I catch my first fishin the pond of Poulloguer

I catch my first fish

Great, it’s the big vacations! But what to do with my 5 year old daughter, full of life and curious about nature? Let’s get off the beaten track, head south for a snorkeling trip in our Breton rivers without mask or snorkel. Today, we are going to test the fishing of her first fish!

Getting there

Ready for the discovery

At the Tourist Office of Lannion, we were given the leaflet with all the dates adapted to my pitchoune. I even think that moms, who know nothing about it, can try it… Boots on our feet and snack bag on our backs we are ready for the experience!

The pond of Poulloguer, to begin, it is perfect!

Here, we have the chance to have several small ponds arranged and made safe… Ideal with the young children! Appointment at 2:30 pm, we arrive quietly on the parking lot. We are welcomed by a panel that indicates us, on plan, the equipment and the different environments of this natural space.

From flax growing to ecotourism

We learn that this pond, created by man in the XIII^th century, was used for retting flax before turning the mill wheel. Today, an ecotourism project combines a stopover lodge set up in the mill, a 1.5 km discovery trail and cultural facilities on 9,000 m², in the open air. Enough to enjoy it in complete safety! Finally, we join the group that has formed near the green theater, around the animator.

Dis mom, what is spearfishing?

It’s going to be a vocabulary-filled day! Blow fishing, shoeing the fish, baiting, baiting… But the learning doesn’t stop there. The instructor has brought with him all the necessary equipment and distributes it to everyone: rod, line, hook, bucket… He goes through everything, showing us each object we touch. He goes on to give us a recipe for the preparation of the bait. From wading with her hands in the water, Manon is delighted!

Listening and learning

The interest is captured and despite her young age, Manon scrupulously follows the instructions. She listens carefully to how to set her hook, cast her line, unhook the fish. She even remembers the names of the fish she will catch in the pond, thanks to the drawing board. We move to the stage of the good gestures. On the grass, as if for real, she positions herself and casts the line. “Too low, Mom!”

Then comes the practice

We’re ready for a real-life situation. We cross the road to position ourselves along the bank. Each one at a good distance from each other, so as not to catch fish with 2 legs. And here we go to catch our first fish. Manon throws her pellets of bait which are diffused in the water to attract the fish. She sets up her rod and waits patiently. But soon she shouts, mom, I caught a fish, my rod is pulling.

Finally the first catch!.

She then pulls the little fish out of the water and with the help of the instructor does a little memory work. What’s his name again, this one? I think it’s a small roach. Do you remember how to take it off the hook? No, and I’m afraid to hurt it. No worries, the instructor guides her and helps her to do the right thing. She takes it in her hands to show it to me. Too proud of her !

On the way home I get a “Say mom, can we do it again ?” “Yes, and if you want, there are also dates to learn how to catch fish from the river.”