The Vendee offers many possibilities for both keen freshwater fishermen and beginners with its many rivers, lakes and canals. Sea fishing trips can be found all along the coast in the major resort towns and fishing off the beach is allowed in most places (you don't need a permit for this). There are also a few purpose-made fishing lakes, for trout etc - look for signs for "peche a la truite". Further afield there is the fishing park "Pescalis" at Moncoutant which is just over the border to the east in Deux-Sevres (see the link below).

What can you catch ?
In lakes and rivers and canals in the Vendee - bream, carp, pike, zander, perch, roach, chub, tench, eeels, catfish. In the sea - bass, mackerel, skate, conger, sea bream.

What permit do you need?
For freshwater fishing, a holiday fishing permit is available at tourist offices, tackle shops and some bar/tabaconists. Ask for a "carte peche-vacances". It costs about 30 Euros and is valid for any 15 day period within the summer fishing season (usually early June to end of September). You can fish anywhere which has public access (river banks, tow-paths, etc) unless there is a sign saying otherwise eg: "Peche Interdite" or "Peche Reservee" (No fishing) or "Prive" (Private).

Where to get bait?
Most large supermarkets have a fridge with bait - look for the fishing tackle section which is usually near the DIY and gardening. There are also specialist tackle shops in the major towns - ask a local for a "magasin d'articles de peche"

Rob Busby's article on fishing in the Vendee (thanks to Angela Bird for this)