Aim of the study
This study was carried out by Union Sport et Cycle on behalf of GIFAP (Groupement de l'Industrie Française d'Articles de pêche) in May 2024 among 3801 people of legal age who practice sea fishing in France. The aim of the survey is to provide a more or less complete overview of recreational sea fishing in France.
Frequent visitors
According to the survey, 27% of anglers live in Brittany, the most representative region in terms of the number of sea anglers, with the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region coming in second with 14% and the Pays de la Loire completing the podium with 13%. It should be noted that the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region is only in sixth place with 8%, and Corsica with just 1%...
75% of those surveyed have been fishing for more than 10 years, with 7% new entrants over the last three years. 52% of anglers consider themselves experienced anglers, and only 13% as experts in sea fishing.
35% of sea anglers say they fish at least once a week, and 35% say they fish occasionally (between 1 and 15 trips a year).
Techniques and target fish
Lure fishing remains the most popular fishing technique, with 67% of anglers fishing from a boat and 51% from shore. Bait fishing from a boat is in third place, with 42% of users.
The most popular fish species are
- Bass or wolffish 18
- Mackerel 10
- Sea bream 9
Is no-kill a popular choice?
In fact, 82% of sea anglers claim to practice no kill or catch and release. 28% on all species, 54% on certain species and only 18% of anglers would not practice no kill. These figures are difficult to analyze correctly when 96% of sea anglers claim to eat the fish they catch...
As far as equipment is concerned, 55% of sea anglers own a boat, according to the study, and the average sea angler from shore or by boat spends 788 euros a year on equipment.
This may seem an interesting study, but it remains questionable depending on the sample selected.
