Hopey

Wondering if anyone has been here recently and has any tips they would be willing to share? Its a campsite in the Picardy region of France with 2 fishing lakes and a stretch of river. I am going for a family camping holiday there in a few weeks. Its not a fishing trip, its a family holiday, so wont be granted too much time to wet a line, but gonna take a bit of stuff and hoping to grab a few hours here and there...and would be good to be able to maximise that time if anyone feels generous enough to offer tips on lake, swims, tactics, baits etc... the going species seem to be carp and sturgeon....but id be happy with anything to be honest done some research and there seems to be plenty of info out there but nothing recent. would appear that back in the day it was a quality venue, but then it got hammered and deteriorated a bit... there was potentially a fish kill, potentially some fish moved, potentially some changes to rules and prices....and a bit of disagreement as to whether it was any good or not anymore....although impression i get is that it became not good enough for purist carpers, but potentially still pretty good for pleasure anglers just looking for a bend in the cane (which is the camp i am in)....but all that chat was for the most part over 10 yeas ago.....so I have no clue what it is like currently....the site havent given me much info either. So this is a mega long shot, but if anyone has any current-ish info they could share that would be amazing... Thanking you

What do my learned friends consider to be the best carp day ticket water in the Surrey area for a pleasure angler hoping to catch his first 20lber. When I mean best I mean: decent average size of fish (i.e. reasonable chance of a twenty); fish in good condition; not stupidly easy, but catchable (i.e. shouldn't blank); peaceful, featureful waters; clean/safe/well-run places; respectful anglers; fishes well year round and the fish respond to varied tactics (rather than exclusively boilie/leger.....not that I mind that, but it nice to stalk as well, ge3t them on the top etc) I very rarely get a chance to night fish, so somewhere that is pretty reliable in the day tight lines

Hi all I live in Molesey and am looking for a winter chub campaign. I am not a club member and not looking to join one. I would just like to know of a few stretches I can target, particularly any noted for chub. I have fished the Mole near the Wilderness. Caught roach trotting maggots or bread flake, but never got through to the chub. Also enjoyed some great pike fishing. Also fished the bourne round Chertsey meads. Caught chub in the summer floating bread on the surface, but only ever had chub in winter /autumn. I’m probably just a rubbish chub angler! But if anyone can recommend any good, free stretches of any river to try within a 45min drive of Molesey I would be keen to hear … Tight lines this winter

Kenj thanks for this - really useful! would never say no to a barbel...! out of interest I was looking at that stretch you mentioned on googlemaps ... there is a stretch of the river colne and the colne brook that head upstream from Iver Road - which one were you referring to or are they both good? out of interest do you know if it is flooded / fishable at the moment? thanks once again

Hello everyone I live in Kingston-upon-Thames and am interested in fishing this little river for the first time. Can anyone tell me where the free or day ticket stretches are? The nearer Runnymede/Heathrow/West Drayton/Uxbridge the better in terms of being able to get there easily. Is the stretch at Farlows any good? I am mainly looking at Chub, although I am happy with anything... If anyone is willing to share any info on specific areas, tactics etc, that would be greatly appreciated... happy hunting

What makes certain species thrive in either numbers or size in certain waters compares to others Examples: the wye is known as one of the best barbel waters in the country. It is large and the water is very clean and oxygenated. As a result the barbel are numerous. However a fish of 12lb is very big, whereas much smaller rivers, for example the Loddon can hold fish to nearly 20lb? Or in some waters the number of chub is high, but a fish over 4lb is unlikely whereas in the Lea, it is very difficult to catch, but if you do get one 6lb+ is very realistic, and record fish are certainly a possibility Equally why can certain ponds contain carp that just keep growing and growing whereas in other waters they seem to reach a natural peak around upper 20lbs? With predators it kind of makes a bit more sense….i.e perch flourishing where there are no pike or pike flourishing where there is a lot of food…trout reservoirs etc….but even then you might have one stretch of river full of jacks, and another similar stretch which has a high number of bigger fish Not sure if there is an easy answer….maybe there is and I sound stupid (!)….but always baffled me…? Thoughts?

I got bought some tackle for my birthday from my work mates. Lovely gesture, but they are not anglers themselves and obviously didn't really know what to get. Some of the stuff was fine, but amongst the treasure trove was a packet of about 6 insert wagglers, unbranded. They were useless, firstly the shotting on the side was on the whole wrong, secondly they all leaked. I don't think you need to break the bank, but I wouldn't go with the cheapest

Well for anyone who is interested we stayed here in the end First of all it is fair to say the accommodation is amazing….lovely log cabins with hot tubs. Lovely part of the world with nice villages, pubs, walks etc As for the fishing, can’t grumble at all. As we were with the wives we couldn’t take the micky, so we only had two half days, one morning, one evening. We tried 2 of the 4 lakes (we didn’t try the match lake, which I think is meant to be the easiest. The others were morning interesting looking to us). Even though we were well into December we caught plenty – roach, rudd, decent perch and a good number of carp up to about 6lb….all on pretty basic conventional tactics, baits etc…carp on ledgered pellet or meat (didn’t go for corn or bread and boilies not allowed), fish a chuck on waggler/maggot, and perch on worms….being winter didn’t need to use too much loosefeed I reckon you could absolutely smash it in spring / summer Fishing free for guests; and I think only £5 on a day ticket – bargain really You wont break any records here, but if you want pretty easy/enjoyable fishing, in a not particularly busy fishery, in a lovely part of the country, with amazing on site accommodation; then you could do much worse. I would also recommend this place for families who want to take their kids fishing for the first time and guarantee them some action…cracking learners venue

thought I would try again on this thread, as I haven't been to the place yet, but will be going next week. anyone know anything about it? mainly will be targeting perch and carp any info would be great tight lines

cheers all yep next season I am pretty sure I am gonna join Farnham. membership starts on April 1st so got loads of time And yep I agree a day of recce probably well worth it...

Cheers Matthew, Great info. Yep, location is a bit of a hassle. I live in Kingston, so none are exactly what you would call close by, but I am used to diving up to an hour or so for my fishing, so it doesn't put me off too much. I just like the idea of doing my fishing at picturesque, well-tended, slightly less-pressured venues, with knowledgeable, respectful anglers (not to say people who fish day ticket waters / commercials / free stretches are not knowledgeable and respectful, but you certainly do get a few annoying ****ers!) It means Farnham is the furthest away though, which is a shame as it looks amazing - also I didn't realise about the exchange ticket which would be a real added bonus. My problem with fishing is always time - I work a pretty long day up in London, so I generally only get out at weekends. Its also really hard to explore and get to know venues, other than the local stretch of the Thames. If I went for Farnham I reckon I would realistically get 10-15 sessions a year (which for me still easily justifies the expense), but then I have the quandary of, do I focus on one venue and really try to get to know it and have some success off it, or mix it up and try and bit of everything...? Anyway I'm looking forward to getting on one of them next season.... decisions....?

Morning piscators I live in surrey and, although there are some interesting free river stretches and some good commercials, I am beginning to think about joining a club for the first time. Does anyone have any opinions on the best? I am a real all-rounder….I don’t fish matches, and generally don’t go for big bags of silvers….but really enjoy targeting decent fish of any species. Particularly enjoy chub, barbel and pike on rivers, and carp, tench and perch on still waters….wouldn't say no to any species though really.... I don’t mind a challenge or the odd blank (i certainly have plenty of experience!), but I don’t consider myself an expert of any particular type of angling…so probably not looking for anything too tough. Options I am considering are: Farnham Woking Leatherhead Dorking Any thoughts?

Hi all, anyone know this place? It is near Rutland Water in Leics. Small coarse fishery with accommodation Me and my bro are staying there with our other halves for a few days….hoping to escape for a few hours on the bank a couple of times Couldn’t find loads of info on-line….but there are 4 lakes, one of which is a match like and most info on-line is about that one. Seems full of small carp and seemingly pretty easy. But not much interest in that lake. Ideally hoping for a bit more of a challenge where the fish go a little larger...although to be fair we'd settle for any bend in the rod So has anyone been and got any info on the other lakes? What’s in them, baits, tactics, swims etc?? We are going in early winter…. Will probably look for snaggy areas and go for perch with worms/maggots on the waggler with one rod. And target carp on the other rod with a pellet/hemp, meat/corn approach….probably on a feeder set up… Any tips would be most welcome tight lines

cheers for advice...will have a crack and see how I get on!

Hi there Does anyone know much about this small river, near Uxbridge, west Drayton - Fray's River On Googlemaps it looks like it winds its way through a lot of green space and lakes (I know there are a few commercial pools and syndicate lakes nearby) But what about the river itself? Is it free? Or are there free stretches…in which case where are the free stretches? And what is in it? Have heard rumours of big chub and some barbel? What else….? And where are the good, fishable, accessible and, crucially, free stretches etc….? cheers

I love pike and perch. Along with chub and grayling they are what get me out of my warm bed on a dark winter's morning. Although despite being told the contrary by many people over the years, my experience is that neither are particularly fearsome in how they fight. Don't get me wrong they are no bream, but pound for pound, I don't think they come close to barbel, carp or tench That doesn't diminish the enjoyment of catching them mind you.I actually probably prefer it as I always see it as more of a challenge One of by biggest pike was last winter, a lovely 22lber from a small river. However it really didn't scrap that hard...to a certain extent it was just reeling in a big heavy weight...a few lunges towards the end of the fight, but generally speaking I have had better fights from 4lb carp! It was VERY cold though, I don't know if it was so cold that it was a bit lethargic? But I remember another early spring session fishing a pond with red maggots and worms. I caught a nice mixed bag of tench, crucians ana perch up to about 2lb...and the tench and crucians definitely out-fought the perch (however I accept river perch give much better fights than lake perch). That said I have only had a few perch over 2lb, so I am by no means an authority on the subject Equally I think it depends on the approach. Most of my bigger pike have come dead-baiting, however, logic would suggest you would get a more explosive take, and therefore better fight (at least in the initial stages) whilst live-baiting or lure fishing regardless though, both cracking fish and a joy to catch

afternoon all... just thought I would try again on this thread, as I think I am gonna go for the first time in a couple of weeks does anyone know this place? It's in Chertsey, Surrey? Going for carp.... at intermediate level, so not too keen on Pit 3, where they go v big, but it looks pretty tough...I want a decent chance of catching but hopefully a reasonable chance of a double. nothing too hard or too easy basically Im not doing a night, so just 12 hours to try and winkle something out. Prefer fishing to features rather than "hit and hope", but open to trying anything. Just hoping for some tips on best lakes, tactics, baits etc. Top, bottom, mid-water etc? Do they show, are they easy to find? Pretty sure I am gonna rule out pit 1, 3, 4, 6 and match - as I wanna hopefully catch but ideally not bream or anything too small...Also if they are on the top I wanna be allowed to surface fish, which you cannot do on Pit 1. would never say no to a tinker but primary target is carp (which is the main reason for discounting pit 6 as it looks v nice) Favouring 5, 2 and 7. Pit 5 particularly interests me, as I it is small with loads of marginal features and get the impression it gets less angler pressure than other pits, but there doesn't appear to be much info out there on it In fact there is a general lack of info of Twynersh as a whole which is a bit surprising really as it seems a well established fishery, full of deep gravel pits and the fish seem to go pretty big. So I might have expected more people to know about it. Hopefully im not in for a nasty surprise when I go! I suspect unless I hear otherwise I will go armed with usual mix of pellets, dog biscuits, boillies and pop ups...and try on the deck, popped up, zigged and on the surface...ix it up a bit. but well open to suggestion if for example meat, or worm are worth a go. is it worth float fishing tight in the margins, pellet wagglering etc etc? Anyway, any info gratefully received as ever. Cheers Hopey

For those of you who know this brand, how good is their fishing tackle? They are new to me. But basically they are a big DIY, hardware, outdoor activity store etc…a growing brand in the UK. Sell loads of stuff at reasonable price…including fishing equipment. Fishing-wise they largely sell spinning stuff….not surprising given it is a Scandinavian brand….but it is good value. But is it good quality? Is it worth getting or do I risk spending money for the sake of it. I am new to spinning and looking to buy a rod / real combo. Don’t want to break the bank, but don’t wanna buy poor quality stuff They do a rod / real combo for a bout £50 (they do cheaper ones as well)….seems reasonable Anyone know anything about their stuff and if it is any good?

Not many replies on this but thought I would update for anyone who is interested… I did indeed head down to Chertsey Meads for a session on the Bourne freelining bread flake on the surfce for chub. Just did a brief session after work…about 6.30 – 8.30. Quite entertaining….proper huckleberry finn stiff….The river is very hard to access due to nettles and other growth, but if you travel light and are prepared to walk a bit you are able to get access to the river in places to get a bait in I did manage to winkle out of couple of chub….nothing big, the largest about 2lb, but great fun, and reckon more is possible. Very chubby little river…I reckon a bit more depth and you could have a cracking day. Few very perchy and pikey looking spots too. However the real surprise of the evening came in the form of a beautiful Sea Trout that weighed about 3.5lbs. Cracking fight. Most unexpected, but very welcome. I can definitely recommend this for an afternoon of fishing….as long as you are prepared to leave most of your stuff at home

Hi There is an interesting article in this months IYCF about free lining bread flake on the surface of little rivers for summer chub. Sounds fun. I was thinking of where is near me (Kingston upon Thames) that is suitable. A lot of the little rivers near me you cant get at to fish, or are owned by clubs, or get polluted etc etc. One place I thought of was the Bourne around Chertsey. Only fished it once before....and it was in winter....didn't do particularly well that day.... pulled a few roach out to about half a pound. However looking on line the general consensus is that autumn and winter are better as it is hard to fish in summer (empty of water, hard to access the river cos of nettles etc). does anyone know what the Bourne is looking like at the moment, is it fishable etc? and has anyone had any success on the method above? particular on the Bourne....? Or can anyone recommend any other free stretches of small rivers within say 15miles of Kingston that might be worth a go using this method cheers chaps

i'm 31 and have had a beard for 4 years or so... Flat cap, woolly jumper, pipe and hip flask on a cold winters day and I could be forgive for looking much older though!

Does anyone know if you are allowed to fish here? I know there are the Penn Ponds which you can fish on a permit (i think), but i have seen shoals of chub and roach in the brook and it is really tempting to pop along with a few slices of white, but i have a feeling fishing is not allowed. But i cant find the information on line... tight lines

Never been here before but considering heading shortly as I have heard good things about it To be honest I am a total novice when it comes to the Thames and big rivers generally. All my previous river fishing has been on much smaller rivers. And I have never targeted carp on rivers before, only ever fished for them in lakes. Therefore if anyone knows how it is fishing there at the moment and give any advice on best rigs, baits etc for carp and barbel I would really appreciate. Roughly speaking I was thinking of having one road with a heavy tunnel feeder with pellet, hemp and sonus groundbait, alternating between Pellet and Meat hair-rigged on a leader of about two foot. Then on other road a standard running leger that I would use in lakes, with a heavy lead, a short-ish hooklength and hair-rigged boilie, in a large pva bag filled with pellet and boilie (some crushed) Probably back lead both rods Sound sensible? How far out should I cast? Also Braid or Mono hook-lengths? Also I cant do a night unfortunately so it will be a dawn to dusk job – will I still catch? Also I wont mind if I pick up any other species like bream and chub whilst trying (I might even pack a float and some maggots?) Sorry to ask, as I know people don’t like to give away their secrets, but as I say I am new to this and I don’t get out to fish much these days, so any help making it a good day would be a real bonus!! Cheers

ended up at BG temperature-wise it was a red hot day, so they weren't havin it that much, but caught 4 carp up to about 7lb in about 6 hours so cant really complain. should have had a couple more too all in the margins, some on pellet basic running ledger, some off the top free line dog biscuit get the impression if you went there when it was a bit cooler for the whole day you could easily catch 20 in a day! although there are so many littluns you would have to be lucky to get through to a double still though, cracking little place for beginners

Anyone know how its fishing for carp at the moment? Particular off the surface? Has this extreme heat affect the fishing much?