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A few days before the opening of the sea bass fishing season, we're all in the starting-blocks. We've talked about sea bass fishing from the boat, but from the shore, especially at this time of year, there's plenty of great fishing to be had along the Cotentin coast.
Cap de la Hague, an area to target at the start of the season
The mythical Cap de la Hague, at the north-western tip of the Cotentin peninsula, is home to one of the world's most powerful currents, the famous Raz Blanchard. This very turbulent area is an excellent spot for bass fishing, especially at the start of the season. Fish arriving from the west will hit this area first.
In addition, sprats and sardines are common in March and April, as witnessed by the numerous bird hunts.
When I fish from the shore at the beginning of the season, I focus mainly on this area.
The perfect place to target big fish
Cap de la Hague and the surrounding area are home to some very fine fish that can be caught from the shore.
Strange as it may seem, in this sector, which I also fish from a boat, I've often managed to hook the prettiest bass from the shore rather than from the boat.
You'll have to deal with a very strong current to fish this area successfully. Several outings will be necessary to get the most out of the area.
Here you'll find alternating rocky areas and vast kelp fields, accessible from the shore when the tide goes out.
My selection of tackle for shore fishing
It differs somewhat from the one I use on boats. The constraints are not the same here, and the main one is the ability to cast light lures far away.
I generally opt for rods between 2.30 m and 2.40 m, with powers ranging from 5/15 g to 10/30 g.
Visit NFC SJ 803 IM is one of my favorite for this type of fishing. Its throwing qualities are exceptional, as are all those of the 800 series from North Fork Composites.
With a power of 7/20 g, it's at ease with most lures used for this type of fishing. Its length is also a real plus when you need to control a fish trying to get back to the bottom.
I also use its big sister, the NFC SJ 804 Delta. This rod is the same length but more powerful (10/40 g), offering a greater power reserve.
As for lures, I'm sticking with a great classic: the Black Minnow 120 from Fiiish, mounted on 12 to 18 g lead heads.
Size 140 also works very well, especially when sardines are present. Mounted on a 20 g head and animated linearly, it regularly gives me very good results.
When is the best time to fish this area?
The main problem in this sector is the force of the current, which is very violent.
At its peak, it will be difficult to fish properly.
So I prefer the end of the descent and the beginning of the ascent, up to 2 h to 2 h 30 after the changeover. At that point, the waves cover the foreshore and the bass follow. This also allows me to fish upstream with the tide, while taking care not to get isolated.
A short season
This great activity doesn't last very long, as by mid-August the fish have probably colonized other areas. Don't miss this key moment of the season, when you'll be able to make some great trips and probably cross paths with some big bass, as I do almost every year.
The fish then spread along the entire coastline.
