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The Grand Pavois Fishing is reaching a new milestone in 2026. The organizers have confirmed that all 35 spots available to registered teams are now fully booked, several weeks before the start of the show. Two invited crews will round out the field, bringing the total number of boats participating in the races scheduled for September 25 and 27, 2026, in La Rochelle to 37.
A format reserved for industry professionals
Unlike most offshore fishing competitions, the Grand Pavois Fishing brings together exclusively teams representing companies in the boating industry. Boat builders, outboard motor manufacturers, marine electronics specialists, and equipment suppliers make up the crews that will compete.
This format allows visitors to observe the equipment in its actual operating environment. The participating boats are out on the water during the fishing rounds, while the teams remain available on the docks to explain their technical choices and share their feedback.
A dedicated section for comparing fishing boats
The Fishing Area is now one of the main attractions at the Grand Pavois La Rochelle. Boaters considering the purchase of a boat for fishing can compare several types of vessels there, explore different engine options, and check out the latest developments in electronic equipment.
Echo sounders, GPS units, charting, onboard safety, cockpit layout, and fish hold configuration are among the topics regularly discussed with exhibitors. Sea trials complement this approach by allowing visitors to evaluate how the boats perform under real sailing conditions.
Key market players gather in La Rochelle
The 2026 edition will bring together a large number of brands present on the French market. Among them are Suzuki Marine France, Yamaha Motor Europe, Honda Marine, Mercury, Garmin, Furuno, Lowrance, Navicom, and Zeppelin.
Several companies will field multiple crews to showcase different boat configurations or engine setups. Yamaha Motor Europe will return with three teams and defend the title it won in the previous edition.
This year also marks the arrival of new participants. Zeppelin will make its first appearance in the competition. Pescavel will also join the field with a fishing catamaran custom-designed by this naval architecture firm based on the island of Oléron.
Yamaha will defend its title against tougher competition
The 2026 season promises to be particularly competitive. In 2025, the Yamaha ProFishing 3 team?composed of Yoann Houssais, Sylvain Lozier, and Nicolas Jeanne?secured victory with two strong performances, finishing first and then second for a total of 520 points.
The Yamaha ProFishing 1 finished in second place ahead of the Honda Marine Kerfil team. Last year, the French Fishing Guides and Instructors Association also made a name for itself with a fourth-place finish by an all-female crew consisting of Ingrid Chap, Amandine Mesrine, and Tatiana Marest, led by Guyto Sery.
With a full field and several new competitors, the standings remain wide open ahead of the first races.
An event that goes beyond the scope of competition
Over the years, the Grand Pavois Fishing show has established itself as a hub for networking among manufacturers, distributors, fishing guides, and recreational boaters. Technical demonstrations, training sessions on onboard electronics, and hands-on trials allow visitors to plan a purchase or equipment upgrade while benefiting from information provided directly by users.
The event is part of the Grand Pavois La Rochelle program, which will take place from September 22 to 27, 2026. The fishing competitions will be held on the mornings of Friday, September 25, and Sunday, September 27, 2026, in the waters off La Rochelle.
