Vue panoramique du port de Pruprià (Propriano)
In southern Corsica, the port of Prupià (Propriano) awakens at first light, bathing the Gulf of Valinco in golden light. At dawn, set sail on a fishing trip in the Corsican sea alongside a local fisherman. Thanks to pescatourism , enjoy an authentic experience aboard a traditional boat, spending a few hours at sea discovering the unexpected treasures of the Mediterranean.
Loris Tamburini, a fishing guide for Escale Pêche for over 12 years, will be waiting for you at the Prupia harbour quay at 6am. Coming from a family of fishermen, he knows Corsican waters like the back of his hand. After two years of training in the merchant navy, Loris obtained his fishing instructor/guide diploma. His 11-metre by 4-metre boat, the Leria, was built in a shipyard in Brittany based on the American ‘open’ model.
The boat is equipped with two 250 hp outboard motors. Its design ensures stability and speed, even in bad weather. On board, everything has been designed to optimise your fishing experience, from the 30 rod holders to the 200-litre livewell used to keep the bait alive.
Local fishing boat ©Adobe Stock
The sea trips take place aboard traditional boats. Unlike traditional tourist trips, you will take part in a real fishing session while observing the work of professionals. After 30 minutes of sailing, you will reach the first fishing spots. Loris will then introduce you to the different techniques depending on the sea trip you have chosen.
Three options are available in the Gulf of Valincu :
Coastal fishing takes place at the end of the day. Departure is at around 4 p.m. for a duration of 4 hours. The technique is similar to broumé fishing. The boat is stationary, the bait is placed on the water, and then each participant sets up their fishing line. The activity is accessible to beginners and experienced fishermen alike, and even to children aged 6 and above. The price is €90 per fisherman and €40 per accompanying person.
For big game fishing at dawn (from 6 a.m. to 12 p.m.), the boat is kept at a depth of 60 to 100 metres. Baiting is carried out between two waters in order to attract pelagic fish such as tuna. Rods are set at various depths. When a fish is caught, everyone helps to reel it in.
This experience is recommended for children aged 12 and over. The price is €180 per angler (€200 in August-September) and €70 per accompanying person.
Loris adapts his techniques to the sea and weather conditions:
Good to know: tips for your sea trip
Before setting sail, a few precautions are necessary:
The fisherman is responsible for the safety of all participants on the sea trip. His instructions regarding behaviour, particularly during fishing operations, must be followed.
Pescatourism, or pescaturisimu in Corsican, contributes to the preservation of the island's maritime heritage and diversifies the activities of fishermen.
In Corsica, the project is supported by:
Funding comes from the European Fund for Maritime Affairs, Fisheries and Aquaculture (EMFF), with the support of the Corsican Environment Office (OEC) and Interreg MED. The Corsican Tourist Board (ATC) works to promote the sustainable development of pescatourism. It facilitates relations between the various stakeholders.
Corsican fisherman and nets ©S.ALESSANDRI ATC
In addition to traditional fishing packages, L'Escale Pêche offers a heavenly 10-hour day trip. The package includes exploring the gulf, fishing, swimming stops, and lunch in a fisherman's hut on a wild beach. You can enjoy your own catch or meet a local fisherman.
When you return to port, you will leave the boat with much more than just fresh fish. This sea trip will leave you with memories of a maritime tradition that continues to this day.
Fishing tourism reveals a little-known side of Corsica. From the deck, the shores of Valincu rise up before you while the fisherman shows you the sea bream and grouper that inhabit these waters. Far from the hustle and bustle of the beaches, you are here, on the water, discovering the authentic Corsica, the daily life of fishermen.
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