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Fishing shows in France are not dead. That is the defiant message from MÉDUSOR, which has added a new show in St Etienne alongside its show in Royan in a move that it describes as a revival of fairs for fishing enthusiasts.
“Last month the historic fishing show, the Carrefour National de la Pêche des Loisirs (CNPL) in Clermont-Ferrand, threw in the towel after 35 years,” said MÉDUSOR in a press release. “At the same time the National Fishing Festival, initiated last year by the French trade body GIFAP (Groupement de l’Industrie Française d’Pièces de Pêche), announced that there will be no 2026 edition.
“After two very successful shows, we can confirm that the third Salon des Pêches de Royan will be held from April 24th to 26th. And that is not the only good news for French anglers. We are proud to announce that the first Salon des Pêches de St Etienne will take place from January 30th to February 1st.”
“Fishing shows are truly enjoyable opportunities to spend time with friends and family that share a common passion. On the agenda for MÉDUSOR shows are events held in a friendly atmosphere with networking opportunities, entertainment, a multi-generational appeal, happy exhibitors, large audiences and great deals.”
MÉDUSOR added it is ‘reconnecting’ exhibitors and visitors physically by increasing the number of fishing shows in France to meet the evolving expectations of anglers.
MÉDUSOR, based in south west France, is an organiser of sporting and cultural events across France and its commitment to the fishing sector has been hailed by arguably the country’s most famous fishing personality, Fred Jullian (left). He told Angling International: “The Royan show has been growing and growing since its launch and although it is fundamentally a sea angling show, it has increased its freshwater offer to become an all-fishing event with displays of rods, reels and lures.
“It is the biggest floating boat fair in Europe, attracting crowds of over 100,000 – more than Cannes. It is the future at least for sea fishing.”
Jullian added: “I do not see a future for either Clermont-Ferrand or the National Fishing Show. “The Royan show offers a real alternative.
“The decline of Clermont-Ferrand started before COVID. You could feel the unease of the exhibitors who believed that the event was becoming too expensive. Extravagant, big booths were the order of the day and it became an increasingly exorbitant exercise.
“During COVID the internet also came to the fore and it has become a dominant force in the sale of fishing tackle. A lot of the big brands pulled out – ultimately switching allegiance to their industry event in Nantes. Now that has suffered problems and has been postponed.”
Despite GIFAP insisting that its show will return next year, Jullian believes it will be difficult for the National Fishing Show to return. “The French market is damaged and it is difficult for GIFAP to come back. It is certainly not the future.”
Jullian added that Germany’s ANGELWELT has also become a European alternative for anglers in the region. “The event in Berlin has been rocking the place and has outperformed everyone. I really like the progressive track it has taken.
“It has appreciated the fact that influencers have become a core part of the show set-up. It is said that GIFAP spent a substantial amount of money on influencers last year. Yet, instead of making them the centre-piece of the show, they put them in small rooms on the periphery.
“Influencers are gaining in importance especially when it comes to choosing tackle and that importance should not be underestimated.”
