Blenheim Palace, Friday 5th March 2010

Ok so let’s get the formalities out of the way first of all….we had one bite between us all day and blanked. Four rods were out, two deadbaiting and two float fishing lobs for about 7 hours so you could say that we spent a over a day’s bait time in the water without a fish. The temperature last night was -3 and today was cold and sunny, that’s not an excuse it’s just the reason we didn’t catch anything.

Without any fishy narrative to share I’ll have to focus on some practical tips for fishing Blenheim. Sorry about the lack of pics, none of mine were very good but Steve has posted some on the coarse forum.

The e-ticket you get requests that anglers park in the Woodstock car park and then politely requests that you be quiet. The car park is a courtyard and every sound echoes like mad, it must be infuriating for local residents so I can fully understand the need to be considerate.

The gate at the car park is opened at about 7:00am, you then drive past the front of the Palace to the anglers car park where there is a coded gate, you’re advised of the code on your e-ticket. Although it’s a double gate you can’t take your car through and from there it’s about a 150 yard walk to the boathouse so bear this in mind when deciding how much kit to take.

The punts are supplied with two mud anchors and are plenty big enough for two people (three is too many). The ‘vessels’ have three generous storage cubbyholes each with a lid, so pick a punt with dry cubbyholes, the first couple we looked at contained water which made them useless. Lifejackets are supplied only on request so make sure you request them. Electric outboards can be used by prior arrangement so if you’ve got one let the fishery know.

The punts are very stable and the floor area (is that a nautical term?) will accommodate a couple of collapsible chairs so it’s a good idea to take those with you. We didn’t and whilst there was room to stretch out comfy seating would’ve been a bonus, at the very least take a cushion to sit on.

Fishing at Blenheim is a very enjoyable day out and the time seemed to fly by as we yakked away and made tea. Many thanks to Steve for doing all of the rowing.

I’m out on the Kennet this Sunday so with luck I’ll be able to report actually catching something.