The playground is always the same: Brest harbour. An ideal playground for winter outings. Often sheltered from the wind, or at least there's always a shoreline that's not exposed to it, and well frequented by cephalopods.
Ebi Q jig test
The first session saw the launch of the Ebi Q. A jig that imitates a shrimp to perfection. This winter, it seems that the tataki rig works very well. So I set up my usual rig, with the Ebi Q mounted on top of a 60 to 80 gram pear sinker and above it, at about 1 metre, I set up a floating jig, a Calmero. I also have a preference for colors, orange on the bottom and pink on the top. As the water is still quite murky, I add attractiveness by using a shrimp concentrate spray. I choose the areas where there's the most water under the kayak, using a light trolling action, regularly tapping the lead on the bottom. Cuttlefish arrive fairly quickly, but they're not my favorite target. I'm mainly looking for squid, and I'll have to fish on the 5 meters above the bottom. Eventually, I'll find them.
Like the first session with this set-up, both outings were successful - not monsters, but decent catches nonetheless, to enjoy on the plate.
Sushi Q bait jig
The last session will be the assembly of the Sushi Q. This is what you might call a jig/bait. It has a silicone net on its flattened back, under which you slip a floret of fish fillet. Preferably an oily fish such as mackerel or sardine. Even in a kayak, it's easy to set up, provided you've prepared your florets beforehand.
One side of the net is fixed and the other unhooks and snaps back into place once the bait has been installed. An interesting solution for fishing in rough waters and for those who don't want to use attractant. I used the same tataki rig as before, and at one point I mounted it on top, which is what made the squid decide to bite.
These two jig models are validated in my tackle box. I still have to validate them on octopus in the Narrows, when the weather permits, to test their solidity on more powerful opponents. Fishing for cephalopods in winter allows us to continue our outings and look for species that are in tune with the season. With the increasingly restrictive regulations governing leisure activities, it's up to us to adapt to continue to practice our passion.
In the video at the end of this article, you'll find fishing, of course, but I'll also show you my picnic spot and a great encounter with the Torda penguin, an alcid that is present in our region in winter.
