Mickaël Jaulard-Lemasson ran a fishing gear store for seven years before feeling a great need for space... “I wanted to be out in the field, to share my experience on fishing gear and the various techniques used for sea fishing.” Since 2010, as a French State-qualified sport-fishing instructor-guide, he has been embarking amateur and seasoned fishermen – women and men alike – on his boat to go tuna, bass and even shark fishing. But he also offers hand-gathering shellfish trips, in partnership with several tourist offices… “Tuna is the prime example of a fighter”, admits this expert guide who crosses the channels of Arcachon Bay year in, year out.
“Indescribable emotion”
“I’m always really delighted to sail out to sea to rediscover this marvellous animal. Bluefin tuna is one of my favourite fish as you have to adapt to its behaviour.” It can be fished by trolling or baiting for the “sportier” version. For this technique, the aim is easy: cast your eyes over the sea, spot surface bubbling and move as fast as possible to throw the bait, then reel in the line quickly or slowly depending on what is caught on the end of your line... “It looks simple but Bluefin tuna is sometimes capricious”, states Mickaël. “But, fishing with bait gives you an indescribable emotion because there’s so much pleasure and emotion mixed together. We’re here to have fun, so it’s vital for everyone to respect a rule of conduct for “No-Kill” fishing. Every fish caught is then set free.” But you’ll always have the souvenir photo where you’re holding a 30 kilo, 1.15-metre long tuna in your arms.
A very useful mini handbook
During the peak season, as well as tuna, he takes small groups out to look for the blue shark. The other king found in great abundance along our coasts. Making “education and sharing” the focus of his missions, it was only naturally that the young man decided to write and publish a handbook called “Pêche sur le bassin d’Arcachon” (Fishing in Arcachon Bay) in 2017. Published by Éditions Sud-Ouest. “This book is not designed for saving fishermen from the dreaded going home “empty-handed”, but is intended for accompanying them by answering simple questions: what sort of gear should I choose based on the weather conditions? What sort of fish have I just caught? The best fishing spots...”
“La pêche sur le bassin d’Arcachon” in the “Guides Sud-Ouest” collection. 112 pages. 10 euros.
www.peche-arcachon.com
Journalist for the supplements of Sud-Ouest and La Dépêche du Bassin.
Fan of the Bassin and the Delta de la Leyre, far from the beaten tracks...
