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After making headlines in 2025 with an all-female crew that finished fourth in the Grand Pavois Fishing, the Union of French Fishing Instructors and Guides wanted to take it a step further in 2026. This time, the SMGPF partnered with SPLAF %E2euros%93 Leisure Fishing and Adventure Vacation in France , an organization that develops educational programs focused on fishing, aquatic environments, and outdoor activities.
The goal: to enable four young people, supported by the Lamon Fournet Social Welfare Children's Home , in the Tarbes area, to experience a true team adventure at the heart of a major fishing competition.
Fishing as a Tool for Inclusion
Some of these young people, in particular, exhibit neurodevelopmental disorders (NDD) and/or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) . The project was therefore designed with their needs and pace in mind, without losing sight of what matters most: allowing them to have fun, discover a new world, and take on a challenge together.
Under the name "Bad Fisher" , they took part in the Grand Pavois Fishing tournament, accompanied by the professionals responsible for coaching them. The competition then becomes much more than just a quest for fish. Preparation, concentration, managing emotions and frustration, perseverance, following the rules, teamwork, and self-confidence are all integral parts of the experience.
Fishing also provides an environment that allows for focus one's attention, take initiative, and develop skills who do not always fit into more traditional settings.
Experience the Grand Pavois in a New Way
The adventure isn't limited to the time spent on the water. The young people also had the opportunity to discover the Grand Pavois La Rochelle , its boats, its innovations, and the many professions related to fishing and boating. Interactions with exhibitors, fishermen, and industry professionals can spark new interests and even inspire future careers.
SPLAF advocates, above all, a practical approach to inclusion: young people are not placed on the sidelines of competition, but participate fully in the event, just like the other competitors , along with their team, their strategy, their successes, and their challenges.
An initiative made possible by a group of partners, including, among others, April Marine, Suzuki Marine, Ocean Safety by VDM Reya, Météo Consult, Navionics, the French Association of Fishing Instructors and Guides, VDM-Reya, Côtes de Bourg, Pêche en Mer, Côt&Pêche, and Pêche.com .
Beyond the rankings, the ?Bad Fisher? project serves as a reminder that Fishing can be a wonderful tool for education, passing on knowledge, socialization, and personal growth .
