Publication date: 29/02/2024
Breton lobster, an exceptional species
The lobster is a very special marine crustacean: its body is longer and narrower than that of its cousin the crab, and it has a large tail. Like the crab, the lobster has two claws, but these are quite different: one is thin and the other thick, enabling the crustacean to both crush and cut. Finally, while the crab moves sideways, the lobster moves forwards and backwards.
The lobster lives in a hole, where it remains sheltered throughout the day. They only leave their habitat at night, in particular to feed.
There are two species of lobster:
- The term " American lobster ", "Canadian lobster" or " cross-Atlantic lobster " is used when the animal has a brown to brown shell. Found on many market stalls, this type of lobster can be purchased at reasonable prices and is frequently eaten.
- The " Breton lobster " or " blue lobster " has a blue or brown shell with a few white spots. Much rarer and less fished than the American lobster, the Breton lobster is renowned for its rarity. With its more delicate meat and flavor, it's often served for parties! This is the lobster species most often found in Brittany, but also along much of the French coastline: it is fished from Croisic, in the Loire-Atlantique department, to Cherbourg, in the English Channel. It is also found outside France, notably in the UK.
A popular activity in Paimpol: fishing on foot
In North Brittany, in the Côtes d'Armor département, the Bay of Paimpol is a particularly good place for fishing on foot. The activity can be enjoyed solo, in pairs, or in larger groups, with family or friends. All ages are catered for, so you can fish at your own pace and be sure to have fun!
Cockles, razor clams, periwinkles, mussels, crabs, scallops... Theforeshore of Paimpol Bay abounds in many delicious species. Lobster, in particular, is the pride of the locality: it nests close to the Paimpol coast, on the rocky seabed, and can be caught on foot, by snorkeling or using traps.
The best time to fish for lobster on foot is when the tides are high, during the full and new moons. During this short period, with tidal coefficients above 100, the sea withdraws more than usual: then, at low tide, the rocky areas where lobsters usually hide are uncovered, offering the fisherman the chance to catch them.
Lobster fishing on foot
To catch a Breton lobster on foot during the spring tides, there are several steps to follow:
- Start by equipping yourself with the necessary gear: suitable footwear, a metal hook at least 70 centimetres long, a pair of thick gloves and a measuring ruler for foot fishing.
- On the beach, identify the holes where crustaceans nest, usually at the edge of the sand and rocks.
- Insert the metal hook into one of the marked holes, then move your equipment to hook and release the animal. At this stage, the lobster may already be visible.
- Gently remove the hook, then grasp the lobster firmly by the back.
Lobster fishing regulations in Paimpol
Although fishing on foot is a leisure activity, there are a few rules to observe. First of all, before going out, make sure you respect the fishing season: it generally runs from May to June and August to October, but may be subject to change depending on the weather and fishing regulations.
Check that you are not about to catch any species in an area where fishing is prohibited: fishing is not authorized in the ports of Paimpol and Loguivy-de-la-Mer, in Poulafret Bay, in Beauport Cove, between the islands of Bréhat and Lavrec, and at the end of Paimpol Bay.
Enjoy your hobby without damaging the fragile natural environment in which you live! To preserve the Bay of Paimpol and its flora and fauna, use appropriate fishing equipment: lobster hooks should not be too sharp to avoid damaging the shells of crustaceans. Also, remember to respect the habitat of the various species, by not moving stones or by replacing them carefully after your passage.
Once caught, your lobster must be at least 5 years old to be preserved. To find out how old your lobster is, you need to estimate its size using a ruler: the measurement is taken from the hollow of the eye to the beginning of the tail, and the lobster must exceed the minimum size of 8.7 centimetres - or 87 millimetres - to be preserved. In Paimpol or elsewhere, any smaller species caught must be released, as must any egg-bearing female, even if it meets the required size.
Don't take more lobster than you need: the quantity of shellfish you catch should correspond, at most, to your family's consumption. For the species you catch, you must " mark " them by removing the lower part of the flipper, and are forbidden to sell them.
As you know, compliance with regulations is essential to help preserve the lobster on Brittany's coasts. Don't forget it!
The port of Paimpol, ideal for fishing trips
At the heart of an incredible and particularly renowned fishing area, Paimpol is a town withtop-quality port facilities. If you prefer to experience lobster fishing sessions from a boat, dropping in traps or taking advantage of your unit to snorkel from an anchorage, Port Adhoc Paimpol is the port for you. You don't have to wait for high tide to fish on foot!
Among the facilities offered to yachtsmen by the Port Adhoc group, the port of Paimpol is perfect for all your fishing activities. It boasts facilities for storing boats on dry land, for launches up to 8.50 meters long.
Sailors are welcome every day of the week, all year round. They benefit frommodern, efficient facilities adapted to their boating activities in Northern Brittany:
- 240 dry dock spaces available for boat storage on racks
- Private pontoons
- Water and electricity terminals
The Port Adhoc Paimpol marina offers a wide range of services to its users, including a fuel pump, a yacht club and a boatyard. At the Paimpol marina, anglers can also find professional boat and nautical accessory rental services, as well as new and used boat and motor sales.
At Port Adhoc Paimpol, yachtsmen can launch and retrieve their boats over a 6-hour period, from 3 hours before high tide to 3 hours after high tide. Outside the marina, the marina also means that sailors don't have to go through a lock. The opportunity to save between 45 minutes and two hours' sailing time, and perhaps catch the catch of the century...
A few final safety tips
Finally, if you want to fish for lobster in Paimpol Bay, in the vicinity of Port Adhoc Paimpol or elsewhere, it's essential to take certain precautions.
#1 Before setting off on foot or by boat to catch lobster or any other species
- Find out about the tide times
- Consult the weather forecast
- Check with the authorities and local communities to ensure that the area you plan to visit is not subject to a temporary health restriction.
- Wear clothing that can be seen from a distance. Carry a watch and a cell phone that you can use in case of emergency, as well as a means of signalling.
- Ideally, go with someone who already knows the Bay of Paimpol well. Tell someone you know where you want to go fishing, and what time you plan to return.
#2 During your fishing session in the Paimpol area
- Stay safe: respect tide times and anticipate rising water.
- Whatever the tide times, make sure you return before suns et: night fishing is prohibited, primarily for safety reasons.
- Only harvest live species, and be sure to keep them in good condition until you return from your fishing trip, and the time comes to cook or eat them.
#3 On your return from fishing in Paimpol Bay
- Consume your catch the same day, giving preference to cooking the species harvested.