Hello Sébastien, can you introduce yourself to Fishing.news readers?
Hello, I'm 41 years old and I've been fishing since I was three. I live in Charente-Maritime, near La Rochelle, and I represent the Suzuki Fishing team.
I fish with lures in freshwater for pike, perch and black bass, and in the sea for bass, tuna and pollack.
Can you tell us about your early days in fishing?
I started fishing at the age of three, in Africa, more specifically in the Ivory Coast, where my father introduced me to rod and reel fishing for tilapia. Then, once back in Europe, I took up freshwater predator fishing and carp fishing, before turning to bass fishing, particularly on the surface, which was a revelation.
When, how and why did you decide to take up competitive fishing?
I'm a competitor and I love competition. It challenges us and allows us to surpass ourselves. Competition also allows us to meet new people and share our passion.
How do you feel about competition in general?
The competition is an excellent way of promoting our hobby and our no-kill fishing practices. It also enables us to get the message across, particularly on certain fragile species where stocks are dwindling, and to highlight reproduction periods and catch sizes...
Competition is also a good way to bring passionate anglers together. That's why Suzuki has created the Master Suzuki Fishing, to bring together different Suzuki engine users to share good times on the water and discuss their common passion. The competition is a great way to meet new people and share moments together.
What did taking part in Grand Pavois Fishing mean to you?
Participating in the Grand Pavois Fishing is a great source of pride, especially when representing a brand. This competition is known and recognized throughout Europe, and taking part is a real pleasure and an opportunity!
Grand Pavois Fishing gives the general public the chance to meet Pro Staff and exchange ideas, try out and discuss fishing techniques, boats, engines and live electronics. This proximity is an opportunity for all fishing enthusiasts.
Of course, we're not forgetting the ambitions for our brands, to make them shine, the podium and the best step are obsessions!!!!
How do you feel about your last edition?
Looking back at the last edition, in the first round we caught four fish and came second overall. We found the technique, fishing with a 7 g leaded head and small finesse bouncing on the bottom on a spot against the current.
For us, the idea was simple: to reproduce the techniques that paid off the next day. Except that the fishing was different the next day, which is also the magic of our practice. We only caught one mesh fish, which knocked us off the podium and into third place.
Despite this one fish, we were too proud to be on the podium, which we shared with the other Suzuki team, who finished first. A podium also shared with the Yamaha team, and friends at that! A podium of friends, that's great! What a moment of joy and sharing!
Your fondest memory, or anecdote, from Grand Pavois Fishing?
My fondest memory of Grand Pavois Fishing is winning. In 2018, I was representing Suzuki for the first time! This victory with two heats won out of three, and with a lead of 120 cm, it was crazy!!!! We were very proud to bring this victory to Suzuki and Zeppelin! Suzuki is now engraved on the trophy.
Will you be attending the next Grand Pavois Fishing?
Of course, I'll be there for the 2024 edition. It's going to be a very tough event, given the number of participants and the enthusiasm for the competition! My ambitions: the podium and more if possible!
Any advice for anglers who would like to take part in Grand Pavois Fishing one day?
You have to do it, it's really another competition within a large-scale nautical event. It's a pure moment of sharing with the general public.
