Quentin Nespoulousis standing by Canal Saint Martin, a once run-down waterway in Paris that has been cleaned up and turned into a popular haunt for young bohemians.

Only this 19-year-old is not here for a hipster hangout or a canalside bistro, but to fish.

Nespoulous is part of a new wave of "street fishers" taking to the French capital's canals as well as the Seine, where pike, giant catfish and black bass have returned in large numbers to healthier waters.