"No need to go far to catch nice bass! Just around the intramuros area, you'll find everything: strong current, deep eddies, and seaweed. It's the perfect hunting ground for bass."
Catching 60 cm bass at the foot of the citadel is definitely achievable. It requires an early start, skillful expertise, and choosing the right lures based on the topography. It's a fantastic spot, but suited for experienced anglers
Where are fishs ?
Fishing for bass in Saint Malo can be complex, especially without a good knowledge of the area. The Corsair city hosts some great fishing spots, among which, in my opinion, Grand Bé and Petit Bé rank as one of the best.
"Around the intramuros area, there are countless spots, but they can be quite technical due to numerous prominent rocks. It's crucial to select your lures wisely, considering the tide's impact!"
Fishing for bass along the north coast of Brittany is known to be less abundant and more challenging compared to areas like Morbihan or Finistère, renowned for excellent bass fishing, and I have to admit, it's true.
However, that doesn't mean bass fishing is impossible in Northern Brittany. Far from it...
In Saint Malo, the best period is undoubtedly autumn when big fish feed in bulk to gather strength, preparing for the spawning period and winter cold. It's also the start of a less agitated time with less maritime traffic and calmer beaches. The bass also move closer to the shore during this time.
Beware of the tide !
A final crucial point about fishing in Saint Malo is the tide. It's one of the few places worldwide where tidal variations can reach unimaginable proportions. So, extreme vigilance is required, particularly when fishing at Grand Bé or Petit Bé.
"The sea bass fishing is quite productive from Grand Bé and Petit Bé. The issue is that, given the tides, fishing sessions on these islets don't last more than three hours!"
If you're not very mindful of the tides, you might get stranded on these two islets and stay stuck for hours. Unpleasant and dangerous.
How to prospect for these fishing spots ?
"The best fishing times: end of low tide and beginning of high tide when sea bass use the current to hunt their prey."
To start off a great session, I arrive at the spot early in the morning around 6:30 AM (if the tide allows). In autumn, mornings are always mild, and surface fishing is heavily favored. I start with an Asturie 130 and then a Super Spook, size 12.5 cm.
Here is the true story of a fishing day in october 2021. I clearly remerber that day as despite moments of deep weariness, I ended up with a very nice catch.
That day, after an hour of surface fishing along the beach and the rocky point on the side of the pier, a small legal-sized sea bass finally attacks my Asturie right in the current formed by the pool.
Indeed, on the edges of the pool (especially on the left side), current streams form during the rising tide, where the bass wait for food.
After releasing the nice catch and switching to a OneUp Shad, fishing became challenging in the passage area between the beach and Grand Bé where low water levels, algae, and rocks did not favor good fishing
"My favorite lure: the Crazy Paddle Tail, which perfectly imitates the sandeel that the sea bass are fond of."
I caught my first big 55 cm sea bass of the day on one of the rocky points opposite Grand Bé with the Crazy Paddle Tail. During this season, the sandeels are quite large, and it's worth considering using even bigger imitations like the Madeel 140.
At 10 AM, we finally make our way to Grand Bé, where the passage begins to reveal itself. The countdown starts. We have about two or three hours of fishing max before the passage becomes impassable due to the tide.
Grand Bé, a wild peninsula inhabited by bars measuring over 60 cm.
Fishing on this peninsula is good throughout, but the eastern part (facing Dinard) is my favorite. It boasts an incredible density of kelp, large rock blocks, perfect for rockfish, shrimp, and crabs.
It’s a technical spot that can unfortunately become quite expensive in lures (my dad restocks after every trip!). Yet, with good skill and under the right conditions, it can offer some superb catches. On that particular day, it was incredible, and my dad finished with a bang, catching a 63 cm bass using a small black Minnow.
As for my dad's technique to avoid snags and save on costs: he uses a jerkbait with a medium bib to swim at mid-depth.
"The best period for bass fishing is from September to November. Note that it is subject to quotas: two bass per day. Otherwise, there's the 'No Kill.' That's good too".
Good to know / Where is the fishing spot ?
No fishing permit is required for sea fishing. Squid fishing happens from October to May, peaking in December, January, and February. Make sure to dress warmly—during autumn and especially in winter, the wind can be icy.
How to get to the Solidor slipway?
By car (5 minutes from the intramuros) or on foot (15 minutes from the intramuros). The quay is located at Saint Servan, near the Tour Solidor, opposite Saint Père beach.
Also to visit in the area
I see you're talking about fishing in Saint-Malo!
Whether it's within the city walls at Saint-Malo or heading out to Saint-Servan or the Pointe du Groin, it seems like you've got some good spots to explore.
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