Fish 4 Carp - Find U.K Lakes, Tips & Info: 2009

Tuesday, 24 February 2009

Carp Techniques - Getting Started

An article on basic carp techniques such as rod setup, fishing techniques, casting and striking.

Setting up a Rod

Put the rod together, make sure the eyes of the rod all line up in a straight line. Attach the reel to the rod, make sure the reel is in line with the eyes of the rod. Take the bail arm off (flip the bail arm from its current position to the other side - the bail arm is the metal wirey looking piece on the reel), thread the line through each eye of the rod.

Next you must decide what sort of fishing you want to do, do you want to fish on the bottom, fish on the surface or float the bait in the middle of the water.

If you want to fish on the bottom or if you want to cast a long way then read the “Ledgering” section.

If you want to fish at various depths and you don’t need to cast a long way then read the “Float Fishing” section.

If you want to fish on the surface then read the “Surface Feeding” section.

Ledgering

Ledger Rod setup - Once you have set up your rod as detailed above in the “setting up a rod” section, simply slide a ledger weight onto the line, tie a hook or a hair rig to the end of the line, then slide the ledger weight back up the line and place a bb shot about 12 inches from the hook making sure the ledger weight is the rod side of the bb shot (not the hook side!).
Place your chosen bait on the hook or hair rig.
You are now ready to cast your rod.

Swim Feeding: Once you have set up your rod as detailed above in the “setting up a rod” section, simply slide your chosen swim feeder onto the line, tie a hook or a hair rig to the end of the line, then slide the swim feeder back up the line and place a bb shot about 12 inches from the hook making sure the swim feeder is the rod side of the bb shot (not the hook side!).
Pack the swim feeder with some loose feed / ground bait, then place your chosen bait on the hook or hair rig.
You are now ready to cast your rod.

Float Fishing

Once you have set up your rod as detailed above in the “setting up a rod” section: choose a float that you would like to use, slide the eye of the float onto the line, tie a hook to the end of the line. Now move the float up the line, the further you move the float up the line the deeper your bait will sit in the water, so for example if you place the float 30cm from the hook, when you cast your bait will be floating 30cm below the surface. Once you have decided how deep you would like your bait to be, place one shot either side of the float. OK you have chosen the depth you would like to fish at, if you wish to change the depth at any time, simply move the float and the two shot up the line if you want to fish deeper or down the line if you want to fish shallower.

The next step is to balance the float: cast the float into the water, if the float lies on its side then you need to add more shot. Place another shot on the line between the float and the hook, repeat the process until the float stands up with just the float tip showing. If the float sinks you will need to take a shot off or replace it with a smaller shot.

Place your chosen bait on the hook and away you go.

Surface Feeding

Close Range: Once you have set up your rod as detailed above in the “setting up a rod” section: simply tie a hook to the end of the line.
Place your chosen bait on the hook and away you go.

This technique is used when you can see a carp in the margins but you don’t want to spook them, just simply drop or flick the bait in front of them and get ready for some instant action.

Distance: Once you have set up your rod as detailed above in the “setting up a rod” section: slide a surface feeding float onto the line, then tie a hook to the end of the line, move the float 50cm – 100cm up the line and place one shot either side of the float.
Place your chosen bait on the hook or hair rig.
You are now ready to cast your rod.

Casting

Close Range / Flicking: hold the rod in front in front of you pointing in the direction that you want the bait to go, get hold of the line found running between the reel and the first eye on the rod, whilst holding this line take the bail arm off, line can now easily flow from your reel when you cast the rod. Now swing the bait backwards and forwards by the lifting the rod up and down and when the moment is right flick the rod and let go of the line. This can be quite difficult at first. Now flick the bail arm back.

Distance: hold the rod over your shoulder facing in the direction that you want the bait to go, get hold of the line found running between the reel and the first eye on the rod, whilst holding this line take the bail arm off, line can now easily flow from your reel when you cast the rod. Now in a forward motion flick the rod forward and let go of the line. This can be quite difficult at first. Now flick the bail arm back.

Get the Rod Ready After Casting

If Float Fishing: once you have cast, reel in any loose line until the float starts moving back towards you.

If Ledgering: once you have cast, reel in any loose line until the line goes tight, if the line going from the rod to water is not straight (if it is looping), then you need to reel in more line until the line stays in a straight line. If you find the line won’t stay tight and that you keep reeling in the ledger weight, you may need to put a larger ledger weight on, or alternatively try dipping the tip of the rod into the water (particularly on a windy day).

Striking

When the float goes under or the bite alarm sounds lift the rod quickly and firmly into the air, if you feel resistance you have hooked the fish.

Basic Carp Fishing Techniques

Frustrating as it is, carp fishing is awesome. Carp are really good at sucking in and blowing out suspicious baits. It's such an excitement to see the whole action in a fraction of a second as you hang on for dear life while the reel is trembling with a loud noise.

Carp happily devour on the surface as long as you keep the pellets, biscuits, chic peas, bread, and re-hydrated corn coming in, and these are inexpensive baits as well. Just attach them to the hooks, most preferably the bread. Have the biscuits softened by dipping it in the water for about 2 minutes, then, place them in a sealed sandwich bag for about an hour. Since different brands have different textures, just experiment to know which is firm enough to cast. Another way to hook baits is super gluing the pellet into the shank.

Once they get into feeding, let them feel comfortable around the bait. This gives more opportunity for the fisherman since they begin to not feel picky. This tactic can be useful for zig rigs.

As soon as they're feeding, cast the bait but make sure not to drop the bait directly onto the feeding carp. Cast away from the feeding area then slowly draw it in position. While the bait is till hanging, keep the food coming in so as to keep the carp from going away.

How to Set-Up?

• Use a hair rig to increase your chance of catching. As carp taste food first, if they don't like the taste, they won't come near it.
• You may also use a Spider Line, 50 lbs test, then use a leader material that fits the situation.
• Thread the bait on the baiting needle and hook the hair loop. You may also use foam dipped in a flavor as this enhances the attractiveness of the bait.
• Also make a baiting needle by just straightening a long shank hook. Slide the bait on the shank, then slide the bait from the needle onto the hair.
• Using a float is also an advantage because it adds weight for further distancing and the location is easily identified.
• Don't forget the controller float rig. A leader can be used which is attached to the swivel to its mainline of at least 3 feet length with a 10lbs Drennan double strength. A low diameter mono will do just as long as it floats well enough for visibility.

As experts say, it is not the bait that catches the carp but the method in which the bait is introduced. Pre-bait everyday, in one spot for a few days. This makes the carp think that there is a regular source of food for them and by "word of mouth" there'll soon be a school of fish around. Just be patient and it will all work.

Saturday, 21 February 2009

Carp Fishing in Bedfordshire

----- A very picturesque Woburn Sands -----

Airman Pit
Well stocked with carp, as far as we know to about the mid twenties but mainly smaller!
season ticket approx £30 per season Tel: 01462 812323.

Arlesey Lake
An old deep brick of about 12 acres in Arlesey near Hitchin fairly well stocked with carp to the upper twenties, tickets are about £45 per season or £5 per day on the bank, Tel: 01462 731709....*It is worth mentioning that this where the Arlesey Bomb gets its name from as it was developed here by the great Richard Walker for fishing at long range for Perch.*

Elstow Pits
Two pits of 25 and 30 acres in Elstow near Bedford. A great fishery and perhaps one of the best in the country, containing many thirties and forties (fewer fish in No2 and much more difficult). Elstow 2 is a syndicate water costing around £150 per season, once you've joined you're automatically placed on the waiting list for Pit 1 which has a far higher stock density and cost aroung £470 per season. Tel: 01908 645135 or Linear Fisheries, 10a Rackstraw Grove, Old Farm Park, Milton Keynes MK7 8PZ.

Heron Lake
A lovely 6 acre lake with many features and a good stock of carp to over 30lb, you can fish this lake on a yearly membership of £185, for more details contact Alan Fleming on 01480 213664 or visit their web site http://www.heronlake.org.uk

Talltrees Carp Fishery
Aspley Guise, Bedfordshire. 100+ carp from 20lb to 40lb. Current lake record 41lb Common.
Two acres, with island. Front of island 7ft, back from 8-16 ft. £12 day ticket, & £20 for 24 hours. £120 per day private hire.
No peanuts, no braided lines, no fixed/semi fixed leads and fishing by appointment only.
Call Jay on 07775 613235 - Web site: www.Talltreesfishery.com

Toddington Fishery
Set in a quiet corner of rural Bedfordshire. Originally dug out some 15 years ago and stocked with a variety of coarse fish including roach, perch, tench, bream, with carp to 22lb and catfish to 37lb. This coarse fishing complex has seen many changes over the years and the site is constantly being improved. Day tickets may be purchased on the site and matches can be booked.
The ponds can be found adjacent to the car park, which itself is a long way from the main road. Safe car parking, a short walk, quiet location and excellent fishing, bed and breakfast accommodation, what more could you want?
Open all year from dawn to dusk with night fishing by special arrangement, please call John Lydon on 07855 321 781.
There are no bait bans, ground bait is allowed in cups and feeders but no fixed leads or 'method'. Keep nets in matches only. Barbless hooks only. Also visit - www.toddingtonfisheries.co.uk

Woburn Sands
A picturesque, two and a half acre Carp syndicate situated 10 minutes from Milton Keynes, Bucks on the Bucks/Beds border which has only 16 members. The lake holds approx 60/70 English fully scaled, linear and common carp to low twenties and is ideally suited to those anglers seeking quiet, peaceful fishing away from the crowds and those that prefer to use traditional methods. There are no facilities on the lake but shops, pub and an hotel are close by. Parking is fairly limited. There are currently some vacancies in the syndicate for the right kind of angler at a cost of £150.00 for 12 months fishing. There is no close season and night fishing is permitted but there is and 24 hour stay rule. If interested contact Gary Edwards telephone 01525 375361 or mobile 07702432948 alternatively e-mail: edwardsmeow@aol.comfor full details.

Carp Fishing in Berkshire

Englefield Lagoon
A 40 acre gravel pit in Pingewood, Berkshire with depths between 2 and 9 feet, the pit contains carp to around 32lb but has produced bigger in the past, a big weed choked pit this making fishing very difficult at times but as the pit contains such large carp it's well worth a visit or two, club tickets are from £10 for juniors to £30 for adults, there is also a specimen group supplement ticket costing around £45, for more info Tel: 0118 981 7342.

Southlake Angling Society
A thriving angling club, situated in Woodley, Berkshire. Established in the 1960's the Society has three venues, catering for the specimen hunter, match and pleasure angler alike.
Southlake at 18 acres with around 30 swims is our main carp fishery. There are at least 10 different 30lb fish including 2 commons and the lake record, a mirror at 39lb 10oz. These are supported by a stock of 20lb fish with a large proportion of these being upper twenties.
Tippings Lane is an 11 acre gravel pit with 35 swims. The lake holds a reasonable head of carp with the largest reported last season a 36lb common, being a new lake record.
Redlands is just over 8 acres with 40 swims. A good head of carp with the lake record being a heavily scaled mirror of 36lb. There are several upper 20lb original fish including 2 commons of 28lb. These original fish are supported by a quantity of fast growing "Fishers Pond" mirrors. The majority of these were stocked in 2001 at just over 6lb and several of them are now over 20lb and the best last season was reported at 25lb 4ozs.

Membership is Senior £65.00, Senior Citizen £30.00 and Junior £30.00 ( Initial joining fees of £20.00 apply) Night Fishing is allowed on all waters.
Members are able to purchase a third rod permit which runs from November 1st to March 31st and are priced at £20.00. For the rest of the year the society operates a strict two rod limit.
Visit the SAC web site at www.southlakeas.co.uk

Swan Valley
A four lakes in Darby Green, Sandhurst, Berkshire containing carp to over 30lb, lake four the Specimen Lake is the main lake for big carp on this complex, day tickets can be bought on the bank at £10 per 24 hours for two rods and £2 extra for a third rod, for more info Tel: Chris Hill of Academy Angling Center on 01252871452.

The Wasing Carp and Tench Syndicate
Washing fishery comprises 4 lakes; Oxlease - 9 acres - Carp to 35lb+, Cranwells - 20 acres - Carp to 35lb+, Staghead - 2 acres - Carp to 29lb and Middle Lake - 1 acre - carp to 21lb or 31/2lb for Crucian carp. Staghead and Middle lakes are spring-fed lakes from the Wasing Wood and were created before the 17th Century and have been restocked since 1988 with carp. Approx. middle depths run to 20ft, shelving off from 5ft. Oxlease and Cranwells are restored gravel pits which have been maturing since 1994. Cranwells is more shallow with middle depths averaging 4ft, and Oxlease has middle depths up to 25ft. These lakes are restored spring fed gravel pits some of which have won environmental restoration awards.
Wasing Fisheries also has four miles of double bank fishing on the renowned River Kennet in Berkshire, just 45minutes from London, providing excellent fishing opportunities for Chub to 8lbs and Barbel to 17lb and a 40-acre predator lake with some enormous Pike and Perch. Newly opened in 2003, Rowney Lake is proving to be a massive success and one of the best predator lakes around.

Night fishing is permitted but strictly by arrangement with the office. Day tickets are not available. The lakes syndicate costs are £150 per year.

The syndicate is highly exclusive and competitive at £250 for the River Kennet and £150 for the lakes syndicate. More information on the fishery and the prices is easily available at the website www.wasingfisheries.co.uk or alternatively, please contact Kirsti by email on kirsti@wasing.co.uk or phone 01189 714 140.

Tri-Lakes
Situated in Sandhurst two nice lakes with many good features such as bars and so on totaling 13 acres, the carp run to around the 40lb mark. This fishery is only open on weekends from 8am to sunset and only from November 1st to March 14th this could of course mean its tough to get a swim but I can't say that for sure as I haven't visited personally. For more info Tel: 01252 873191.

Carp Fishing in Buckinghamshire

----- Harrow Angling Societies Rowley Lake -----

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Farlows Lake (main lake)
A 25 acre lake close to the M25 containing many good carp, lots of 20'so and plenty of 30's., also plenty of other good coarse fish to be had all running to good sizes. Night fishing is allowed and both day ticket and season tickets are available, season tickets cost around £275 per season and £225 for OAP's and the disabled. Parking near the swims is possible on many parts of the lake...... well worth a visit.....For more info Tel: Boyer Leisure on 01753 630302 or visit the web site - www.boyer.co.uk

Furzton Lake
A 35 acre lake (approx) in Milton Keynes which contains approx 2500 fish of between 5lb and 33lb.
The lake has 2 islands at 100 yards and old stream bed, an average depth is 6ft (2ft - 10ft), one bank is unfishable (houses). Generall rules apply (2 rods only), no bait boats. Ticket costs are £4 a day (midnight to midnight). Contact the Milton Keynes AA or visit the web site for more info.

Manor farm pools
Two lakes of 1 acre, and the other a little smaller. situated in a very peaceful setting near Buckingham
Just stocked with over 200 carp around 3lbs but with some of the originals topping twenty pounds, there are also tench and loads of rudd topping 2lbs.
The small pool is shallow around three feet, with the bigger pool having depths to over 15 feet, there are a few over hanging trees at one end with a few reed beds, and pads.
Parking is behind your swim on one lake,
There are only a few rules, no night fishing, no keepnets, and barbless hooks.
This is a very prolific water with multiple catches all year around, and will be a great big fish water in a couple of years as the carp have put on over 2 pound in 4 months.
Costs for a years fishing is £65.00 and will be limited to 20 to keep it quiet

This is a water for the angler who wants a bit of fun fishing, and a regular bend in the rod, But also wants a bit of peace whist fishing, which is getting hard to find nowadays
For more details contact Gary Edwards on 07702 432948/ Email edwardsmeow@aol.com

Mount Farm
Milton Keynes. Buckinghamshire, next to the Beacon Pub.
Mount far is stocked with a good head of doubles and twenties, there here are 2 thirties, a Common and Mirror.... at the right time of year there could be 3 or 4 30+ fish. The lake is around 35 acres and has a large island as well as reed lined banks, lilly pads and overhanging trees. The average depth is artound 4 feet but goes from around 18inchs to 6feet and there is a system of bars running from the pub end to the roundabout end. There is also a smaller section of lake that can be fished under the same ticket. the small lake also contains a good head of bream and tench. and can throw up a couple of 20+ carp per season.
The bream and tench can be a problem. Using bigger baits has avoided the snotties and tench.
Mount farm receives alot of bait in the summer. Using a stringer of boileys 5-6 baits is a successful method.
The price is £20 per year for 2 rods, and £30 a year for 3. They operate with a closed season March 15th until June 16th. Contact Milton Keynes Angling centre for information and tickets.

Rowley lake
Rowley is the Harrow Angling Societies jewel in the crown, this beautiful man made 4 1/2 acre estate lake is surrounded by willows, silver birch, alders and oak. It has lily beds and is fringed with rushes and supports an abundance of wildlife. In 1988 and 1991 the lake was restocked, the lake now holds a very good stock of Roach and Perch, Tench, Crucian Carp, Bream, and Carp. A peaceful and tranquil place, wonderful for getting away from the pressures for a while. - Further info available via the website - http://www.harrowangling.co.uk

Carp Fishing in Cambridgeshire

..... Ron Middleton with a good Ashmire carp .....

ASHIMIRE CARP SYNDICATE, Earith, Cambs.
Requires good responsible members to complete a sixty-strong syndicate. Cost per season of £250 for the twelve months fishing, using three rods.
This overgrown lake, owned by Ron & Betty Middleton, is stocked with carp up to 33lbs and also very large pike (best 27¾lbs). There are also good specimens of rudd, tench and eels (up to 6lbs 6oz), but there are no bream. The lake was dug around 1940 and remained unfished for many years. Since Ron purchased the property in 1993 countless carp over 20lbs have been landed, including eight different carp over 30lbs to date.
This is an ideal water for the type of angler who enjoys quiet and peaceful surroundings, catching nice clean fish with a good chance of a BIG ONE. The beautiful, reed-fringed lake extends fifteen acres and has eight islands and many bays. It has an average depth of ten feet.
There are toilet and shower facilities on site.
For further details please contact Ron or Betty Middleton on 01487 740943 (evenings).

Earith Lakes
Two gravel pits with carp into the thirties!
Syndicate only approx £150 per season, also owned by the same company are two carp syndicate waters with carp just over 35 lb for any further information on this and on Earith Tel: 01487 740701 or Mobile: 07759 199256 or visit the web site - http://www.earith-carp-lakes.co.uk

Gingerbread Lake
A 20 acre lake in Eaton Socon, St, Noets which is controlled by the Biggleswade and Hitchin AA which contains carp well into the thirties including an uncaught fish which is said to be around the 40lb mark, boilies are said to be the main bait for carp here. Club members only on this lake but anyone can join at a cost of around £35. For more info Tel: 01767223147.

Carp Fishing in Cheshire

Boothsmere
A fairly shallow 7 acre mere in Knutsford containing carp to around the 30lb mark. Tickets are from Altrincham DAC and cost around £30 per year plus a £15 joining fee & around £8 for juniors plus £3.50 joining fee. Tel: 0161 969 7475.

Brereton Pool
14 acre sand pit near Congleton, some carp to over 20lb in this water!
Day ticket, on the bank £3, night fishing for club members Tel: 01477 534115

Brereton Quarry
Exact carp sizes not known for this fishery but we have reports of some large carp! Day tickets cost around £3, Tel: 01477 534 115

Doddlespool Farm Lake
A nice small lake this in Betley, near Crewe, well stocked with carp to ever 20lbs!
Day ticket £5, Tel: 01270 820216.

Gale Green Farm Fishery
Now a syndicate water, we have no other up to date details on this water.

Knights Pool
A nice lake in Macclesfield which contains carp to around the 40lb mark plus big pike and tench, this is a day tocket fishery where night fishing is allowed, the fishery is open all year round and is suitable for disabled anglers. Floater fishing is said to work well here. For more info Tel: (01625) 612956.

Moore Quarry
An 8 acre pit in Moore, Warrington stocked with carp to around 25lb, season tickets from £26 plus a one off £20 joining fee, Tel: 01928 716238

Roman Lakes Leisure Park
Lakes Road, Marple, Stockport, Cheshire SK6 7HB
The park consists of a 9 acre shallow lake with islands and over a mile of wide backwaters all set in a beautiful situation. Being shallow the waters are productive all year (we are open every day except Christmas Day). The waters are stocked with Carp over 30lb, Pike over 20lb and there are also also large Bream and Tench, Roach and Perch.
Day fishing only, 8am to dusk £5 per rod, (16 and under £3 + other concessions)
Cafe, Toilets, Free parking, flat access. Well stocked Tackle Shop Saturday and Sunday with fresh bait.Tel: 0161-427 2039 email info@romanlakes.co.uk website - www.romanlakes.co.uk

Carp Fishing in Derbyshire

Belper Pond
A 3 acre lake in Wyner Lane, Belper containing many carp to over 20lb, tickets are about £20 per season with a £10 joining fee, we think the tickets are available from local tackle shops.

Catton Park Lake
10 acre gravel pitat Round Lodge, Catton, near Walton - on - Trent, well stocked with carp to over 20lb, tickets are about £6 per day, no night fishing, Tel: 01283 716876.

Harwick Hall Lakes
2 estate lake between Mansfield and Chesterfield, both well stocked with small carp which go to nearly 30lb, tickets on the bank at about £3 per day also season tickets are available at about £30 per season, these lakes are set in lovely surroundings and the lakes are very attractive, no night fishing.

Osbornes Pond
A 7 acre pond in Shipley Country Park with a good stock of carp up to 25 lb , day tickets are available from the visitors center priced at £2-50 you can night fish but you need a season ticket to do so and they are priced at £29 (16 June to 15 June) - ( NO JUNIORS ALLOWED TO NIGHT FISH ) and are available from the club secretary Mr M.Webster, Tel: 01773 719745, this ticket also allows you to fish several other waters with carp up to 25lb details are listed on the season ticket.

Mapperley Reservoir
A 16 acre reservoir Iin Shipley Country Park with a good stock of carp up to the mid 20,s day tickets are available from the visitors center priced £2-50 you can night fish but you need a season ticket to do so they are priced at £29 (16 June to 15 June) - ( NO JUNIORS ALLOWED TO NIGHT FISH ) and are available from the club secretary , Mr M Webster, Tel: 01773 719745.

Pride of Derby
Location: Junction 1 on A50, near Junction 24 of M1 - Sawley (Derbyshire/Nottinghamshire)
Two main carp lakes, Pride lake and Redhouse Lake........ Pride Lake has a good head of high doubles and low-mid 20’s, with 4 known 30s going to 33lb 6oz, Pike to 20lb. Recently re stocked with 200 carp weighing between 2lb and 10lb . Approx 18 acres, old gravel pit. Depths between 2-3 feet in margins to 22 feet deep
Redhouse Lake has Carp to 28lb, bream to 12lb and Pike to 29lb. Approx 22 acres, old gravel pit, depths between 2-3 feet in margins to 22 feet.
Tickets are £40 per year. This covers Pride Lake , Redhouse Lake , Match Lake , Olivers Lake , Ully Gully (Trent Backwater) plus stretches of the Derwent, Trent and Trent/Mersey canal. Plus £20 first member joining fee and £5 for gate key.
No tiger nuts or trout pellets and some restrictions on stretches of river regarding night fishing..... The fish seem to have a sweet tooth, like fruity and sweet flavours.
Contact details: www.prideofderby.co.uk - Club secretary – Alan Miller alan.miller@prideofderby.com or Phone: 01283 702701

Williamthorpe Angling Club
Five mixed species club lakes in Holmewood, Chesterfield.
Pond 1. a nature reserve with poor access, 2 banks & no night fishing, unknown carp stock but with the potential of a whopper. (rock hard)
Pond 2. a 50 year old pit reservoir connected to pond 1, square with good depths, carp to 24lb 05/06 season. (hard)
Pond 3. a small roadside pond, 2 islands, popular with approx 40 “proper” carp average high doubles, plenty 20 plus, biggest recorded at 26lb (can be a “runs” water”) popular winter water as it very rarely freezes over.
Lings water. Mainly a match pond, lots of singles, stocked with 1200 carp to 2lb approx 10 years ago, access a route march.
Grassmoor Pond. Carp to 20lb. but not many (hard)
Day tickets £5 on bank, yearly membership £20 + £5 joining fee, night fishing on ponds 2 & 3.
Ring Chas on 07980346386 for more details.

Carp Fishing in Devon and Cornwall

--- Simpson Valleys Lovely Upper Fuzzy Lake ---

Bussells Farm
Situated in Huxham, Near Exeter these three interconnected and attractive lakes that cover in total 2.5 acres are well stocked with carp up to 25lb, they also contain bream, tench, roach, rudd, pike and eels. Tickets for this day only venue are available from the kiosk at a cost of £5 with price being reduced after 2pm. - for more info call 01392 841238. Also onsite there are holiday cottages, an outdoor heated swimming pool an adventure playground and more.

Coombe Water fishery
3 lakes in Kingsbridge, the top lake holding the most carp in along with roach, bream and a few tench. The middle is teeming with small carp to 10lb, roach and bream.
The bottom lake is a lake with the slightly bigger carp in, fish to the Island for best results.
Bottom lake record went around 25lb+. Three superb ponds full of carp, quality roach, Big Perch, bream and a handful tench. The carp feed well all year round. Boilies being the favoured method along
with luncheon meat and pellets. The bigger carp generally come out near to the features. In the top lake in the summer fish on the float on the side nearest to the road with corn about a foot away from the bank and you'll hit carp of all sizes. The margins being the best catching area.
For Day tickets there is a self service hut located in the car park, the cost for adults is £5 and £2.50 for juniors. Phone for more info or directions, Coombe Farm 01548 852038

Creedy Lakes
An ever improving fishery located in Crediton, Devon containing many good carp with the lake records regularly being improved on, the fish go to around the 30lb mark, tickets cost around £6 per day for three rods. For more info call 01363 772684 or check out the web site ... www.creedylakes.com

Indiopond Fishery
Bovey Tracey, Devon. 9 acres of holiday complex with 9 holiday lodges and a 400 year old 3 acre main lake with carp to 30lb and tench to 8lb, also a prolific stock pond with all carp to 10lb including lots of ghost carp, all set in a relaxing location. No day tickets, for more information tel: 01626 832508, email: info@indiopond.co.uk or visit the web site: www.indiopond.co.uk

Newbarn Farm Angling Center
Situated on the A385 on the border of Paignton, Devon. There are 6 lakes on site up to 1.25 acres, with a good head of carp up to the upper twenties, in the specimen 'mirror lake' there are 145 carp averaging low doubles, with the odd twenty. This lake was drained and de-silted in 2002 with all stock recorded and a few features added. contact Newbarn farm on 01803 553602 for further information.

Rosewater Lake
A one acre stream fed pond in Rose, Newquay. This may be a small pond but it has some nice features including islands, a sunken island and depths up to ten feet, not really notes a big fish water but the carp do go to about 20lb and are sure to grow bigger. Tickets are around £5 per day and season tickets are available. For more info call 01872 573040.

Simpson Valley Coarse Fishery
6 lakes in Holsworthy, North Devon each 1-2acres with different stocks to offer varied angling experiences. Upper Fuzzey is the main carp lake, containing Mirror, common and ghost carp to over 20lb plus other species. Jenny Wren is the runs water with not so many big doubles but plenty of fish 8-12lb. Skylark is the match lake containing many carp from 1-10lb. Lower Fuzzey is a mixed water populated with tench to 8lb and a handful of decent carp.

All the lakes are set in beautiful woodland surroundings. Tickets are £5 for adults and £3 for concessions, issued lakeside. Night fishing by prior arrangement, no bait bans. Find us on the A3072 Holsworthy to Hatherleigh road just outside Holsworthy - For further details contact rob on 01409 261 650 or visit the website at www.simpsonvalley.co.uk

Wheal Gray
Germoe, Helston , Cornwall - A 5 acre clay pit with a good stock of carp reaching 30lb, this is quite a deep water so much of the fishing is done in the nargins which drop off very quickly to 35 feet. Tickets can be bought in advance from local tackle shops and cost around £5, club cards are also available at around £30.... night fishing is by arrangement only. For more info Tel: 01736 763721.

Carp Fishing in East Sussex and West Sussex

East Sussex

Holts Lake - two small club owned lakes in Crowborough, East Sussex totaling 3 acres in size, the following is a comprehensive report on the lake including tips on how to get the best out of the lakes, this was supplied by a regular carper at the lakes.
Average depth; 5ft deepest point: the bowl 6-10ft?
Carp Stock; a good selection of Commons and Mirrors although the average weights only about 6lb the largest known mirror touched 23lb although rumoured that a bigger 1 lurks the shallows in close season!! Estimated largest 27lb, a regular lump to come out is MUG a mirror whose weight ranges from 14lb through to 20lb at his biggest.
Tips; Fish close to margins either side and bait with chick peas and hemp, fish over with a two fruit based boilies to get those bigger fish, clump up some mud from the mole hills loosely and throw over the baited swim this leads the carp to feed more confidently on your baits because the water is cloudy and they think that carp have stirred up the bottom feeding from the bait.
Conclusion - A fun local lake for beginners to carping with a relaxed environment, for more info on the fishery call Crowborough Tackle 01892-661145

Longreed lakes - 2 lakes 1 carp (Longreed) 1 coarse (Ashreed) in Laughton near Lewes East Sussex.
The lakes stock consists of 80% common carp which average in size around 18lb, the common record of 25lb 8oz was set in July 2006 and mirror record of 25lb 12oz in July 2005.
Lake size depths and features are as follows - 1.5 acres, 3 islands, loads of lilies and marginal reed growth and depths range from 2ft 6 inches to 6ft 6inch.
Ticket Prices. £12 per day £8 half day. Viewing is strictly by appointment only and the fishing is restricted to 6 fishermen a day. Night fishing by syndicate members only and there are no bait bans, see website for the full set of rules.
Mainline baits are best, but other fruit and fish combos work well. particles are also good.
For further information call 07974 766674 01273 401587, email miles@mayflyaquacare.co.uk or visit the web site - www.mayflyaquacare.co.uk/longreed

----- Longreed Lake -----

West Sussex

Buckshols Fishery - a 10 acre reservoir in Hastings, a good stock of carp to over 30lb, we're not too sure about ticket prices on this one but we do have a contact no if you want to find out in advance of your visit, Tel: 01424 715218.

Borde Hill Gardens - We wasn't sent much info on this other than it can be found in Haywards Heath, West Sussex and it contains carp to over 20lb, if you need more info try this number which we believe is the fishery managers 01444 412561. Please let un know if anyone out there has any more info on this lake.

Furnace Lakes - situated on the A281 Guildford to Horsham Road. Four well established, fully stocked lakes. The new 'Roman Lake' stocked with Wels Catfish up to 47lb 2oz. Ample parking facilities and fishing lodge & toilets. Please telephone 01403 791163 for prices & directions.

Menards Carp Fishery - situated near Horsham. A 6 acre lake that holds carp to just over 30lb and many 20's, it is a mature lake which contains some nice features such lily pads, plateaux and ledges. Tickets costs are £25 per 24 hours and £50 per 48 hours. and thereafter each 24hrs only £15 with an extra charge for a third rod. For more info and pre bookings call Paul DeLuzy on 01403 243213 or 07801 474488.

Mill Farm Fishery - 2 lakes near Pulborough on Bury Hill Farm heavily stocked with small carp, day tickets are available on the bank and cost around £7 per day for the smaller lake and £10 per day for the specimen lake, for more info Tel: 01798 831617 (No night fishing).

Southern Leisure - an 11 lake complex in Chichester, West Sussex containing some carp to possibly 40lb, day tickets are £5 in advance or £8 on the bank, for more info or to buy tickets in advance contact Southern Leisure Centre on 01243 536508.............. {{{ The following report was sent in by Paul Cheeseman on 18.12.02 }}} Hi.... I have just visited your site and was looking round your waters to fish section and what has been written about southern leisure complex. I do not know when this was last updated but a year ago 3 of the lakes were taken over and run by new owners. They have made great progress over the last year having put in security gates all over complex, tidied the place up no-end, built new swims restocked many of the lakes. The place is now a pleasure to fish. Over the last 2 months the owner has secured the fishing
rights to the whole complex and I am sure will bring the whole complex up to he same standard, this is no mean feat as there must be about 110acres of waters plus surrounding land. With regards to fish yes there are some BIG ONES 45plus and many 30s.For more info please contact Tony on 07818277456 at Peckhams Copse Fisheries as the complex is now known.

Whitevane - situated in Horsham, West Sussex this lake has a good stock of carp to over 30lb, day tickets are £10 for two rods per day or £20 for 24 hours, there are water and cooking facilities available on site. For further details Tel: 01403 791163.

Carp Fishing in Essex

Blind Lane Fisheries
Blind Lane, West Hanningfield, Chelmsford - Two lakes that hold carp up to low 30's and plenty more between 15 and 25lb. Some Bream, Roach and Rudd are also present. There are two lakes one is 3 acres and about 4 metres deep and the second is 2.5 acres and around 2.5 metres deep. They both have islands and are surrounded by trees.
The larger lake has lilly patches and has a jetty that can be booked for matches.
No night fishing is allowed ad t is £6 for one rod ad £10 for two.
Contact: 07889005252 or 01245400804 - Web Site: http://blindlanefisheries.googlepages.com/

Birds Green Fishery, Top Lake
Heavily stocked with both species of carp. Mainly with 10lb – 20lb fish and with a good head of 20lb+ fish, largest fish 28lb 10oz. The top Lake is a day ticket water with night fishing for members. Developed and opened in 1990, maintained mainly for carp fisherman in mind, both pleasure and session anglers alike.
The Lake is approximately 2 acres, average depths 6-7ft, has a London clay bottom with gravel and is reed and tree fringed island with 2 shallower bars from the points of the island.
Tips & Tactics - The carp do have a varied diet but good quality smelly boilies with usual pva tactics do work. Method feeding in the summer months can often produce large number of fish being caught. Other baits worth a try are flavoured corn in the margins, Marine Halibut Pellet and paste. The weather does effect the bigger fish in this lake and with a change to a low pressure the fishing does often slow downAs often with fishing there does seem to be noticeable feeding spells on this lake with early morning and late afternoon / early evening being the prime time especially for the bigger fish.
Contact details and further information can be found @ www.totalfishingtackle.com

Churchwood Fisheries
Brentwood Essex - Two stunning mature lakes set in the owners back garden. Jenkins lake is a little over 1 acre in size, Churchwood Lake being around 2.5 acres. Both lakes contain carp up to 30lbs and cats up to 40lbs along with many other specimen size species including crucians, roach, rudd, tench and perch. Access is strictly controlled, no guests or viewing of lakes. Jenkins is restricted to just 2 anglers and Churchwood with a maximum of 6.
Tickets are £15 for 2 rods / 12 hr session and bookings must be made in advanced, no tickets sold on the bank. For booking details and prices please visit churchwoodfisheries.co.uk or call 01277 375499

Cobblers Mead Lake
A five acre pit in Corringham, Essex well stocked with carp to nearly thirty pounds, if you get it right you will catch many carp in a day! Day tickets cost around £6 per also there is a yearly night ticket available at about £40. Tel: no current number + ticket info needs updating.

Claverhambury Carp Lakes
Situated in Galley Hill, Waltham Abbey this fishery consists if two lakes - The Top Lake is well stocked with double figure carp to over 20lb, The Match Lake contains a large stock of mostly small carp the run to over 20lb so is a good match pleasure venue. Day tickets are available on the bank. For more information and contact details see their website - mysite.wanadoo-members.co.uk/essexfishinglakes

Crow Green Farm Fishery
A large fishery in Brentwood, Essex. Born out of 16 acres of farm land, the fishery has a main carp lake which is stocked with over 350 fish (carp up to mid thrities & catfish up to mid sixties) & a Match lake which holds Carp up to mid twenties as well as tench, bream, perch, rudd, roach, chub and koi.
The Fishery is open from 6am to 6pm October to April, & 6am to 8pm between May & September. There is disabled access & a bait shop onsite, Day ticket fishing with 1 or 2 rods £10.00 per adult £7.00 per child/disabled/OAP. (£3.00 per additional rod). Night fishing is strictly for regular anglers only.
For more info, galleries and news go to - www.crowgreen-fishery.co.uk

Crowsheath Fishery
Conveniently located between the A127 and A12 in Essex. of most interest to carp anglers is 8 acre main lake which contains many carp to just over the 30lb and large catfish to over 70lb, The fishery also boasts well stocked match and pleasure lakes, the fishery was opened in 1999 and all fish are English fish and were stocked at the time of opening. Both day ticket and club membership tickets are available. For more info Tel: 01268-711511 or visit their informative web site - crowsheathfishery.co.uk/index.htm.

The Chase fishery
Dagenham, Essex, on Dagenham road.
Front lake consists of mainly carp approx 320 carp ranging from 10lb-33lb (the lake record) and cats to 38lb,a few pike up to mid 20s,tench up to 10lb and bream up to 14lb.
The lake size is about 8 acres averaging depths of 5ft to 10ft and a bit deeper in the winter months (rain permitting!) The lake has two islands and plenty of gravel bars and patches, the main gravel bar runs from the smaller island towards the point swim (this is where a lot of fish are caught from).
Ticket Prices are £10 for 2 rods (dawn till dusk)£20 for 2 rods(24 hour) October the 1^st - March the 1st above prices cover you for 3 rods. There will also be a membership available as from April the 30th at a cost of £150 and at the moment we are doing winter tickets until the 30th of April for £50,that covers you for nights as well.

The lake management asks that if you want to use nuts (tigers) please buy them prepared from your local tackle shop (dynamite range). The best bait by far is any of the Mainline range (n.r.g/activ-8,pulse,fusion)the method works quite well (vitalin) but to be honest it works better in the warmer months, a tip for the colder months of year is fake corn/maize and red maggots (hair rigged) with a small pva bag with pellet.
Call 07859 780 451 for more details.

Gloucester Park
7 acre park lake in Gloucester Park, Basilson, Essex with depths of up to 16 feet and a central island, a good stock of carp to well over 20lb and a very good stock of most other species. Day tickets on the bank at £6 for two rods for adults and £1 per rod for under 12's, for the disabled & OAP's the cost is £2/£3 also night and season tickets available. Tel: 01268 282317.

Hainault Park Lake
A five or six acre lake well stocked with carp with possibly a few thirties present! Day ticket & syndicate water Tel: 0181 5218534

Highams Park Lake
A five acre lake with some carp up to mid twenties, it can be very difficult in the summer mainly due to the mass of weed which sometime grows on this lake but good fishing is possible here! Day ticket water with no night fishing Tel: 0181 521 8534

Jimmy's Lake
A privately owned 4.5 acre gravel pit in Fobbing, Essex containing carp to over 30lb, catfish to over 50lb plus good tench, bream crucians, roach and perch. Features include two islands, gravel bars and depths to 6 feet. Ticket cost are £10, £20 for two rods and the tickets cover 7am-7pm or 7pm-7am, longer stays can be made, all tickets to be booked in advance. Food, toilets and disabled access are all available. Enquiries Tel: 01375 670742 or 07751 149283.

Lake John
Lake John is a bit misleading because this fishery has two lakes, these are perhaps more noted for the great tench fishing but contain carp to just over 30lb. There's no night fishing on this fishery and tickets cost around £10 for two rods from 6am till dusk. There's also a nice cafe on sight which does a full breakfast. Tel: 0795 8938753.

Mill Barn
Great Wakering, near Southend consists of 4 lakes and a stretch of canal, all species are present and the carp go up to around the mid-twenties. A quiet fishery away from the general public with plenty of swims, a variety of lakes, species and a choice of membership and day ticket waters. .. for more information on the individual lake sand on ticket prices call Graham on : 01702 216170 or 07721 053728.

Nazeing Meads
3 large pits and one small pit all of which hold carp to just over 30lb!
Season tickets are about £60 Tel: 01992 717711

Priory Park
A 1.25 acre park lake in Southend, Essex, holding around 100 double figure carp with possibly 25/30 over 20 lbs. The current lake record caught in 2008 is a 29.02 linear. The lake also holds tench to around 8lbs, pike to around 25lbs, also good roach, koi and some large eels to around the 6lb mark. The lake is divided into 2 by a central island so all swims have a feature to fish to. Priory fishes very well during the winter. Day tickets £5.00 on the bank for 2 rods dawn till dusk, members only (over 16's) at night. Children, O.A.P's and emergency services pay £2.00 per rod. Membership costs are £70 per season plus a £5 joining fee, £40 for juniors but as mentioned above they cannot night fish. Membership also covers you for Shoebury Park.....Lure fishing and surface fishing are not allowed, also lead core is not allowed in any shape or form...Contact Contact Steve on 01702 482 142.

Top Lake - Birds Green Fisheries
A small well maintained and peaceful one and half acre fishery near Ongar, boasting good facilities and a large head of carp that are mostly doubles but do go to over 30lb, this lake is ideal for anyone wanting a bend in their rods whilst fishing nice surroundings, a rare thing now days. Facilities include toilets, on-site food & drinks, good parking and more besides. Day tickets are just £7 but you can also join the club which enables you to night fish as well, this costs around £25 per year. For more details call Phil on 01277 899645.

Wake Valley Pond
A very nice forest lake situated in Epping Forest off the A104, the lake has plenty of features including rushes, weed beds, overhanging trees and varying depths up to 12ft, carp go to over 20lb and the lake also contains some smaller wildies. Day tickets can be bought on the bank at about £4 for adults and about £2 for Juniors, for more info tel: 020 8508 2266.

Weald Country Park
South weald, Brentwood, Essex, CM14 5QS.
A beautiful 550 acre park including a 4 acre fishing lake with Common and Mirror Carp with a top weight of over 30lbs. Average weight 15lb-2lbs. also stocks of Pike, Bream and Perch.
A nice lake and an excellent place to relax, refreshments available from 10am-4.30pm Summer and 11am-3pm winter. Day tickets on the bank £5 per rod Adults £1.50 per rod children...Tel: 01277 261343.

Carp Fishing in Gloucestershire

Burley Fields Lake
Two heavily stocked pools (connected) In Cripppetts Lane, Leckhampton, Cheltenham with carp to over 20lb tickets are about £5 per day for non members, Tel: 01242 862905.

Chad Lakes
A two and a half acre lake near Stow-on-the-Wold, near Bledington well stocked with carp to well over 20lb, tickets are about £5 per day and night fishing is by arrangement only Tel: 01451 831470.

Ham Pool
A large gravel pit of around 20 acres near South Cerney, Cirencester containing some carp to over 20lb, the cost is about £30 per season, Tel: 01285 658117, this water is said to be very difficult mainly due to its size and low carp stocks, still worth a shot though.

Horseshoe Lake

67 acre lake in Lechlade with depths averaging 4ft in summer bay and up to 16ft in winter bay. The lake holds a good stock of great looking carp which includes loads of 20's to just over 40lb ticket prices (need to be a member of The Carp Society) £15 24hours. No nuts, no leadcore, no braided mainlines, no wading. Pva bags are good ,summer bay for more fish.........

Huntley Carp Pools
Two lovely forest lakes in a lovely location, Huntley, near West Glourcester, both lakes are well stocked with carp to over 20lb, season ticket only, Tel: 01452 505313.

Watermark Fisheries
The Watermark Specimen Fisheries offer a diverse range of angling experiences. From the inland sea that is the famous Bradley's Fishery with carp to 40lb+ to the intimate Specimen lake of four and a half acres with it's large head of quality carp to 35lbs+, tench to double figures, crucians to 2lb+ and perch to over 5lb!
Our other mature gravel pits offer exclusive winter pike fishing opportunities with No. 6 having brilliant pike fly fishing in summer. All the Watermark fisheries are mature, non-pressured and intimate waters with exceptional water quality and clarity. Superb for the serious specimen hunter or the discerning all rounder. Secure car parking is adjacent to the fully stocked shop. Toilet and shower facilities are also part of the angling experience at the Watermark.

Golden Scale Ticket for the Watermark Specimen Lake & exclusive access to new swims at the famous Bradley's Fisheriy and other mature gravel pits. This option provides contrasting venues offering breathtaking fishing for truly wild specimen fish with Carp to 40lbs and Pike to 34lbs + and Tench to
12lbs + specimen Crucians, Roach and Perch. All for £360
Specimen Lake ticket price-Adult 14 yrs & older
Day Ticket £10 from 7am till 9pm, 24hr ticket £16 from arrival time, Evening Ticket £6 from 5pm till 9pm, Season Ticket £260 - For more information check out the Watermark web site: http://www.watermarkfisheries.com/

Carp Fishing in Greater Manchester

Boggart Hole Clough
2 small lakes in Blackley Park, near Manchester containing carp to over 20 lb, day tickets are about £3 also season tickets available Tel: 0161 740 9970.

Clifton Marina
An 80 acre gravel pit in Salford well stocked with carp to well over 20 lb, day tickets are around £2 on the bank , Tel: 01617942784.

Debdale Reservoirs
Two large lakes of 20 and 30 acres in Gorton containing just a few carp but some of these are over 30 lb now, day tickets on the bank, Tel: 0161 223 0816.

Myrtle Road Lodges
Two small reservoirs in Middleton wel stocked with carp to over 20 lb, day tickets are about £2, Tel: 0161 6553402.

Stoney Pit Reservoir
Two park lakes in Hyde near Stockport containing carp to over 20 lb, tickets are about £10 per year, Tel: 0161 494 2761.

The Old River
Irlam, Manchester--- £2 a day or £15 a season--top value---mainly a matchman's water but there has been at least five different 20's(caught 3) and one 30+. The water is about 35 meters wide but about 1100 meters long with tons of features. The jungle end is best( opposite end to the pub).