Sunday morning came and the weather was atrocious when I picked Harry up at 6am, the wind was threatening to blow the van off the road! The 90 mile journey took a little longer than usual but we arrived to a cheery welcome from owner Andy Seery. He really does have the knack of cheering people up he is so enthusiastic about his fishery, rightly so as it is one of the best in the country.

A dribbling wind

After a coffee it was time for the draw and I pulled out peg 1 on Tanners, great says Andy, ‘You will do well off there the wind is just dribbling into that corner it will be perfect’ I left his office full of confidence looking forward to having a peg sheltered from the increasing wind. When I got there I couldn’t believe my eyes, I might just has well be fishing in the sea! The wind was pounding into my peg with a real vengeance; as it is an end peg near to the corner the waves were bouncing back causing quite a swell. As I was tackling up I actually felt sea sick the water was pounding under my platform causing it to rise and fall as if I was in a boat, I made a mental note never to believe that Hammers fan again!

It was obvious that I couldn’t fish the long pole today so I plumbed for two lines one at 4m and the other  just short of 6m. With the rig in the water before the match I found there was no tow and I could get away with a .5 gram float and I chose a Cralusso Capri.  I had a kilo of groundbait which was Mosella Select and Swimstim mixed, three pints of casters and a kilo of worms with me, well I did have a kilo until an extra strong gust sent half of them flying into the edge, Oh man was it windy Wait till I see that Mr Seery, wind just dribbling into the corner!

Shallow man

I fed a couple of balls of groundbait on each line and started on the close one but it was a slow start. Moving out and I started getting a few fish but again no fires were going to be lit. There were loads of fish topping and some looked a good stamp, it actually prompted me to get a shallow rig out despite the choppy conditions. Loose feeding casters I started getting some roach, they were not big but I couldn’t see much happening so I stuck to it catching quite quickly at 6m. There was the odd good fish amongst them as well which kept me interested. I kept potting in some caster and chopped worm to get something to the bottom for later.

There were a couple of bank walkers around and as there was a bench behind they stopped for awhile all told me what I already knew, that I was on the windiest peg on the complex! They also said that a few fish were been caught in the more sheltered pegs with possibly 20lb best weight. I figured I was just in double figures with half the match to go so if I could find a better stamp it was still game on.

The last two hours

Trying on the deck with worm and I had a good skimmer followed by a stamp roach, this made me change my approach and I put on a cad pot and gave them a capful of bait every drop in and it worked a treat I had some lovely fish until the last 30 minutes when it went a bit quite. I really enjoyed the match despite the wind nearly blowing me away! The scales came around to me ( I was last to weigh) with the news that Harry was winning with 37lb followed by Barry on the next peg to him with 31lb, There were two 20lb weights on my bank. I put 29lb of fantastic looking silvers on the scales to take third place. On the way home both Harry and I were full of praise for the venue we had a really good days fishing. Incidentally Harry was on peg 35 diagonally opposite me we both thought each other was struggling as neither saw us catch any fish!

Mawgan on Wednesday

After last week’s success at the prolific Mawgan Porth I couldn’t wait for Wednesday to come around I was really looking forward to getting amongst those hungry carp, even though it was a small match I just wanted to be there fishing. Walking around the lake before the draw blew any cobwebs away as the wind was belting down the lake straight on to peg 41 the one I was standing on, what’s more it was a cold wind that had some rain in it. I felt sorry for the person that drew this peg today as presentation was going to be a nightmare. Oh well never mind, none of that mamby pamby pegging people out of the wind at Mawgan Porth, to be fair it was windy on all of the pegs just one was worse than the others!

Mick Heacock talked me into that peg, he went on and on about how I always draw the windiest peg and that my name was on it, I couldn’t look when I had my dip, all I did was show him the peg in my hand, that simple act was accompanied by raucous laughter and I knew exactly where I was fishing for the day!

Arm ache, not by catching!

This was hard today I fished at 4m straight in front of me and was left scratching my head as I had not had a bite with 90 minutes gone. I knew that the fish would be in the weed but as that was 12m away really didn’t fancy fishing long. I was having problems throwing bait to 4m so I knew I would have no chance feeding accurately at 12m. Eventually I had no option but to go long. There was not a great deal being caught but if I was to stay in contention I had to go out to that weed.

First drop out feeding by cad pot resulted in a fish! It was a pesky skimmer that didn’t count but at least I had a bite! It wasn’t long before I had a carp followed by a few more. I just couldn’t feed regularly enough. Normally I am accurate with my catty but today it was going everywhere so was impossible. I managed around 20 carp after around four hours which for the time of year was very poor but kept at is as I could see that Mick Heacock was probably leading and I knew that I wasn’t that far behind him. Going into the last hour the weather brightened but I was now having difficulty seeing my float!

Changing lines and fishing at 5m to my left with caster and the fish started coming! Slowly at first but they built up to somewhere near normal Mawgan Porth pace, things start going through the mind should I have fished here earlier? Had they just turned up as the day drew on? Never mind they were there and I just tried to put as many in the net as possible. In the end I was 13lb short of winner Mick Heacock who had 79lb from peg 8. Shame that sun didn’t come out 15 minutes earlier! Well done Mick you deserved to win, fishing it well in difficult conditions. As for myself  I really must try harder..

Billy no mates

Friday morning and a motley crew left Cornwall for West Devon and Stafford Moor it was the start of the Silver Maniac weekend with a practice match today. I had arranged to meet a few of the Kernow Match Group lads at the Little Chef just off the A30 near the Oakhampton exit at 7am. Now I was a few minutes late but there was no sign of the others. I went in and ordered a coffee delaying breakfast until they turned up. Getting on for 7.30am and the phone rang and it was Pete Thomas asking where I was?  In the cafe where are you? Oh in the cafe we have had breakfast, I guess we are at the wrong place!  Never mind I had a great breakfast on my own and set off for the draw. When I arrived there was no sign of the rest of the Cornish contingent so I had a coffee with Andy whilst we discussed a dribbling wind!

I was just about go down to peg 3 on Tanners when they all turned up lead by Wrong Lake who now maybe should add Road to his name! Tourettes Taylor was explaining in graphic detail how every time he comes to this place he arrives by a different route. It reminded me of my first few journeys here and how I now know every country lane within a 10 mile radius of Stafford Moor!

The calm before the storm

It was nice to see Tanners without the swell, there was a breeze but was much calmer than my last visit, the forecast was for it to pick up during the day. Today was going to be a pole day and I had decided that it was just two lines both at a comfortable distance. I was having my main line at 11m and fishing closer at 5m floats were Spro midwaters in .4grm to tackle the 5’ deep swim. They were standard rigs with a bulk and a couple of droppers to a .10 Xedion bottom and a size 16 Milo T213 hook. Bait wise I had a kilo of worms, three pints of casters and some red maggots a few expanders and some micros. I had groundbait but I was only going to feed this on the short line starting with three balls and potting some worm and caster long.

Starting the match on the 5m line saw a few small roach come to the net and it looked similar for those around me. Swopping between lines saw fish come for most of the day. Some were small and there were quiet spells but in between I found some quality roach and a few nice skimmers. I had a spell on the longer pole when it was a fish every put in. Unfortunately that didn’t last but I did a fair bit of damage in a short time. Fish came to the end of the match, unfortunately the wind and rain came as well and by the end my kit was absolutely drenched. I finished with 33lb odd which once again was good enough for third on the lake and some coin. I was starting to get a little worried though about this recurring number 3. I had finished third twice and was now on peg 3. It was a very interesting match and I felt I learnt quite a bit for the main event tomorrow when a section 1st or 2nd was vital to progress to the final and a chance at 2k.

Overnight, and a few beers

We were staying at the Rams Head Inn in Dolton a few minutes from SM with two nights booked I was looking forward to the weekend away. That night we had a few beers which are compulsory and a huge steak meal which I have to say was fantastic. As the beers flowed we were entertained by stories from team mate Boz Phillips and time just vanished. But I have some experience of nights like these and I left the lads in the bar! The next morning I was glad I left early as Tourettes eyes told the story! I have not seen anything like it in many a year, talk about beer goggles, I bet they looked worse from his side though! Even Wrong Lake had empathy with the others and had a hangover and he doesn’t drink!

The queue

With just short of 100 fishing  today’s match the draw was going to take some time, even longer than you would expect as Andy likes to tell everybody about the peg they have just drawn  so you can imagine. Still it gives time for those waiting to catch up with mates from all over the country who travel down to fish this match.

My time came and I had my dip in that bag of dreams and out came peg 3 on Pines, there’s that number again! I was happy enough with the draw as I have qualified before from this lake. Today was going to be hard as a certain Mr Des Shipp has drawn a flyer on the same lake! We all felt like we were fishing for the last qualification spot. I asked Andy what he thought would be needed to get through and he said 25lb possibly 20lb if it’s hard due to al the overnight cold rain.

No Wind!

I had an island in front of me and I was pleased about that as it stopped the wind which would have been straight in my face! I found the deepest part of the lake was at 7 sections and it was just past there that it started getting shallower towards the island. That was going t be my man line and I chose another at 4m. Tackle was the same previous matches and my tactics were the same as yesterday.

Starting on the short line I was getting small Rudd some taking the bait on the drop but at least I was putting ounces into the net. I had a nice skimmer of 10 ounce and the next put saw a steady amount of J range 3 -6 elastic come out of the pole. Just what the doctor ordered or so I thought until a common of about 10oz broke surface. I put it back as it is silvers only to get another on the next put in! That prompted me to go onto the longer line and I had a few skimmers and some roach. I really enjoyed this match; it is a great place to fish it was interesting trying to work out what they wanted but also frustrating as I could see the skimmers blowing but they were hard to catch. I did manage quite a few small carp up to 2lb on my longer line always the same when you don’t want them.

That number three

I finished the match with 24lb 12oz for third in section! That man Des won the lake and section with 35lb followed by my old mate Dave Schofield with 34lb odd so I was a fair way off but at least I had the best weight from my third of the lake. In fact third place was recurring as two others from Cornwall  suffered the same fate, Harry Billing  just missing out by a couple of pounds and Nigel ‘Tourettes’ Taylor missing out by one ounce to Callum Dicks . I will leave you to imagine how he described the match to me!

That night we stayed again at the pub and I have to say it was another good night. It was the Dolton carnival and the villagers came out in there droves for the event. We had a fantastic view of a firework display form our dinner table and another great meal a few drinks helped ease away the pain of not qualifying.  Despite the landlord working to the early hours he still got up to make us breakfast before we set of for Cornwall to fish the opening round of the winter individual league. Bert, you are a star, if anybody is looking for accommodation in that area you will not go wrong by giving him a call.

Next week I will write about my match on Pollawyn Match Lake at White Acres and I have to say to was brilliant days fishing, plus I hopefully will have two matches at Gwinear including the second round of our mini winter league.

The Main Lake (3 acres)

This lake was built in 1996 and holds Carp to 25lb, Tench, Bream, Rudd, Roach and Gudgeon. There are 28 pegs on this lake and it is also the most popular lake at the fishery so you will need to be early to get a peg. Depth is to 4 metres at the centre.

Frog Hall Lake

This lake is over 100 years old and can accommodate 10 anglers. The lake is heavily stocked with Carp to 27lb, Perch, Roach, Rudd and a few Tench. Depth is to 3 metres at the centre and parking is available at the side of the lake.

Emily`s Lake

This lake was built in 2004 and was opened in 2005. This is also heavily stocked with Carp to 8lb and has become a popular match match fishing lake. This lake has 37 pegs and parking (when dry) is behind each peg or on the nearby car park.

Oscar`s Lake

This lake was also built in 2004 and opened in 2005. It is heavily stocked with Carp and has 31 pegs. Depth is to 3 metres at the centre with a 2:1 gradient banking.

River Calder

There is also a stretch of the River Calder now open for fishing, which is stocked with Rainbow and Brown Trout, Barbel, Roach, Rudd, Gudgeon and Chub. Tickets cost £5 per day or £4 after 1pm. Ticket money will be collected bankside. Matches can also be booked on here, just call Chris or Dick for more details.

Opening Times:

6 am to 9.30pm or dusk whichever is the sooner (no night fishing). Closed Mondays, except bank holidays. Children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult.

Four Ponds is a mature fishery which is located in 12 acres of beautiful Devon countryside. There are three lakes available for fishing, as well as accommodation for those wishing for a peaceful and relaxing holiday.Facilities include toilet/shower block for men/women and the disabled, a fully stocked tackle shop which has everything you will need for your fishing trip. Snacks, sweets, meals and hot/cold drinks are also available.

The Carp Specimen Lake

This lake is 3 acres in size and was constructed in 2005. There are lots of hidden features including shelves, holes, bars and plateau`s. Depths range from 5ft to 9ft and the banks are wide enough for bivvy fishing. This lake is stocked with Sixty Carp, ranging from 15lb to 30lb with approximately Twenty-Five of these at over 20lb. There are also Eight large Tench to be had.

The Kingfisher Coarse Lake

This lake is 1.25 acres in size and was constructed in 1970 and depths are between 4ft and 8ft. It is heavily stocked with Carp and Ghost Carp to 14lb, Tench to 8lb, Roach, Perch and Crucians to 3lb, Bream to 9.5lb, Rudd and Golden Rudd.

The Family/Carp Lake

This lake was also constructed in 1970 and has depths between 3ft and 5ft. It is a smaller tree lined match/family lake with Twenty Carp to 15lb as well as 12,000 Carp to 2lb.

Rules:

Money collected on the bankside (booking advised on 01398 331169), Fish to be returned to water immediately after weighing and photographing with the greatest care being taken for their well being, Sacking strictly prohibited, All fish must be landed using a landing net (minimum 30″), Only barbless hooks permitted (rigs maybe inspected), No bent (shank) hooks to be used, No nut type baits to be used, No rods left unattended, All litter to be deposited in the bins provided or removed from premises, Special rules may apply at certain times – see notice board, No bankside parking, Noise to an absolute minimum (including bait alarms), Do not discard line or hooks on bank (bins are provided).

Any visitor not abiding by the rules will be asked to leave and all fees forfeited.

Directions:

From M5 jct 27 (A38/A361)

follow signs barnstaple, tiverton A361.

A361 Gornhay Cross junction

forward (signposted Barnstaple)

A396 junction with A396/A3126

At roundabout take 3rd exit A396 (signposted Barnstaple)

A396 Bolham

A396 Cove

B3227 “Exeter Inn”

At roundabout take 2nd exit B3227

B3227 Bampton

At junction turn right B3227 (signposted Wiveliscombe)

B3227 Arrive at Shillingford

Take 3rd road on the left this is Bowdens Lane.

Angling Rules:

Barbless hooks only (up to size 12), all nets must be disinfected in the bins provided onsite (keepnets only allowed in matches), Bait: only the following may be used, Maggots, Castors, Pinkies, Squats, Worms (not blood or jokers), Sweetcorn, Luncheon Meat (any flavours), Bread on hook only. Premises pellets only (for swim feed, expanders, paste). Bucket size containers are not allowed by the water. No other bait is to be used without permission. Hooks and baits are checked regularly. These rules must not be broken.

Fish Care Rules:

Handle the fish with care, no fish to be taken away, to avoid injury use unhooking mats provided and ensure they are wet, never hold fish higher than knee height, do not carry fish away from the peg area, do not handle fish in towels, cloths or gloves, return fish gently to the water with your landing net (never throw them back).

Campus Respect:

No litter – please leave your peg area clean (including cigarette stubs), no damage to trees, shrubs or water plants, no dogs allowed other than guide dogs), radios are allowed at a low noise level.

Facilities include The Hungry Perch Cafe, which opens daily for hot food, breakfasts, lunches and snacks. Tackle hire is also available with prior booking.

Night fishing is available, but must be booked and paid for at least 24hrs in advance. (under 12`s must be accompanied by an adult at all times).

For information on the fishery opening times, fishery & match rules please visit the website as opening times vary throughout the year. Please note: If the gates are locked on your arrival, DO NOT ENTER THE FISHERY. Anyone who enters the fishery before the gates are opened will be asked to leave.

Fringe Pool:

This lake is approx 1.5 acres in size and has 20 swims. It is an ideal pool for beginners and the match record for Crucian Carp stands at 75lb in 3 hours. Fringe Pool is stocked with Carp to 20lb, Crucians to 3lb, Perch to 4lb, Tench to 5lb, Goldfish to 3lb, Roach to 2lb, Gudgeon to 3oz, Rudd to 1lb 8oz and Golden Orfe.

Orchid Lake:

This lake is 6 acres in size and has 40 swims, it contains a huge head of specimen fish and it is also the favorite lake for night fishing. Stocks include Mirror Carp to 28lb 5oz, Common Carp to 25lb 8oz, Ghost Carp to 20lb, Tench to 10lb 8oz, Crucians to 3lb 8oz, Catfish to 46lb+, Chub to 3lb, Roach to 2lb 5oz, Bream to 5lb, Golden Rudd to 2lb, Skimmers to 1lb 5oz, Barbel to 4lb and Perch to 3lb 8oz.

Cherry Lake:

This lake has 25 well spaced wooden angling platforms and has depths between 5ft and 7ft. Cherry is popular with pleasure anglers and clubs as is provides the opportunity to catch a large bags of pristine Carp via a variety of different methods. Stocks include Mirror Carp to 20lb, Common Carp to 20lb, Ghost Carp to 15lb, Chub to 6lb, Tench to 7lb, Perch to 3lb, Roach to 3lb, Rudd to 2lb and Crucians to 2lb.

For more information about the fishery please visit the website via the link below.

Stocks in the lake include specimen Carp to 30lb+, with the current record being 33lb. The average Carp sizes in the lake are late teens to early 20`s. Along with the Carp there are also a number of large Bream to 12lb, a few good Tench, Roach and Perch. In January 2008 there were 200lb of Simmo strain Carp added to the lake.

The main aim for this lake is to have it stocked with well chosen fish and not to have it heavily stocked like most commercial waters.

The car park is at the side of the lake allowing easy access to pegs. Access to the car park is through a security gate and along a short permanent gravel drive. Facilities onsite also include a toilet.

Members are able to fish all year round, every day of the week including night fishing at no extra cost on the membership price.

Yearly memberships run from the date of issue for 12 months. Members have exclusive access to the lake, as well as other benefits which include discounted baits from Vision Baits.

Membership prices as of 2008:

Full Adult Membership: £75.00 per year (all inclusive).

Family Membership:£115.00 per year, includes 1 adult and 2 juniors to the age of 16 or husband & wife. (family’s of 3/4 please contact us).

Junior Membership (up to 16 year old): £50.00 per year (under 14`s to be accompanied by an adult).

Concessions (disabled, OAP, Student): £50.00 per year.

Discounts received on membership renewals.

24hr Non Member Tickets:

There are a limited number of 24hr tickets available to non members each week. These are only available by prior appointment. There will be no tickets given out to groups, with a maximum of two tickets per person given.

24hr prices are £15.00 or £25.00 for Friday evening to Sunday afternoon. 3 rods max.

Please be aware that the lake is locked at all times and non members need an appointment to visit the lake. New online booking will soon be available to non members.

Furzebray Carp Lakes also has quality self catering accommodation available as well as caravanning and camping facilities. There is an onsite shower, toilets, fresh running water, waste disposal for caravans, hard standings, electric hook ups, bait for sale (please ask when booking) and high quality fishmeal boilies and particles.

The Specimen Lake (10 swims)

This Carp lake was built in 2006 and stocked in 2007. Depths in the lake vary between 1.5ft and 12ft, with an average of 3.5ft to 4.5ft. There are plenty of features to fish to such as Lilies and Reeds, with each swim offering something different to fish to. This lake contains mostly double figured Carp, ranging up to and over 20lb.

Specimen Lake Rules:

Barbless hooks only, No hooks bigger than size 4, No fixed leads, No baitboats, All nuts are banned, Fresh boilies only-No shelf life baits to be used, No braided mainline or line under 10lb to be used, All fish caught are to be returned to the lake-removal of fish from the site or to different lakes will result in prosecution, No sacking of fish-except while photography equipment is being set up, All anglers must have a 42″ landing net and a large unhooking mat, All fish to be returned by sling or sack-do not carry the fish, Under 16`s must be accompanied by an adult at all times-no one under 16 to be left on site, Rods not to be left unattended, No antisocial behaviour at any time, 3 rod limit, No one under the age of 13 fishing on this lake, Fish from designated swims only, No dogs.

These rules must be followed at all times, an angler found not abiding to these lake rules will be asked to leave the complex.

Pads Pool (2 swims)

This lake was built in 1991 and was stocked with thirty Leaney Dink strain Carp, which have bred well and the lake now holds hundreds of Carp. The lake is also home to Rudd, Perch and Koi Carp. There are two islands on the lake and lots of pads.

Pads Pool Rules: Pads rules are the same as for the Specimen lake unless stated below.

2 rod limit, 5lb minimum line, under13`s fish for free with a paying adult in the same peg.

These rules must be followed at all times, an angler found not abiding to these lake rules will be asked to leave the complex.

All fishing must be pre-booked 01769 572653

Specimen Lake weekend bookings, whole lake £275.00 Friday to Sunday 48hr, max 9 anglers. Week booking whole lake £600.00 max 9 anglers. Non fishing guest £2.00 for 24hr & no charge for day only.

The coarse waters are very well stocked with thousands of quality fish, so you have an excellent opportunity to catch Barbel, Tench, Bream, Roach, Perch, Gudgeon, Ide, Chub and a wide variety of Carp.

The fly fishing waters offer high grade stock, which means they are extremely fit, strong and tasty. These waters are stocked with Rainbow, Brown, Blue, Golden and Tiger Trout, weighing from 2lb to 20lb+.

There is a well stocked tackle shop where you can purchase tackle and a wide range of baits including Maggot, Caster and Worms. There is also a cafe and refreshment area where you can have a bite to eat and a cup of coffee and chat with fellow anglers.

Canal (21 peg coarse fishing water)

The purpose built Canal has an atmosphere of natural peace and tranquility. The Canal has a depth of 4ft and an average width of 18 metres, which makes it a great place for method feeding and pole fishing. This water is heavily stocked with Carp (Mirror, Common and Ghost) as well as Tench, Bream, Chub, Perch, Roach and Koi. This water is also home to some of Broom`s biggest fish.

The Donut (15 peg coarse fishing loch)

The Donut Loch is named because of its unusual shape. It has lots of features including an island and plenty of marginal shelter for the fish. This is an excellent water for beginners and seasoned anglers alike. This water is stocked with Mirror, Common and Ghost Carp as well as Bream, Koi, Chub, Tench, Roach and Perch. Together with The Canal and The Square this water holds some of Broom`s biggest fish.

The Square (16 peg coarse fishing water)

The Square Loch has plenty of contours and an island, which makes fishing here a challenging and rewarding experience. This water is stocked with Mirror, Common and Ghost Carp as well as Tench, Bream, Koi, Chub, Roach and Perch. Together with The Canal and The Donut this water holds some of Broom`s biggest fish.

Bruce`s Acre (18 peg coarse fishing loch)
Bruce`s Acre has fairly even depths of around 5ft and is well stocked with Barbel, Common and Mirror Carp, F1 Carp, Gudgeon, Roach, Chub and Perch.

Queensberry (28 peg coarse fishing loch)

Queensberry Loch is one of the oldest waters at Broom Fisheries. It has deep marginal growth, which helps to create an excellent opportunity to catch fish close to your peg. This loch is around 6ft in depth, reducing to 3ft in the shallows.

Betula (19 peg fly fishing loch)

Betula has fairly even depths of around 6ft and is surrounded by Birch trees. This fly fishing loch offers a peaceful and tranquil fishing experience and is only a few minutes away from the motorway. Broom waters are continually re-stocked throughout the year. Betula holds Rainbow, Blue, Brown, Golden and Tiger Trout.

Salix (10 peg fly fishing loch)

Salix Loch is close to Betula Loch and is within easy access of the M6 and M64. Salix has a bay with a heavy growth overhang feature at one end, whilst at the other end there are clear pegs for easy casting which are ideal for beginners. It also has fairly even depths of around 5ft. This loch is stocked with Brown, Rainbow, Golden, Blue, and Tiger Trout.

The fishery is open from 8am until dusk everyday from 1st February until 31st October. (closed Tuesdays between 1st November to 1st January).

Chestnut`s stock comprises of Carp, Bream, Tench, Rudd, Roach, Perch and Crucians. This offers something for everyone, from Match fishing, Pleasure fishing to Carp fishing.

Anglers using the pole to fish need to be prepared for some epic battles with the fish on the pole line being some of the hardest fighting fish you will ever hook.

All baits are worth a try, but depending on the method used, groundbait feeder, boilies, corn, meat, cat meat and pellets all work particularly work well. Casters and worms also work well particularly for the Bream, Tench and silverfish.

For the Carp anglers, feeder tactics or standard ledgering work best with catches of over thirty fish a day commonplace. The stock of Carp consists mainly of Commons and Mirrors between 5 and 10lbs, there are also hundreds of double`s with a good head of 20`s.

There is a tackle shop at the side of the lake which is stocked with a large range of baits and tackle. You can also have a fishing rod hand built to your own specifications. For any information regarding tackle or baits please call 01462 701865.

The fishery is open 7 days a week, from March to November from 7am until dusk or 21.00 hours which ever is earliest and during December to March 7.30am until dusk. Every Tuesday until the 31st of July the lake closes at 4.30pm to hold the Fox Summer League Matches. Toilets are available onsite.

Rules: Please follow these rules for the safety of the fish and environment.

No fixed feeders, barbless hooks only (size 8 max), no leads over 2oz, no braided main lines, only branded Carp/Coarse pellets. All nets and unhooking mats are supplied leaving your rod licence as a deposit. No litter, or dogs and only one non angling guest per angler.

Disabled anglers are most welcome and will receive the utmost attention and assistance if they require.

Facilities include toilets and showers, bait shop and a small area for touring caravans will be opening later this summer.

The bait shop carries a good range of baits from CCMoores, Mainline Baits, Mistral and Dynamite Baits. Maggots are stocked from May to November.

Woodland Lake (3 1/2 acre Specimen lake)

Stocked with a good head of Mirror and Common Carp up to 32lbs, and
Catfish to mid 30lbs. A further 100 Carp between 12lbs and 20lbs and grown in onsite stock ponds were added early this year. The fish vary greatly in appearance and scale pattern and are hard fighting, making for challenging and interesting fishing. Some good
catch reports are expected this year.

Tickets: £9.00 per day (9am – 6pm), £9.00 per night(6pm- 9am), £17.00 per 24hrs. Advisable to book at weekends.

Rules: Fish from designated pegs, 3 rod maximum, no litter to be left, landing nets must be 42″ minimum, unhooking mats to be used at all times, no Carp sacks to be used in summer months, barbless hooks only, no fish to be moved, fish must be returned quickly to avoid unnecessary stress, all juniors to be accompanied by an adult unless by prior arrangement, do not touch the electric fence, strictly no particle baits, nuts or pulses.

Anyone found to be breaking these rules will be asked to leave.

Meadow Lake (4 1/2 acres)

This lake has two islands which are becoming an attractive feature as the newly planted shrubs begin to mature. Well stocked with Mirror and Common Carp up to 26lbs. Up to 20 fish in a session were recorded last summer, so who knows what will happen this year.

Tickets: £7.00 per day (9am – 6pm), £14.00 per 24hrs, £5.00 evening (5pm till sunset).

Rules: Fish from designated pegs, 3 rod maximum, no litter to be left, landing nets must be 36″ minimum, unhooking mats must be used at all times, no Carp sacks in summer months, barbless hooks only, no fish to be moved, fish must be returned quickly to avoid unnecessary stress, all juniors must be accompanied by an adult unless by prior arrangement, do not touch the electric fence, strictly no pike fishing.

Anyone found to be breaking these rules will be asked to leave.

Rush Lake (3 acre Mixed Match Lake)

This is the smallest lake at Coking Farm, it has produced Tench to over 8lbs and up to 40 Tench in a session. Pleasure bags of 150lb are not uncommon, made up of Carp, Bream, Tench, Roach, Rudd and Crucians.

Tickets: £7.00 per day, £5.00 per evening (5pm-sunset), £5.00 Junior (under 12).

Rules: Barbless hooks only, keep nets only to be used in matches in which case Carp must be kept separately from silverfish with the use of two keepnets, no fish to be moved, do not touch the electric fence, all juniors must be accompanied by an adult unless by prior arrangement.

Anyone found to be breaking these rules will be asked to leave.

Record catches Woodland Lake

Mirror Carp: 31lb 12oz, Common Carp: 27lb, Catfish: 34lb 4oz.

Record catches Meadow Lake

Mirror Carp: 26lb 2oz, Common Carp: 22lb 8oz.

Record catches Rush Lake

Tench: 8lb 11oz, Bream: 6lb 4oz, Roach: 2lb 12oz, Crucian: 2lb 10oz.