FEATURE | BUSINESS WITH...
ONE OF THE ONLY COUNTRIES IN EUROPE WHERE ANGLERS
CAN FIND SUCH A DIVERSITY OF FISH SPECIES IN ITS WATERS.
ANYTHING FROM NORTHERN COD TO SOUTH MEDITERRANEAN
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SWORDFISH AND OTHER EXOTIC SPECIES
such a diversity of fi sh species in its
waters – anything from Northern cod
to south Mediterranean swordfi sh and
other exotic species in between, not
to mention big carp and catfi sh, the
waterways and surrounding seas of
France have it all.
THE MARKET
The estimated number of anglers in
France is between 2.8 and 3 million,
taking in a varied selection of angling
disciplines .
Current fi gures suggest there are
1.6 million fi shing licences held,
which allows anglers to fi sh in public
freshwater. It is also estimated that
there are 700,000 saltwater anglers and
the same number that fi sh on private
waters also who don’t need licences.
These anglers contribute over €4 billion
to the economy, including direct and
indirect expenses related to fi shing
activities from boating to electronics,
tourism and other services.
ANGLING FEDERATIONS
There are 95 freshwater federations
that depend on FNPF (Federation
Nationale de la Pêche en France under
the Ecology ministry) looking after
3,700 angling associations. For saltwater
anglers there are two main federations
and a few hundred associations –
however no licence is required for this
activity.
BREAKDOWN OF DISCIPLINES
One of the largest angling sectors
in France is carp and catfi sh fi shing,
which accounts for around a quarter
of the market. One of France’s main
attractions is its variety of lakes where
carp anglers from all over the world
visit in pursuit of its resident and large
fi sh. France also has a buoyant predator
market which also accounts for a
quarter of angling participation rates.
Saltwater fi shing with lures and
surfcasting makes 18 per cent of the
market, match fi shing/general coarse
14 per cent and only eight per cent of
anglers get out into the sea, fi shing
from a boat. The percentage of anglers
targeting trout is eight per cent also
while the very distinct fl y fi shing
market comes in at just two per cent.
ANNUAL CONSUMER SPENDING
Annually it is estimated that anglers
spend between €450 million to €500
million solely on tackle and bait related
products. The bulk of this spend is
on fi shing accessories – some 60 per
cent. The majority of accessories will
be angler’s disposable terminal tackle.
FRENCH ANGLING DISCIPLINES BY %
TROUT ALL TECHNIQUES: 8 % FLY FISHING :2 %
PREDATOR: 25 %
PREDATOR: 14 %
SEA BOAT FISHING: 8 %
CARP AND CATFISH: 25 %
SEA LURE FISHING AND SURF CASTING: 18 %
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