Indirectly, the area has been in France since the 2000s. Indeed, many lures from Japan, originally intended and designed for the area, have been diverted from their original use and marketed in France for wild trout or even chub.
The democratization of the area in France
We've been talking about area riding since 2018. The impetus came from Guillaume Vernet and Encore Vincent Petit, who were the first to propose competitions and the distribution of area-specific equipment, and from Illex via Sensas, who followed suit and confirmed the idea that it was possible in France. The area is developing slowly, but in addition to reticence and mentalities, the practice is coming up against other obstacles, particularly where infrastructure is concerned.
After all, an area isn't just a reservoir like so many in France (especially for fly fishing). Originally, an area (a "zone") is a body of water, often small and shallow, with a homogeneous configuration of banks and bottom. In France, paradoxically, it's hard to find these mini-pools capable of welcoming and maintaining trout with fresh, oxygenated water.
An indirect practice from Japan
Contrary to popular belief, the area concept does not originate directly from Japan, but rather from Italy and Eastern Europe. Area riding is more common in these European countries, with well-established competition circuits, an abundance of equipment, infrastructure and enthusiasts.
The French area model is therefore more influenced by the Italian model than the Japanese one.
A necessary change in mentality
In France, the area has come up against several obstacles, not least of which is the mentality. In France, it's very hard to see the pursuit of rainbow trout as attractive. It's easy for many anglers to denigrate this fish and to belittle those who fish in the area, the "bassine"... It has to be said that this type of fishing can be far more technical and delicate than stalking wild fish, including trout and carnivorous fish!
What's more, the area is a really good alternative for catching fish and learning to fish, but it's also a great way of relieving fishing pressure on the wild environment, which is still being abused.
Most of France's reservoirs were designed for fly fishing, but managers and owners are well aware that lure fishing, if certain rules are observed, does not contribute to damaging fish any more than fly fishing.
More and more reservoirs are offering lure fishing and area techniques, and numerous competitions are held throughout France (see the FFPS Area Trout calendar). In addition to rainbow trout, managers often offer rare salmonid strains or exceptionally large fish!
In a series of articles, we'll look at the rules of the area, the fish to be found there, and the techniques, lures, equipment and codes specific to this practice.
