In addition, it is compulsory to go through the two Moniteurs Guides de Pêche (fishing guide instructors) who have exclusive authorization to fish on the lake, always with the aim of taking care of the fish and offering a quality service.
With La Ramade enjoying a solid reputation in the carp world, is carp fishing still possible on the lake?
Dominique Basttistoni - Of course you can! Carp fishing is possible all year round, but limited to a maximum of 4 spots on the lake, always with the aim of preserving the fish. During the summer, Benoît and I define the fishing spots so that the various water sports and fishing activities can coexist. For the rest of the year, however, carp anglers can choose to post themselves wherever they wish around the lake.
What about spearfishing?
Dominique Basttistoni - Spearfishing is available all year round with day passes for experienced anglers. During the summer, 2 other Moniteurs Guides de Pêche (fishing guide instructors) are on hand for fishing introductions for families and, more generally, for people wishing to discover fishing. People can sign up as they would for any other activity, with no need for a special license.
Thank you for all these clarifications Dominique. Finally, I'd like you to talk to us about 2 practical aspects, accommodation and catering, especially as your partner Benoît Pireyre is a chef by training and has worked for Michelin-starred restaurants!
Dominique Basttistoni - Yes, we do! As far as accommodation is concerned, we offer several types. Comfortable chalets, tent and caravan sites, but also cabins on stilts on the banks of the lake, with boat access only, equipped with dry toilets, solar panels for electricity production and a 25L canister for the toilet, a format for people looking for something more "Roots". These cabins on stilts can also be used by weekend anglers and carp anglers wishing to fish at night, as the rods can be tensioned directly from the pontoon.
And what about catering?
Dominique Basttistoni - When it comes to catering, we can indeed count on Benoît's expertise. Overall, we offer lunchtime and evening catering, including a packed lunch system for fishermen at lunchtime, as well as a summer fast-food option based on charcuterie boards with crunchy vegetables, sauces and French fries.
For the evening, we offer a more elaborate menu with a choice of 3 starters, 3 main courses and 3 desserts, which change with the seasons and according to product availability.
