Tribute to the world's artisanal fishermen

Guy d'Arco is currently the first prud'homme of the Prud'homie de pêche Tropézienne. The prud'homie is the building that houses the institution and the fishing equipment. The Saint-Tropez prud'homie is located on the port, at the beginning of the Jean-Réveille mole, a stone's throw from the fishing boats. It's also the place where we meet to chat in the shade, put the fish in the fridges and use the ice machine. The term "prud'homie" defines the institution that brings together fishermen and manages an area. The geographical area where the power of the Saint-Tropez prud'homme is exercised extends over some 65 kilometers of coastline, from the Pramousquier beach (municipal boundary between Rayol-Canadel and Lavandou) to the Garonnette beach (municipal boundary between Sainte Maxime and Roquebrune-sur-Argens).

The first prud'homme and his assistants have the power to draw up prud'homal regulations, and to make decisions and pass judgement on their entire constituency. They also represent the profession in dealings with local authorities and professional institutions such as the local fishing committee. The prud'homie manages the fishing and marketing of products. It also has an internal role of social support for its members and their families.

The Prud'homie tropézienne has invested in the fight against coarse fishing in order to preserve the traditional fishing trade. It also fights against pollution and tries to protect everything likely to harm the marine ecosystem.

Guy d'Arco works all year round. It's an activity that follows the seasons, respecting the environment and the catches. It's very important to respect the rhythm of reproduction, so as not to deplete marine resources prematurely. January and February are colinot season. May and June are lobster and Saint-Pierre. From August to October, it's sar, sea bream and red mullet.

At the start of the season, Guy's day begins at dawn. He sets sail on the "Louis Sébastien" to weed nets for crawfish, capon and bouillabaisse.

The "Louis Sébastien" is a wooden boat. Heavy and sturdy, it holds the sea perfectly and can also be sailed. Louis is the name of Guy's grandfather, a fisherman from Bonifacio, and Sébastien the name of his son. This exceptional martigane is much more than a working tool, it's the ally and accomplice of a lifetime.

Then, when the nets are hauled in, Guy returns to port.

Different types of nets are used depending on the type of fishing desired: lobster nets, Saint-Pierre nets, red mullet nets (smaller
), canvas nets for whiting, and larger canvas nets in winter for bass and sea bream. Their use depends on several
factors, such as currents, depths, species sought and weather conditions. But there's also knowledge of coastal topography and experience in the trade. Guy sometimes goes as far as off Dramont or Cap Camarat.

The fish will be sold to restaurateurs in and around Saint-Tropez, as well as to locals and tourists, at the Place aux Herbes fish market.