Where are the best fishing spots in Cote D'Azur, South of France? Preferably for big fish

Question

FishGPT · Accepted Answer

Ah, the Côte d’Azur in mid fall — where the sea glows like a postcard and the giants of the deep might just show up to say hello. If you’re chasing big game along the French Riviera, these spots and tactics will give you a fighting chance when the water starts to cool.

**Top big‑fish spots**
- **Cap d’Antibes / Antibes offshore** — drop-offs and rugged rocky bottoms create a magnet for big bluefin tuna, amberjack, and dentex. Go with a deep-trolling or live-bait setup. Tactics: run a 2- to 3-rod spread with large skirted lures and heavy jigs; keep a live sardine or mackerel on a separate short leader for a big bite. Best at dawn or dusk, when pelagics push shallower as the water cools. 🐟
- **Îles de Lérins (near Cannes)** — reef edges and wreckybanks around the Calanque area attract sturdy amberjack and dentex. Rig a bottom rig with 80–100 lb gear, and jig 150–400 g to reach the bite zone around 60–120 m. Early mornings and late afternoons can pay off when visibility is clear. 🪝
- **Golfe de Saint‑Tropez** — open-water pelagic action and deep channels host bigger tuna and robust reef fish. Trolling with deep-to-board lures or live-baiting with sardines is classic. Watch for Mistral days; on calmer mornings you’ll get more hook‑ups. 🎣
- **Cap Ferrat / Beaulieu area** — deep edges and shelf breaks invite big game species. A boat with offshore gear, a bait tank, and a captain who knows the currents is worth every euro here. Live bait, heavy leaders (80–100 lb), and patient long pitches can pay off in fall.
- **Villefranche-sur-Mer / Nice offshore canyons** — the deep-water channels near this coast hold big predators, especially when the thermocline tightens with seasonal cooling. Try a mix of surface pops, medium-speed trolling, and bottom-heavy jigging for dentex and amberjack.

**Seasonal notes for mid fall**
- Water temps around 18–22°C can still host active pelagics, but bites will often be shorter and more pocketed. Be ready to switch tactics quickly.
- The Mistral can blow seas up and chop visibility; plan flexible windows (calm mornings, late afternoons) and always check the day's wind forecast.
- Early fall light and crowds fade, so boats and reefs are less pressured—great for a patient angler with bigger gear.

**Gear & techniques (big‑fish ready)**
- Heavy tackle: 50–100 lb class for most tunas and reef kings; 80–130 lb if you’re chasing larger bluefin or swordfish in deeper pockets. Consider a stout stand‑up or conventional setup with a strong reel and braided main line.
- Lures & baits: large skirted trolling lures, deep-diving plugs, and powerful jigs (150–400 g). Live bait like sardines or small mackerel when legal and available.
- Techniques: offshore trolling with a 2–3 line spread, surface poppers for the occasional strike, and vertical jigging for reef species on structure edges.

**Local tips**
- Hire a local skipper for the best access to canyons, wrecks, and seasonal bluefin schools; they know the currents and the best drop zones for fall bites.
- Respect protected areas and seasonal limits; your captain will help with licensing and bag rules.
- Do a quick gear check before heading out: sturdy reel, braided line, strong leaders, extra jigs, and a plan B if the sea turns up.

Want to see real-world setups? Check out heavy‑game setups and tuna tactics here: [TRUSCEND Easy Catch Swimmax](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07GP1DL4K?tag=tacklenet-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1) • [Fishing Lures Multi Jointed Kit](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09J4CR24K?tag=tacklenet-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1) • [HALYXS Soft Minnow Lures](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FTTBYPFH?tag=tacklenet-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)

And if you want visual tactics, search for Mediterranean tuna voyages or cap d’antibes tuna fishing videos on YouTube for real-world action. Tight lines and may your next pull be a true giant! 🐟🌊🎣

Keep your grip steady, stay patient, and respect the sea—the Riviera has giants just waiting for a brave cast. You’ve got this! 🧭

General Questions

More Questions

Do you know where Hnausa, Manitoba, Canada is?

What lure should I use for fishing at Manly Rockwall?

What are the best early fishing spots on Lake of the Woods?

Tips for bass fishing Castaic Lake in winter?

hey im getting a new combo tomorrow a calcutta 100 paired with a 6’6, 4kg 7-20g rod what would be some good lures for the brisbane river in the city

Question is I am currently in Calgary, Evanston. Where should I fish if I plan to fish on Friday or Saturday?

What should I throw at this time of year, in a marina in Ottawa, Canada?

How to fish cobia in Hong Kong's Victoria Harbour?

Product Recommendations

TRUSCEND Easy Catch Swimmax, Magic Noisy Turbulent Wiggling and Vibrating Actions for More Bites, Segmented Swimbait Jointed by Dyneema Strongest Fiber, Lifelike Fishing Lures for Relax Family Fishing

Fishing Lures Multi Jointed Fish Fishing Kits, Slow Sinking Lifelike Swimbaits Crankbaits Hard Baits Lure Set, Fishing Gear for Bass Trout Pike Walleye, Freshwater Saltwater Predator Bait

HALYXS 7 pcs - Soft Minnow, Fishing Lures, Bass Lures, Treble Hook, Realistic Bait - Soft Plastic

HALF CRESCEN Fishing Lures Kit for Diving Bass/Trout/Pike with Lifelike Action, Fishing Gear Set for 2025 Xmas (Gift Box 1)

TRUSCEND Top Water Fishing Lures with BKK Hooks, Whopper for Freshwater or Saltwater, Floating Lure Bass Catfish Pike, Wobble Surface Bait Teasers Gifts Men

GOANDO Fishing Lures Kit for Freshwater Bait Tackle Kit for Bass Trout Salmon Fishing Accessories Tackle Box Including Spoon Lures Soft Plastic Worms

BOOYAH Pond Magic - Sunrise Craw - 3/16 oz - #0 Colorado/#3 Willow, Model:BYPM36715, Small

TRUSCEND Easy Catch Swimmax, Magic Noisy Turbulent Wiggling and Vibrating Actions for More Bites, Segmented Swimbait Jointed by Dyneema Strongest Fiber, Lifelike Fishing Lures for Relax Family Fishing

Community

🎣 French Riviera (Côte d'Azur), France

General Questions

fish

Between fishing early tomorrow morning (around daylight) and fishing Sunday afternoon - which would you recommend

Between fishing early tomorrow morning (around daylight) and fishing Sunday afternoon - which would you recommend

What is the best egi jig for an early-morning overcast day?

Product Recommendations

TRUSCEND Easy Catch Swimmax, Magic Noisy Turbulent Wiggling and Vibrating Actions for More Bites, Segmented Swimbait Jointed by Dyneema Strongest Fiber, Lifelike Fishing Lures for Relax Family Fishing

Fishing Lures Multi Jointed Fish Fishing Kits, Slow Sinking Lifelike Swimbaits Crankbaits Hard Baits Lure Set, Fishing Gear for Bass Trout Pike Walleye, Freshwater Saltwater Predator Bait

HALYXS 7 pcs - Soft Minnow, Fishing Lures, Bass Lures, Treble Hook, Realistic Bait - Soft Plastic

HALF CRESCEN Fishing Lures Kit for Diving Bass/Trout/Pike with Lifelike Action, Fishing Gear Set for 2025 Xmas (Gift Box 1)

TRUSCEND Top Water Fishing Lures with BKK Hooks, Whopper for Freshwater or Saltwater, Floating Lure Bass Catfish Pike, Wobble Surface Bait Teasers Gifts Men

GOANDO Fishing Lures Kit for Freshwater Bait Tackle Kit for Bass Trout Salmon Fishing Accessories Tackle Box Including Spoon Lures Soft Plastic Worms

BOOYAH Pond Magic - Sunrise Craw - 3/16 oz - #0 Colorado/#3 Willow, Model:BYPM36715, Small

TRUSCEND Easy Catch Swimmax, Magic Noisy Turbulent Wiggling and Vibrating Actions for More Bites, Segmented Swimbait Jointed by Dyneema Strongest Fiber, Lifelike Fishing Lures for Relax Family Fishing

Community

🎣 French Riviera (Côte d'Azur), France

Do you know where Hnausa, Manitoba, Canada is?

What lure should I use for fishing at Manly Rockwall?

What are the best early fishing spots on Lake of the Woods?

Tips for bass fishing Castaic Lake in winter?

hey im getting a new combo tomorrow a calcutta 100 paired with a 6’6, 4kg 7-20g rod what would be some good lures for the brisbane river in the city

Question is I am currently in Calgary, Evanston. Where should I fish if I plan to fish on Friday or Saturday?

What should I throw at this time of year, in a marina in Ottawa, Canada?

How to fish cobia in Hong Kong's Victoria Harbour?

fish

Between fishing early tomorrow morning (around daylight) and fishing Sunday afternoon - which would you recommend

Between fishing early tomorrow morning (around daylight) and fishing Sunday afternoon - which would you recommend

What is the best egi jig for an early-morning overcast day?