Hands holding two pebbles, one black and one white, on a pebble beachClose-up view of hands holding two pebbles, one black and one white, on a pebble beach. The pebbles are of different sizes and colors, and the background shows other pebbles and part of a fishing net.
©Discovering unique pebbles on a pebble beach.|Aymeric Picot
Fishing on foot

Species

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Fishing on foot : which species to fish for ?

The tide is low, the foreshore is uncovered and you want to go fishing. You can fish for many species on our coastline provided that the instructions, quotas and authorised tools are respected.

Lots of species to fish : strict regulations

Our foreshore is full of small fishing treasures. You can easily fish for many species at high tide. Some can be fished during lower tides, others require higher tides where the rocks will be uncovered.

Cockles, venus clams, dog cockles, clams will be accessible even during low tides. On the other hand, if you wish to fish for lobsters, prawns or velvet crabs, you will have to go further around the rocks and therefore wait for high tides. You should take a lot of precautions during your fishing trips to avoid being surprised by the rise of the water which happen extremely quickly according to the coefficients and the fishing sectors.

Quotas are also applicable according to species to ensure their preservation and reproduction.

Illustrated map of shellfish harvested by hand in the English ChannelThis map illustrates the various types of shellfish that can be harvested by hand along the coasts of the English Channel. Each geographical area is associated with specific illustrations of shellfish. The names of the localities are indicated to help locate the fishing areas. A legend at the bottom right shows the different types of shellfish with their corresponding names and illustrations.
©Discover the various shellfish you can harvest by hand along the coasts of the English Channel.|APP2R

    Did you know : Filter-feeding or burrowing bivalves ?

    There are several types of bivalves. Some of these are burrowers and others are filter feeders. But what does that mean ? Filter-feeding bivalves (which may be attached to a rock or other structure) filter seawater for food. For example oysters or mussels.

    Burrowing bivalves, on the other hand, are buried in sediments, sand, etc. For example, cockles, venus clams, dog cockles, etc. They are therefore distinguished by these characteristics and it is thanks to this that they are identified in the by-laws governing fishing on foot in particular.

    Shells stacked on a market tableA pile of shells of various sizes and shapes stacked on a market table. The shells have varied patterns and textures, ranging from light beige to light brown. Some shells have distinct spirals, while others have more complex patterns.
    ©A pile of fresh and varied shells on a market stall.|APP2R Maxime Lecampion
    Fresh shrimp arranged on a bed of crushed iceFresh shrimp are arranged on a bed of crushed ice. The shrimp vary in size and color, ranging from light pink to gray-blue. The crushed ice keeps the shrimp at a cool temperature, preserving their freshness and texture.
    ©An assortment of fresh shrimp ready to be cooked.|APP2R
    A crab on the beach with rocks and seaweedA crab is visible on a pebble and sandy beach. Around it, rocks of various sizes and dried brown seaweed. The crab has a brown shell and sturdy pincers. The surroundings appear to be a rocky coastal area.
    ©A crab rests on the beach among rocks and seaweed.|APP2R
    Lobster sitting on a rock covered with algae and small shellsA lobster is sitting on a rock covered with algae and small shells. The water is visible in the background. The lobster has blue claws and red antennae.
    ©A lobster rests on a rock near the water.|APP2R

      The species you can fish for :

      • Cockles
      • Dog cockles
      • Winkles
      • Spider crabs, edible crabs, velvet crabs
      • Razor shells
      • Lobsters
      • Cupped or flat oysters
      • Mussels
      • Clams and blue clams
      • Venus clams
      • Scallops
      • Abalones
      • Shrimps
      Two stylized black and white shellsTwo stylized black and white shells. The shell on the left has curved lines and is slightly open. The shell on the right has straight lines and is fully open. They are separated by three small dots.
      ©Two stylized black and white shells, separated by dots.|adobe stock
        Fishing on foot

        Other practical information for fishing

        Two people picking up trash on a sandy beachTwo people, a man and a woman, are picking up trash on a sandy beach. The man is using a shovel and a bucket, while the woman holds a plastic bag. In the background, a white boat is visible on the water. The sky is clear with a few clouds.
        ©Together, they clean the beach to preserve the environment.|Aymeric Picot
        Where to fish ?
        Fishing on foot : where to fish so you don’t come back empty-handed ? Our region covers a wide seafront. On these beaches, many places allow fishing on foot. However, certain...
        Shovel stuck in the sand of a pebble beachA metal shovel is stuck in the sand of a pebble beach. The sand is mixed with small pebbles and shells. In the background, there are blurred figures of people and the sea.
        ©A shovel stuck in the sand, ready to build a sandcastle.|Aymeric Picot
        Fishing techniques
        Fishing on foot : Here are some tips for better fishing ! The app2r gives you some tips to help you fish some of the species on our foreshore. Don’t know anything about...
        Trash and abandoned fishing net on a beachA beach covered with marine debris, abandoned fishing nets, and various trash. In the background, a person is seen walking along the coast. The sky is partly cloudy with light reflections on the wet sand.
        ©Marine pollution leaves its mark on the beaches.|Aymeric Picot
        Tools and quotas
        Fishing on foot : Tools and quotas, all the info ! Fishing on foot is certainly a free leisure activity, but it is subject to very precise rules, particularly in terms of...
        A family walking on the beach with tools to search for shellsA family is walking on a sandy beach. They are equipped with rakes and baskets to search for shells. The beach is expansive and the ocean stretches to the horizon. The sky is clear with a few scattered clouds.
        ©A family day at the beach to search for shells.
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        Low tide with water pools on a sandy beachView of a sandy beach at low tide with scattered water pools. The sand displays various patterns and textures. In the background, the ocean and a few boats can be seen in the distance. The sky is partly cloudy with shades of blue and white.
        ©Low tide reveals the unique patterns of the sand and water pools.
        Tides
        Everything you need to know about the tidal phenomenon ! Our region, bordering the sea, undoubtedly lives according to the rhythm of the tides : from people working at sea, to...