the essential
The opening of predator fishing begins everywhere in France this Saturday, April 27 in the morning. In Tarn-et-Garonne, we will be able to launch our lines at 6:25 a.m. sharp. Pike or zander fishing attracts young people to the department.
Predator fishing has a common opening in all French departments. The start signal will therefore be launched this Saturday, April 27 at 6:25 a.m. to start fishing! This opening constitutes the second highlight of the year for fishermen, after the trout opening in March.
The pike fishing period on public land, in 1st and 2nd categories, opens each year on the last Saturday of April, everywhere in France. The closure will take place on the last Sunday of January of the following year, i.e. Sunday January 26, 2025. It will be possible to make the first casts half an hour before sunrise.
Strict rules
To participate, you must have a fishing license to avoid taking any risks during a check. The fishing license costs 7 euros for children under 12 years old to 110 euros for an interfederal card, there are different prices. However, it is possible to only take a day permit.
In recent years, catch windows have become widespread for pike, with precise rules regarding mesh size. This is the case in Tarn-et-Garonne which has opted for the 60-80 window for 2 years. “Fish below 60 cm and above 80 cm, we are obliged to release them in order to let them reproduce” explains René Delcros, the president of the fishing federation.
Predator fishing has many practitioners in Tarn-et-Garonne, particularly young people.
“We are optimistic, we have seen a considerable increase in the number of 12-18 year olds fishing near us, the next generation is assured!”, welcomes the president.
The best spots for pike and zander
René Delcros lists some places not to be missed for this opening. “For pike, fishermen can go to the Lafrançaise body of water: it is a municipal body of water which was given to the federation to manage this year. There are also pike in Lake Therondel at La Salvetat-Belmontet or on the Aveyron basin upstream, from Laguépie to the Piquecos ford. For zander, the best-known spots are the Tarn and Garonne lakes at Saint-Nicolas-de-la. -Grave and the entire Tarn river, notably the Moissac and Lizac sectors.”
