Lure fishing is much more than just a fishing technique. It's a way of life, a passion that sometimes drives us to seek adventure far from our usual waters. Whether you're looking for exoticism, trophy fish or simply a change of scenery, certain destinations across Europe and around the world are proving to be veritable playgrounds for passionate anglers.
Today, we turn our attention to five destinations with rich cultures, contrasting landscapes and waters full of promise: the Portugal, Thailand, Algeria, Japan and Morocco. Here's an overview of these five fishing destinations These are just some of the points to bear in mind before casting your first lure.
Our article in brief:
Here are the key points to remember if you dream of fishing in one of these unforgettable fishing destinations:
- Portugal Lake Sabor and the Alqueva reservoir are great spots for fishing for black bass, pike and pike-perch.
- Thailand Mythical spots such as Bungsamran and Palm Tree Lagoon, where you can fish for giant fish such as barramundi, arapaïma and Mekong Giant Catfish.
- Algeria A little-exploited destination, but full of potential with its large dams, little-known lakes and warm welcome.
- Japan From Lake Biwa to the harbours of Tokyo, everything has been designed with the angler in mind.
- Morocco Black bass at altitude, tuna in the Atlantic and majestic dams. Between desert and mountains, a real diversity.
And above all, whatever your choice: think about your travel insurance. It can make all the difference when the unexpected happens.
- Portugal: Wild lands in a black bass paradise
- Thailand: Between tropical jungle and freshwater monsters
- Algeria: A little-known pearl for lure fishing
- Japan: Tradition and innovation for the fishing industry
- Morocco: Dams, rivers and the Atlantic Ocean
- The right thing to do before setting off for these fishing destinations: a well-prepared trip = relaxed fishing
Portugal: Wild lands in a black bass paradise
Still low on the radar of French fishermen, the Portugal is fast becoming one of the world's top destinations for lure fishing. With its wild lakes, deep rivers and mild climate all year round, the country is increasingly attracting anglers in search of powerful black bass, wary pike-perch and combative pike. Whether in the mountainous north or the more arid south, Portugal's fishing spots combine accessibility, fishing quality and breathtaking scenery.
- Where to fish? The Lake SaborThis jewel in the north-east of the country is one of the top spots for lure fishing. There is also the immense Alqueva damthe river Zêzere or the Castelo de Bode dam.
- Which species? : Black bass (numerous and large), pike perch (present and cunning), pike (successfully introduced), polecatfish...
- Techniques & lures : Stickbaits, frogs and crankbaits for black bass, soft lures and jigs for pike-perch, jerkbaits for pike. The clear waters often require fine, discreet fishing.
- Not to be missed A sunrise session on Lake Sabor, in a silent boat between misty hills. Silence, nature and thrills guaranteed.
- Insurance Portugal: Although Portugal is part of the European Union, it is advisable to check your health and liability cover before you leave. In addition to the European Health Insurance Card, you should take out a travel insurance including fishing can protect you in the event of an accident, loss of equipment or cancellation of your holiday.
Thailand: Between tropical jungle and freshwater monsters
Thailand is a small paradise for sport fishermen. Imagine casting a lure into the heart of a palm-fringed lake, in the muggy heat, and smelling an Giant Snakehead or a Chao Phraya Catfish It's one of Asia's most popular exotic fishing destinations.
- Where to fish? Fishing lakes such as Bungsamran or Palm Tree Lagoon have become legendary. But there are wilder options in the north and east of the country.
- Which species? : Snakehead, Arapaïma, Mekong Giant Catfish, barramundi…
- Techniques & lures : surface lures, frogs, large swimbaits for powerful species.
- Not to be missed A day's fishing in the jungle, followed by a spicy curry by the water.
- Insurance : It's often forgotten, but a travel health insurance Thailand is strongly recommended. Treatment can be very expensive if you have to go to hospital or have an accident on an isolated lake. A simple heatstroke or injury can quickly turn into a headache without suitable cover.
Algeria: A little-known pearl for lure fishing
Long sidelined, Algeria is slowly beginning to reveal its fishing potential. With its large dams, deep rivers and Mediterranean coastline, the country is full of little-exploited fishing spots. In our opinion, it is one of the most underrated fishing destinations, and one that is easily accessible from France.
- Where to fish? The Koudiat Acerdoune dam, the Lake Beni Harounor the rocky coastline near Béjaïa.
- Which species? : Black bass (introduced), pike, pole, carp, wolf (sea bass), sea bream…
- Techniques & lures : Shore fishing jerkbait or spinnerbait in freshwater, casting light at sea.
- Not to be missed The warm welcome from the local fishermen and the feeling of exploring almost untouched areas.
- Insurance : To avoid any unpleasant surprises, take out a travel insurance Algeria is highly recommended, especially if you plan to travel to remote areas or hire a vehicle.
Japan: Tradition and innovation for the fishing industry
Japan is a nation of passionate fishermen, obsessed with technicality, finesse and innovation. There, everything is designed for performance, but also for harmony with nature. To fish in Japan is to plunge into another lure culture.
- Where to fish? : The crystal-clear rivers of the prefecture of Nagano, the lakes such as Biwa (the country's largest) and the seaports of Tokyo Bay.
- Which species? : Black bass (very popular), rainbow trout, ayu, Japanese grouper (Hata), squid, Japanese bar…
- Techniques & lures Rockfishing, finesse, micro jigging, imitation lures such as floating insects or ultra-realistic shads.
- Not to be missed Tokyo's specialist tackle shops are a veritable Ali Baba's cave for lure addicts.
- Insurance : Make sure you have a compulsory travel insurance Japan for certain visas and strongly recommended for short stays. Even for a simple health incident, access to healthcare can be costly without appropriate protection.
Morocco: Dams, rivers and the Atlantic Ocean
Between desert and ocean, Morocco offers a diversity of landscapes and environments for lure fishing. There are some spectacular spots, sometimes at altitudes of over 1,000 metres, or on the edge of the windswept Atlantic Ocean.
- Where to fish? The Bin el Ouidane dam (a mecca for black bass), the Oum Er-Rbia river, or the coasts around Agadir and Essaouira.
- Which species? : Black bass, pole, carp, trout, bar (wolf), tuna, amberjack…
- Techniques & lures : Crankbait and frog for black bass, minnow and jerkbait at sea.
- Not to be missed A boat trip on a dam at sunrise, with the Atlas peaks in the background.
- Insurance : To travel with peace of mind, remember to take out your Travel insurance Morocco before departure. Quick to activate, it covers medical problems, cancellations or loss of equipment - a real plus for itinerant anglers.
The right thing to do before setting off for these fishing destinations: a well-prepared trip = relaxed fishing
Whether you're targeting a Moroccan pike, a Japanese black bass or a giant catfish in Thailand, leaving well insured is part of the responsible angler's equipment. A well-chosen travel insuranceadapted to your destination and practice, can make all the difference.
Whether you're attracted by the exoticism of Thailand, the wilderness of Algeria, the rigour of Japan or the authenticity of Morocco, each destination is a new page to write in your angler's notebook. Get your lure boxes ready, air your braids, and above all... open your eyes. Because these fishing trips are also human journeys.
What's your next lure fishing destination?
