An eagerly awaited event for the industry
Organized jointly by the FNPF (Fédération Nationale de la Pêche en France) and GIFAP (Groupement des Industriels de la Filière Articles de Pêche), this festival brought together the main players in the French leisure fishing industry: institutions, brands, associations, guides and the media.
The show provided an exceptional showcase for major brands such as Daiwa, Shimano, Fiiish, Devaux and Marryat/Smith, as well as for more specialized outfitters like Field & Fish. The stands were as spacious and lively as ever, staffed by teams of experts, ambassadors and guides... A true moment of exchange between the field and the industry.
Meetings and exchanges with partners
As a guide and daily user of this equipment, I found many partners. Daiwa provided on-site service for reels used for guiding. At Fiiish, a Breton company I'm particularly fond of, the new Master Shad was in the spotlight: a lure that has already been validated on the sea bass of our coasts.
At Devaux, the T35 rod caught my eye for its bar/carnassier fly fishing versatility. I also had the pleasure of meeting teams from Marryat/Smith, Field & Fish and emerging brands. The show enabled me to strengthen valuable ties and exchange ideas on field feedback, which feeds into product developments.
My stand: promoting sport fishing and the Breton region
On the Pesketa side, I led several fly-tying and casting demonstrations and met a varied audience: enthusiasts, beginners and the curious. But above all, I had the opportunity to share my vision of fishing: technical, sporting and open to all. As well as taking bookings, it was a place for sharing.
The show also gave me the opportunity to act as an ambassador for my region, highlighting the Bay of Morlaix, my partners' local products and the incomparable fishing assets of North Finistère.
Avenues for future editions
A few adjustments could further strengthen this event: better distribution of visitor flows between the halls, opening up to other worlds (artistic, associative, etc.), better visibility for federations and guides. Indeed, guides play an advisory and prescriptive role in the field: their presence deserves a real spotlight.
This festival showed that recreational fishing is alive and kicking, and capable of uniting energies. Let's hope it finds a regular place in the calendar: to bring together the field, the brands, the institutions... and to keep this shared passion alive.
