1. sports
2. fishing

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No. 220
MARCH 2015
IN THIS ISSUE
News • Coarse • Sea • Trout
Matches • Bob Morris
Scott Ridley
24lb 2oz common ‘Ghosty’
TANYARD FISHERIES
Specimen Lake 2
www.freshwaterinformer.com
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Hello and welcome to the March edition of the Freshwater Informer which signifies the imminent arrival
of Spring and the start to many fishermens’ campaigns!
We have been pretty lucky with the weather throughout the winter, although the end of January and beginning of
February saw a cold spell and a sprinkling of the white stuff in places, but, thankfully no repeat of the terrible floods
suffered by many the previous year!
This early Spring edition is once again packed with some exciting articles and it’s the ladies who are stealing the show this
month! We have a feature on two ‘carp mad’ lady anglers, our second Junior Informer page, which features a
‘rap rhyme’ by last month’s star of the ‘Fishy Tale’ series, Kasey-Jai, a match winning lady named Emma and the
UK’s leading predator angler, Andy Lush, delving into the world of Lure Fishing.
The end of January saw the Freshwater Informer ‘on the road’ at the Brentwood Carp Show. Despite the cold weather, the
show saw thousands of anglers pour in to the Brentwood Centre for a feast of everything ‘carpy’! It was great to meet the
many people who came to our stand and have a chat and I was really encouraged by such positive feedback from the many
current and future Informer readers. Many times I was asked by local (Essex) anglers why don’t we venture ‘across the
water’ into Essex? Well, if we could attract enough advertising revenue from the area, we would love to bring the
Freshwater Informer to this part of the world. So come on businesses get Essex Informed!
Junior Informer has really taken off! Many thanks to all the young anglers who completed the Wordsearch and sent them into the office. The winners of the random selection
will receive their goodies very soon! This month has another competition for our young readers, with again, some great prizes to be won. Look it up!
Sponsors – if you would like to be part of our initiative in promoting the Junior Angling scene and protecting the future of fishing, then please become a sponsor for the Junior
Informer page. There is no specified amount for sponsorship, so whether it is £10 or £10,000, every little helps us promote junior angling. You can sponsor the page as an
individual or as a business and receive a mention each month for twelve months. What a great way for you to show how your business cares about protecting the sport!
Following the article we published in January about the North School, I received a lovely letter from the ‘main man’, Les Pearce, telling how the feature had inspired and
excited both his students and managers! He also went on to say that since then, another local school also wants to be involved in getting their students fishing, after realising the
potential of the North School’s initiative and forward thinking! Fantastic news!
March 21st/22nd sees the Freshwater Informer out ‘on the road’ again at the mighty Big One at Farnborough. The promoters have promised a massive show with more
exhibitors than ever! This event showcases all the latest tackle, baits and all things fishy, from not only the major manufacturers, but, also the smaller specialist companies as
well. It’s going to be a fantastic weekend for everyone and I am certainly looking forward to it! A visit to the show is well worth the journey along the M3! See you there!
As mentioned above, Spring is almost upon us, so in order for your business to maximise it’s potential and increase the number of anglers’ coming through your doors, not your
competitors, why not advertise in the region’s favourite FREE publication? Advertising within the Freshwater Informer is a positive, cost effective way of raising the awareness
of your business and directing customers to you or your website. Our contact details are, as always, at the front of the magazine.
Mrs Reed has kept a low profile this past month, totally unaware of her escapades being noted by the region! She is currently looking at changing her job and has some
interviews lined up. I naturally wish her well, but, expect chaos and confusion to be left in her
wake! If you would like to contact the Freshwater Informer, all our contact details are below, or you
can contact me direct on 07798 840970.
Enjoy your fishing, Barry Reed
West Malling Angling
58 High Street
West Malling, Kent
ME19 6LU
Fishing Tackle & Bait
Tel: 01732 875515
High quality service, tackle and bait for the
carp, coarse, game and predator angler
Opening hours:
Mon - Thurs 9.00 - 5.30 • Fri 9.00 - 6.00 • Sat 9.00 - 5.30
Sun/Bank Holidays - Closed
Only five minutes from
Junction 4 of the M20
www.westmallingangling.co.uk
Contents
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5-6, 8-10, 12
14-15
16
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19
20-21
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22
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24-25
26
27
JUNIOR INFORMER
FISHERY REPORTS
MEDWAY MAN Bob Morris
WHO ARE THE CARPGIRLS?
ONLINE CATCH REPORTS
LURE FISHING Andy Lush
TROUT REPORTS
ANGLING SOCIETIES
COMPETITION RESULTS
SEA REPORTS
ALL ROADS POINT TO DUNGENESS
DIRECTORY
A FISHY TALE
FRESHWATER INFORMER
The Wealden Group, Cowden Close, Horns Road,
Hawkhurst TN18 4QT
Telephone: 01580 753322 Monday-Friday 9am to 5pm
Email: info@freshwaterinformer.com
Web: www.freshwaterinformer.com
2
Freshwater Informer - March 2015
Cranbrook & District Angling Club
gains Clubmark Accreditation
Cranbrook and District Angling Club is proud to announce that they have attained the
prestigious Angling Trust Clubmark Accreditation in recognition of those clubs that provide a
quality and safe environment to its youth members. This makes CADAC the only officially
recognised coarse fishing Clubmark club in Kent. It also demonstrates the progress we have
made with our youth development and our support of local community groups in Kent.
Tim Wood, Secretary of CADAC commented “Over the years we have seen a steady decrease in
our junior membership and I am certain our Clubmark accreditation will encourage more people
to take part in our wonderful sport and be reassured that the club they are joining is well
managed, safe and has a structured plan to develop angling at all levels.”
The accreditation highlights the Club’s efforts in prioritising angling and places us as a
benchmark Club in terms of promoting high quality community angling.
This has been a culmination of a great deal of work to record and document the plans,
processes and procedures we have in place to demonstrate that we run our Club in a
professional, progressive and sustainable manner with specific focus in four key areas:
• Activity/coaching programmes
• Duty of care and child welfare
• Knowing your club and its community
• Club management
There are currently 98 accredited angling clubs in the UK and Cranbrook and District Angling
Club is the only officially recognised coarse fishing Clubmark accredited club in Kent.
On behalf of the Club, we’d like to thank the Club Committee for their efforts, over many
months, in securing this important accreditation that has far-reaching benefits for the Club.
By achieving Clubmark status, Cranbrook and District Angling Club will be able to benefit from
financial grants, local council support and further assistance in developing angling in Kent,
continuing to make it accessible to all, and helping the club move forward. We are looking
forward to our new season which starts on 1st April as it will be packed with various junior
coaching sessions and special events which are all detailed on our dedicated juniors page
of our website.
Web: www.cranbrookanglingclub.co.uk
Email: info@cranbrookanglingclub.co.uk
COPY DEADLINE for APRIL 2015
MONDAY 16TH MARCH 2015
The Freshwater Informer cannot accept responsibility for the quality of goods or
services advertised in this publication.
All views expressed are those of the contributors concerned.
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Freshwater Informer - March 2015
3
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Junior Informer
News, views, catch reports and information
for and about our young anglers in the region
The Junior Informer page is kindly sponsored by
BRIAN GEER LANDSCAPES - Tel: 01342 850 661
A
very big welcome back to the
second edition of our new
feature devoted to our Junior
Anglers.
Don't forget young ladies and gentlemen,
this is your page, so we want you to inform
us about your catches, news, photos and
whatever else is going on in your world of
fishing. Whether you are a carp, coarse,
game or sea angler, we really want to hear
from you! Also, to all the clubs, schools,
fisheries, shops, etc, if you have junior
events happening or news about the junior
membership of your organisation, then this
is your noticeboard to tell the whole
region about your junior news!
This month you again have the chance to win some
smashing prizes! All you have to do is complete the Junior
Informer Crossword. All the answers are fishing related. All
entries must be received by Monday 16th March 2015.
Only one entry per person is allowed. All entrants must Junior Informer Crossword Competition,
be aged 16 years or under. Simply complete the crossword The Wealden Group, Horns Road, Hawkhurst, Kent TN18 4QT
and cut out or photocopy the page and send it to:
Remember to include your name, age, address and telephone number, along with the name of your parent or
guardian.
We have some special prizes going to two randomly selected winners. The prizes have been kindly donated by
The Friendly Fisherman, Tunbridge Wells: 1st Prize – Browning Ambition RD 330 Reel
Runner up – Selection of carp terminal tackle
Good Luck!
KASEY’S FISHING RHYME
Last month’s Fishy Tale featured a young lady angler named Kasey – Jai. Kasey, aged 8, sent us
some lovely photos and story along with a rhyme she wrote about carp tackle guru Kevin Nash!
As promised in the February issue of The Freshwater Informer, we are pleased to bring you that
very rhyme, which we understand has been personally endorsed by The Big Man himself!
Nash, Nash, we're having a splash,
On the bank, not having a blank,
Using a scope, we know we can cope!
A zig rig, to a hair rig,
From Kevin Nash to Allan Blair, you know they're a mighty pair!
A bolt machine, used with tangerine,
A buzzing siren alarm, will bend your arm.
Nash, Nash all the way, so we can have a mighty play!
Kasey – Jai receiving a trophy for top piker of the month.
She caught the biggest pike of the month for January
sponsored by Best Buddies Pet & Fishing Supplies of Hythe
Thanks very much to Kasey – Jai for sending us her rhyme. I am sure it will be ringing out from the banks all over the South East!
Don’t forget you can follow Kasey – Jai’s fishing adventures on Facebook.
Rod: 9ft Wychwood
Extricator Reel: Daiwa
SS2600 Line: ESP 12lb
Hook: size 8 Nash Fang
Hooklink: Nash Trigga link
Lead: 2oz Rig details:
Nash camo diffusion leader,
Inline lead, with a nash fang
tied up as a claw rig Bait
firm: Sticky Baits Flavour:
krill Baiting situation:
a single hook bait with about
20 freebies Session length:
5 hours Range: 30 yards
Features: big bush in water
Other fish: 2 more
common carp at 8lb Other
information: This is the first
time my step dad has taken
me carp fishing with all my
new gear. These were also
my first ever carp.
THE
ANGLERS DEN
ALL LEADING MAKES OF
TACKLE STOCKED, LIVE BAIT
www.anglersden.co.uk
10 FRANKLIN ROAD
GILLINGHAM
ME7 4DF (opposite Aldi)
Tel: 01634 852180
4
Freshwater Informer - March 2015
THOMAS DAW (age 9) of Heathfield
9lb common carp - Furnace Brook - 20th February
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Fishery Reports
Hawkhurst Fish Farm
Hawkhurst, Kent
In March and April the weather tends to be very variable. We wait on tender hooks for the first,
sunny, spring days, when the temperatures soar upwards and the lakes start to show more and
more fish activity. The warmth of the sun creates more carp movement and often you can nab a
bite or two on these mild days. Try to get your rods on the bank where the first sunlight falls on:
This side of the lake will warm up faster and on a lot of occasions the majority of the fish will be
hanging around in that part of the lake. The shallow areas are particularly desirable if the sun
happens to be falling on the ‘right’ side. Carp are cold blooded and at this time of the year will
usually end up in the part of the lake that has the most comfortable conditions for them.
At the time this report was due our lakes had not long reopened after a well-deserved winter rest
break! And what with the cold conditions causing the lakes to freeze, needless to say there is very
little to report as far as captures are concerned. However the angling will soon start taking pace
and we hope to have many catch reports come flooding in the fish farm office within the next few
weeks.
Framfield Park Fishery
Uckfield, East Sussex
SPRING LAKE - fishing extremely well with both match and pleasure anglers enjoying excellent
sport. Best areas are in the 50's and 60's with best baits maggot and corn. Fish have moved off
the near bank and can be found at 8 metres and also just off the islands when fishing the bomb
or feeder. Worm is proving a good bait for quality Perch up to 3lbs 8oz.
BROOKHOUSE LAKE - similar tactics required on this lake with pegs on the car park side proving
the better areas. Some good quality Carp falling to Worm and maggot. Feed should be kept to a
minimum and kept tight around the hookbait especially when fishing at between 8-12 metres.
Carp showing early in sessions when fishing a bomb or small feeder about 6 ' off the islands.
BURYWOOD LAKE - with the colder weather and low water temperature feed should be kept
tight and to a minimum. Most flavours of boilies proving successful. Some good quality grass carp
falling to pop ups fished closer in.
Manor Fisheries
Headcorn, Kent
Although now closed to the Public until 28th February 2015 Night Members and guests have
continued to have successes with Carp to 21lbs whilst ignoring the wintery conditions.
Many, many thanks to all our Night Members and guests who have this winter made a number of
very significant contributions in support of our fund raising effort for the Rays of Sunshine Children’s
Charity which to date has totalled £290.00.
THE FRIENDLY FISHERMAN
www.thefriendlyfisherman.co.uk
GIVE YOURSELF AN EDGE WITH DISPERSION AND
THE GLO RANGE POP-UPS
FLY DEPARTMENT
25 CAMDEN ROAD | TUNBRIDGE WELLS | KENT TN1 2PS
The ‘One Bait Company’ pop-ups offer anglers the
best bespoke hook bait options around. Once
immersed Dispersion pop-ups plume colour and
flavour around the hook bait, this cloud continues
dispersing, dependant on water temperature and
depth. Once the coating has dispersed you are left
with an inner hi-viz hook bait. The ‘One Bait
Company’ have increased their selection of The Glo
range due to customer demand for more of ‘the
brightest hook baits available’, a great winter single hookbait option.
For more details visit our web site.
DISPERSION POP-UPS
Available in 8 flavours, 3 colours, in 12mm and Dumbell
THE GLO RANGE POP-UPS
Available in 6 flavours, 4 colours, in 12mm and Dumbell
01892 528677
One of the largest selections of flies,
fly fishing tackle and fly tying
equipment in the
South East. Let Andy
Lush our resident fly
fishing expert help
you select your new
rod, reel or line.
PREDATOR SECTION
£7.99
£7.99
We pride ourselves in stocking only the best quality bait.
C.C. MOORE: Boilies, Liquids, Pellets, Session buckets, Spod and Stick mixes.
ESSENTIAL BAITS: Boilies, Pop-Ups, Pastes, Liquids and Session buckets.
QUEST BAITS: Boilies, Pop-Ups, Liquids, Pellets and Pastes.
CUTTING EDGE PRODUCTS: The best and only HNV PVA friendly particle blends
SOLAR TACKLE: Boilies,Liquids, stick mixes
ROD HUTCHINSON: Boilies, Particles (THE LEGEND IS BACK)
Please ask our specialist carp angler Adam Lush for help when making your selection.
We are your ‘one stop shop’
we have everything
you’ll need, ‘in store’
or ‘on-line’. Why not
visit our ‘lure cave’ for the full
experience? Lures galore, with more arriving
daily! Our resident expert Andy Lush will
guide you in making your selection.
For tips and advice follow
Andy’s ‘Lure Fishing’
column in this
issue of
The Freshwater Informer.
Freshwater Informer - March 2015
5
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Letter to The Editor
In the January issue of the Freshwater Informer I wrote an article
regarding Young People and the Future of Fishing. We have received
some excellent feedback following the article and thank everyone for
taking the time to give us their comments. I was really pleased that it has
got people talking and debating this important topic. One letter I received
was from Warren White, an angling coach based in Kent.
Warren wanted to add to the debate from a Coach’s point of view:
Dear Barry,
I recently spoke with you about young anglers coming into the sport and this is
my view on the subject, from an angling coach’s viewpoint.
I agree, there is a lot more indoor entertainment these days and this can be a
distraction when you are trying to get your children outdoors to do a sport like
fishing. Through my experiences working with children, I have found that, given
the opportunity and if you plan and advertise properly, angling courses have
always been extremely popular and generally oversubscribed.
When I was a lad, I was introduced to angling by my father, like many other
anglers today. But, there are a lot of youngsters these days that, for whatever
reason, haven't got a father figure or other family member available who fish.
Many of these children are desperate to have a go at fishing, but, don't know
how to go about it. However, once given the guidance they need , they more
often become anglers for life.
I know two lads whose mums' contacted me because their boys were keen to
get into fishing but needed guidance. Over the years they came to my courses,
stayed keen and have not looked back since. They are now studying at Hadlow
college in order to work within the Angling industry .
I have, in the past 7 years, been working with clubs, fisheries and schools,
running junior courses during the school holidays. Clubs like Chipstead AC
would run weekend events that were a great success. We would teach the
basics, the kids would catch a few fish and the club would see both new
parents and children joining the club. Surely that's what it is all about?
Over the years I have also worked with Holm Place Angling Club on Sheppey.
They are a fantastic club, who work tirelessly introducing juniors to fishing and
several of the club's members have gone on to become trained and qualified
angling coaches!
At Bucklands Fishery at Cliffe, we started putting on angling days for juniors
that included Coarse, Fly and Specimen Carp fishing, so everyone could try all
branches of angling. These proved to be a great success, with big attendances.
It became so successful that we were running three events a year to
accommodate so many keen young people.
The Environment Agency, who funded many events for juniors, have been
fantastic partners in working with young people and promoting angling for a
good number of years. From an educational stance, the Agency has helped
children from many angles.
However, due to the dramatic cut in budgets to all government departments,
including the Environment Agency, the funding for childrens’ angling events has
all but been wiped out, affecting not only events in Kent, but, all over the
country. It could be argued that it is the money from the sale of rod licences
that fund these events and therefore should still be available. However, I am not
a politician and unable to say how or where the licence fees are now being
spent. Before the cuts, I was running approximately 15 Open days (Junior
angling courses) every year at different clubs and fisheries throughout Kent
and received a great deal of assistance from the guys at the E.A., especially the
E.A. Chaps that attended the Junior Open Days with their E.A. Trailer, which
was a fishing education on wheels. They would also help with getting parents to
fill in consent forms for the juniors, which would then free up time for the
coaches to get on with their work. They are as dedicated as us and, I believe,
essential in educating young people, not only about fishing but the whole
aquaculture.
In last year’s National Fishing month website, which is a good indication of
events happening in your area, there was one event in Kent, at Cranbrook and
District AC, which was organised by the club and I was part of that day. From
that particular Open day, we have organised a further eight sessions,
introducing lots more juniors to the sport. The hope is that they go on to join
the club, because Cranbrook and District AC, like many other clubs, need
them! For a long time I have worked with schools and now 99% of my coaching
is with schools. I have had to change direction in my coaching or I would have
had to pack it in.
Coaching fishing is a labour of love for me. However, at this time of year, I am
busy filling in funding applications for schools and planning events, which takes
up an awful lot of time. Full time angling coaches are very rare creatures!
Realistically, we only coach (work) for 8 months of the year due to the winter
break. However, I am in a fortunate position as I am semi-retired and
reasonably comfortable, so I am able to do something that I love, which is
coaching youngsters to fish!
Regards, Warren White
If you would like to know more about Warren’s Tuition and Coaching, please visit
his website at www.coachingcoarsefishing.co.uk or telephone 07837 758923.
6
Freshwater Informer - March 2015
Fishery Reports
Elphicks Fisheries
Horsmonden, Kent
IMPORTANT NOTICES –ALL JUNIORS (UNDER 17 YEARS OF AGE) MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY AN
ADULT (OVER 21 YEARS) AT ALL TIMES. ALL NIGHT FISHING STRICTLY BY BOOKING ONLY.
UNHOOKING MATS MUST NOW BE USED ON ALL OUR LAKES
NORTH LAKE Adult Only (Minimum tackle requirements apply) - has fished well between freeze
ups. Alex Shipley using Hybrid and Crackerjack had mirrors of 21lb 5oz, 29lb 3oz and 37lb 6oz
he also had a common of 24lb 12oz. Adam Mathews had a 24lb mirror. Perry Alabaster had
commons of 29lb 6oz and 26lb he also had mirrors of 18lb 2oz and 20lb 8oz. Steve May had
commons of 26lb, 27lb 37lb 12oz and a mirror 28lb on white pop ups. Alan Huxford had a 33lb
2oz mirror on boilie over hemp and pellet. Simon Tanner had commons of 23lb, 30lb and 29lb
4oz. Don’t forget to fill in the catch report book before you leave and send in those photos. No
overnight guests or visitors on this lake.
*Minimum tackle requirements: 42'' net, 42'' unhooking mat, 2.5lb T.C rods and 10lb line per angler,
no sharing allowed. Pre-booking for, 24 hour plus, weekend sessions on North Lake is advisable
6 weeks in advance.
PLANTATION LAKE - has had a few carp out even though it’s our first lake to freeze up. Pete
Money had a 35lb mirror. Jason Cooling had a 25lb mirror and a 19lb 1oz common on a
scattering of corn. Malcolm Bruce had a 24lb common and his son had a 25lb 6oz mirror. Please
use an UNHOOKING mat at all times. *Minimum tackle requirements: 42'' net, 42'' unhooking
mat, no sharing allowed.
PRAIRIE LAKE - has fished on and off a bit like the weather. Maggots, pellet and chopped boilie
seem to be working. Luke Marsh had 10 carp up to 21lb 4oz. The catch included 3 x 14lb and a
12lb. Chris Wake had a 24lb 6oz on boilie. Greg Collins had carp of 12lb, 14lb 16lb and 2 x 19lb
on corn. Liam Farmer had a mirror of 23lb 6oz and a common of 20lb. David Johns had a cat
of 9lb and carp to 19lb 3oz. Please fill in the catch report when you leave and send in those photos.
Please use an UNHOOKING MAT at all times. *Minimum tackle requirements: 42'' net, 42''
unhooking mat, no sharing allowed
SANDWICH LAKE - has produced some good catches this month. Roach of 1/2lb to 1lb coming
out on chopped worm or maggots. Perch to 3lb also on worm and maggots. Please fill in the catch
report when you leave and send in those photo’s. Please use an UNHOOKING MAT at all times.
KETTLES LAKE - has produced some good carp for those will to wait for the take. Deeper water
and pellets seem to be working. T Grace has carp of 10lb 4oz and a 14lb. Richard Walder had
perch from 6oz to 3lb 2oz, all on red maggots. Paul Sheppard had carp of 11lb, 13lb 9oz and a
ghost common 16lb 4oz. Please fill in the catch report when you leave and send in those photos.
Please use UNHOOKING MATS at all times
PULLENS LAKE - due to ice, not many anglers getting on to fish. T Keane had a 31lb 3oz mirror
on boilie. Pat Johnson had a 29lb mirror on maize over pellet. Photos please and call at the lodge
on your way out and fill in the catch report book. Please use an UNHOOKING mat at all times.
Minimum tackle requirements: 42'' net, 42'' unhooking mat, no sharing allowed. No overnight
guests or visitors on this lake.
WEST END LAKE - is also suffering from ice. Times when the ice has cleared carp have been
caught. Mark Pallet had mirrors of 34lb 2oz and 23lb 4oz fishing maze. Simon Richards had a
31lb mirror and David Bristow landing the 3 scaled fish at 46lb 12oz. Please use an UNHOOKING
mat at all times. Photos please and call at the lodge on your way out and fill in the catch report
book. Minimum tackle requirements: 42'' net, 42'' unhooking mat, no sharing allowed. No overnight
guests or visitors on this lake.
Buckland Lake Fishery
Cliffe, Rochester, Kent
COARSE LAKE - fishing has been quiet due to the weather. Those that have braved it have had
some success. The carp seem to still like SOLAR pop ups and the Buckland Barrel are still doing
good. For silvers it’s good old red maggots. The new swims should be finished by the end of the
month and the start of Spring.
SPECIMEN LAKE - not many carp anglers but plenty of pike anglers have been fishing. Lures
seem to produce. Best fish this month with Tommy and Andy P having some of the best. Dead
baiting did well for Lynton on Sunday but still yet to see some big perch, with the best being 3lb
7oz. The work on the speci lake swims and banks is almost complete so come check us out for
the start of Spring and some big weights.
Andy
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TANYARD FISHERIES
07833 532842
Tanyard Lane, Furners Green, Near Uckfield
East Sussex TN22 3RL
Carp to 38lb, Cats to 70lb, Tench to 9lb, Bream to 8lb,
Perch to 4lb, Pike to 25lb, Roach to 2lb, Rudd to 2lb,
Crucians to 3lb, as well as Grass Carp Koi and
Ghosties. In 7 fully matured lakes.
SHARONS CAFE
Hot and cold food and snacks to eat in the comfort
of the premises or delivered straight to your swim.
It also provides a range of end tackle and dry baits.
PRICES
1 rod Day £10 • 2 rod Day £14 • 3 rod Day £18
1 Night/2 Day 2 rod £26 • 2 Night/3 Day 2 rod £39
3 Night/4 Day 2 rod £52
Send photo's and catches to:
tanyardcatches@hotmail.com
Basically £13 each calendar day you are with us,
the first day could start as early as 7am and your
last day could finish as late as 7pm.
THE GATE
Automatic Gate Opens at 7am Closes at 7.15pm.
No admission outside these hours
Fishery closed 13th December reopens 4th January
Cafe closed 1st December re-opens 1st February
BEAVER FISHERY
Beaver Farm, Eastbourne Road, Newchapel
Lingfield, Surrey RH7 6HL
DAY TICKET COARSE FISHERY
Near East Grinstead on the
Surrey/Sussex border, on A22
thirty minutes from Croydon
Ten Lakes plus the Eden Brook
Excellent variety of fishing
Open 7am-6pm (winter hours) day fishing
Full time Bailiff in attendance
Pegs suitable for disabled anglers
Match bookings welcome • Night fishing available • 3 chalets now for hire
Carp run to 40 lb+, Pike to 36lb, Tench to 11lb, Bream to 13lb
Roach to 3lb, Rudd to 2lb, Perch to 4lb, PLUS Big Eels
Tel : 01342 324006 Mobile: 07710 656041
Cranbrook, Kent
C HECK O UT
O UR FACEBOOK
G ALLERY !
No access to fishery
between
6pm and 7am
www.beaverfarmfishery.co.uk
Freshwater Informer - March 2015
7
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Fishery Reports
COTTINGTON LAKES - NEAR DEAL - KENT
DAY TICKET, MATCH LAKE AND SPECIMEN FISHERY
Beaver Fishery
Lingfield, Surrey
PLEASE NOTE THAT TO FISH OUR 2 SPECIMEN LAKES (SNIPE AND TUSCANY LAKES)
YOU NEED TO MEET THE CORRECT TACKLE REQUIREMENTS. PLEASE DO NOT
HESITATE TO CONTACT US FOR MORE INFORMATION AND ADVICE
We have seen some diverse weather
this month with howling winds,
torrential rain and some icy cold
conditions which has meant that fewer
anglers have been visiting the beaver
banks but the anglers that have
ventured out into the cold have mostly
been rewarded. The two SPECIMEN
LAKES have produced carp to 20lb
well done Darren Cherrington,
JEFFS LAKE has been fishing very
well with anglers regulary catching in
abundance. Cheam Social had a fish
on there and the winning weight was
51lb, 2nd was 36lb 6oz and 3rd was
26lb 2oz. John Palmer also had a
good day cathing 65 f1’s and 15
bream. MOAT POND has been doing
Gary Cook - Majors Lake
well and a prime example of how it’s
fishing is Michael Williams landing
10 carp to 10lb, 4 bream and some
lovely roach. DAUGHTERS LAKE
has struggled a bit but is still
producing carp to mid doubles with
Aaron Walker getting amongst them
with a 17lb common. EDEN POND is
still fishing well and Eden Pond
regular Colin Jones has had some
very nice tench out even in this cold
weather. MAZE LAKE has been quiet
but f1`s, bream and perch have all
been caught. MAJORS LAKE has
been good for both the pike and carp
with father and son duo Gary and
Jack Cook landing some nice pike to
mid doubles, Euan Fuller banking a
Jack Cook - Majors Lake
17lb pike, Peter Tomkins landing
pike at 12lb and 16lb, and a well done to young Jacob Angell on landing a pike of 8lb. As for the
carp, we have had lots of low figured fish out, with James Davis getting amongst the bigger fish
and landing a 17lb mirror. As for our stretch of the EDEN BROOK, it has been fishing superb for
the pike with Chris Jones having a field day on there landing 8 pike to 16lb 8oz.
Frant Lakes
Frant, Tunbridge Wells, Kent
With the new season nearly upon us, Frant Lakes anglers are having to contend with varying
weather conditions and having to use everything in their bait boxes to land nice fish.
On the main lakes, Lee Scott and son James (13) fished lake 4 for a day when the early morning
frosts turned first to snow, then to rain, then to sunshine and whilst Lee’s best of the day was a
9lb common, James banked two smalll bream, and a 5lb and a 14.5lb mirror predominantly fishing
close in to the margins on Hybrid Boilies.
Lee More fished lake 7, the larger of the two Speci lakes here at Frant, and had 18 runs landing
12 to a top weight of 17lb 6oz using his own home made boilies.
Matches are still in full swing with Medway Trotters competition on Horseshoe seeing Nick
Delahay take top spot with 59lb 4oz, second was Brian Baffie with 40lb dead, Graham Flynn
with 30lb 2oz, and fourth was Rob Shaw with 18lb 3oz.
Cliff Purot's Birch Stigmat club fished Waterfall with Mick Hennessy taking the top spot fishing in
some quote atrocious conditions to bank 16lb 02oz with Steve Clinch second, Peter Best third,
and Andy Comben fourth.
Finally, we are now filling up for Easter bookings, please call the office as soon as you can if you’re
planning to fish over the Bank Holiday.
Iden Wood Fishery
Iden, Rye, East Sussex
SPRING LAKE - Carrying quite a lot of colour due to the heavy rain, but is still fishing well for
most species. Prawn producing good chub and perch plus carp to 15lb. Bread flake taking some
quality roach, maggot and worm best for skimmers and bream.
MATCH LAKE - Fishing the bomb with maggot or single grain of corn over loosefed maggot is
the method which has produced most of the winning carp weights this month. Pole tactics with
maggot over dead maggot won the last match with a good catch of quality skimmers and a bonus
carp. Carp anglers would be advised to keep their baits small and to cast around every 20 minutes
or so as the carp at the moment are not moving a great deal. Find where they are holed up i.e. in
the margins and under overhanging bushes and their catches will improve. Worm still taking some
quality perch, and also some good roach.
MIDDLE LAKE - Floatfished maggot the best method for carp and silvers. Fish tight to the island
and in the margins for carp to 10lb, and down the track for skimmers and roach. Worm once again
picking up some good perch.
SPECIMEN LAKE - Despite the cold weather the carp have been responding well, with one angler
taking five good specimens to 25lb in one 24 hour session. Once again small baits are producing
the best results. Pole fished maggot giving some good weights of roach, and worm taking quality
perch.
ORCHARD LAKE - Best carp this month as 15lb mirror taken off the dead reeds on corn. Plenty
of roach and rudd coming to floatfished maggot, with worm giving some good perch.
8
Freshwater Informer - March 2015
6 FULLY STOCKED MIXED FISH COARSE LAKES
Adults £10 - Youth (14 to 18) £7 - Junior (under 14) £5
93 Peg and 30 Peg Match Lakes
£5 Per Peg for 20+ Anglers
Price for smaller matches on Request
2 SPECIMEN CARP LAKES - Please Ring for Details and Prices
Night fishing available - Prices and Details on Request.
Fishery Telephone: 01304 380691
Superb facilities:
Tackle and Bait Shop • Café • Licensed Bar • Camping • Caravan Pitches
with Electric Hook-Ups • Modern and Clean Toilet and Shower Facilities
Cafe & Caravan Enquiries: 01304 371898
e-mail: kingfisherbar@btopenworld.com
Cottington Lakes, Sandwich Road, Sholden, Deal, Kent CT14 0AR
Just outside Deal off the A258
Visit
www.cottingtonlakes.co.uk
Fishery opens 7.00am
No Access to the fishery before this time without prior arrangement
Separate nets required for Carp and Silver Fish
fwi 220 - Fishery Reports pp3 onwards.qxp_Layout 1 23/02/2015 14:06 Page 9
Fishery Reports
Wintons Fishery
Burgess Hill, West Sussex
Mirrors to 48lbs • Commons to 50lbs • Kois to 33lbs • Catfish to 95lbs • Tench to 12lb+
David Halfacre - 39lb 9oz common ‘Ethers’
With March upon us it can’t be long now until Spring arrives with this the birds will start singing
their dawn chorus and the beautiful yellow daffodils will be in bloom. The Fishery starts to come
alive and the fish start to feed in earnest after a cold winter. Wintons is a wonderful place in Spring
and traditionally an excellent time to catch PB’s, as not only are the fish in excellent condition but
also at their peak weights. The Fishery is moving forward this year with a few changes that will
no doubt please our members and we are happy to inform you that the shower and toilet are being
revamped and updated. The onsite Café that was launched last Summer is reopening shortly,
initially on Saturday and Sunday mornings for breakfasts plus the wooden Wendy House is being
redecorated. The Record Book will remain in the Wendy House for anglers to complete before
leaving the site, please remember to complete this as it allows us to gauge how the Fishery is
fishing. The Korda range of tackle is being increased and we are really pleased to see our
members using safe rigs, incidentally the new Heli Safe Lead Release System is in stock and
selling very well. It is worth noting that the tackle shop is open seven days a week and we welcome
members and non-members alike. We will
continue to stock both Mainline baits and
locally made Crafty Fishing Baits at
competitive prices, so if you are looking for a
bulk buy for a trip to France then why not give
us a call or pop in during office hours for a
chat and a quote.
Nathan King continues his winter campaign
in style, fishing the Jacuzzi swim (peg 26) on
Kingfisher Nathan caught a big orange koi at
a new record weight of 33lb 12oz, which will
now be known at Jaffa. Jaffa fell to a shop
bought clockwork orange pop up. Nathan then
moved onto Mallard lake peg 1 and managed
a scale perfect common weighing 25lb again
a clockwork orange pop up, what a lovely
brace of Winter fish. Andy Lennon dropped
in for a two hour session on Kingfisher Lake
and using roach dead baits caught two pike
weighing 9lb and 12lb 8oz, both fish were
taken at short range from the fat finger, he
commented in the log book that he’s after their
mummy! David Halfacre fishing the gate
post, swim 31 on Kingfisher Lake has caught
David Colclough - 16lb pike
the common renamed at the AGM ‘Ethers’ in
honour of the late Alan Etherington at 39lb 9oz, David was using an old favourite bait Scopex in
pop up form. David’s comment in the log book reads ‘BANG TIDY’. Dave Colclough caught three
pike from peg 30 on Kingfisher Lake, Dave was using sardine sea dead baits and the fish weighed
16lb, 16lb and 5lb. Oily sea dead baits have always produced some of the better quality stamp of
fish. Old time member Nick Hannington fished the patio swim 7 on Mallard Lake and was
rewarded with a brace of
common carp, the fish
were in lovely condition
and weighed 12lb 8oz
and 16lb. Nick was using
trimmed down pineapple
pop ups. Matt Cook
found himself fishing
Heron Lake for a
change of scenery from
Kingfisher Lake and was
duly rewarded with a
common carp weighing
16lb on Equinox boilies.
Nathan King - 33lb - 12oz koi ‘Jaffa’
2015/2016 MEMBERSHIP
RENEW / APPLY BEFORE 31/03/15
for only £50 – saving £10!
follow us on
The home of your next PB!
www.wintonsfishery.com
WINTONS FARM, FOLDERS LANE, BURGESS HILL, WEST SUSSEX RH15 0DR
Tel: 01444 236493 E-mail: wintons@wintonsfishery.com
Dan Hickman has had a hard winter campaign paid off by catching a common carp from
Kingfisher weighing 32lb 9oz on a peaches and cream popup. A common of this quality in arguably
the toughest month of the year shows how determination can succeed. Dan quoted “Finally caught
my first Wintons 30!!! I hadn’t even had the rod out 5 minutes the alarm and swinger wasn't even
attached. Was just about to put my 3rd rod out and I turned around to see my left hand rod bent
double! Which resulted in this cracking common. Happy Days!!!”
Adam Cheal caught the first catfish in 2015 from peg 11 on Mallard Lake. The impressive moggy
took his Mainline tutti fruiti pop up almost on the drop and weighed 56lb. Adam said the fight was
sluggish until under his rod tip and was a complete surprise, normally we don’t start seeing the
cats until mid-march onwards when the water starts warming up.
Dan Hickman - 32lb 9oz common
5 Secluded lakes set in 60 acres of woodland,
containing Carp to 30lbs, Tench to 5lbs,
Perch to 4lbs, Roach to 2lbs, Bream to 5lbs
plus Rudd and Gudgeon
VEHICLE ACCESS/NIGHT FISHING
ALLOWED/MATCH BOOKINGS TAKEN
PLEASE RING FOR PRICES
Andy Ashdown, Spring Lodge, Iden Wood Fishery
Cold Harbour Lane, Iden, Rye, East Sussex TN31 7UT
Tel/Fax: 01797 280180
Mobile: 07906 232225
Freshwater Informer - March 2015
9
fwi 220 - Fishery Reports pp3 onwards.qxp_Layout 1 23/02/2015 14:06 Page 10
Tanyard Fisheries
Fishery Reports
Wylands International AC
Battle, East Sussex
Michael Parkinson with Warty at 34lb 6oz
At Wylands we saw some very cold periods in January and the lakes were frozen on more than
one occasion. Whilst the fish had slowed up a little there was still some bites to be had for those
brave few that worked hard at their winter fishing.
The first cast of the New Year for Michael Parkinson saw his efforts rewarded with Warty from
KELL LAKE, weighing in at 34lb 6oz. It was a great start to the year for Michael as he then went
on to catch another 4 fish from Wylands hardest lake. Kell also came up trumps for Graham Kent.
Fishing for only 3 hours at the dam wall end of the lake, he managed to catch two 20lbers on light
tackle. The first was a stunning 24lb Common and this was swiftly followed by another Common
weighing in at a touch over 20lb.
MIDDLE LAKE has been fishing well, with the best swims being at the top end of the lake fishing
close to the reeds. Season ticket holder Pete Lee had a fantastic session, bagging 24 Carp in a
day—not bad for winter fishing!! Pete then moved on to MAISIES LAKE. Whilst this is
predominantly a Catfish lake, there are also some pristine Carp lurking in the depths. Pete fished
the 4th swim on the lake and cast to the reeds on the far side. The 70+ yard cast paid dividends
with a couple of immaculate low doubles and a 19lb 15oz Common. Graham Kent also had some
luck on the lake and had 4 fish to 15lb. Alfie Stait fished in the same swim as Pete and managed
to land a lovely 12lb Mirror. The quality of the Carp in Maisies is absolutely fantastic and it is well
worth a trip.
HOUSE LAKE has been producing a few fish throughout January, although we closed it at the
back end of the month. We have been trimming a few of the trees back on the far side of the lake
to allow for an easier cast as well as tidying up the swims and islands. Most of the work you will
not be able to see but we have been raking around the islands and bridges to remove as many
snags and line as we can. Unfortunately we were unable to drain the lake due to a ceased tap,
but we have done the best that we can to improve the fishing experience. Graham Kent saw
some nice fish on the bank—including two 20’s on separate occasions. One weighed in at 21lb
12oz but the other, slightly smaller fish was perhaps the most memorable. It was his 200th double
figured fish from other complex since he signed up just over a year ago. A truly amazing feat of
angling—well done Graham!
David Betts fished his first
ever solo night trip and suffered
some
extremely
cold
conditions. Fortunately the
season ticket holders efforts
were rewarded with a nice
Common of nearly 12lb.
Whilst the match weights have
slowed down, there have been
bag weights of over 45lb on the
Old Snake lake and 67lb on our
Tuesday matches on Field
Lake.
Graham Kent and a 21lb 12oz House Lake common
Pete Lee - 19lb 15oz common from Maisies
10
Freshwater Informer - March 2015
Nr Uckfield, East Sussex
Graham Kent - 24lb common from Kell
Firstly I'd like to introduce myself my name is Chris Page and I am the new fishery manager here
at Tanyard Fishery I've no doubt met some of you already but if not will look forward to seeing
you in the not to distant future so here is the catch report for February,with the weather is issuing
us 4 seasons a day as a common occurrence, but the fish like the anglers have decided to just
crack on,with some of the best fishing I've seen given the conditions and temperature, COARSE
POOL 2 and 3 have been producing like its mid summer with many anglers having multiple catches
by the end of their days fishing brothers Henry, Felix and friend Ollie Roney managed multiple
carp up to the 9lb mark with some stunning mirrors and linears even pegging a few from Coarse
POOL 1, COARSE POOL 3 has been similar to COARSE POOL 2 Chris Sargeant and Eric
Blowes managed to land 13 carp to 9lb, bream to 3lb and a lovely crucian carp just shy of 3lb,
Ollie Stenning and Tahnee Staplehurst had a good day banking carp and nream from COARSE
POOL 3 before landing a few perch from the CARP FREE POOL Ollie managing a 1lb perch but
tahnee having bragging rights banking a 2lber. It’s always a pleasure to get a visit from Carl and
Alex, unfortunately Carl could stay but Alex done his brother proud pulling out carp over the course
of the day from Course pool 3 with Carl’s return just in time for a few pictures of the bigger carp
he landed on COURSE POOL
2 that day. Harry Theobald
visited Tanyard for the first
time and on his birthday
travelling all the way from
Watford and landed a well
deserved 7lb 2oz common
from COARSE POOL 3 so
well done Harry. Onto the
specimen lakes with the pike
fishing producing a lot of
smaller pike up to 14lb the
large pike seem to be illusive
given the scattered weather
conditions, however the carp
fishing has been superb Gary
Parson landing a stunning
24lb 8oz fully scaled mirror carp float fishing prawn in the margins, gave him a good scarp and
we'll deserve, Jack Webb-Olley banked 2 carp on his session an 18lb 8oz common and a 15lb
mirror carp. SPECIMEN LAKE 2 has come into great form with the pick of the bunch falling to
Andy Sales with a stunning 29lb common the second of his session after landing a 25lb 8oz
common and hour after setting up, Scott Ridley landed a 24lb 2oz common known as ‘Ghosty’ a
stunning fish falling to a maggot clip the second fish as he also had a 13lb common 45 minutes
before.
If you haven’t already please add us on Facebook as Tanyard Fishery for all up to date catch
reports and photos and please feel free to send us your photos and catches to
Tanyardcatches@hotmail.com.
Sharon’s cafe is now stocking mainline boilies
shelf life, pop-ups and Cell, Grange and Hybrid
15mm freezer boilies. We now have and
Automatic gate opening times will remain the
same 7am - 7.15pm. There is no admission after
these hours. Day ticket prices are 1 rod £10 / 2
rods £14 / 3 rods £18
fwi 220 - Fishery Reports pp3 onwards.qxp_Layout 1 23/02/2015 14:07 Page 11
Tench • Carp • Bream
AVAILABLE NOW
Lake & Fishery management
Surveys & Fish removals
Habitat enhancement
For more details and prices please contact Miles on:‐
01825 840 868
07974 76 66 74
miles@mayflyaquacare.co.uk
www.mayflyaquacare.co.uk
BIGGIN HILL
ANGLING CENTRE
MANKLOW’S
44 SEAL ROAD, SEVENOAKS
218 Main Road, Biggin Hill, Kent TN16 3BD
Fishing Tackle for Coarse,
Sea & Game Baits, Clothing,
Videos, Accessories
OPENING TIMES
Mon - Thurs 9-6,
Fri 9-7, Sat 8-5
Telephone: 01959 570265
Elphicks has been designed and built with the modern angler in mind.
We have 7 lakes available for day ticket and session fishing. Each
lake has it’s own parking within easy reach of the swims and all
swims are ‘all weather’ - either built of Astroturf, stone or bark.
Please contact the fishery for further information on any of our lakes.
Elphicks Fisheries Spelmonden Road
Horsmonden, Kent TN12 8EL
Tel: 01732 454952
Fax: 01732 743223
Tel: 01580
212512
email: info@elphicks-fisheries.co.uk
BUCKLAND LAKE FISHERY
2.5 acre Trout Lake • Mixed Coarse Lake • Specimen Lake & Pike fishing
Day Tickets • Night Fishing • Fishing Tuition • Rod/Tackle Hire & Sales.
Group Bookings • Corporate Days • Boat Hire ‘on trout lake’ • Open 7 days a week
Contact the fishery manager Scott on 07827 337424/01634 220005 for more details
www.bucklandlake.co
email: bucklandfishery@gmail.com
Tel: 01634 220005
Find us off the M2, Junction 1, A289 to Wainscot, Grain & Medway City Estate, 2nd left
on the B2000 to Cliffe, 3⁄4 of a mile after Cliffe Woods turn left into ‘Rectory Rd’ at the
end turn right into Buckland Rd. Buckland Lake Reserve and Fishery is on the left.
www.elphicks-fisheries.co.uk
Orchard Place Farm Fishing Lakes
www.orchardplacefarmfishing.co.uk
All set in a beautiful, rural and very peaceful location
7 Carp / Catfish Lakes
stocked with carp to 48lb and catfish to 74lb
2 Match / Pleasure Lakes
24HR - £25 / 48HR - £50
(additional charge for 3rd rod)
DAY TICKETS
£12.50
LAKE 9
NOW OPEN
teeming with F1s, Bream, Barbel, Chub, Perch,
Pleasure Lake
Golden and Green Tench, Mirror and Common Carp prices from £6.00
Food unit on site
7 Days a week
with covered seating area...
‘Tasty Tashas’
...lovely food, clean and
friendly service and
a varied menu
Pearsons Green Road
Paddock Wood
Kent TN12 6NY
Fully refurbished tackle/bait/shop situated in the main car park,
stocking lots more tackle and BUZZER BAITS,
everything you need at VERY competitive prices.
Shower, 3 toilet blocks, 2 fishermens mess rooms with
kettle, microwave, toaster and fridge. Plenty of parking
and disabled swims available upon request.
Tel:
01892 838576
Freshwater Informer - March 2015
11
fwi 220 - Fishery Reports pp3 onwards.qxp_Layout 1 23/02/2015 15:23 Page 12
Fishery Reports
Furnace Brook Fishery Hailsham, East Sussex
A beautiful start on a late February morning
at Furnace Brook.
TEL:
01424 216213
STOCKIST OF ALL
QUALITY MAJOR BRANDS
OF TACKLE AND BAIT
FOR THE CARP, COARSE,
SEA AND PREDATOR ANGLER
The construction of new swims continues to take
shape around the main lake at the venue despite
the weather doing it’s best to throw a spanner in
the works. This is enabling a much better
experience for the visiting angler especially so in
the winter months with the inevitable underfoot
conditions. We would hope to have both sides of
the lake finished towards the end of this year Thomas with beautiful 9lb PB, FBF common Carp.
along with many other improvements all contributing towards the experience of a day in the tranquil
settings of this wonderful fishery. Carp sport is on the up! Yes they are starting to feed with a
little more gusto as one very happy young man found to his absolute delight! Thomas Daw visited
recently with his Step Father, fishing the newly refurbished peg 7. They set up two rods to target
Carp on the far margin with boilie baits. The rewards! Thomas with a new personal best, a
beautifully conditioned 9lb common Carp this, along with two other examples just under this size.
Just wonderful to see the joy on this young anglers face in the middle of Winter, if this is not what
it really is all about then we have all missed the point. A big well done to Thomas, we look forward
to seeing you again soon.
Thomas with his new PB, a 9lb beautiful FBF common Carp. A select field turned out recently for
the first FBF Carp match and their efforts were well rewarded as plenty of Carp were landed. Carl
from Bexhill took the spoils from peg 7 where he fished a chod rig with fluro pop-up’s to some
snags on the far bank. He landed 13 Carp in total between 5-15lb and this gave him a grand total
of 116lb 2oz and a convincing victory over Harry visiting from Ninfield. Harry fished Mainline boilies
utilizing a ‘blowback’ rig, he had 10 Carp in total giving him 71lb 11oz. There will be an occasional
Carp match on the venue from time to time. Further details can
be had by contacting the venue bailiff - Simon Dole on
07826187348.
Regular visitors and great friends Frank and Fred have been on
the venue again for a day session. Armed with two rods each the
boys used boilie baits on simple ledger tactics. Fred had the
upper had this day with 10 Carp up to 15lb on Cell baits. Frank
used tuna and lobster flavored boilies to lure 3 good Carp with
the biggest a common of 11lb. Their collective knowledge of the
venue enabling them to maximize their sport even in the colder
months – Top angling gents and we look forward to seeing you
again soon. Match fishing continues on the venue with open
matches now taking place every other Sunday until the end of
April, the remaining dates as follows: 15th March/29th
March/12th April/26th April. Draw times for these events will be
09:00 all welcome but please book your place in advance and
note the venue is closed from dusk on the Saturday preceding
Simon Watford with his 21lb
the event to dusk on the Sunday.
match bag of FBF hybrids
Spring is in the air! It’s on its way the days are slowly but very good enough for 2nd overall
surely drawing out and the trees are budding with fresh green
in the January silvers open.
shoots pocking up everywhere around the venue, spring is very
much in the air. The Roach and Bream will soon be wishing to spawn and Carp sport will continue
you improve, we can expect to see sport from the traditional early season species like Tench and
Crucian Carp pick up and you will see new lambs running about in the field adjacent to the venue.
It’s a great time of year to be out and about enjoying nature and the change of season.
THE BAIT BUCKET
TACKLE SHOP
RECENTLY EXPANDED
Providing all your everyday coarse fishing needs.
OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK
Free Parking
www.bait­bucket.co.uk
Find us at:
Three Ponds Holiday Park
South Heighton, East Sussex BN9 0TP
Tel: 01273 513530
12
Freshwater Informer - March 2015
OPEN
7 DAYS
A WEEK
EMAIL:
gerry@battletackle.co.uk
67 NINFIELD ROAD | SIDLEY | BEXHILL | TN39 5BA
fwi 220 - Fishery Reports pp3 onwards.qxp_Layout 1 23/02/2015 14:14 Page 13
Freshwater Informer - March 2015
13
fwi 220 - Bob Morris.qxp_Layout 1 23/02/2015 14:17 Page 14
Medway Man
Bob Morris
Nobody likes them but we all have them; blank sessions can be a
bit of a pain at times and often make you wonder just what you
are doing wrong? This questioning however, can mean that we
learn from our mistakes and ‘perhaps’ start to avoid making them
in the future.
It is true that if you start off that way and then keep on blanking, but
don’t change your tactics in some way, you will learn nothing - except that
the default setting for your particular approach is ‘Sweet FA’. What I call
my productive blanks are the ones that are sandwiched in between
productive spells, as this indicates that the fish may have moved from the
area that you are fishing, changed their feeding times, or even become
preoccupied with another food source etc. The main thing is that you have,
to react and try something different, maybe a different swim, or time of
day. If this works, then you have learned something. It may sound obvious
but it is surprising how many anglers continue to bash their heads against
the ’same old system’ and clock up the ’nil points’! This is all well and good
though, but what if you are fishing on new water and the old blanks are
just stacking up? Well, I am not really sure to be quite honest. I say this
because my recent attempts on the pike front have, pretty well, presented
me with this problem. Although I have caught a few fish during the past
month or so from local lakes, my efforts on two relatively unfished
stretches of the Medway have proved almost fishless, with the exception of
a couple of small Jacks and I am up to about eight sessions now, with
little evidence of pike being present at all. It is true that my approach has
revolved around a relatively static dead bait style (I seldom use live-baits
these days). I have however, moved around and covered quite a bit of
ground during the course of my six hour sessions.
Having previously fished these parts of the river with feeder tactics, I know
that a reasonable head of food fish are present and so, the absence of pike
is a bit of a mystery! It is also true that these stretches are not fished
heavily at this time of year and I am unable to notes with anyone else.
According to a bailiff that I met down there one day, one stretch in
particular has been poached mercilessly during the last few years. I am not
sure if I am even able to repeat what he says about who is responsible for
this illegal activity (I was accused of being a racist for using the term
’Eastern European on a forum a short while ago) and therefore lack of fish,
Bob’s pike kit waiting for action
14
Freshwater Informer - March 2015
All set and ready for action
but although I find it hard to believe that the effects can have been as
drastic as he believed, I have to say that the evidence in the form of piles
of scales, and embers of Bar-B-Q type fires are rather compelling. I also
noticed on the quietest stretch that many of the swims do come complete
with a built-in forked stick rod rest! But don’t get me started, maybe I will
cover this subject shortly in the PP column.
Anyway, in spite of my lack of action on the river I have been enjoying my
piking, which is the main thing, especially as it has allowed me to
continue with my experiments concerning hair rigs and bite detection. One
of my relatively recent adaptations, is the use of small pieces of heavy
nylon (like that used for a strimmer) to convert my drop arm indicators see picture. The reason for doing this is that the normal type of clips that
are often fitted on to these, tend to snag the line and therefore prevent a
slack-line or ’dropper’ being detected - particularly when a braided line is
being used. This short ‘stiff ish’ piece of nylon is glued, at one, end into a
hole on the ball, with the other end remaining unattached. This allows the
braid to pass freely through a loop - that is made by pushing this loose
end back into the hole. This set-up allows perfectly free travel for the line
Bob casts a pike bait on the river
fwi 220 - Bob Morris.qxp_Layout 1 25/02/2015 11:19 Page 15
Bob unhooks a deadbait caught pike
At least I am getting one or two...
February pike for Bob
in either direction - with the loop pulling clear, when the line tightens.
It appears to be pretty well full proof and can be used with either an open
pick-up or straight off the spool, if a bait- runner or multiplier is being
used.
Nylon loop allows easy
movement of line
Nylon loop released
Another useful adaptation that I
have been using recently is the
incorporation of a rattle or bell in
my pike bobbins. This is extremely
easy to do by using one of those
little cat toys that has the ball
bearing inside. These can be built
into your drop-arm indicator or hung
Bob’s rattling bobbins
in front of an open spool after first
drilling, then ‘screwing in’ one of those kitchen cup hooks. These are only
really useful during calm conditions and are, perhaps, irrelevant if you are
using a buzzer. It is however, amazing just how sensitive they can be and
I find that I soon get attuned to the slightest little ping or click - which
I sometimes even hear well before my bite alarm goes off!
Best Fishes & Solutions
Bob Morris
Freshwater Informer - March 2015
15
fwi 220 - Carp Girls.qxp_Layout 1 23/02/2015 14:19 Page 16
One of the Freshwater Informer team, on his travels, recently spotted a van with some unique eye catching graphics.
He duly noted some details from the sign written vehicle and passed a note of his observation on to me.
Our eagle eyed reporter had unwittingly stumbled across a carp fishing phenomenom in the form of The Carpgirls!
I contacted the ladies and suggested we place an article in the magazine to inform our readers about this mighty carp fishing duo!
The ladies, Debbie and Elaine, were happy to oblige.
Who are the...
We are two female carp anglers who have devoted our lives to our passion for fishing.
We spend as much time as possible on the bank in all weathers, seeking the chance of our
landing mat being graced by a beautiful carp. The challenge of pitting our skill and wit against
the most wary of carp is something only like-minded carp anglers share. We spend the briefest
of moments with our quarry but appreciate their individual beauty and the limited time we
have with them before slipping them back to their watery home. We are often asked by friends
why we choose to spend hours bivvied up on the bank in the wind, rain and sun when we have
very comfortable warm homes… our reply is simply why not! Why not fill your life with something you enjoy and appreciate.
Every moment spent on the bank is humbling and a pleasure, we get
to see nature at its very best and to glimpse at some of its secret
moments; the early morning mist rising off the water, the amazing
colours of sunrises and sunsets, seeing Mother Nature in all her glory
throughout the seasons. Close encounters with her creatures great and
small including kingfishers, robins and dragonflies using your rods as
temporary perches. Night fishing brings it’s very own unique rewards,
the sound of a still night being broken with a fish topping, the call of a
owl, fox or badger and being woken by natures alarm clock; the bird’s
dawn chorus. Waking to find Jack Frost has visited during the night
leaving your rods and swim dusted with ice crystals. And of course the
exhilaration at the sound of your bite alarm jumping in to life...
...We enjoy every part of fishing!
Debbie
Elaine and Debbie
The two of us, known as ‘The Carpgirls’, are recognised all over the
country and have become a familiar sight at fishing shows and events. Although we mainly go
fishing together, we have developed our own style and approach to fishing which suits our individual
methodology and techniques. Elaine first introduced Debbie to fishing in 2001. We both started
fishing for smaller coarse fish such as perch, tench before we progressed on to the addictive carp
scene. Elaine is a self confessed addict, truly obsessed and passionate about everything carpy, while
Debbie has a more ‘normal’ approach to her passion....
We have a dedicated bait workshop at home fully equipped to make our own boilies, including 25kg
hydraulic sausage machine, catering mixer, stainless steel work surfaces and sink. We always cook
our own particles and spod mix as we have our own recipes that we stick to and trust, as do a lot of
carp anglers. Our successful fishing sessions give us the evidence and proof that our home cooked
bait does the trick, the extra rewards of catching on your own bait is second to none, but we do also
happily use boilies from well known companies! We believe in trying to be different when fishing;
keeping rigs simple, thinking outside of the box and using your own bait certainly gives you an edge
Elaine
Fishing Tuition with the Carpgirls
We both are fully qualified and licensed Angling Coaches, we enjoy encouraging more people, young and old, into fishing (including other females) and ensuring
anglers have the correct fundamentals to build on, whilst also helping them progress with their current fishing skills. Something very close to our hearts is the
welfare of fish on and off the bank, respecting the environment and other anglers, and of course not forgetting the enjoyment of fishing!
We aim to help you refine your current skills by passing on our knowledge and experiences that has enabled us to put some very nice fish on the bank. We can
give you the knowledge to get you started if you have never fished before.
Contacting the Carpgirls
If you would like to contact either Elaine or Debbie for any further information, please feel free.
Elaine can be contacted via email elaine@carpgirls.co.uk or telephone 07717 824212. Debbie can be contacted via email debbie@carpgirls.co.uk
I hope you have enjoyed reading about Elaine and Debbie and hopefully it will encourage and motivate some more lady anglers to get out on to the banks.
I really think Elaine and Debbie are an inspiration to all of us and they perfectly sum up why carp fishing is such an addiction and consuming passion!
The Freshwater Informer would like to thank the ladies for their time in producing this feature and allowing us to tell the region their fantastic story.
If you would like to know more about the Carpgirls, then visit their website www.carpgirls.co.uk
16
Freshwater Informer - March 2015
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Freshwater Informer - March 2015
17
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Online Catch Reports
fill in the online catch report page at: www.freshwaterinformer.com
and email your photo to: info@freshwaterinformer.com
DAVID BRISTOW of Crowborough 46lb 12oz PB mirror carp - 15th February
West End Lake, Elphicks Fisheries
Rod: Sonik SKS 3lb test curve Reel: Sonik 8000 Baitrunner Line: Subline 20lb
Hook: size 6 Bait firm: Taylor Baits Base mix: 11 mil Flavour: Dairy cream and fresh pineapple
Other information: New PB mirror - first time fishing West End. Beaten my PB by 20lb.
ONLY £7 PER DAY
JACK WEBB-OLLEY
18lb 8oz common carp
Specimen Lake One,
Tanyards Fishery
17th February
SHARNFOLD • TENCH TO 6LB
FARM FISHERY • PERCH • ROACH
a wide range of coarse fish
• BARBEL • CHUB
ONLY £7 PER DAY
Hailsham Road, Stone Cross
Have a Carp-free Day EASTBOURNE 01323 768490
Tip of the
Month
ROBIN PIPER of Orpington
8lb mirror carp - Gedges Lakes
Rods: Rovex Carp Wagger 10ft x 2 Reel: Leeder Assasins x 2 Line: Maxima 6lb Hook: Size 10 barbless
Hooklink: 5lb Features: Clay bottom, dead lily pads Weather: SW wind, hazy sun - part cloudy. Fished: 71⁄2
hours - 4 rod0 lengths out. Bait: Cockle. Dropped my bait on top of chopped up cockles, the only fish of the
session after 21⁄2 hours, lost another fish when the hook length broke!! this was due to an underwater snag in
the margins.
The Freshwater Informer is constantly striving to bring it’s
readers the most informative articles possible within a
FREE magazine. One of our promises to you last year was
to bring you new features for 2015. We are yet again
fulfilling that commitment with another article, which we
are sure, both new and experienced anglers will find useful.
If you have any questions or queries about your fishing, then drop
us an email or letter and we will do our best to find a solution to
your angling problems! All our contact details, as usual,
can be found at the front of the magazine.
POLE FISHING is one of the most popular methods of fishing these days,
whether it be in matches or simply for pleasure. There is no denying it can be a
deadly method, but, to a beginner or less experienced angler, there can be lots
of technical elements which need to be understood and may cause confusion.
Generally, all quality pole floats have a set of numbers printed on the body of
the float and many anglers venturing in to pole angling may be unsure of the
relevance of this vital information. The
numbering simply refers to the amount
of weight needed to accurately ‘cock’
the float and set the tip accurately within
the water. However, what does the
numbering on the float actually refer to
when setting up the pole rig? Well, here is our guide to the most
popular float sizes in styl weight (eg 3 x 10) and their matching weight
in grammes, plus a guide to which shot to use to cock a float correctly.
Hopefully the following information will answer these common queries:
Are you stuck for the right shot to use when setting up a pole rig?
Do you know the difference between pole float sizes?
POLE FLOAT SHOTTING GUIDE
LEE CURD of Hythe
11lb PB pike - Hythe Royal Military Canal - 3rd February
Rod: 30plus 8ft Predator Reel: Shimano RA10000 Line: Pro Logic Xlint Camo 14 (lb) Hook: 30plus
trebles size 8 Homemade Trace Rig details: double trebles single barb, lower trace and upper trace,
bubble float 2 1/2 ft Bait firm: Best Buddies Pet & Fishing Supplies Base mix: Whole Mini Joey Baiting
situation: Dead Bait Session length: 11am-5pm Range: 25 yards Other information: Personal Best,
haven’t had the best season so far a few jacks here and there plenty of Blanks!!
18
Freshwater Informer - March 2015
Pole float size
Weight
Shot equivalent
3 x 10
0.10g
2 x No 10
4 x 10
0.15g
3 x No 9
4 x 12
0.20g
5 x No 10
4 x 14
0.40g
6 x No 8
4 x 16
0.50g
8 x No 8
4 x 18
0.75g
3 x No 3
4 x 20
1.00g
4 x No 3
5 x 20
1.25g
5 x No 3
6 x 20
1.50g
6 x No 3
fwi 220 - Lure Fishing - Andy Lush.qxp_Layout 1 25/02/2015 11:02 am Page 19
Lure
W
ell here we are at the beginning of March, “Spring is in the
air” and now’s the time to start thinking about going Trout
fishing.
As they say “money talks”
and with boats to fill two
of our major Trout
reservoirs, Hanningfield
near Chelmsford in Essex
[CM3 8HX] and Bewl Water
near Tunbridge Wells in
Kent [TN3 8JH] have
introduced ‘any method’
Trout fishing. Both of these
waters start their seasons
in March, Hanningfield
opens on the 7th and Bewl on the 21st.
So where and how are we going to catch our first Trout of the season? Location as always
is the key to success, experience gained from 35 years of fly fishing means I can with
some certainty predict where you should start. ‘Find the food and you’ll find the fish’. In
March fly activity will be minimal but their larvae, such as Bloodworms [Midge] and Caddis
[Sedge], flies that will hatch later in the spring, are here now in the silt at the bottom.
The shallow water around the shore line starts warming first so the grubs here will be
active and the Trout will be grazing the bottom for them.
Now these reservoirs have vast shorelines so is there anyway of narrowing down your
choice still further? Well yes as the surface water across the lake warms, this warmed film
is pushed downwind towards the shore, these downwind banks are a “fish magnet”
fish these areas in March and throughout April and you will not go wrong!
Let’s start fishing! We know the fish are feeding on the larvae which are on the bottom, in
shallow water less than 10’ [3m], imagine the Trout are mooching along, just off bottom,
being cold blooded they’re the same temperature as the water so we need to retrieve our
lures and flies at slow speed.
I’m assuming we’re fishing from a boat, on Bewl ‘any method’ fishing is only permitted
from boats whereas on Hanningfield you can also fish from the bank. Anchor up within
casting distance of the ‘downwind’ bank making sure not to infringe on any bank anglers
that might be fishing there. We need to fish our lures slowly, and we need to fish very
close to the bottom without snagging or picking up weed or leafs. My first choice lures in
this situation are shallow diving ‘minnow’ plugs such as ‘original’ Rapala’s or similar, these
long slim baits can be retrieved slowly just off bottom, an occasional pause will see it rise
a little, commencing the retrieve sees it start swimming again, this “spin stop” as the
continentals call it triggers the Trout to strike. Make each cast close to the previous one,
F
ishing
Andy Lush - ‘The Friendly Fisherman’
remember the fish are not moving
much so search the water thoroughly,
‘be patient and make each cast count’.
The water is often coloured early in
the season from the ‘new water’ being
pumped in, so colour choice of lures
can be very important, fly anglers will
tell you that Black is the most
effective colour in this situation, so
dark Black & Silver baitfish colours are
a must plus Florescent Green [Fire Tiger] and you cannot ignore bright Orange because
Trout can’t resist this colour especially as things warm up later in the day.
After fishing the area for an hour I suggest you move, but not too far, move along the
bank beyond the casting range of your previous position. Like I said earlier the fish are
not circulating much so you could easily miss out if you moved too far. Systematically
search your way along the downwind bank in this manner, your boat partner should use
similar lures but in different colours. As the day progresses start mixing up the retrieve
speeds, but get into the habit of counting the number of turns of the reel handle before
each pause, once you start catching you want to repeat the successful retrieve.
On a warm spring day, by the afternoon the shallows can increase in temperature by as
much as 2 degrees ‘C’. With this in mind try fishing a little shallower and faster with
‘in-line’ spinners such as Mepps Aglia or Abu Droppen in 4-6g sizes, again have a selection
of colours; Silver, Gold, Black and Orange.
Before I go any further I’d like to mention etiquette for those new to reservoir fishing,
please consider other anglers who like yourself want to enjoy a relaxing days fishing.
Please do not cast in front of other boats, whether anchored or drifting and give bank
anglers plenty of space it’s very selfish to encroach on them when we have the whole
reservoir at our disposal and please NO TROLLING.
All Rainbow Trout must be killed, up to your ‘limit’, specified on your permit, please return
all Brown Trout, Perch and Pike unharmed if possible. In fact fishing for Perch and Pike
can make a interesting alternative to Trout if like me you like a little variety. Perch
especially are growing to specimen sizes in Hanningfield although I’m told they are few in
numbers? I hope to find out more for myself during March.
In the next issue I’ll give you some more hints and tips about how to catch Trout as the
water warms. I’ll also describe how to fish the ‘Bombarda’ float system that’s very popular
in southern Europe for Trout in stocked stillwaters and a detailed look at the ‘Dropshot’ rig,
for Perch.
Tight Lines
Andy Lush
Andy owns “The Friendly Fisherman” in Tunbridge Wells [TN1 2PS] and offers advice on all things lure and fly fishing related.
w w w. t h e f r i e n d l y f i s h e r m a n . c o . u k
Freshwater Informer - March 2015
19
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Trout Reports
Chalk Springs Arundel, West Sussex
Buckland Lake Fishery
Cliffe, Rochester, Kent
The trout lake is fishing well as always. The fish seem to be deep but our regular fly convert Adam
had 9 fish in an afternoon only a foot under the surface. Again the work is coming on nicely and
should be completed by the end of the month, then we will grass seed everywhere in time for the
Summer.
Brick Farm Lakes Herstmonceux, East Sussex
Chris Roots with a cracking Brown
Andy Cooper with a lovely red-striped Rainbow
Spring is well on the way now. The daffs are nearly out, the ducks have started pairing up on the lake
and the mornings and evenings are definitely getting lighter. For all of our anglers who have spent
the Winter months tucked up, wisely perhaps, in the warm you really must come down to Brick Farm
Lakes to see for yourselves the recent changes we have made to the fishery in your absence.
One of the first things we have done is to dig out, hard surface and step the fishing stations around
all three lakes. Many of the platforms had become quite dodgy to reach down the muddy slopes in
the winter months so we have made them much safer and more accessible for our fishermen.
We have also relocated the life rings away from the casting zones. These were a constant headache
for anglers, snagging lines and flies… a small thing to do but one that will be much appreciated
hopefully by all! We have embarked upon a program of clearing the banks of Brick Lake and other
areas around the fishery from dense brambles and overgrowth, pruning carefully and sympathetically
the hundreds of self-sown tree saplings and other unwanted shrubs and plants. In doing so we have
already discovered some hidden gems such as wild orchids, iris and foxgloves. We are sure that in
time the banks will blossom with new growth and colour, providing a habitat for insect life to flourish.
We are planning to construct a new “convenience” for our anglers in the shape of an outside toilet
facility. This will be sited at the back of the lodge and will be wheelchair accessible and very handy
for times when we are busy or when anglers are muddy and do not want to tread inside! Also on the
very rare occasion when the lodge is closed this will be invaluable for your comfort. Work on this has
already begun.
We can happily announce that the wonderful Eastbourne and District Fly Fishers Club have elected
to officially base themselves at Brick Farm and have this as their home water. We are delighted to
welcome them all and take this opportunity to thank them as they have agreed to have some of their
members on hand most Saturdays offering free help and advice to novices and beginners. Do come
along and make the most of their expertise and experience. They also plan to organise some club
activities throughout the coming year such as a quiz night, BBQs, fly tying evenings and will be holding
friendly competitions and fishing outings. If you are thinking you might be interested in joining call
the lodge for details (01323 832615). The more the merrier!
We are now stocking all three lakes with some truly beautiful fish. Browns and Rainbows up to 11lb
have gone in and will continue to be stocked in the year ahead. STOP PRESS…Mary Carden, 79
years young and Secretary of the EDFFC, mentioned above, caught a wonderful Brownie weighing
in at a magnificent 8lbs 12oz! She managed to hook it on a silver-eyed Cats Whisker on Valentine’s
Day and found herself surrounded by an audience of men who watched her play the fish on 6lb leader
for a full 15 mins!! We cracked open a fresh bottle of milk and had a well-deserved cup of tea to
steady the nerves! See photo.
For all you Techies out there we have installed, next to the lodge, a “state of the art” weather station.
This will inform us all throughout the changing seasons of details such as wind speed, rainfall,
temperatures and the all-important air pressure. This, apart from being an interesting talking point
for our anglers on a day-to-day basis, may well aid in maximising your chance of catching a full bag.
Finally, a word on flies working well at the moment… Buzzers, Damsels, Cats, Montanas and Blood
Worms are all proving tasty! Soon the lakes will be full of tadpoles and other Springtime insects for
their enjoyment.
Tight lines for March and we look forward to seeing you all very soon.
20
Freshwater Informer - March 2015
Terry Weldon with a beautiful silver Rainbow
February has been a mixed month, mainly due to the weather. For the most part it was wet and
windy, so stalking fish was out of the question. However, the catch rate was still pretty high - up
around 85% - 90% for most of the month.
Those anglers fishing a floating line or sink-tip had the best results, especially when using small
goldheads, such as damsels, bloodworms and pheasant-tail nymphs. These patterns, and others
simillar, should continue to be effective through March and into the Spring. Rainbows to 9lb and
Browns to 8lb were the best caught this past month and the average stock size at the moment is
well over the 2lb mark.
As mentioned last month, the maintenance around the fishery has gone well - we have just about
finished it ready for the Summer. The weed is cut, the trees are trimmed and the grass is fighting
back through after the Winter rain. The daffodils and snowdrops look lovely now, as Spring
approaches. As the weather hopefully improves, we should start to see some fish feeding on the
surface as the damsels, pond olives and other Spring flies begin to hatch over the water. Otherwise,
the prospects for the coming month look good as the lighter evenings start to draw out - all we need
is some decent weather!
The Trout Fisherman Magazine Troutmaster qualifier takes place in early March and we will have
the results from that in the next report. Don’t forget to keep up to date with the latest news and
catches on the ‘weekly catch’ page on the website and as always, pre-booking is advised.
HAZEL COPSE
TENTERDEN TROUT WATERS
Rainbows to 11lb
Browns to 6lb
Open from the 3 January to 19 July 2015
TROUT FISHERY
Coombe Farm, Tenterden, Kent
Our unique basket system allows continuous
fishing. We aim to provide an excellent day’s
sport in beautiful Wealden countryside
Baynards, Rudgwick, Horsham, West Sussex RH12 3AF
Day permit £30 - 4 best fish
Half day permit £20 - 2 best fish
Sporting and junior permits on request
Regular stocking of top quality
rainbows and browns to 12lb
A ‘TROUTMASTERS’ WATER
TACKLE AVAILABLE FOR HIRE.
TUITION BY APPOINTMENT
RANKED IN THE TOP 100 STILLWATER
FISHERIES IN THE BRITISH ISLES 2014
Tel: 01403 822878
www.tenterden-trout-waters.co.uk
Full Catch & Release
1 fish...£20 – 2 fish...£25
3 fish...£30 – 4 fish...£35
Telephone (01580) 763201
Tenterden Trout Waters Tenterden, Kent
Anglers are keen to cast a line and enjoy the longer days. Fishing has been good. Trout relish the
cold temperatures and have been taking assorted flies. Green Montana and Pheasant Tail have
been successful mainly using an intermediate line. We have been busy with fishery management
and are now reaping the reward with anglers now able to cast their lines in more areas around the
lakes, particularly Lake 1. We have an excellent selection of flies available to purchase.
fwi 220 - Trout Reports.qxp_Layout 1 24/02/2015 15:05 Page 23
Angling Societies
Tonbridge & District Angling
& Fish Preservation Society
14 miles of River and
7 Lakes containing:
Carp to 47lb 8oz, Tench to 12lb
Bream to 16lb+, Barbel to 14lb 2oz,
Chub to 5lb, Perch to 3lb 6oz, Pike to 29lb 8oz.
Also large Roach and Rudd to 3lbs
and large eels.
Try the day ticket waters at
River £4 - Lakes £5 per day
Membership £50 per annum + £10 joining fee
Ladies & Senior Citizens - £20 Under 16’s - £10
View the waters on the web www.tonbridge-angling.co.uk
PO Box 131, Tonbridge TN11 8WB Contact Ken on 07503 111551
The Maidstone Victory
Angling Society
Ten Lakes, including a Specimen Carp
plus 4 miles River Medway + River Beult.
Carp to 44lb, Roach 3lb, Tench 10lb, Bream 15lb
Fishing available 52 weeks per year.
Active Match Group and Junior Section
Realistic Rates, including Night Permits
www.maidstonevictory.co.uk
or write to:
PO Box 1306, Maidstone, Kent ME14 9QD
HASTINGS, BEXHILL & DISTRICT
FRESHWATER ANGLING ASSOCIATION
Fishing on Lakes, Rivers and Drains. Catering for all aspects of angling
Our Waters hold: Carp over 30lb, Pike over 30lb, Tench,
Roach, Rudd, Bream, Chub, Dace and Perch
For more information please telephone:
Grahame Jenkins 01424 754042 / Chris Pagan 07429 655237
Postal enquiries:
G Jenkins, 182 Harrow Lane, St Leonards, East Sussex TN37 7JZ
www.hastingsandbexhillangling.co.uk
The Linton Angling Society
Membership Vacancies
We are a small but friendly club with beautiful lake,
2 ponds, 5 reservoirs and over 8 miles of fishing on the
River Medway, Beult and Tiese.
Our waters contain Carp to 32lb, Pike 30lb+,
Tench 8lb+, Chub 7lb, Perch 4lb and Roach to 3lb,
including some good Bream and Eels.
All year fishing, member’s guest permits, night fishing
allowed. We run over 30 matches a year and have a
large junior section. Concessionary rates available
for OAPs, Disabled and Juniors.
For further details contact:
Hon. Secretary:
Chris Knowler on 01622 726417
e-mail: chris@lintonangling.co.uk
www.lintonangling.co.uk
CRANBROOK
& DISTRICT
ANGLING CLUB
Over 10 quality waters
in Kent and Sussex
Tel: Mark on
07973 383952
www.cranbrookanglingclub.co.uk
cranbrookanglingclub.co.uk
Freshwater Informer - March 2015
21
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Competition Results
Sunday 25th January
*Maver Kent League, round seven, Monk Lakes, Staplehurst, Kent, Lakes One & Two, 36.
Dean Hunt (Maver Cardinals White) 68-8-0, mostly carp, pole with maggot and maggot feeder,
peg 59; Jamie Ford (Iden Wood Fishery) 49-9-0; Derek Gladwin (Preston Innovations) 48-1-0;
Ian Germaney 44-0-0; Nigel Stanley 39-4-0 (both Maver Cardinals Green); Stuart Cottingham
(Maver Cardinals Red. Teams: Preston Innovations 14; Sensas South East Marine and Maver
Cardinals Green 16; Maver Cardinals White 17; Maver Cardinals Black 19; Maver Cardinals Red
20. League: Preston Innovations 96.5; Sensas South East Masrine 109.5; Maver Cardinals Black
125; Sensas South East Gold 131.5; Maver Cardinals Red and Maver Cardinals Green 144.
Iden Wood Fishery, nr Rye East Sussex, Match Lake, 20. Andy Milton (Tackle and gun
Tenterden) 15-7-0all carp, straight lead and maggot, peg 20; Jay Lay (unattached) 11-8-0;
Neville James (Iden Wood Fishery) 9-7-0; Mike Abbot 8-9-0; Chris Slater 7-8-0 (both
unattached); Mick Wells (Sensas South east) 7-1-0.
Wylands, Battle, East Sussex, Old Snake Lake, 8. John Oliver (Wylands) 29-12-0, all carp,
pole with maggot and corn, peg eight; Keith Axell (wylands) 19-2-0; Carlton Easter (Iden Wood
|fishery) 15-8-0; Ian Oliver (Wylands) 10-14-0.
Sunday 1st February
Iden Wood Fishery, nr Rye, East Sussex, Match Lake, 15. Andy Ashdown (Iden Wood Fishery)
36-0-0, all carp, straight lead, with maggot and corn over loose fed maggot, peg 18; Matt
Parsons (Iden Wood Fishery) 19-12-0; Keith Robless (Unattached) 16-12-0; Pete Ridgers (Iden
Wood Fishery) 14-8-0; Jay Lay (Unattached) 13-0-0; Jamie Ford (Iden Wood Fishery) 12-0-0.
*Medway Tackle Silverfish League, round four, Frant Lakes, Tunbridge Wells, Kent,
Skirmish, Sunken Island, Car Park, and Waterfall Lakes, 33. Steve Saunders (Preston
Innovations) 19-8-0, skimmers, perch and roach, caster over groundbait at 9 metres, peg 17;
Richard Taylor (Drennan/Van den Eynde) 18-0-0; Darren Davis (Drennan) 15-5-0; Ged White
(Edenbridge A.S.) 13-8-0; Colin Ryall (Garbolino) and John Larraman (Preston Innovations
Delcac) 13-0-0. League: Richard Taylor, Ged White and Steve Saunders all 6.
Sunday 8th February
Medway Tackle Silverfish League, round five, Frant Lakes, Skirmish, Stumps, Sunken
Island, Car Park and Waterfall Lakes, 36. Les King (Edenbridge A.S.) 19-14-0, skimmers,
feeder and pole with maggot, drawn on the life buoy peg on Car Park; Rob Draisey (Edenbridge
A.S.) 18-12-0; Tony Docker (Advanced Pole Repairs) 18-6-0; Gary Ledger (Barbies)14-4-0;
Nick Hyde ( Maver Cardinals) 13-9-0; Darren Davies (Drennan) 12-11-0. League: Darren Davies
(Drennan) 20; John Pantry (Sensas South East) 19.
Sonubaits Passies, Lancing, West Sussex, Silverfish League, round three, Main Lake, 24.
Jamie Grainger (Preston Innovations Delcac) 42-9-0, bream and skimmers, pole and pellet;
Jason Kirk (Arun Angling) 39-13-0; Dave Bacon (Sonubaits Passies) 22-3-0; Steve Gardner
(Milo) 15-3-0; Tony Butler (Sonubaits Passies) 13-11-0. League: Dave Bacon (Sonubaits Passies
and Paul Gibson (Burgess Hill) 5; Jason Kirk (Arun Angling) and Steve Gardner (Milo) 6.
Wednesday 11th February
Framfield Park Fishery, Spring Lake, 22. Nigel Greenwood (Sensas South East) 87-6-0, all
carp, maggot at 10 metres, peg 62; Mark Parrett (Faulkners) 82-12-0; Lee Perry (Framfield)
82-5-0; Dave Walker (Faulkners) 78-12-0; Bruce Scott 72-14-0; Trevor Elsey 72-5-0 (both
Hemmings Tackle).
Framfield Park Fishery, Spring Lake, 22. Nigel Greenwood (Sensas South East) 87-6-0, all
carp, maggot at 10 metres, peg 62; Mark Parrett (Faulkners) 82-12-0; Lee Perry (Framfield)
82-5-0; Dave Walker (Faulkners) 78-12-0; Bruce Scott 72-14-0; Trevor Elsey 72-5-0 (both
Hemmings Tackle).
Sunday 15th February
Iden Wood Fishery, nr Rye, East Sussex, Match Lake, 24. Tim Relf (Iden Wood Fishery) 4014-0, 32lb of skimmers plus a carp, pole with maggot over fishmeal groundbait and dead
maggot, peg 35; Ray Hedges (Rye D.A.S.) 30-8-0; Chris Pope (Iden Wood Fishery) 26-0-0;
Kevin Fuller (Wylands) 17-8-0; Keith Robless (unattached) 12-12-0; Bill Postlethwaite (Moatrix
Invicta) 10-8-0.
Iden Wood Fishery, nr Rye, East Sussex, Match Lake, 24. Tim Relf (Iden Wood Fishery) 4014-0, 32lb of skimmers plus a carp, pole with maggot over fishmeal groundbait and dead
maggot, peg 35; Ray Hedges (Rye D.A.S.) 30-8-0; Chris Pope (Iden Wood Fishery) 26-0-0;
Kevin Fuller (Wylands) 17-8-0; Keith Robless (unattached) 12-12-0; Bill Postlethwaite (Moatrix
Invicta) 10-8-0.
*Medway Tackle Silverfish League, final round, Frant Lakes near Tunbridge Wells Kent,
Stumps, Sunken Island, Car Park and Waterfall Lakes, 31. Ian Germaney (Maver Cardinals)
25-12-0, skimmers and perch, peg by bridge on Car Park, red maggot over worm at nine
metres; Graham Docker 25-8-0; Tony Docker 22-6-0 (both Advanced Pole Repairs); Richard
Taylor (Drennan/Van Den Eynde) 21-4-0; Gary Ledger (Barbies) 18-4-0. League: Darren Davies
(Drennan) 25; Tony docker 23; Graham Docker 22 (weight advantage); Steve Saunders (Preston
Innovations) 22; Richard Taylor 21.
Tuesday 17th February
Wylands, Battle, East Sussex, Field Lake, 7. Derek Seymour (Polegate Angling Center) 53-40, carp, corn and pellet to reed bed; Paul Lawton (Marukyu) 32-4-0; Lewis Nightingale
(Wylands) 19-14-0.
Wednesday 18th February
Framfield Park Fishery, Brookhouse Lake 18. Chris Slater (DT Floats) 52-2-0, all carp,
maggot at 16 metres, peg eight; Dave Walker 31-2-0; Mike Head 29-14-0 (both Faulkners);
Chris Dimmock (Hemmings Tackle) 29-4-0; Lewis Nightingale (Wylands) 25-7-0; Dennis
Cooper (Rudgwick) 20-15-0.
Sunday 22nd February
NG Floats Silverfish League, round eight, Chequertree Fishery, Bethersden, Kent, 15. Martin
Charnock (Carpshop) 36-0-0, roach and skimmers on the whip; John Robinson (Sensas South
East) 23-6-0; Derek Willis 23-4-0; Dennis Price 20-10-0 (both Iden Wood Fishery); Nick Plum
(Antique Tackle) 19-8-0; Kevin Jackson and Ritchie Hemmings (both Sport One) 16-4-0.
Wylands, Battle, East Sussex, Old Snake Lake, 6. Anthony Ellis (Wylands) 34-4-0, all carp,
pole with maggots over micro pellet, peg eight; Dave Calway 23-6-0; Rob ware 22-4-0 (both
Wylands).
22
Freshwater Informer - March 2015
Monk Lakes, Staplehurst, Kent.
Wednesday 11th February, Bridges Lake, silverfish only, 18. Derek Gladwin (Preston Innovations Delcac)
40-0-0, skimmers and bream, pole with pellet and maggot, peg five; Rob Draisey (Edenbridge A.S.) 3210-0; Jiohn Larraman (Preston Innovations Delcac) 31-12-0; Brian Nesbit (Edenbridge A.S.) 28-4-0; Charlie
Lovell (Preston Innovastions Delcac) 23-12-0; Jim Mcdowell (Monk Lakes) 19-6-0.
Wednesday 11th February, Bridges Lake, silverfish only, 18. Derek Gladwin (Preston Innovations Delcac)
40-0-0, skimmers and bream, pole with pellet and maggot, peg five; Rob Draisey (Edenbridge A.S.) 3210-0; Jiohn Larraman (Preston Innovations Delcac) 31-12-0; Brian Nesbit (Edenbridge A.S.) 28-4-0; Charlie
Lovell (Preston Innovastions Delcac) 23-12-0; Jim Mcdowell (Monk Lakes) 19-6-0.
Saturday 14th February, Puma Lake, Fish for a Grand, round three, silverfish only. Maurice Leaske
(Vinal Signs) 41-8-0, skimmers, perch, roach, tench and chub, waggler with maggot and pellet, peg two;
Charlie Lovell (Preston Innovations Delcac) 35-10-0; Terry Malloy (Apollo Sonubaits0 32-2-0; Jeff Vallance
(Preston Innovations Delcac) 28-2-0; Terry Harrison (Daiwa Dorking) 27-0-0; Jeff Rackham (monk
Lakes) 26-0-0. League: Jeff Vallance 74-6-0; Terry Malloy 62-2-0; Terry Harrison 52-10-0; Dean
lock 49-4-0.
Sunday 15th February, Puma Lake, silverfish only, 17. Jeff Vallance (Preston Innovations Delcac) 64-20, all skimmers, long pole with pellet and maggot, peg 12; Jay Lay (Monk Lakes) 41-0-0; Derek Gladwin
(Preston Innovations Delcac) 30-8-0; Brian Bathy (Vinal Signs) 29-0-0; Martin Orwell (Monk Lakes) 22-40; Paul Hamlyn (Preston Innovations Delcac) 22-0-0.
Saturday 14th February, Puma Lake, Fish for a Grand, round three, silverfish only. Maurice Leaske
(Vinal Signs) 41-8-0, skimmers, perch, roach, tench and chub, waggler with maggot and pellet, peg two;
Charlie Lovell (Preston Innovations Delcac) 35-10-0; Terry Malloy (Apollo Sonubaits0 32-2-0; Jeff Vallance
(Preston Innovations Delcac) 28-2-0; Terry Harrison (Daiwa Dorking) 27-0-0; Jeff Rackham (monk Lakes)
26-0-0. League: Jeff Vallance 74-6-0; Terry Malloy 62-2-0; Terry Harrison 52-10-0; Dean lock 49-4-0.
Sunday 15th February, Puma Lake, silverfish only, 17. Jeff Vallance (Preston Innovations Delcac) 64-20, all skimmers, long pole with pellet and maggot, peg 12; Jay Lay (Monk Lakes) 41-0-0; Derek Gladwin
(Preston Innovations Delcac) 30-8-0; Brian Bathy (Vinal Signs) 29-0-0; Martin Orwell (Monk Lakes) 22-40; Paul Hamlyn (Preston Innovations Delcac) 22-0-0.
NEW CLAYGATE LAKES
WYLANDS INTERNATIONAL AC
14-01-2015 / EVA - WEDNESDAY CLUB
1 Del 88.4
2 Alan 75.8
3 Ivan 69.8
17-01-2015 / EVA - RAILWAY CLUB
1 D.Lockwood 76.3
2 Ivan 74.8
3 B.Lock 66.6
18-01-2015 / EVA - DOWNHAM TACKLE
1 D.Hull 59.8
2 R.Griffin 53.4
3 S.Elack 30.10
4 M.Bindloss 30.10
25-01-2015 / EVA - BIRCHSTIGMAT
1 S.Clinch 41.8
2 A.Comben 27.10
3 R.Neowell 26.00
28-01-2015 / EVA - WEDNESDAY CLUB
1 E.Costin 85.00
2 R.Keeble 75.00
3 B.Short 53.00
8-02-2015 / EVA - PADDOCK WOOD
1 R.Harris 76.4
2 B.Cook 39.02
3 D.Caw 34.04
Sunday Open 4th January - Old Snake Lake
1 Lew Nightingale
46lb
2 Derek Seymour (Polegate)
36lb 6oz
3 Chris Slater (DT Floats)
32lb 4oz
Sunday Open 11th January - Old Snake Lake
1 Chris Slater (DT Floats)
32lb 4oz
2 John Oliver
21lb 2oz
3 Anthony Ellis
20lb
Sunday Open 18th January – Old Snake Lake
1 Ian Oliver
22lb
2 Carlton Easter
15lb 4oz
3 Lew Nightingale
14lb 4oz
Sunday Open 25th January – Old Snake Lake
1 John Oliver
29lb 12oz
2 Keith Axell
19lb 2oz
3 Carlton Easter
15lb 8oz
Tuesday Open 6th January - Field Lake
1 Tim Crowdy
67lb 6oz
2 Paul Lawton
66lb 6oz
3 Trevor Hoad
58lb 12oz
Tuesday Open 13th January - Field Lake
1 Lew Nightingale
50lb
2 Danny Wynn (Sensas SE)
33lb 8oz
3 Trevor Hoad
32lb 10oz
Tuesday Open 20th January - Field Lake
1 Trevor Hoad
28lb 4oz
2 Rob Ware
25lb 8oz
3 Lew Nightingale
16lb 8oz
Tuesday Open 27th January - Field Lake
1 Paul Lawton
54lb 12oz
2 Danny Wynn (Sensas SE)
35lb 8oz
3 Lew Nightingale
33lb 2oz
Sunday 1st February
Medway Tackle Silverfish League Round 4 Frant
Lakes, Kent. Skirmish, Stumps, Sunken Island,
Car Park and waterfall 33 fished.
Steve Saunders (Preston innovations) peg 17, 198-0 of skimmers, perch and roach. Richard Taylor
(Drennan/VDE) 18-0-0; Darren Davis (Drennan)
15-5-0; Ged White (Edenbridge AS) 13-8-0; Colin
Ryall (Garbolino) and John Larraman (Preston
Innovations) both 13-0-0 League: Richard Taylor,
Ged White and Steve Saunders all 6 points
Sunday 8th February
Medway Tackle Silverfish League 5th round
FRANT LAKES Skirmish, stumps, sunken Island,
car park and waterfall. 36 fished.
Les King (Edenbridge AS) 19-14-0 skimmers feeder
and pole maggot life buoy peg on car park.Rob
Draisey (Edenbridge AS) 18-12-0; Tony Docker
(Advanced Pole Repairs) 18-6-0; Gary Ledger
(Barbies) 14-4-0; Nick Hyde (Maver Cardinals) 139-0; Darren Davis (Drennan)12-11-0. League:
Darren Davis 20 points; John Pantry (Sensas SE) 19
Sunday 15th February
Medway Tackle Silverfish League Final
Round FRANT LAKES, Kent 31 fished.
Ian Germaney (Maver Cardinals) 25-12-0 skimmers
and perch peg by bridge on car park. Graham
Docker (Advanced Pole Repairs) 25-8-0; Tony
Docker (APR) 22-6-0; Richard Taylor
(Drennan/VDE) 21-4-0; Gary Ledger (Barbies) 184-0 League: Darren Davies (Drennan) 25 points;
Tony Docker 23; Graham Docker 22 (weight
advantage); Steve Saunders (Preston Innovations)
22; Richard Taylor 21
Wednesday 18th February
Monk Lakes Silverfish Open Bridges Lake
20 fished. Barry Upperton (Meatbashers) 40-0-0
bream and skimmers peg 15 long pole and pellet;
John Robinson (Sensas SE) 36-8-0; Brian Nesbitt
(Advanced Pole Repairs) 30-0-0; Fred Brown
(Sensas SE) 26-10-0; Charlie Lovell (Preston
Innovations) 22-0-0; Pete Goodman (Preston
Innovations Delcac) 21-6-0.
FRAMFIELD PARK FISHERY Uckfield
Wednesday Match Results
SPRING LAKE
1 Chris Dimmock (Hemmings Tackle)
2 Nigel Greenwood (Sensas SE)
3 Mark Parrett (Faulkners)
4 Trevor Elsey (Hemmings Tackle)
5 Keith Harper (Rudgwick)
6 Martin Woodington (Framfield)
SPRING LAKE
1 Danny Wynn (Sensas SE)
2 Mark Parrett (Faulkners)
3 Mike Head (Faulkners)
4 Nigel Greenwood (Sensas SE)
5 Bob Bradford (Dench MG)
6 Trevor Elsey (Hemmings Tackle)
BROOKHOUSE LAKE
1 Lou Nightingale (Framfield)
2 Paul Lawton (Framfield)
3 Danny Wynn (Sensas SE)
4 Alan Stewart (Hemmings Tackle)
5 Keith Harper (Rudgwick)
6 Chris Dimmock (Hemmings Tackle)
SPRING LAKE
1 Nigel Greenwood (Sensas SE)
2 Mark Parrett (Faulkners)
3 Lee Perry (Framfield)
4 Dave Walker (Faulkners)
5 Bruce Scott (Hemmings Tackle)
6 Trevor Elsey (Hemmings Tackle)
193-5-0
162-5-0
154-3-0
134-13-0
124-7-0
123-6-0
156-15-0
150-3-0
117-14-0
91-14-0
91-2-0
68-10-0
47-6-0
37-9-0
30-11-0
24-5-0
23-0-0
20-9-0
87-6-0
82-12-0
82-5-0
78-12-0
72-14-0
72-5-0
fwi 220 - Sea Reports.qxp_Layout 1 25/02/2015 11:01 Page 23
Get your skates on
Sea Reports
NORTH KENT Even though the cold weather and winds straight in off the North Sea have
made conditions a little uncomfortable, there have still been plenty to keep those hardy anglers
interested. The middle of February saw large shoals of sprats moving into the estuary. Although
these little fish are superb dusted in flour and pan fried and served with crusty bread and butter,
they generally herald a slowdown in sport. However, the boats are still reporting good numbers
of codling to 5lbs and shore anglers are still catching fish to 3lbs. Larger numbers of dabs and
flounders are being taken, with lugworm proving to be the best bait. The numbers of whiting
caught have dropped dramatically, although a few still remain. The sea school section of the river
at Gravesend has shown consistent fishing with codling and flatties making up the bags. The
marks around Grain and down in to the Medway are still fishing well, but, it is mostly dabs and
flounders giving the sport. Local shops for your bait and tackle are: Dolphin Angling at Gravesend,
Shop 4 Tackle at Strood and Monster Baits and Anglers Den, both located in Gillingham.
HYTHE With the cold weather, high pressure and wind from the Arctic making conditions
less than perfect, anglers are still catching from this popular stretch of coast. The whiting numbers
have decreased considerably, but, there is an increase in the number of plump dabs and flounders
being caught. The codling are still inshore with fish still averaging 2lbs, however, they will soon
be venturing further out in to the Channel. Dogfish still remain active, with one angler ringing me
to say he had just had a fantastic night catching several big dabs, 21 dogfish to 2lbs, some large
pouting and codling. He also said he lost a large fish, which he thought was a bass, in the surf!
March should see the arrival of some Spring weather and some plaice venturing inshore. Local
shops for your bait and tackle are Dens Bait and Tackle, Dymchurch Road and Best Buddies in
Martello Drive.
DUNGENESS report courtesy of Seagull Fishing Tackle
March should follow the brilliant fishing in February...the best I can remember. Some of the codling
could reach 6lb this month!
Nick Burton popped in this afternoon and told me
about the thornback he had last week...nice
fish...here's the photo...it has been great for rays
so far...
A tough day
Anthony took a
party
from
‘Paul's Tackle’
in
Hastings
afloat today on
Peganina from
Rye...with a challenging weather forecast Anthony decided to
keep inshore to investigate the fishing in Rye bay to see if he
could find an early plaice...and Paul got lucky with this nice
plaice...
BOAT OUTLOOK FOR MARCH
More flatties will show as well as the codling (getting bigger all the time), if the weather settles it
will be worth a look at the wrecks for a Pollack if the water is clear enough.
BEST BAITS
Worm baits for the plaice and codling, fish strip for the thornbacks...keep the hooks small 1/0 to
3/0 depending. As for the wrecks try a 4” sand eel lead head and see if you get lucky.
HASTINGS report courtesy of Hastings Angling Centre
Beach fishing has been quite hard, as usual in February, with dabs, rockling and whiting making
up most of the catches. A few plump codling, flounder and thin plaice making up the numbers.
Some very good dabs have been caught at Dungeness. The winter match season is coming to
an end with only a few left, the last Open match run by Hastings & St Leonards AA is on Saturday
7th March, details from Hastings Angling Centre 01424 432178. The big spring tides around
the spring equinox usually bring in a run of codling and if the weather is favourable it is well worth
a go. Gales have limited the boat activity but on the few good days some good catches of pollack
have been reported with fish to nearly 17lb being caught from the deep wrecks, but not easy due
to huge shoals of sprats and herring feeding the fish up. A few bass have also been had along
with codling, few large cod about at the moment though. The abundance of sprats in the channel
have meant the fish are all well fed and in prime condition. Hopefully once the sprats and herring
move on shortly the better fish will settle on the wrecks and be more likely to take a lure.
BEACH REPORT - So many great catches this month it is hard to pick them out...
Saint marches on...
Codling galore
The Hastings & St Leonard’s AA held an open beach
match on Saturday for the Reg Willis Memorial Trophy.
Fishing in bright sunny conditions with a moderate NW
wind off the land and a very big 8m tide. In these calm
conditions fishing was fairly tough with plenty of
undersize whiting. Veteran angler Kerry Saint got off to
a flyer with a triple shot very early in the match of a bass,
flounder and rockling. This lead was never challenged.
The bass at 1lb 15oz proved the heaviest fish of the day.
Colin Pickard had a codling of 1lb 13oz. Winner Kerry
Saint (pictured left) 6lb 10oz. A Zone 1st Keith Sturmer
3lb 15oz, 2nd Colin Carey 2lb 15oz. B Zone 1st Ben
Arnold 3lb 7oz, 2nd Sam Sampson 3lb 2oz Best fish
I had this report in from Dave Harrington...I have to say I can't remember a February better for
codling than this one...it just goes on and on...
“Hi Tony, myself and 2 friends fished the Concrete Road at Dungeness last night. We had 14
codling up to 4lb 6oz, 12 dabs up to 30cms, whiting & rockling. We fished from low up to 2 hours
after high tide, using Portsmouth Loop rigs, loaded fresh and frozen Lug. Dave."
Codling in numbers
I had this facebook report from Dan Sanger...quality fishing
Dan...
"Hi Tony, just got home from Denge Marsh. Very busy beach
on arrival, we had to walk 100 yds past the diamond ad this
was the 1st available gap when we arrived at 6pm, fished with
2 mates. Took a while to get going but turned out okay in the
end. We all had the usual whiting, rockling and dabs. Michael
had 2 codlings, Rhys had 4 codlings and I managed 14
codlings. I also missed half a dozen slack liners, all on fresh
blacks. I kept 10 the other 4 went back."
Yes Dan, it has been very busy...with so many codling about... and some growing fish are going
over 5lb.This is the best February fishing I can remember.
This just a couple of reports from the many. Dungeness is fishing unbelievably well...as is a lot
of the south coast we could be looking at a major change to the fishing...time will tell.
BEACH OUTLOOK FOR MARCH
I think the codling will continue to feature until the sea gets a bit warmer, March is the time we
think of the plaice invasion...after spawning moving inshore to put on some weight. Still plenty of
dabs and flounder about...if we get the weather March could be amazing.
Kerry Saint 1lb 15oz.
Ben Arnold wins tough open match
The Open beach match organised by Hastings & St
Leonards AA fished Saturday 9th February in decent
conditions. Weather was chilly but not unpleasant with a
light northerly giving a calm sea. The cold settled
conditions on late meant that fishing was tough with the
anglers scratching for small dabs, rocklings and whiting.
A few flounders were also caught including the best fish
of 1lb 0oz 3dr for Colin Pickard (pictured right). Top angler
was Ben Arnold with 19 fish for 3lb 14oz, second Darren
Brooks 3lb 2oz (12 fish) and third Colin Pickard 3lb (7 fish).
BEST BAITS
Most popular by a ‘country mile’ is black (gutted) lug, but these prove difficult to get except on
the very big tides. Ragworm is a flattie favourite as a main bait, but all worm baits can be
enhanced by tipping off with a of fish or shellfish. Good old (and cheap) squid works very well!
BOAT REPORT
As the beach fishing has been brilliant the boat fishing has been slow...those codling aren’t as
exciting on a boat, but we have had some cracking thornback fishing...here are a sample of
reports.
Dawn Patrol
Jerry Oiller sent in this report
from ‘Fairchance’ today...it
must have been cold...
"Hi Tony,
Grant Bullock and friends
out early this morning,with a
good catch of Codling
32 in total.
Regards Jerry. O.”
Palmer’s late brace seals win
The Open Beach Match run by Hastings &
St Leonards AA fished on Saturday 21st
February in good, if chilly, conditions with a
light NW wind. Fishing was not easy with
bags being made up of small dabs rockling
and whiting. The exception being the
Winner Rex Palmer (pictured left) who
beached in the last hour a nice codling of
2lb 10oz and a plaice of 1lb 6oz which was
very thin after spawning recently and when
fit would of gone over 2lb. He ended up with
9 fish for 5lb 10oz. Zone A was won by
Ralph Crosby with 8 fish for 2lb 3oz,
second Keith Sturmer 9 fish for 2lb 0oz.
Zone B first Mike Perfect 8 fish for 1lb 15oz
second Ben Arnold 11 fish for 1lb 13oz.
Cameron Driver was best junior with 12oz.
Freshwater Informer - March 2015
23
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ALL ROADS POINT
TO DUNGENESS
A guide to fishing the UK’s
Number 1 shingle beach
BACKGROUND
Dungeness is a big attraction to visitors, artists, photographers, wildlife enthusiasts and sea
anglers. Many anglers make the pilgrimmage to this mecca of sea angling from across the
country, such is the lure of catching the big winter cod that feed close inshore during the
winter months. Although it may be the middle of winter, Dungeness comes alive with the
throng of expectant fisherman all hopeful of that fish of a lifetime!
Dungeness lies on a headlandon the South Kent coast formed largely of a shingle beach
fashioned in the form of a foreland elbowing out in to the Channel. It sits between New
Romney, Lydd and Camber on the edge of the Romney Marsh and protects that large area
of low lying, high quality agricultural land lying a little way behind. The shingle beach at
Dungeness is dotted with seemingly random huts and shacks, a large number of which
were constructed from old railway carriages from a bygone era when planning permission
was not so keenly enforced! Many of the local fisherman still live and work from the beach,
pulling their boats up the beach just yards away from their front door. Like many other parts
of our beautiful country the high cost of homes is just as applicable here, with many of the
Point’s refurbished lodges commanding a premium price, especially with those seeking a
holiday home in a unique environment.
The area is dominated by two nuclear power stations, which can be seen from the higher
areas many miles inland. It is also the end of the line for the Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch
railway which brings thousands os holidaymakers to this noted Nature Reserve each and
every summer. There have been five lighthouses here at Dungeness since the early 1600s,
with the fifth still very much operational today and just along from the lighthouse is the RNLI
boathouse with it’s all weather lifeboat.
Dungeness is a magical place at all times of the year, with each season bringing it’s own
unique beauty. It can seem like the
coldest, bleakest place on earth during
the winter months, but, in the summer the
pebbles can get so hot that you cannot
walk on them without shoes. It is in fact
one of the dries parts of the country!
Sea anglers have visited this beach for
many years, almost since sport fishing
evolved and back in the 1960s anglers
like the legendary Les Moncrieff really put
Dungie on the map with some truly
outstanding catches of cod making this
beach infamous for ever!
WHAT SPECIES CAN BE CAUGHT AT DUNGENESS?
The simple answer is just about every species of fish that swims in UK waters has been
caught here at some point. However, the mainstay of catches are cod and whiting in the
autumn and winter and bass and soles in the summer months. Big pan sized dabs are often
caught from Christmas onwards and, when it is warmer, lots of fun can be had spinning for
the huge shoals of mackerel that almost swim up to your feet!
WHAT ARE THE BEST BAITS TO USE AT DUNGENESS?
Just about any bait will catch here, although the favourite is the large black lugworm that
are dug just around the corner in the bay. The black lugworm, along with yellowtails and
blowlug are sold by the local retailers by the score (20 worms). Worm baits can be in high
demand during the winter so make sure you order your bait well in advance from local shops
such as Seagull Fishing Tackle, which is located just 5 minutes drive away from Dungie.
Other useful and effective baits are ragworm, mackerel, squid and cuttlefish. The squid
baits can be mounted whole on pennell rigs or cut in to strips to form a cocktail bait with
worms.
24
Freshwater Informer - March 2015
WHERE TO FISH AT DUNGENESS & THE IMMEDIATE AREA
This large expanse of shingle known as Dungeness point covers a massive area, so there
is a huge choice for the angler other than fishing from the point itself:
JURY’S GAP
This long storm beach is located just east of Camber. Wide sands are exposed at low water,
so fishing is normally over the high water period. Cod and whiting are taken during the
winter and good sized bass and soles in the warmer summer months.
GALLOWAYS
Similar to Jury’s Gap, this beach is also relatively exposed at low water, especially during
Spring tides. Be aware that this beach sits behind a firing range so do not venture along if
the red flags are flying! Local tackle shops will be able to provide firing times or they can be
obtained from Lydd Range Control. This beach naturally receives very few anglers which
is a shame because it can provide some cracking cod and whiting fishing during the winter
along with excellent bass in the summer.
DENGEMARSH
This wide shingle beach is fishable at all stages of the tide and is accessed from Lydd. Be
aware that the road leading from Lydd gives way to an unmade track that becomes very
rough and is riddled with potholes so do take care when driving along here. Likewise, when
you arrive at Dengemarsh, ensure you park where the ground is firm enough to support the
weight of the car. You are a long way from
a tow truck! The fishing here can be
outstanding with catches of cod, whiting,
dabs, soles and bass depending on
season.
THE DIAMOND
A little further east towards Dungeness is
the Diamond. The water deepens here
considerably from Dengemarsh and the
shingle beach becomes much steeper.
Catches similar to Dengemarsh but in
particular the late summer sole fishing is
good.
DUNGENESS
BEHIND THE POWER STATIONS
The beach now becomes much steeper giving access to deeper water closer in. The bass
fishing here can be very good but remember to return all under sized fish and only take
enough for your own needs. All other species can be caught.
THE WALKWAY
Situated near the Brittannia pub is a wooden walkway that gives easy access to the beach,
so is popular with anglers,
especially those less able. A
wide variety of species are
caught here and is often best
fished over low water. Note
that the tidal currents can
become quite brutal so strong
tackle with good grip leads are
essential. Long casting is not
always necessary due to the
depth of water close in. Very
often the best bass are caught
almost under your feet!
fwi 220 - Sea Reports.qxp_Layout 1 23/02/2015 14:34 Page 25
THE POINT
The famous Point! Without doubt the beach to be on, whether it’s for the winter cod or the
summer bass. The water here is deep and fast flowing and is often more productive on the
ebb down to low water.
THE CONCRETE ROAD
Access to this section is controlled by the Dungeness Angling Association. By payment of
a small annual subscription, the angler receives a key and is able to drive and park directly
behind the beach. It is a long walk otherwise! Fishing and species similar to The Point and
Walkway.
BACK OF THE BOATS
This part of the beach is easier to fish, especially during a south westerly blow. The water
does start to shallow up the further you move away from the Point. Be aware that this is a
working beach for the local fishermen.
THE PILOT
The beach here is exposed at low water, but, can fish well for bass on a rising tide and over
the high water period.
TAYLOR ROAD
Similar to the Pilot. Plenty of parking plus you can dig your worms at low water.
LITTLESTONE WALL TO PIRATE SPRINGS
Again similar to the above with fishing during the flood and at high water. Be aware that
remnants of old groynes are still present. Best fished during darkness and produces good
bass, eels and flatfish.
TACKLE
You do not have to spend a fortune to enjoy beach fishing at Dungeness. In real terms,
tackle has never been more affordable with such a choice being available from local tackle
shops. If in doubt about suitability or types of tackle, do ask the tackle shop owner. He or
she are the people with local knowledge and day to day reports on which spot is fishing
and the all important weather forecast!
Rods – for Dungeness, rods should be a minimum of 12' and have the ability to cast weights
from 4ozs to 8ozs. Remember that there is a fierce tide run around the beach and you must
be able to hold bottom, otherwise your gear will run round snagging other anglers lines
making you a little unpopular. Generally, rods with a softer action are easier to use, but,
their casting ability is limited. However, they tend to be more affordable. The more powerful
rods with a fast tip action generally require a good casting style and can cost considerably
more. Anyone venturing in to beach angling is well advised to get out onto a (deserted) field
and practise their casting. It is amazing how one can improve one's technique and get to
know the rods’ and reels’ strengths and
drawbacks. There is a trend to fish with longer
rods these days with lengths to 16' being quite
common. The extra length is advantageous in
keeping the tip well up and as much line as
possible out of the breaking surf and flotsam.
Reels - fixed spool or multiplier? This is
definitely a matter of personal choice. Most
modern multipliers are fitted with a level wind
mechanism which, although ensuring a level
Multiplier reel
line loading, does cost distance. However,
many reels come without this, but, casting requires far more control and experience,
although this is assisted with a braking system on some models to reduce the risk of the
dreaded ‘birds nest’! If you do not fish frequently or maybe lack experience, then a fixed
spool reel is probably the better option. Certainly a decision worth discussing with your local
tackle shop owner if you are unsure. However, whichever type of reel you choose always
ensure you tie a shock leader which is tied to the front of your line (the business end!). As
a rough guide, the shock leader should be 10 x the size of lead, eg using a 5 ozs lead
means the leader should be 10 x 5 = 50lbs. Length of leader should be at least 6 x turns on
the spool, plus the length of the rod, plus a 4' drop, which equates to approximately 2 x rod
lengths.
Line – Dungeness is an unforgiving beach with strong tides and rough water and at times
much weed and other debris is forced around the Point, especially during the winter months.
Use a good quality monofilament line of between 15 – 18 lbs.
Weights – Always ensure you carry a selection of leads to cope with all conditions. It is not
uncommon to need 8ozs to hold bottom when conditions are rough. A selection of grip leads
with either fixed wires or wires that ‘breakaway’
on the retrieve are essential. Your tackle shop
owner will advise and demonstrate a lead’s
action on request.
Although weight sizes have been given in
ounces, a rough conversion is 1 ounce = 25
grammes, eg a 4 ozs lead = 100 grammes
Terminal tackle – Most anglers carry a tackle
box with all manner of swivels, clips, crimps,
beads etc and tie their rigs either at home or
when they arrive on the beach. Every angler
has his/her own favourite rig. There is a
multitude of rigs to choose from! Much
Pulley pennell rig
depends on your quarry, time of year, weather
conditions, type of bait used etc. If you feel
daunted by the array of ‘rig bits’, then there is
a great choice of quality ready tied rigs availble
in your tackle shop. Ask for guidance if you
need it!
Rod rests – The basic spike is most angler’s
starting point. They are easily pushed in to the
shingle at Dungeness and keep the rod tip nice
and high, however, when it is windy the unsupported rod tip tends to bounce around.
Tripods – There are advantages to using a tripod. They can support more than one rod
and keeps both rods close together, especially useful when watching for bites at night! The
tripod is adjustable enabling the angler to position the rod(s) at the right angle, depending
on weather, tide etc. and can be used on a multitude of surfaces.
I hope you have found this guide useful and whetted your appetite for a trip to Dungeness.
This guide is certainly not exhaustive, but, designed to give the angler an idea on where to
fish, what to catch and what tackle to use.
If you would like more information on
fishing at Dungeness, you would be
well advised to visit Tony Hills at
Seagull Fishing Tackle, 4, The Parade,
Greatstone. TN28 8RE. Alternatively,
give Tony a call on 01797 366837 or
email him ARJHills@aol.com.
You will find Tony’s website full of
very interesting information and
up to date catch reports at
www.seagullfishingtackle.com
I would like to thank Tony Hills for his assistance in producing this article.
Good Luck and See you on the Point! Barry Reed
Flapper rig
Pennell rig
Freshwater Informer - March 2015
25
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Directory
Wintons Fishery
Tel: 01444 236493
Wintons Farm, Folders Lane, Burgess Hill RH15 0DR
COARSE FISHERIES
Beaver Farm Fishery Tel: 01342 324006/07710 656041
Eastbourne Road, Newchapel, Lingfield RH7 6HL
Buckland Lake Reserve & Fishery
Tel: 01634 220005
Buckland Road, Cliffe, Nr. Rochester or 07827 337424
Cackle Hill Lakes
Tel: 01580 292292/291954
Headcorn Road, Biddenden TN27 8JW or 07885 284500
Cottington Lakes
Tel: 01304 380691
Sandwich Road, Sholden, Deal CT14 0AR
Elphicks Fisheries
Tel: 01580 212512
Spelmonden Road, Horsmonden TN12 8EL
Wylands International AC
Tel: 01424 893394
Wylands Farm, Powdermill Lane, Battle TN33 0SU
TACKLE & BAIT SUPPLIES
Anglers Den (opposite Aldi)
www.anglersden.co.uk
10 Franklin Road, Gillingham ME7 4DF T: 01634 852180
Battle Tackle
Tel: 07831 888268
67 Ninfield Road Sidley, Bexhill-On-Sea TN39 5BA
Cackle Hill Lakes
Tel: 01580 292292/291954
Headcorn Road, Biddenden TN27 8JW or 07885 284500
Furnace Brook Fishery
Tel: 01435 830835
Trolliloes, Cowbeech, Hailsham BN27 4QR
Kent Tackle
Tel: 01580 754422
Hawkhurst Fish Farm, Hastings Road, Hawkhurst TN18 4RT
Gabriels Fishery
Tel: 07730 066088
Marsh Green Road, Edenbridge TN8 5PP
KRD Discount Tackle & Bait
www.krddiscount.co.uk
31 The Forum, Sittingbourne ME10 3DL Tel: 07999 531959
Hartleylands Farm Fishery
Swattenden Lane, Cranbrook
Tel: 01580 720319
Mat’s Angling
Tel: 020 8852 4451
286 Lee High Road, Lewisham SE13 5PJ
Knightingales Fishery
Tel: 07941 176205
Stone-in-Oxney, Tenterden TN30 7HA
Nick’s Tackle Shop
www.nickstackle.co.uk
10 Knightrider Street, Maidstone ME15 6LP T: 01622 673899
Manor Fisheries with HOLIDAY ACCOMMODATION
Love Lane, Headcorn TN27 9HJ
Tel: 01622 890990
Shop 4 Tackle
Tel: 0203 598 2057
Unit 1, Space Business Centre, Knight Road, Strood ME2 2BF
Orchard Place Farm Fishing Lakes
Tel: 01892 838576
Pearsons Green Road, Paddock Wood TN12 6NY or 07860 608218
Sittingbourne Angling Centre
01795 420210
Unit 12, Sittingbourne ME10 3RP www.sittingbourneanglingcentre.co.uk
Sumners Ponds
Tel: 01403 732539
Chapel Road, Barns Green RH13 0PR
Tenterden Gun and Tackle
Tel: 01580 764851
3 Eastwell Parade, High Street, Tenterden TN30 6AH
Tanyard Fisheries
Tel: 07833 532842
Tanyard Lane, Furners Green, Uckfield TN22 3RL
Trade-In Tackle
Tel: 01622 814296
Maidstone Road, Wateringbury, Nr Maidstone ME18 5EH
Three Ponds Holiday Park & Fishery Tel: 01273 513530
South Heighton, East Sussex BN9 0TP or 07753 938693
West Malling Angling
Tel: 01732 875515
58 High Street, West Malling Angling ME19 6LU
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Freshwater Informer - March 2015
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A FISHY TALE
Last month’s edition of the Freshwater Informer saw Kasey–Jai’s lovely story about her fishing adventures accompanied with some
great photographs. Judging by the feedback we received, it was certainly very popular with the readership!
This month sees a Fishy Tale with a slight difference and once again it’s a lady who is in the limelight. Not that we are complaining!
It seems like the girls are definitely in charge of The Freshwater Informer this month!
We received an amazing story from John Chawner, who has run the Maidstone Town League for very many years,
about a dedicated lady angler named Emma Higgins who showed herself to be...
...THE BETTER HALF!
John told the Informer
Maidstone Town League has been up and running for many
years and fishes at a variety of venues in the area. On Sunday
18th January 2015, we held a pairs match at Monks Lakes,
near Staplehurst in Kent. This is a fantastic venue with a huge
choice of waters and our meetings here are always popular
and well attended.
For this particular match we were fishing on Puma Lake, which
is a water holding a variety of fish which we hoped would
show at this time of year. As January can be quite hard, I was
confident the ‘silvers’ would show and give members a good
day’s angling.
On this particular Sunday, Maidstone Town League were
holding a random pairs match. Each competitor is given a
number corresponding to a numbered ball ‘in the hat’. The
balls are then drawn and it is only then that members know who their fishing partner is!
All the numbers were drawn and the partnerships were brought together
for the day. The pairing of Emma Higgins and Tony Filmer was made and
deemed to be a formidable challenge to the rest of us! Emma is a great
angler and has regularly attended the MTL matches for a long time.
She is keen and dedicated and certainly gives us fellas a run for our
money. She is very well respected within the league!
The fishing was quite hard on the day with very cold, uncomfortable
conditions. However, between them, Emma and Tony set about the task
before them and really went for it! Tony elected to fish the feeder with
dead red maggots as bait and caught 11lbs of skimmers. However,
Emma elected to fish a short pole line at 6 metres and took 11lbs 5ozs
of tench, roach and skimmers using red maggots as hookbait.
At the weigh in, Emma and Tony had taken the honours by a considerable
margin!
The result was:
First - Emma Higgins and Tony Filmer - 22lbs 5ozs
Second - Ian Walker and Stan Colgate - 19lbs 7ozs
Third - Pop Higgins and Kevin Hill - 18lbs 2ozs
It was a terrific result for the winning pair and
it meant that Emma was our first lady winner in a
Maidstone Town League match in 14 years, which
made it an even sweeter victory for her! It was a
great win by a great Lady.
Well done Emma from all of us at MTL!
If your club has a story like this, especially if it involves young or lady anglers, then let us know at the Freshwater Informer.
We would love to tell the whole of the South East about it!! Don't forget to send us any tales that are fishing related, whether they are funny,
sad, informative or just a memory from years ago. You do not have to worry about being a writer, just send us the details and we will
reconstruct the event for you and if you have any photographs to enhance the article, then we can use them for a greater effect.
As always, our contact details are in the front of the magazine.
We are always happy to answer any questions or queries that you may have. We look forward to hearing from you!
Freshwater Informer - March 2015
27
fwi 220 - Cover 1,2-27,28.qxp_Layout 1 23/02/2015 14:21 Page 28
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