A great Wey to Fish.

This trip we decided to try some of the vast River network we have on our Godalming ticket, both me and Steve love our river fishing but prefer it to be a bit colder after a couple of good frosts.

I had just finished my first week in my new job which involves commuting to Kent so I've been doing some long hours, and to be honest as much as I love my early morning fishing sessions I was knackered so decided to pick up Steve up just past 7am, which for us is late.

First stop of the morning was to the Apollo tackle shop to grab some maggots, and a brew.

Apollo is situated on the Marsh Farm grounds and is an award winning tackle shop stocking all you need and the staff are great and very helpful. But enough shopping its time to get fishing.

We headed for Eshing near the start of our Wey section, the original plan was to Barbel fish the morning, static using feeder tactics, but due to heavy rain over the last couple of days we decided against it and opted for fishing the slacker water with trotting tactics, starting on the small backwater next to the car park.

I was using my trusty all-rounder rod, centrepin loaded with 4lb line straight through to a 14 Hook, Dave Harrell Stick float with maggot as bait.

I really rate the Dave Harrell floats as they are very well made and have the brightest tips which makes it easier to see at distance, perfect for trotting.

I fed the back channel briefly before casting in, then second trot through I had my first bite which resulted in a lovely little Chub, fin perfect.

After a few more trots through I moved on, casting a line here and there in likely spots but to no avail, it was like the life had dropped clean out the river,  but then on a trot through on a nice bend I had a bite which was a very substantial fish, very heavy, moved out into the current, kicked a couple of times then came off, I was gutted, I'm pretty sure it was a Barbel.

We walked for quite a while but there was nothing much happening, Steve had a Gudgeon and a Minnow, but that was it.

Although the fishing was poor it was still a great and stunning place to spend a few hours, we decided to move on and see if we could catch a few Perch at Broadwater, the great thing about being a club member is you can just drop onto different waters throughout the day without the worry of multiple day tickets.

We had a good lap of lake and watched some Huge Carp in the out of bounds area feeding on bread thrown in for the Ducks, a spectacular site to see Carp on a busy lake feeding so confidently, they knew they were safe.

We set up near the Car park and decided to share a swim so it could be a bit social. The only reason we chose this swim was a couple of months ago I had a load of Perch and Rudd recently from this area and just hoped they would still be about, only difference is it was now bloody cold, and we had no other signs to go on.

We fished for a couple of hours with only a couple of bobs on the float, although a nice bit of time to have lunch and chill. 

We decided it just wasn't going to happen, so we decided to pop to Bramley Lake up the road. Bramley in a lush looking estate type lake which is edged with lilies. There was one angler on so we had a chat, he had nothing to show for his efforts, which was encouraging. We setup in what I call the lawn swim, Steve was on the float, I was on the feeder. I tried in close, out far and under some trees to my left, but nothing, except a Signal Crayfish. We gave it our best shot but failed.

Next we decided on Busbridge for a bit of lure fishing, but sadly it was just too busy to fling plastic so we gave up and left for home.

One of the great things about being a fisherman is the diverse locations you get to fish, this morning we was fishing a beautiful river where we didn't see another sole for miles, then we fished a very busy open lake where there is dog walkers, runners and cyclists whizzing around, but if I'm near a lake I'm happy, no matter the outcome on the fish front. A brilliant day.

The wait for Paradise is over...........

I had been looking forward to going to Anglers Paradise since February when I was last there for the Lure weekend, which was awesome, but this time I was returning with family and friends, which could go either way.
Travel plans where changed slightly due to a change of circumstances for Steve meaning he and his daughter Jess had lost their ride up, so we scoured the internet for a minibus come crew cab van we could hire so we could all get there, my car was well big enough for who and what it was going to be taking but with 2 extra people plus fishing kit there was no option.
Abacus hire in Andover came through in style with a 9 seat Renault Traffic with loads of space in the back, result.

Saturday
We all met up Saturday morning, and by all I mean in the minibus there was me driving, Steve and daughter Jess and my daughter Ellie, in my sister Kim's Mini there was Kim driving, my wife Emma, son Liam and family friend Vicky, let the road trip commence.
The journey should take about 3 1/2 hours on average but due to the sheer weight of traffic stopped and starring at some bloody old rocks on the A303 it was pushed towards 5hrs.
My side of the crew was staying in one of the top villas on the complex called Excellence, which had 2 double rooms and a four poster room all with on-suits, and even a Jacuzzi bath in our four poster en-suit. Steve was staying round the corner in another high end villa sharing the same view.
We parked the vehicles and walked round to the reception to collect the keys and meet in the bar to have a glass (or 2) of Zygs famous wine and have a chat with Zygs daughter Zenia and book our food nights for the week.

Then it was time to have a look around the villa and move all the stuff in, everyone was amazed how stunning it was and the views out the back where to die for, as with all villas I have stayed in they are fish themed all over the place, rods on the roof, pictures on the walls just brilliant.
We decided to get straight out fishing and went down to Pixie lake with Liam, Pixie has an incredible head of small ornamental fish with the odd donkey thrown in.
It didn't take long for Liam to have his first Golden Rudd and Goldfish, I got fixated trying to catch a big Koi that kept popping up, but I ended catching a small Carp of about 4lb, which in a lake this small was quite hard. After a few more we headed back to the villa to get ready for a few drinks up the bar, a great way to top off any day, which became a regular occurrence during our stay.

Sunday
Obviously with having the family with me on this trip to Anglers Paradise meant I was going to have to do some non fishing activities, which was fine with me, just being at this fantastic place was enough, but today, me Steve and the kids were going fishing for the morning on the float lake.

Float fishing in the edge we had many many fish including Goldfish, Golden Rudd, Golden Tench and Koi, was great fun and the kids were hooked. After a couple of hours my daughter went back to the villa whilst Liam and I went to fish mystery lake, because not even I know whats in there. Liam fished the edges and caught plenty of Rudd and as usual for Liam plenty of Gudgeon, I stalked a few Carp off the top using free lined bread, but sadly all good things have to come to an end and as we was at the Wine and Dine night later we headed back to get ready.

The Wine and Dine night is always good fun, Zenia and Zyg head up the evening which includes some beautiful chicken and sausages plus as much salad, garlic bread and wine as you like.
Once the food is consumed and your suitably drunk Zyg and Zenia will crack out the merchandise for you to buy, a brilliant tactic. After we headed into the bar to continue the fun.

Monday
Today was a family day, we was heading to the town of Bude, set right on the sea front, with some stunning eateries, there's a famous fudge shop which was amazing and the best pasties I have ever had, well worth the trip.

When we got back we had a bit off chill until Liam begged me to go fishing, so I couldn't say no.
We went down to the Beginners Carp lake as I have never fished it before and thought it would be good for a bite, and it was. I pitched up opposite a nice bushy island with a hole dead ahead, and using my 12m baiting spoon I was shipping my flatbed feeder under the bush then using a quiver tip waiting for the bite, which was normally whilst shipping back he spoon.
I had a load of Carp around the 5-6lb mark. I let Liam have a go too and have a few as the float fishing was not producing the goods on this occasion.
After packing up the rest of the day was spent chilling with the family and eating fudge.

Tuesday
This year I had made it my mission to try and catch my first Catfish, so this morning I was starting the campaign on Octopussy lake, home to some truly monster Cats and Carp.
I was using a solid bag of pellet with Luncheon meat on my R/H rod bait spooned out to the right of the island, the left rod had was positioned round a bit with a mesh bag of pellet with a large Halibut pellet. I had arrived quite early to try and get a good chance as I only had a few hours. 

After about half an hour I had a short screaming run which sadly amounted to nothing, then shortly after another dropped run, I was starting to get a bit frustrated then whilst spooning out my rig I obviously undone the spool on one of my Diawa big pits a bit to loose and it rolled off into the deep margins. After 15 minutes of dredging the lake bed with my net I finally pulled up a very silty spool, I was not happy.
I decided to pack up that rod and start packing the rest o the kit when fishery manager Joe turned up with Marty one of the fishery guys and after a good chat I decided there was a few things I could change on my rig to make it more Catfish efficient, for next time as it was time to get back for a little trip out.
We decided to visit a local little village called Okehampton, to have a little look about the local shops and stock up on a bit of grub for the villa, it was a lovely little village and well worth a trip.

Wednesday 
Today I was up at the crack of dawn to meet Steve out the back of the villas to go down to Easy Access lake which has a good quantity of Cats so it was time for another go, time to try the newly thought out rigs for less resistance. We fished the far side of the lake, with an island in front I was fishing about a rod length or so off, lightly baiting with Carp pellet for an hour or so before casting in. It was a really nice day, but maybe not the best for fishing as the air pressure was very high (getting the excuses in early).

There was a lot of bubbling fish in front of me and I did eventually get a run from a small but perfectly formed Carp. As the day creeped on we stopped for a break and to witness a truly magical moment, an Anglers Paradise blessing with a couple who very recently got married, and as with a lot of things here it has to be a little different.

The were brought down to the Koi lake on the back of a little buggy then walked around next to the pagoda where Zyg performed the ceremony, after then blessing the lake with port it was time for both Bride and groom to jump through a beautifully designed floating flower arrangement (made by Joe and Marty) in full wedding gear, as you do. A really memorable event, finished with a cup of Zygs famous wine.

As the family disappeared back to Bude for yet more fudge and a day at the beach I returned to Easy Access lake to carry on trying for a Cat.
After some more bait was deployed and some more Carp were banked it was not looking like a Cat was coming to the bank for me, I was feeling a bit like Mick Brown.

My wife and kids brought me dinner and desert down to the bank, which was amazing, but as the sun dropped I admitted defeat, packed up and left.
Even though the Cats evaded me again it was a hugely enjoyable day, as they all are here in Paradise.

Thursday
Today was mine and Emma's 10 year wedding anniversary, and we awoke to the villa decorated by my sister and Vicky, and looked amazing, and to show how in tune we are we ended up buying each other watches, mine a stunning Fossil watch which was engraved also, my wife's was a Micheal Kors watch, she was over the moon.

Our original plan was to spend the day at Paighton Zoo, and although it never rains in Devon, it was definitely moist so we decided to go tomorrow, and me and Liam decided on a couple of hours in the rain on Float lake. We had a few Golden Tench, Rudd and a few stunning Koi off the top.

With the fishing done for the day, and the week sadly we headed back to get ready to go out for a meal down the local pub. The food at the Junction inn was amazing, not a bad word to say about it and highly recommended and all payed for by Steve which was a great surprise.  

After we headed back to the bar at AP to carry on the celebrations with 2 bottles of Procceto, which was far too bubbly for me, but went down well all the same.

Friday  
Today we all decided on a day trip to Paighton Zoo, as the weather was too bad yesterday.
We arrived just before opening and queued for a short while before going in, I was really excited as I haven't been to a Zoo for a long time and as an animal lover there's a lot to do and see, but sadly the weather was pretty bad, as usual the weather app that stated it should stop raining by about 10am was way off, but we tried not to let it bother us. I think a highlight was the Lions and the Gorillas, fantastic to watch.

After a fantastic day at the Zoo we went round the corner to Morrisons to get a load of pizzas, garlic bread, salads etc and have a mass feast at our villa for us plus Steve and Jess.
The last evening was brilliant yet sad as it was the last night here, drinks flowed and way too much food was cooked and ate.
We went over to the bar for a couple of drinks and for the presentation evening which sadly I hadn't won any but then I didn't spend as long fishing as I usually would, but was a good evening.
I made sure I brought a few bottles of wine off Zyg as all the money goes to charity and I love the stuff.
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We said our goodbyes to the other anglers of which we made good friends as usual and to Zyg, Zenia, Joe and all who work at Anglers Paradise for making the whole family so welcome and headed back to the villa.  
We packed most of the stuff up that night so there was less to do in the morning and headed of to bed.

Saturday 
It's always hard leaving a place you love so much but it was time, we loaded the van and car, popped the key back to reception and headed off for the 3 1/2 hour journey home.
I really cant speak highly enough about Anglers Paradise, it really does have it all, yes there are other holiday fishing venues around the country but I would bet all I own that you wouldn't catch the fish you could catch here and everyone is so friendly you really do feel like part of the family.
A HUGE thank you to Zenia, Joe, Zyg, Rose and all who work at Anglers Paradise. See you all soon.

Another eve at Ashmoor

With the Wife finishing work at 2pm and me still continuing my week off it was another perfect opportunity for a fish.
Ashmoor again for no other reason really than its fantastic, by far my favorite fishery.
I decided to start on the flat bed feeder method on lake 2 fishing the close margin and the odd cast to the far margin.

Both areas seem to be fishing well and I was having a ton of Carp, Bream and the odd Roach/Bream Hybrid from the off.
The flat bed feeder method is a cracking way to get a bite, I was using a small to medium feeder with a short 5lb hooklink to a size 14 with a plastic Caster on a hair berried under the grounbait, the groundbait itself was part swimstem, part Roach and Part Bream groundbait, basically the left overs from the last few sessions.
Feeder fishing is one of if not my favorite form of fishing, I simply love it, and its a method I feel most confident in so I was really enjoying this session, plus I was doing a bit of filming for a YouTube channel both me and Steve are setting up.

As the sun started to drop it was time to put the feeder gear away and get the floater kit out.
The gear I use for Ashmoor is the same every time, a Barbel rod and medium sized reel, 6lb line straight through to a size 12 hook baited with a lump of crust, I use a bucket bag with all my kit in, a mat and net conclude my gear, simple yet very effective.

As the fishery was now empty, bar me and Steve, its easier to walk around and just drop a few dog biscuits here and there and wait for Carp to turn up, which they did, not quite as explosive as the last evening I fished here but there was still a fair few had off the top up to about 5lb so nothing huge but great fun.
As the sun really dropped we put the banger on for the night and left.
As usual a cracking few hours fishing but where to next....

Fishing Lakeside

Many years ago I had friends who fished a syndicate lake near tadley called Lakeside Fishery and always reported big fish and was slightly jealous that I couldn't fish it. Luckily the venue has now been taken over and changed to a day ticket. And we couldn't wait to fish it.

I picked Steve up in the morning and we headed the whole 20 minutes up the road to the fishery. The owner Kate arrived near enough when we did as was let onto the fishery. We was the first people there so had a chance to have a good look around. We decided to fish the the add on section as it gave us a margin to cast to with ease and could bait up by walking around. We was targeting anything that swam on this trip and I was beggining on a medium feeder rod fixed spool reel with 5lb mainline to a 3lb hooklink, 16 hook with a couple maggots. I had opted for the flat bed feeder method for a flawless presentation. Once we was sat in the swim we had a walk around the other side to put a bit of bait in and in doing so saw a few carp moving in the area.

Eager to cast in I headed back and cast out. We could tell it was going to be a strange day weather wise and was already feeling muggy. I was getting a few knocks on the feeder but not enough to strike. I was casting every 5 minutes or so just to keep the swim topped up and soon had a drop back I tried to tighten up but it wouldn't. It took a moment for me to realise the fish has swam towards me. Once connected it was like I hooked a train. It was great fun on a light rod and took a while to get in. Masterly netted by Steve we had it on the bank and not a bad fish either. It went 11lb 13oz on the scales and I was chuffed for my first Carp from Lakeside. After that the swim went very quiet. So after a good look round decided move onto the main bowl of the lake to see what we could catch. The sun was getting quite hot now and could feel a rise in the air pressure.

Sadly we could also see a lot of Carp cruising around together in formation so was apparent they has other things on their minds. Which Is fair enough.

The good thing about the Carp starting to breed is they show themselves a lot and although it was obviously going to stop the Carp fishing we could see plenty of really nice looking and big Carp.

Steve had a nice Carp before the action stopped completely and we did more observing than fishing. But now we have seen the potential we look forward to returning for a good go after spawning. This fishery is under new ownership and the new owners are very helpful and doing a great job on this stunning looking fishery.