How can you understand the tides to fish successfully from the shore? When is the best time?

Understanding the tides for successful shore fishing Shore foraging is directly linked to the rhythm of the tides. The further the sea recedes, the more of the foreshore* it reveals : this area between land and sea where shellfish and crustaceans are found. This is where the tidal coefficient comes into play. Expressed as a number, it indicates the range of the tide: the higher the coefficient, the further the sea recedes , revealing a larger fishing area. What should you look out for when you’re just starting out? For your first trip out, there’s no need to aim for a high tidal range at all costs. The main thing is to: check the time of low tide (when the sea is at its furthest out), arrive 1½ to 2 hours before this time, and head back as soon as low tide is reached, without waiting for the water to come back in. Even an average tidal range (around 50–70) offers plenty to discover, especially with children. >>> Check the tide times

Why are spring tides so appealing to shore fishermen?

During spring tides (high tidal coefficients, from 80–90), the foreshore is exposed more extensively and for longer. Areas that are usually submerged become accessible , offering greater diversity, more space and more interesting sights to observe. It’s also more spectacular: you really get the impression that the sea has ‘receded a long way’. But be careful: these tides attract large crowds and require extra caution, as the sea can rise again very quickly. >>> Check the tide times

What should you do with your catch when you get home?

Once you’ve finished fishing, there are a few simple steps you can take to enjoy your catch safely. Whilst you’re still out and about, store your catch in a well-ventilated, shaded and cool spot , covered with a damp cloth or a handful of fresh seaweed washed up on the foreshore. When transporting it, use a cool box if possible. At home, wash your catch thoroughly under running tap water , then store it in the coldest part of the fridge . Ideally, eat it on the same day, or within 48 hours at the latest . 👉 For mussels, it is recommended that you cook them for at least 5 minutes and never eat any whose harvest date or storage conditions you do not know.

Is fishing allowed anywhere on the beaches?

There is no ‘secret spot’ reserved for those in the know. Shore fishing is mainly practised amongst the rocks , where biodiversity is at its greatest. By observing the foreshore, anyone can learn to spot the best areas: pools of water, isolated rocks, mussel beds… In the Dieppe-Normandy region, shore fishing is possible on all the beaches , notably: Dieppe, Puys, Pourville-sur-Mer, Petit Ailly, Vasterival (Varengeville-sur-Mer) and Sainte-Marguerite-sur-Mer. >>> Find out more about our beaches 👉 Each spot has its own characteristics: ideally, take the time to observe and adapt to the conditions on the day.

How long does a shore fishing trip last?

A shore foraging trip usually lasts between 1 and 2 hours , making it ideal for families with young children. There’s no need to stay for long: the main thing is to arrive before low tide, take the time to look around, and then head back up at a leisurely pace as the tide comes in. It’s better to have a short, enjoyable outing than a fishing trip that’s too long and tiring.

Do you need any special equipment for shore fishing?

No, beachcombing is a simple activity that requires very little equipment . For a successful outing, all you need are a few essentials: a bucket , a small landing net (or push net ), a knife , a measuring ruler to ensure you comply with size regulations, and, above all, good footwear to prevent you from slipping on the rocks. Depending on the season, wellies or water shoes , weather-appropriate clothing and perhaps a pair of gloves can make things more comfortable. There’s no need to invest in specialist kit: the main thing is to wear suitable footwear, be aware of your surroundings and respect the natural environment.

Is it possible to go shore fishing without eating what you catch?

Yes, absolutely. Shore fishing can also be an activity centred on observation and discovery , without taking any creatures. Searching under rocks, identifying species, observing their behaviour and then returning them to the water is an excellent way to explore the foreshore, particularly with children.

Are there any guides or supervised outings to try your hand at shore fishing?

Yes, but only on certain dates. The activity leaders at the Estran Cité de la Mer organise nature outings to explore the coastline , during which shore fishing is introduced in an educational and environmentally friendly way. These activities run from April to October , on specific dates listed in the calendar . Shore fishing is also included in some of the activities at the Jardin des Mers , a summer programme specially designed for children. 👉 A fun and supervised way to understand the richness of the sea… and to learn the right way to do things.

Family Shore foraging in Dieppe | Tips & beaches

Contents

Making memories, to the rhythm of the sea

It takes just a few steps along the foreshore for the magic to begin. The lapping of the water, the salty scent, the muffled sound of pebbles beneath your boots: shellfish gathering awakens the senses from the very first moments.

Children crouch down, curious, whilst adults take the time to point things out, explain and pass on their knowledge. Under a rock, a periwinkle; in a puddle, a shrimp darting away. We observe, we choose, we respect.

Then comes the simple pleasure of the return journey, proud of our little haul, ready to cook it together. Here, it’s not the quantity that counts, but the time spent together.

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Peche Pied Famille Plage Varengevillev.rustuel Sma
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V. Rustuel / SMA

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Plage Dieppe Peche A Pied Famille Nos Coeurs Voyageurs 1
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Nos Coeurs Voyageurs

Everything you need to know to get started

On the beaches of Dieppe, Pourville-sur-Mer or Varengeville-sur-Mer, shore fishing offers a wonderful variety of finds: mussels, periwinkles, grey shrimp or bouquets, velvet crabs*… No need for complicated kit: a bucket, a small landing net (or ‘pousseux’ in the Norman dialect!), a knife, a measuring ruler and, above all, sturdy shoes are all you need.

It’s easy to organise as a family, even for a short session, making it ideal with young children. Shore fishing can be enjoyed all year round, provided you stickto the tide times and follow the regulations. It’s a spontaneous, educational activity that’s deeply rooted in the Dieppe way of life.

Caution, vigilance and respect for nature

To ensure the enjoyment lasts

Check the weather forecast (do not set off in foggy or stormy conditions) and the tide times. Set off before low tide and head back as soon as low tide occurs.

Make sure your kitis suitable for the weather. Always wear shoes: weever fish* lurk in the sand and the rocks are slippery. Under no circumstances should you walk at the foot of the cliffs; stay at least 100 metres away.

Take a watch and a fully charged mobile phone with you, and check the mobile signal when you arrive. The emergency number to dial is 196.
Do not go off on your own to an unfamiliar place, and let someone know what time you expect to return.

I’m looking at the leaflet ‘Fishing Smart, Fishing Sustainably’

Shore foraging is permitted but subject to regulations designed to protect the natural environment.

Always put rocks back where you found them – use gentle fishing techniques (no raking or pulling up),
Release females carrying eggs,
Only take what you intend to eat (maximum 5 kg).

Minimum sizes to be observed in Seine-Maritime:

Mussels: 4 cm
Crab: 6.5 cm
Grey shrimp: 3 cm
Bouquet prawn: 5 cm – Please note that fishing for bouquet prawns is permitted from the last Saturday in June until 31 January of the following year.
Spider crab: 12 cm – Edible crab: 15 cm

📎 Official information:

Are you a beginner, or do you have any questions before you set off?
Here you’ll find answers to the most frequently asked questions about shore fishing in Dieppe and the surrounding area.

How can you understand the tides to fish successfully from the shore? When is the best time?
Understanding the tides for successful shore fishing
Shore foraging is directly linked to the rhythm of the tides. The further the sea recedes, the more of the foreshore* it reveals: this area between land and sea where shellfish and crustaceans are found. This is where the tidal coefficient comes into play. Expressed as a number, it indicates the range of the tide: the higher the coefficient, the further the sea recedes, revealing a larger fishing area.
What should you look out for when you’re just starting out?
For your first trip out, there’s no need to aim for a high tidal range at all costs. The main thing is to:
- check the time of low tide (when the sea is at its furthest out),
- arrive 1½ to 2 hours before this time,
- and head back as soon as low tide is reached, without waiting for the water to come back in.
Even an average tidal range (around 50–70) offers plenty to discover, especially with children.
>>> Check the tide times
Why are spring tides so appealing to shore fishermen?
During spring tides (high tidal coefficients, from 80–90), the foreshore is exposed more extensively and for longer. Areas that are usually submerged become accessible, offering greater diversity, more space and more interesting sights to observe. It’s also more spectacular: you really get the impression that the sea has ‘receded a long way’.
But be careful: these tides attract large crowds and require extra caution, as the sea can rise again very quickly.
>>> Check the tide times
What should you do with your catch when you get home?
Once you’ve finished fishing, there are a few simple steps you can take to enjoy your catch safely. Whilst you’re still out and about, store your catch in a well-ventilated, shaded and cool spot, covered with a damp cloth or a handful of fresh seaweed washed up on the foreshore. When transporting it, use a cool box if possible.
At home, wash your catch thoroughly under running tap water, then store it in the coldest part of the fridge. Ideally, eat it on the same day, or within 48 hours at the latest.
👉 For mussels, it is recommended that you cook them for at least 5 minutes and never eat any whose harvest date or storage conditions you do not know.
Is fishing allowed anywhere on the beaches?
There is no ‘secret spot’ reserved for those in the know. Shore fishing is mainly practised amongst the rocks, where biodiversity is at its greatest. By observing the foreshore, anyone can learn to spot the best areas: pools of water, isolated rocks, mussel beds…
In the Dieppe-Normandy region, shore fishing is possible on all the beaches, notably: Dieppe, Puys, Pourville-sur-Mer, Petit Ailly, Vasterival (Varengeville-sur-Mer) and Sainte-Marguerite-sur-Mer.
>>> Find out more about our beaches
👉 Each spot has its own characteristics: ideally, take the time to observe and adapt to the conditions on the day.
How long does a shore fishing trip last?
Do you need any special equipment for shore fishing?
No, beachcombing is a simple activity that requires very little equipment. For a successful outing, all you need are a few essentials: a bucket, a small landing net (or push net), a knife, a measuring ruler to ensure you comply with size regulations, and, above all, good footwear to prevent you from slipping on the rocks.
Depending on the season, wellies or water shoes, weather-appropriate clothing and perhaps a pair of gloves can make things more comfortable. There’s no need to invest in specialist kit: the main thing is to wear suitable footwear, be aware of your surroundings and respect the natural environment.
Is it possible to go shore fishing without eating what you catch?
Are there any guides or supervised outings to try your hand at shore fishing?
Yes, but only on certain dates.
The activity leaders at the Estran Cité de la Mer organise nature outings to explore the coastline, during which shore fishing is introduced in an educational and environmentally friendly way.
These activities run from April to October, on specific dates listed inthe calendar. Shore fishing is also included in some of the activities at the Jardin des Mers, a summer programme specially designed for children.
👉 A fun and supervised way to understand the richness of the sea… and to learn the right way to do things.

“I grew up going shellfish-hunting with my family. Now I do it with my own children. They spend their time rummaging under the rocks, marvelling at a crab or a prawn, and talking about their finds as if they were treasures. We never bring much back, but we always return with wonderful memories.”