Looking for a day of Pike and Perch fishing near London

[dooly]

Are there any ponds/lakes/rivers within 1-2 hrs of central london (the closer the better) where i am allowed to target Pike, Perch and Chub (in that order) using only artificial lures like plugs and/or jigs (no flies). i dont mind swapping my trebles for single barbless hooks if that help to bypass any rules about trebles. i usually dont just fish one spot but prefer to move around if the lakes are big enough. as mentioned in my intro i prefer to release my fish as long as they are not injured, is this ok in London? so far ive read about tooting common and wandsworth but evrything i find is about carp not predators and i cant seem to find where to buy a licensce for the pond ( the EA licence i will get from tghe post office). i would only be fishing for 1 or 2 days with a friend and would like to make the most of it. thanks for any help i can get!

[Dick Dastardly]

Try the Thames in the Hampton Court area.

[dooly]

Thanks Budgie! i will defiitely give it a try. i was also told that most relaxed carp fisherman dont like people who walk around casting their lures constantly as it scares the peaceful fish. and so i should try find a place where there arent any carp fishermen. i will have a look into the hampton court area. just in case you know where i can buy a licnsce for the thames iwould appreciate that otherwise i ll try find out from the post office. thanks for the tip!

[lyn]

Thanks Budgie! i will defiitely give it a try. i was also told that most relaxed carp fisherman dont like people who walk around casting their lures constantly as it scares the peaceful fish. and so i should try find a place where there arent any carp fishermen. i will have a look into the hampton court area. just in case you know where i can buy a licnsce for the thames iwould appreciate that otherwise i ll try find out from the post office. thanks for the tip!

 

A lot of the Thames is free fishing. You can get a book from the Environment Agency that will give you all the info on who controls which waters in the Thames region and which is free fishing. You can buy a Thames wier permit, they were £20 odd but not looked for a couple of years.

 

You will find plenty of space to fish on the Thames withour upsetting other anglers. Thorpe Park holds a good head of pike and perch but not sure what the fishing is on it these days.

Tight lines

 

lyn

[dooly]

Thanks Lyn! didnt know there were still places in Europe where fresh water fishing is "free" (not counting the EA rod licencse) that sounds good! i will def do that i think! i ll get myself the info then try a nice stretch of the Thames! btw isnt thorpe park an amusement park?!

[Maddog]

Thanks Lyn! didnt know there were still places in Europe where fresh water fishing is "free" (not counting the EA rod licencse) that sounds good! i will def do that i think! i ll get myself the info then try a nice stretch of the Thames! btw isnt thorpe park an amusement park?!

 

I think Lyn probably meant the day ticket water at Thorpe Lea which is not far from the theme park.

Looking at the fish photos on their site, there are a few 3lb+ perch.