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Clams and prawns...
On Tuesday February 3, a lull finally arrived. Well, the wind is still present, quite strong, gusting to 60 km/h, but my shellfish spots are relatively sheltered. The north coast is impassable, in any case, the sea bass is left alone, and we're not allowed to touch the pollack for recreation. We'll have to wait until May 1st to go back to teasing them legally.
So, with the coefficient at 99, I decided to try my luck on the foreshore. It's also a good opportunity to get my butt back in the kayak for a gentle start. An hour later, I'm on the foreshore, the winds are WSW, so it's not going to get much lower. Too bad, my shellfish spots will still be uncovered.
As usual, I start with clams. In terms of regulations, the legal size for this species is 4 cm for an authorized quota of 150 or 3 kg. I use a small 3-pronged claw, a tool that complies with the legislation, which stipulates that this tool must have a maximum of 4 curved prongs with a maximum length of 10 cm. After about forty minutes, I've picked up a good hundred, which is enough, and we'll move on to the meadows.
For prairies, the maximum quota is 100, for a minimum size of 4.3 cm. I use the same tool, but they're easier to find: just crush your foot on the ground as you move forward, and the prairie will evacuate a small jet of water. A simple stroke of the claw is all it takes to find them. They're just flush with the surface. Again, I'm quick to catch them, and about fifty are collected.
As I wander around, I'll also find scallops. For this species, the mesh is 11 cm and the quota is 30 per person, which is more than enough. I'll also do a few clams, also in 4.3 cm mesh, which taste deliciously nutty. As my crab and abalone nooks are undiscovered, I won't insist. I'll finish my session with my first 2026 snack on the foreshore, which is always nice and, in the end, a good little pick-me-up.
A reminder of good behavior on the foreshore
Recreational sea angling is carried out with respect for the natural environment and involves in particular :
- Replacing overturned stones,
- Filling the holes created by fishing,
- No damage to sensitive natural habitats,
- A ban on harvesting shellfish or worms from eelgrass beds.
- Fishing for shellfish, sea worms, sea urchins and seaweed is prohibited between sunset and sunrise.
Catches are sorted as they are harvested, directly at the fishing site. Shucking shellfish is forbidden.
The sale of the product of recreational fishing is prohibited in any form whatsoever.
Setting and fishing with fixed nets in the tidal range are subject to authorization issued by the Prefect of the département.
Sea bass may not be caught with set nets.
Don't leave garbage behind.
