Bruno Garcia from the Charente-Maritime fishing federation discusses this week on France Bleu La Rochelle fishing in the small canals even if today on the maritime side a low tide at 10:25 a.m., in the middle of the morning, we are going despite everything in this beautiful weather, rod in hand and fishing license in your pocket, head towards the fresh water side.
Bruno Garcia : And yes it is the big difference between these 2 areas, in inland waters the fishing license is compulsory. So don’t worry – the legislator has been able to adapt to all requests and in 2022 you can pay for a fishing license for only a day or even a week. This greatly reduces the cost. These are 2 formulas that have been very successful and not only for people passing through. Often overlooked because they are small, yet the small canals are full of fish of all kinds. You can’t imagine what a stream 5 to 6 m wide with a shallow depth very often less than 1 meter can contain. We have to choose well this year but despite the drying out, we still have water on some of them.
Can we hope for exceptional catches in these small channels?
You know the bigger the aquarium, the more the fish it contains show significant growth. Conversely, the smaller the aquarium, the less the fish grow. This theory is verified in the small channels but on the other hand at the level of the density of the populations, carp, crucian fish, bream for example, it is impressive. Quite simply because they are rich environments where vegetation is abundant and therefore food is not lacking there. This is what leads me today to promote these small waterways.
I understand that fishing is easy there
Fishing on these sites has a human dimension. No need for sophisticated rod or line equipment. These small canals are ideal for beginners and ensure you a guaranteed success this season.
How can we explain such an abundance of fish in these small streams?
The water rises much faster and much earlier in temperature given the low water height. Which not only allows several reproductions and earlier. Spawnings that spread out much more over time, unlike large-sized rivers where some years all the right conditions are difficult to meet. And then, as I told you right away, an abundance of vegetation essential for good breeding success.
So much for the theory if we went to practice
This is the best time! Without it being rudimentary, basic equipment will suffice. Make do with a 4 meter rod. We are not going to target a particular species but the all-comers. For the line, knowing that we will regularly cross the path of a carp weighing 1 to 2 kg, we will have to find the right balance between the very fine line for youngsters and medium-sized fish. So leader between 10 and 12 hundredths and hook n ° 18 or 16 on which you will prick a maggot and not 1 pinkies (maggot of reduced size). A little groundbait, rather rich in breadcrumbs and corn and you just have to wait for the cork to sink. To your nets!
Some information ?
Already the fishing courses offered by the FD during the All Saints holidays are complete. Reflection of the success of this proposal. I had promised to take stock of the last weekend’s carp enduro organized by the Saintonge Fishermen, I comply. Few fish, only 7 carp over 48 hours and a few species not counted for the competition such as barbel, bream, chub and even a mini catfish but what we will retain in priority is the 2222 euros collected during this competition which will be fully donated for the Telethon.