Senne fishing

The place of fishing in Martinique

Martinique is a small island that has a very special relationship with fishing! Its proximity to the sea makes it a breeding ground for fishermen who find their vocation in the proximity to the sea, an element that is very present in the lives of Martinicans. It was therefore impossible for this profession not to democratize and it has become one of the most important on the island since the 19th century.

Even though the fishing profession is in sharp decline due to globalization and the importation of seafood products, many fishermen still exist and sell their work on local markets

What is senne fishing ?

Seining is a traditional fishing technique that consists of using a circular fishing net of varying length from 100 to 600 m to catch fish by encircling them. This practice already existed 2,500 years before Christ, notably among the Egyptians.

Considered almost as a sport because it is so physical, senne fishing is also called “coup de senne” or “kout senn” in Creole.

Generally, two teams work in coordination to pull on one side of the net which is deployed in an arc of a circle, and thanks to this system, catch many fish drawn to the shore.

A fisherman underwater gives the “LA” and signals the arrival of a massive group of fish. The process takes on average a good half hour!

Senne fishing is marked by values of solidarity. Once the fishing is done, the long-awaited reward is finally there and can sometimes be counted in hundreds of kilos: sardines, coulirous and many others are present. It is then divided among the participants who receive a part of the well-deserved booty. Another part is sold at the market and is certainly gone in less than an hour, as fresh fish is very popular and in demand!

The younger generation has a tendency to abandon this traditional aspect, although it is not uncommon to see a few young people coming to help from time to time.

Where to shoot the senne in Martinique ?

Weather permitting, here are the places where you can practice senne fishing in Martinique or admire this hard work. These are generally the beaches of the northern Caribbean:

• Beach of Case Pilote
• Beach of Carbet
• Beach of Bellefontaine
• Seaside of Vauclin martinique
• Anse Dufour in Anses-d’Arlet
• Plage des Raisiniers in Trinité

The symbolic value of senne fishing

To witness this miraculous catch is to witness a great moment of solidarity and mutual aid. In unison, cries of pain, joy and joy are heard successively.

With or without experience, tourists as well as residents or followers of this practice, everyone is welcome to help catch as many fish as possible. The key word is therefore, CONVIVIALITY! To participate is also to take a leap back in time, to a time when motor boats did not exist and when you had to go out to sea by force of arms to hope to catch fish for dinner.

Senne fishing remained a moment of sharing that brought the community together around a precise and common goal.

What fish to catch in Martinique ?

There is a great diversity of fish species in the waters of Martinique. Here are some examples of fish that can be caught while fishing in Martinique:

• Bonito (all year)
• Kingfish (all year round)
• King mackerel (all year long)
• Snapper (all year round)
• Sea bream (early November)
• Swordfish (early November)
• Barracuda (from June)
• Sailfish (from June)
• Blue Marlin (from June)

Finally, seine fishing is one of the local activities that offer a warm and unique moment that deserves to be experienced. What a great moment of satisfaction when you cook a fish that you have caught yourself! You know what you have on your plate, where it comes from, how it was caught, etc. From A to Z, you have control over what you will be able to taste. Let’s hope that this practice finds an echo with the younger generation and that it is not lost with time and the burdens of daily life.