"I love mackerel fishing. It's a beautiful, streamlined fish that offers a great fight for its size. And in Saint Malo, I have two great fishing spots!"
Mackerel is probably the most well-known fish in Brittany, both for its taste and for fishing. Mackerel fishing is likely one of the simplest activities to enjoy from the shore, especially with family.
I've caught dozens at my two favorite spots, some even over 30 cm!
My two favourite fishing spots for mackerel in Saint Malo
Indeed, I have two clear hot spots:
The Rance Dam (heading towards Dinard)
The Saint Malo's jetty (intra-muros)
Besides fishing, these two places are worth a visit.
From the dam, you have a great walk (GR34) towards Dinard, where you overlook the entire bay. At low tide and with sunshine, it's beautiful. Otherwise, visit the dam (book your visit online via EDF). You'll be surprised by what's under this dam, and I'm not talking about fish
"At the mole, you get an unbeatable view of Dinard and Grand Bé. At sunrise and sunset, it's incredible!"
When can we fish mackerels ?
The mackerel starts arriving at the jetty from March in Saint Malo intra-muros.
Spring (April to June) remains by far the best period with enormous schools of fish. The tide level plays little role in the fish's presence, provided there's a minimum depth to ensure the passage of the schools.
However, weather can clearly have an influence, with a preference for cloudy days (avoid excessive heat and bright sunshine). These conditions allow mackerel to hunt the sand eels (their staple diet at the beginning of the season) more easily and discreetly
Read also: Fish sea breams at the Solidor docks in the late summer afternoon. A real moment of happiness !
How to fish at the jetty, Saint Malo old town
For fishing at the jetty, it's crucial to check the tide schedule beforehand. Fishing at the jetty is only possible during high tide, which ensures a depth of around 3 to 4 meters and guarantees significant fish activity.
I use a Blackminow from Fiish as it perfectly mimics the small sand eels found at the beginning of the season, swarming in the sands of the beach behind intra-muros, facing Dinard.
A jig like the Nabura Deka is also very effective for reaching fish located farther out. At the jetty, if you aim to catch a lot of fish, I suggest adding a feather rig as the risk of snagging is low due to the sandy bottom.
Typically, within 15 minutes, the first mackerel is caught, and the others follow quite consistently. Just like at the Rance barrage, it's also possible to catch some sea bass, horse mackerel, and bream at the jetty (use small pieces of squid, it works wonders).
"The jetty is a significant hunting ground for predators due to the currents related to the location of the jetty and the fishing port's activity."
How to fish on the Rance river's dam ?
"The advantage of this structure is that it's literally packed with trophy fish. For the bay fish, the dam is the 'eat as you can' deal."
The fishing at the dam is rather technical due to the strong currents linked to the tidal power station but also because of the rotation of the turbines. What makes fishing at the dam interesting is the volume of food 'spat out' by the turbines, attracting predators: mackerel and even bass.
The advantage of this structure is that it's literally packed with trophy fish. For the bay fish, the dam is an 'eat as you can' deal. Abundant, prepared food, and the largest fish are found there.
Important: Knowing which side to fish on (Rance side or sea side) according to the day and the movement (or lack of movement) of the turbines. To figure out where to position yourself, just watch the regulars and do as they do. They know the dam's secrets inside out!
To start, I advise against using the multi-lure rig because the bottom is very rocky, and jigs like Biastos Slow or Biastos Classic will be much more effective by fluttering rather than sinking vertically to reach the bottom. Weight the lure heavily because the current quickly drags your lures.
Another technique: ledgering (what most fishermen at the dam do). You use a 150g weight to stabilize your line, to which you attach a large soft lure in the current. While jigging, you can catch mackerel but also sea bream, pollack, weever, or big sea bream.
A lost sea bass, and a busted rod! My worst experience at the dam.
I was with two friends, about to leave. I cast my jig half-heartedly. Suddenly, a big strike. The "zzziiiiii" we all love. My rod bends into a deep U.
"I know it's a really big one. With the height of the dam, it's pulling really hard. I manage to bring the bass to the base of the dam. I reel it up a bit... and suddenly..."
One of the old regulars at the dam lowers a net to help me bring up the fish. And suddenly, a big head shake from the bass. No more pressure. It slipped off.
The bass just took off... with the top part of my rod.
It was my father's rod...
Good to know / Where are the fishing spots ?
No fishing permit is required for sea fishing.
If you are focused on mackerels, the best period is Spring. But the main advantage of these two fishing spot is that whenever you fish, it is always the good period for at least one specie (mackerels then dorado then sea bass). So many activities/traffic and so many food opportunities.
How to get there? By car if you go to the dam. Avoid the car if you choose the jetty. Car parks are very expensive.
Visiting around the dam Dinard and above all Dinand
The posh city of Dinard just after the dam. A perfume of La Grande Epoque.
Dinand, a must see in the area. Follow the very nice Rance river from La Richardais to Dinand. You can do it by car or by bicycle as there is a dedicated path.