Carp
The initial stocking of carp into the lake was carried out by the original owner in the early 1990s and consisted of 250 two to three -year-old carp. By the time I purchased the pits with a view to transforming them into a carp fishery in 1999, the largest of these carp had topped 44lb, with an estimated 60 fish remaining from this first stocking.
Between 1999 and 2008 a large number of carp were stocked into both of the lakes as part of a progressive fish management programme on the venue.
These fish have thrived in the waters, gaining weight very rapidly due to the rich environment and regular feeding with quality carp bait and pellets. They have grown on to make an excellent head of big carp. The largest to date, one of the original fish from the 1990 stocking, has topped 76lb! (This fish is no longer alive but there are many more large carp ready to take its place.)
Each lake now has around 120-150 carp to over 50lb. Other species include the Wels catfish to over 100lb, grass carp to 40lb plus, tench, bream, crucian carp, roach, rudd, pike and perch. The stocking policy for the future is to continue to introduce fish over 20lb progressively to the lakes.
On many occasions anglers are overly worried about the tackle they will need for a session in France. However in the vast majority of cases your regular UK tackle will be just fine for fishing in France. I would however up rate a few items to help deal with the larger specimens you are likely to encounter.
Tackle & Tactics
So here is a list of the tackle I would use:
- Rods: 12 or 13ft with a 2.75 to 3.5 test curve.
- Reel: While the smaller bait runner types are adequate, I prefer a larger big pit style reel. My current preference is for the Shimano’s, but Daiwa has an excellent range too. Okuma is probably the biggest selling manufacturer in Europe and again their more budget priced reels are fine. Basically you shouldn’t have a problem finding a reel for your budget.
- Line: 12lbs or 15lbs nylon,NO braid, either Berkeley Big Game, Nash Bullet or Daiwa Sensor are my choices.
- Hooks: I see many anglers using small hooks, I prefer a size 4, but on waters like the Seine and the Orient I don’t hesitate to step up to a size 2 or a size 1. On Croix Blanche a 6 or 4 would be my choice.
- Marker Rod or Echo Sounder- Make sure you know what your fishing over.
- Safety Weigh Sling - Reputed make with side zips to make sure the fish stays in during weighing, but can easily be released.
- Good Quality Scales - Reubens or Fox Digital. Bear in mind the cats go over 100lbs.
- A Proper Camera - Not a disposable one!!!... Digital cameras are perfect, once you get home you can upload your prize photos direct into the photo gallery.
- Bait Boat: Although I am not a fan a bait boat has proved a distinct advantage on these waters, helping anglers bait with more accuracy and therefore get more takes. If you have one then I do allow them on the venue. PLEASE USE SENSIBLY!
- A good quality bait is also a key to success. We carry a selection of quality freezer boilies and prepared particles: Check out the bait page.
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Grass Carp
These fish were initially stocked to reduce the weed but there are some really large ones in the venue now to over 40lb.
They do occasionally grace the banks as a pleasant surprise, and they are fabulous looking fish.
Extra care must be taken with them as they often go beserk on the unhooking mat and can easily damage themselves.
They should be weighed photographed and returned as quickly as possible.
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Click here to see the fish Galleries: 2010 / 2009 / 2008
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