Cephalopod fishing is very popular on the Isle of Beauty. Very present in autumn and winter, they offer the opportunity to enjoy both technical and fun fishing by the sea.
Winter fishing
Gone are the good days and the long days, now it's autumn and winter. It's a slow season for many sea anglers. Cephalopod fishing, particularly in Corsica, is the perfect way to make the most of this cold period.
Thanks to the drop in temperature, many squid and cuttlefish are approaching the coasts of the Isle of Beauty.
Although cuttlefish are small in Corsica (large specimens are very rare), it is possible to catch many squid and octopus.
Warm clothing is needed to cope with the cold, but a good headlamp and a few jigs are all you need.
In Corsica, it's best to avoid the aftermath of heavy rain. The island's many small rivers not only muddy the water, but also release and carry with them a great deal of plant and other debris, which remains in suspension.
Contrary to the myth that cephalopods flee freshwater inlets, it's the difficulty of jigging cleanly, without snagging debris, that makes catching squid and other cuttlefish difficult.
In the evening or at night
Fishing for squid from the shore is generally done in the evening or at night. White squid come close to shore to hunt in sometimes less than a meter of water. Sunset is a good time, and it seems that a wave of squid often arrives at this time. Then you have to wait again for a few squid to cooperate. Close to the shore, squid rarely swim in tight schools. Small groups may be seen, but rarely more than 4 or 5 individuals.
Since shore fishing is often practised in shallow water in Corsica (less than 3 metres), slow-sinking jigs are preferable. Slow movements are more effective than quick retrieves and fast movements.
The advantage of Corsica is that the sun sets early! Located in the far east of mainland France, the sun sets around 10 to 15 minutes earlier than on the mainland. There's a 12-minute difference with Marseille, for example.
Ideal for a quick session after work and an early trip home!
Octopus and spotted octopus
In addition to squid and cuttlefish, you can also fish for octopus. They, too, are very common around the island. In fact, another cousin of the common octopus is also very present, the spotted octopus ( callistoctopus macropus ). It can be recognized by its long, slender tentacles, red color and light spots.
Beware of the strength of these cephalopods, which are best tracked on sight. If they manage to cling to anything (chains, rocks, cracks...), it will be almost impossible to get them out...
