©Matthieu Bollaert Discovering sea fishing on the Opal Coast with Matthieu Bollaert
Born in Calais, and passionate about fishing since childhood, he nevertheless traveled the world before returning to his native coastline. From Polynesia to New Zealand, via Australia and Indonesia, his travels have enriched his perspective on nature. Today, as a fishing guide on the Opal Coast, he shares much more than just technique: a true experience of the sea, based on discovery, education, and respect for the marine environment.
Where does your passion for sea fishing come from?
I've been fishing since I was a child. I started with my father here on the Calais coast, and I've also fished in freshwater. So I know this coastline very well.
Fishing also suits my personality very well. I like being in a quiet place, observing, taking the time to understand what's happening around me. At sea, you're constantly in contact with nature, and that's what I love about it.
Out of love for this region and to be closer to my family, I finally chose to return to Calais and turn my passion for fishing into my profession by becoming a fishing guide.
©Matthieu Bollaert For someone who has never done it before, what is a sea fishing trip like?
Teaching is at the heart of my outings. I trained as a sports instructor and I truly enjoy sharing my knowledge. My role is to guide people, teach them the basics, and introduce them to sea fishing in an accessible way.
I practice lure fishing and drift fishing, using the current to move around. The goal is not simply to catch a fish: it's to understand what you're doing and why you're doing it.
As a child, I would have loved to discover fishing at a school or meet a professional. Today, I want to offer this experience to others, especially children.
©Matthieu Bollaert Who are your outings aimed at? Do you need to know how to fish beforehand?
Not at all! I particularly enjoy welcoming families and children. Outings are done in small groups, which allows for a truly personalized experience.
Before each outing, I take the time to talk with the participants to find out their desires and their level. Then, I prepare the outing according to their expectations: the route, the spots and the teaching methods.
My vision of fishing is also based on an essential value: respect for nature and fish.
What species can be observed or fished off the coast of Calais?
I love showcasing the rich diversity of our coastline. You might encounter sea bass, mackerel, horse mackerel, or pollack. But a trip out to sea isn't just about fish!
You might also encounter seals, observe porpoises or sunfish, not to mention the numerous colonies of seabirds. This is also what I like to share: learning to observe everything around us.
©Matthieu Bollaert Beyond fishing, what makes a trip out to sea so special?
It's another way to discover our coastline. We all know Cap Blanc-Nez, the seafront or the cliffs, but have we ever seen them from the sea?
At high tide, when you can get close to the cliffs, the contrast is striking between the flatness of the sea and the immensity of the cliff. You find yourself in the middle of the waves, in a calm and wild environment, far from the rhythm of everyday life.
And above all, I like to explain what we observe: why bass hunt in certain places, how fish position themselves on sandbanks, why birds are present here… The idea is that everyone leaves with memories, but also with a better understanding of the marine environment.
What is the perspective on the coastline when viewed from the sea?
Sea Fishing Trip with Matthieu BollaertI guide between the Walde lighthouse and Cap Gris-Nez, and this route allows you to discover a coastline that you never see from land.
From the sea, one becomes aware that one is facing an environment in perpetual motion, wild and still very well preserved. It's another way of looking at the Opal Coast and understanding the natural wealth that lies right before us.