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November: A Month of Transition for Boat Fishing
Fall is now well underway along the French coast. Water temperatures are dropping, windy spells are becoming more frequent, and the days are getting shorter. These changes directly affect fish distribution and feeding activity.
Along the Atlantic coast and in the English Channel, pollock can still be found in large numbers on rocky shoals, shipwrecks, and areas with strong currents. Pollock are also good targets, especially around underwater features.
In the Mediterranean, snappers, sea bream, and certain pelagic fish can still offer excellent fishing opportunities. Squid and cuttlefish are also prime targets during this time of year.
Success depends above all on locating the fish, monitoring the fish finder, and the ability to adapt your technique to the conditions you encounter.
Sea Bass: An Exciting Season in the Atlantic and the English Channel
Sea bass remains one of the most sought-after species among boat anglers during the month of November.
Rocky ledges, rock outcrops, shipwrecks, and areas with strong currents can concentrate fish, especially when schools of forage fish are present.
Fishing with soft lures remains a sure bet. Shads measuring 10 to 18 cm, rigged on jig heads suited to the depth and current, allow you to effectively explore the underwater terrain.
Trolling can yield good results in deep areas, while slower retrieves near the bottom can attract less active fish.
Vertical jigging is also an excellent option when sea bass are located on the fish finder.
However, it is important to check the fishing regulations in effect in November, including any closed seasons, quotas, and reporting requirements.
Pollock: Exploring Shipwrecks and Seabed Features
Pollock is one of the species worth targeting from a boat in late fall.
Along the Atlantic coast and in the English Channel, it is commonly found around shipwrecks, rocky drop-offs, and areas with strong currents.
Vertical fishing with soft lures, metal jigs, or specialized rigs is a great way to explore these areas.
Lures ranging from 12 to 20 cm can be effective, especially when the fish are hunting sand eels or small fish.
Controlling the drift is essential for maintaining constant contact with the lure and avoiding moving too quickly past the fishing spots.
Denti and pagre: the beautiful fish of the Mediterranean
In the Mediterranean, November can still offer great opportunities to fish for snappers and red seabream.
These fish are found on rocky bottoms, along drop-offs, and in mixed areas combining rock, sand, and seagrass beds.
You can fish for dentex using a jig, soft plastic lures, or live bait when permitted. Retrieving the lure close to the bottom is particularly effective.
Red seabream can also be caught using vertical fishing techniques, particularly slow jigging or tenya, as well as with live bait.
The depths to explore depend heavily on the specific areas and current conditions. It is therefore best to look for underwater features and schools of fish rather than limiting yourself to a specific depth.
Bonitos and Pelagic Fish: Make the Most of the Last Few Fishing Trips
In early November, certain areas of the Mediterranean may still be home to bonito and other pelagic fish, especially when temperatures remain relatively mild.
Surface hunts provide valuable clues. Seabirds, the movements of forage fish, and splashes can sometimes help quickly pinpoint the location of predators.
Casting jigs, small plug lures, and soft plastic lures are well-suited for this active style of fishing.
However, the presence of these fish becomes more sporadic as the water cools. Local conditions and the movements of schools of forage fish remain key factors.
Squid and Cuttlefish: A Fishing Industry Not to Be Overlooked
November is also a good time to go out on a boat to fish for squid and cuttlefish.
Squid may gather on sandy or mixed-substrate bottoms, sometimes near underwater features. Fishing trips in the late afternoon and at night can be particularly rewarding.
Vertical jigging allows you to target different depths. Techniques that alternate between pulling, pausing, and controlled descents are often effective.
Cuttlefish are more commonly found near the bottom, particularly in sandy areas and in transition zones between the seabed and seagrass beds.
Lightweight, sensitive equipment makes it easier to detect bites, which can sometimes be very subtle.
Where can you go fishing by boat in November?
Locating fish is one of the main keys to success.
In the Atlantic and the English Channel, shipwrecks, rocky shelves, rocky outcrops, and areas with strong currents are the best spots. Tidal movements can play a decisive role in feeding behavior.
In the Mediterranean, drop-offs, ledges, rocky plateaus, and mixed seabeds are particularly interesting. Areas with concentrations of forage fish warrant careful exploration.
Using a fish finder helps you identify underwater features, schools of fish, and changes in depth. This makes it easier to adjust your drift and present lures in the most promising areas.
The Best Boat Fishing Techniques for November
The fall season lends itself to several complementary techniques.
- Vertical fishing: ideal for targeting sea bass, pollock, red porgy, and other bottom-dwelling fish.
- Slow jigging: a particularly effective technique for exploring underwater terrain and enticing less active fish.
- Trolling: an effective method for targeting bass on flat areas and in areas with current.
- Lure fishing: ideal for targeting bonito and surface-feeding predators.
- Fishing with natural bait: an attractive alternative for targeting bottom-dwelling fish.
- Boat fishing: a technique well-suited for catching squid and cuttlefish.
The choice depends on the depth, the current, the water temperature, and the fish activity.
Safety and Regulations: Essential Precautions
In November, weather conditions can change rapidly. Shorter days, gusty winds, and autumn swells call for extra caution.
Before every outing, it is essential to check the marine forecast, inspect your safety equipment, and adjust your navigation to the capabilities of the boat and its crew.
Regulations must also be taken into account. In 2026, registration of fishermen and reporting of certain catches will be mandatory, depending on the coastline and the species targeted. In the Mediterranean, registration applies in particular to recreational fishermen aged 16 and older, regardless of the species targeted. The rules may be stricter in certain protected areas.
November?a great time to extend the boating season
Less crowded than in the summer, the sea has a special atmosphere in November. Trips require more preparation, but there are still plenty of opportunities for boat fishing enthusiasts.
From Atlantic pollock and yellowtail to Mediterranean red seabream and red mullet, as well as squid and cuttlefish, fishermen have a wide range of techniques at their disposal to make the most of this season.
November thus remains an exciting month for offshore boat fishing, provided you take advantage of favorable weather windows, locate the fish, and adapt your techniques to late-fall conditions.
