Fishing in Quiberon Bay: the complete guide, from the beach to the open sea
Quiberon Bay is a renowned seaside destination, but it's also home to an exceptionally rich marine ecosystem. May is the ideal time to discover or rediscover the pleasures of fishing, as nature awakens and the spring tides reveal whole swathes of foreshore.
In this comprehensive guide, we give you all the information you need to choose your type of fishing, to fish in good conditions, in complete safety and to respect this fragile environment. We also highlight our local partners who can accompany you and share their passion for the sea.
Offshore fishing for adventure in Quiberon Bay
For the more adventurous, deep-sea fishing promises a thrilling experience! Leaving the coast and heading for the horizon, you'll enjoy a unique break in the middle of the ocean. Whether you're a regular or a first-timer, the excitement of leaving the harbor is always the same.
Accompanied by professional guides, you'll set off to meet some of the most impressive fish in the world, including big bass, yelloweye or tuna for the more sporty. It's the perfect opportunity to discover Quiberon Bay from a different angle, breathe in the fresh sea air and, with a bit of luck, spot a few dolphins along the way!
Professional fishing guides in Quiberon Bay
The Bay's professional fishing guides are all qualified and share their passion for the sea and for fishing:
Feeling Pêche Quiberon
Pesk'Anim
Quiberon Fishing
Vincent JC
New 2026 regulations
Since February 2026, if you're planning a sea trip (alone or with a guide) to fish for sea bass, pollack, red bream or bluefin tuna, registration is now compulsory for those over 16.
Before getting on board, download the RecFishing application. Registration is free, valid for 12 months, and allows you to declare your catches (even if you release the fish). It's a civic gesture to help preserve our resources in Quiberon Bay!
Download the information flyer
What kind of fish can I catch in Quiberon Bay?
Species vary according to the technique you choose and the season.
Here are the main species you'll come across:
- sea bass: they come close to the shore to hunt in the foam or near oyster beds.
- sea bream: they arrive as the waters warm up in spring and summer, and love shellfish.
- sea bream: fished from the shore with marine worms
- Mackerel: often arrive in schools in late spring. They can be spotted by birds diving over the water.
- Oldsmelt : this fish lives in seaweed and rocks.
- Mullet : very common in harbors, it is often caught with small shrimp. A wary but very powerful fish.
- sole and plaice: sand up on beaches and are fished mostly at night or in rough seas
- skate : sometimes encountered by surfcasting on long sandy beaches
- Pollack: in 2026, regulations will prohibit its capture (even from the shore) between January 1 and April 30.
Caution! For some species, it is compulsory to mark fish (cut off the tail) as soon as they are caught, in order to combat illegal resale. Be sure to bring a pair of scissors! Find out more about the species affected by this decree in Morbihan
Fishing on foot in Brittany to the rhythm of the tides
Fishing on foot is the perfect way to spend a weekend with family, couple or friends. When the sea recedes for hundreds of meters, it reveals a fascinating world of shellfish and crustaceans.
Before setting off, be sure to check the weather forecast and the day's tide times to make the most of it.
On which beaches can you fish on foot in the Bay?
- Port Biren beach in La Trinité-sur-Mer
- Beaumer beach, Carnac
- Plage de la Falaise, Locmariaquer
- Kerouriec beach, Erdeven
- Pradic beach, Etel
On which rocky points can you fish in the Quiberon area?
Pointe de Kerbihan, La Trinité-sur-Mer
Pointe Men er Belleg, Saint-Philibert
Pointe du Conguel, Quiberon
Please note! The Penthièvre Baie aux Sables Blancs area is currently under biological rest. All fishing activity is prohibited for an indefinite period.
What shellfish can be found in Quiberon Bay?
On the beaches, you'll find cockles, clams, razor clams, periwinkles, barnacles, shrimps and crabs.
As for the rocky points, you'll find mussels, barnacles, curlers, tellins, cockles, clams, razor clams, prawns, scallops and periwinkles.
Foot fishing that respects Brittany's biodiversity
Respecting beaches and rocky points
When you turn over a rock, it's very important to put it back in place. It's not always obvious to the naked eye, but many algae and micro-organisms live under rocks, sheltered from the sun. Discovering them exposes them to certain death.
Respecting shellfish development
To make sure you don't pick a shell that's too small, the easiest way is to use a ruler to check whether it's above the minimum size.
Where can I find a measuring ruler for shellfish harvesting?
- In our tourist offices
- In fishing tackle stores
- As a printable version
- On a downloadable fishing application
Learn to fish on foot with an enthusiastic guide
To discover the secrets of the foreshore and identify species while respecting the environment, take part in an introductory outing with our partners:
In Carnac from May: https: //www.baiedequiberon.bzh/a-voir-a-faire/agenda/decouverte-de-l-estran-et-de-la-peche-a-pied
In La Trinité-sur-Mer from July 1: https: //www.baiedequiberon.bzh/a-voir-a-faire/agenda/initiation-a-la-peche-a-pied-2
Other outings may be added as the weeks go by.
Shore fishing in Brittany
Cork fishing: the preferred technique of families and senior citizens
This is the simplest and most convivial technique, particularly suited to harbor quays.
Why is cork fishing ideal for families?
Cork fishing is the school of patience par excellence! A fishing rod, a pretty, colorful cork and a little bait, and children can quickly get to grips with this rewarding activity. It's a great way to spend some quality family time outdoors, while keeping the kids busy in an enjoyable way.
Is cork fishing suitable for seniors?
Cork fishing is also a perfect activity for seniors. It's a great way to enjoy the spectacle of the harbor, the boats coming in and out, and a pleasant pastime that doesn't require strenuous physical effort. Install your folding seat and enjoy a moment of relaxation while breathing in the iodized air of Brittany.
When is the best time to fish?
The best times for shore fishing are often around sunrise and when the tide has finished coming in. This is when fish activity is most intense.
Surfcasting on the beach in Brittany
Surfcasting is another way of fishing from the shore, but this time from the beach. Unlike fishing on foot, where you wait for the sea to recede, here you take advantage of the movement of the waves. The idea is to cast your bait far enough out into the water to reach the fish that are feeding close to shore.
It's a little more physical than cork fishing, but less tiring on the legs than fishing on foot, where you walk for miles over slippery rocks.
It's the perfect activity for those who want a little more thrill without having to take a boat!
Always keep an eye out for rising water, especially on gently sloping beaches, and respect bathing areas if you're fishing during the day in summer.
How should you equip yourself for fishing in Quiberon Bay?
Clothing
In spring, the weather can sometimes be deceptive. Bright sunshine can mask a cool wind. To be prepared for all situations, it's best to pack several layers of clothing, which you can adapt to suit the moment. A waterproof windbreaker is essential to keep you dry and protected from the wind.
Boots, water slippers or non-slip shoes, depending on the type of fishing you do, will keep you comfortable and prevent you from slipping.
Fishing equipment
- a wicker basket or clean bucket
- a hand rake to scrape away sand or silt
- a clam knife
- a landing net
- measuring tape
- a pair of binoculars if you wish to observe seabirds at the same time
The ideal equipment for cork fishing
We've provided a list of the equipment you'll need for cork fishing, but you can adapt this list according to what you already have, and start with more minimalist equipment if you're a beginner.
- a 3.50 m to 4.50 m rod of the English or fine telescopic type. It should be long enough to guide the cork but light enough not to tire your arm.
- a small reel (size 2500 or 3000) filled with fairly fine nylon (20/100 to 25/100)
- pear-shaped or elongated floats weighing from 5g to 20g
- split shot to balance the float
- fluorocarbon leaders with n°6 to n°10 hooks, depending on bait size
- baits: prawns, worms
- landing net
- fishing bucket
- a disgorger to remove the hook cleanly if the fish has swallowed it a little deeply
The ideal equipment for surfcasting
As for cork fishing, we suggest this list of equipment, but you can adapt it according to what you already have. Please note, however, that your equipment must be strong enough for surfcasting.
- a 4.20 m to 4.50 m fishing rod capable of casting heavy weights of 100g to 200g. A long rod will keep your line above the waves to prevent the current from bringing your rig back too quickly.
- a large reel (size 7000 to 10000) with plenty of line capacity, treated against salt corrosion
- quality nylon line (30/100 to 40/100) is ideal for beginners, as it is elastic and absorbs wave shocks well
- 100g to 150g sinkers: their rods are anchored in the sand so that your line doesn't drift with the current.
- leaders with 2 or 3 hooks for a variety of baits
- a tubular rod holder for planting in the sand or a more stable tripod for mixed soils or if you're fishing with two rods simultaneously
- a fishing backpack to keep your tackle dry and protected from the sand
- multi-purpose pliers for unhooking fish or cutting line
- bait: marine worms, shrimp, crab pieces, cuttlefish or squid pieces
- a fishing bucket
- a disgorger to remove the hook cleanly if the fish has swallowed it a little deeply.
Equipment for offshore fishing
Your fishing guide will provide you with all the equipment you need for offshore fishing.
Essential safety reflexes for all types of fishing
The sea is a living environment subject to variations in sanitary quality, particularly after heavy rains or when temperatures rise in early summer.
Before going out, check the sanitary status of shellfish in Quiberon Bay.
Temporary bans are regularly imposed due to natural toxins or bacterial contamination. Eating shellfish from a closed area presents a real health risk!
Fishing in 2026 in Brittany: an ethical and sustainable practice
Recreational fishing is a way of preserving the environment.
No-Kill
Putting your fish back in the water after a souvenir photo is a gesture that ensures the future of sport fishing.
Zero waste
Abandoned fishing lines are deadly traps for birds. Leave absolutely nothing behind.
Reasonable consumption
It's important to respect the sea and to fish and harvest only what you need. This avoids throwing away fish, shellfish or crustaceans harvested or caught in excess.
Now you know everything you need to know about fishing in Quiberon Bay!