Carp Fishing in France at 36 Carp Lakes
Tuesday, 31 July 2012
Lords – Secure Gate Installed and Small Carp Removed
Carp Fishing in France Webcast – July 2012
In this edition we bring you up to date with our latest videos… a new venue video for Glehias and several new tackle & tactics videos. Finally we feature a real heart warming story as Gary Ward describes his delight at fishing with his 78 year old dad. A great story!
Carp Fishing in France at 35 Venues
Duo Catch 161Carp – Prolific French Carping!
Paul Cooper & Jim Kelly enjoy a prolific session on Alder – 161 carp in the week! Now that really is a runs water!
Carp fishing in France at Alder
Molyneux Report to 7th July 2012…
Aidan helps his dad with his 45lb 8oz Catfish
With Molyneux and its surroundings tidied and trimmed we were ready to welcome our latest guests on Saturday morning. Majid and his two sons Ben and Aidan had travelled all the way down from Glasgow to be with us, and after all the travelling we knew they would be tired. They had booked the cabin, and so upon arrival we had a wander around the lake and they started to unpack and get there things organized in the cabin as they wanted them.
Majid started well enough and overnight on the Saturday managed two small commons of 9lb and 14lb and a 26lb catfish. We joked about him having caught two of the smallest in the lake and I assured him their older and larger relatives would come to play soon enough.
The weather was as it had been for the past two weeks or so, unpredictable with cloud and rain coming in sharp bursts. Majids plan was to fish overnight and spend the days taking the boys out and about around the local area. On Sunday however they stayed on the lake and while I took Majid out in the boat to have a prod around his swim, and spread a little bait. The boys amused themselves with a football and exploring their surroundings. After a hearty roast dinner they set off back to the cabin, and Majid prepared for the nights fishing.
Sunday night proved to be a little quieter, and no fish made an appearance sadly. I think Majid was quite happy to be honest to get a good nights kip, as he was still on catch up mode after his long journey South.
Majid with the 33lb Mirror
Late on Monday evening and Majid caught his second 14lb common of the week. That was to be the only fish of the night. Tuesday night proved to be totally fruitless with no fish coming at all despite Majids best efforts. The weather was similar to that being endured back in the UK at this time, unseasonably wet, with very overcast skies. Normally good fishing weather but we were on the edge of a high pressure band which seemed to be confusing the fish.
Wednesday evening Aidan caught a tench of around 7lb’s, but sadly Majid did not add to his tally. It was proving to be a very tough weeks angling. I was struggling to understand it as fish were showing more frequently as the week wore on. Time was running out and Majid although very patient and an old hand at carp fishing, therefore knowing that it isn’t just a case of casting out and reeling them in, was hoping for a larger carp then he had to his name this week.
Thursday night saw a change in luck. At 11pm Majid lifted into a one toner which was moving toward the snag tree to his right. He deftly brought the fish back round in front of him out of danger, and brought a rather plump 20lb common to the net. He then caught two small catfish in rather quick succession. Although not quite what he was after it proved that the fish were on the move and hopefully looking for food. At 1am he awoke to a series of two-three bleeps on his delkims, looking at his indicator, he could see something was showing interest. Suddenly the indicator dropped back and the line became slack. He lifted his rod hoping to feel a fish on the end, but initially felt nothing. The fish was heading from the island tip where it had been hooked diagonally toward him but more worryingly directly toward the snag tree. Reeling quickly trying to catch up with the fish he managed to do so just before it reached the sanctuary of the tree, piling on the pressure Majid managed to turn it and bring it slowly out in front of him. Here at short range the fish suddenly started to scrap hard. After a tense few minutes struggle Majid managed to slip the net under a mirror which when weighed proved to be 33lb exactly.
At breakfast the next day I was so pleased for him, it had been a difficult weeks fishing with weather and conditions conspiring against him, but he had persevered and finally he had a fish over thirty pounds.
Again the guys spent the day together, we rebaited his spots, and after dinner Majid again set up and cast out. At 9pm he was off again, a spirited fight without the drama of the fish heading for the snag tree this time, and it wasn’t long before he had a nice mirror on the bank. This one weighed in at 26lb 8oz. At 11pm, Majids right hand alarm screamed as a fish tore off down the side of the island; he lifted his rod and tightened up to no avail. What was obviously a catfish and a good one at that was making off down the margin of the island to his right. With no snags or danger down there it was simply a case of keeping control as much as is possible in these instances and slowly but surely gain some line back. Slowly he did just that and eventually the cat surfaced, still some way out but coming in the right direction.
Majid and the boys about to head for home
By this time Ben and Aidan were out of the cabin and eager to see what dad had on his line. They were chuffed to see a cat of a good size gliding into his waiting net.
On the unhooking mate and relieved of the hook the cat was weighed and confirmed at 45lb 8oz, a cracker which Aidan took great pleasure in helping dad hold up for the camera which was expertly manned by Ben.
2am saw Majid up and lifting into another fish, this one after a none too dramatic fight was landed and proved to be a 22lb common. At 3.45am he was in again, another common, this time a 16lb grown on fish.
Just after first light, around 6am, with Majid starting to think of the break down and packing of all his gear his alarm tore off again, another good scrap ensued with another decent mirror being brought slowly but steadily to the net. This one when landed was weighed at 28lb 12oz. Not a bad night’s work!
I was very pleased for Majid, he had been so good with his boys making sure they had good fun during the week even while at the lake playing football with them, and races around the lake. He deserved the fish he had during the night, and I was pleased the last two nights he had enjoyed some good action. Ben and Aidan were a credit to him, so well behaved and polite, with wonderful manners. We thoroughly enjoyed having them over, and hope they will visit us again.
French Carp Lakes – Molyneux
Molyneux Report to 16th June 2012…
Ollie and his 40lb 2oz common
Saturday morning and once again the telephone summoned us to the Molyneux gates to welcome the weeks anglers. On arrival I was greeted by only one car containing two anglers and a very poorly looking corpse like figure huddled in the back. Expecting a group of six anglers I was somewhat surprised. As the driver who I later learnt to be a lovely chap called Cor, explained to me that they had lost the others who were driving a van whilst coming through the local town, which can be very busy on a Saturday, the corpse moved. The rear door opened and the rather pathetic looking figure climbed out. Don’t worry about him Cor assured me, as Rudie the dog stepped back in fear. He has a bad tummy bug and has been very poorly all the way over. Adam, as the corpse like figure turned out to be introduced himself and upon asking him if he was ok, he simply shook his head. He really looked like death warmed up. As Cor and his passenger Roger drove around to the Kitchen, I walked with Adam who lurched down the track behind them. If you imagine Michael Jackson in Thriller you will understand the look I am talking about.
Upon arrival at the kitchen he climbed back into the rear of the car and laid down, the fresh air had obviously not helped.
While teas and coffees were sorted for the other two arrivals a phone rang, their comrades were lost. So after a quick word and some directions they were soon back on track. Shortly afterwards they too drove down the track and parked up. Their first thought was for Adam in the back of the car, though not so much sympathy as I had expected, but mickey taking and leg pulling as only concerned mates can do.
Simon and his 37lb 4oz Mirror
The guy’s all introduced themselves, Luke and Simon, who were Cor’s sons, and Ollie a good friend. So after beverages and a beer bottle or two had been drained we set off for a wander around the lake. The guys were a truly lovely bunch despite the fact they came from Norfolk and we were soon having a laugh and a joke.
We returned to the kitchen where they proceeded to decide upon their respective swims. Adam in the back of the car was woken up and driven around the lake to show him where they had decided he would be fishing, though in truth it was the last thing on the poor blokes mind.
They sorted out their gear into piles and took it in turns to take their stuff round to their swims. Cor had decided to fish the cabin swim for the first night, while Roger plumped for Jacks. Luke and Ollie were doubling up in the Double swim, leaving Simon and Adam to make camp in the socials. They had a few wagers going between themselves about the weeks fishing, so the banter was already flying back and forth.
The first night saw Ollie the busiest of the group with two small carp, a 19lb 4oz mirror and a 16lb 3oz mirror caught during the early evening. He followed this up with a small catfish. At 1am Cor got off the mark with a 38lb common, and at first light Luke landed a mirror of 23lb 5oz.
During the course of Sunday afternoon Ollie was once again busy with a common of 17lb 8oz, and two mirrors weighing 26lb 10oz, and 11lb 8oz between 3pm and 4.45pm. Cor also decided during the course of the afternoon to move up to Jacks and share a swim with Roger who despite seeing plenty of fish in front of him was yet to get off the mark.
Late on Sunday afternoon, we had guests in the shape of my aunt and uncle who had come to stay for a few days. Whilst my uncle doesn’t fish, they love to pop over once or twice a year for a quiet break and to give me a much needed hand around the place.
Adam who was feeling better by now was next to land a fish, when at 10pm his alarm roared off. A spirited fight led to a mirror of 31lb 4oz being held up to have its picture taken.
Monday dawned and there had been no other carp caught during the night. With the guys breakfasted and full to bursting they wandered off to their various swims.
Adam and his 31lb 4oz Mirror
A little later my Uncle gave me a lift to a shop in the next village to get a tyre repaired for the sit on mower. We did not lock the gate as we intended to be away for no more than a few minutes. Whilst we were away Helen sat chatting to my auntie over a coffee outside the kitchen. An English registered car pulled up alongside them, which was most unusual. You can imagine her shock when the Drivers door opened and out stepped our son Craig, who now lives in Australia. We had not seen him for almost five years. Whilst they hugged and Helen cried our other son David, his girlfriend and Craig’s girlfriend Kristy, who we had never met also climbed out. They had all planned to come and visit us unannounced for Helens birthday which was the following day. The tears were flowing well and truly now.
I returned from the shop with Phil my uncle and as we drove down the track wondered who on earth had parked their car in such a daft place. The Minute I stepped out of Phil’s car the boys came wandering nonchalantly around the corner from where they had been hiding. It was without doubt the biggest shock and most wonderful surprise of my life, and I am not ashamed to admit more tears were spilt. They told us they had been planning this for months, and wanted desperately to keep it a secret. They certainly did that!
At around 2pm Simon in social 1 let out a cheer, he had his first fish on the bank, a 21lb 12oz mirror. Meanwhile Ollie continued his run of form with a 27lb 10oz mirror at approx. 4pm.
Dinner that night was wonderful, introducing the anglers to our newly arrived family members and many a beer was cracked open in celebration. After dinner we adjourned to a gazebo we had put up earlier where we had a tv so the guys could watch England play the first of their Euro Championship games. This resulted in more beers being cracked open. A 1-1 draw with France was a fair result and everybody headed back to their swims very merrily, whilst we all sat as a family for the first time in far too many years and toasted the end of a wonderful day.
Overnight the guys in the double swim caught a few small catfish, but nothing else. Cor in Jacks landed a 24lb mirror at around 3am, an hour or so later Simon lifted into another carp and after a few initial runs subdued a 27lb 12oz mirror.
The next day being Helens Birthday, and no I dare not tell you which one.. I value my life, was spent chatting, and sharing a few beers.
At 3pm Simon was away again with another mirror, this one weighting in at 24lb. The big girls were noticeable by their absence so far. Apart from the 38 caught on the first night, most of the fish had been around mid-twenties.
Friday night Barbeque..
After feeding the guys that evening they left to get set up for the night ahead. Ollie and Luke in the double swim had caught a few smaller cats by this time, they were obviously on the munch, and predominantly around the front of the island. At 1am Luke had a screaming take. He picked up his rod and was promptly flat rodded as a beast on the other end decided it didn’t want to meet him, and so promptly set off for the channel down the bottom end of the lake. He had no choice but to let the fish run, and eventually it started to slow, he managed to turn it and was slowly gaining line when off it went again. This back and forth action carried on for some time, before finally a catfish appeared on the surface 40yds out. This however was not one of the smaller cat’s they had been catching up till now, but a beast of epic proportions. He managed to get it close and realized that their 42” net was going to be sorely inadequate, so between him and Luke they managed to land it in a weigh sling. Even so its head and tail were hanging out of either end. They managed to get it up onto the scales and were shocked to find it weighed in at an astonishing 58lb’s, over 12lb’s heavier than the old record which was caught only two week before. They managed to get some pics before gently sliding the mighty fish back into the lake. This caused a good natured argument over breakfast the next day when the exact wording of the week’s bet, was it “largest carp” or “largest fish” Team Bob were convinced it was the latter whilst everyone else argued the opposite corner. I obviously refused to adjudicate not wanting to be drawn into a hornet’s nest of underhandedness, despite attempts at bribery J
Whilst Luke had been landing his monster, down in Jacks Cor had been fighting his own, though it was a slightly less protracted battle with a 27lb 14oz common. And after weighing and photographing it, he was very shortly into another fish. This one fought hard and gave him a bit of a scrap before his friend Roger finally slid the net under it. This fish was a better Mirror of 31lb 14oz.
Wednesday proved to be uneventful for the anglers with nothing out during the day. Dinner was eaten and washed down with a beer or two, and the anglers soon left for their respective swims. At 9pm Ollie had a slow take, once he determined it was definitely a run he struck into another fast moving fish. By now these two guys had worked out a catfish run, and this certainly felt like one of those. A good fight followed and slowly but surely he gained the upper hand in the tug of war. Another large cat was brought rather unhappily to the bank. This one, although obviously smaller than the fish of the previous night was by no mean feat a small fish though. On the scales it pulled the needle around to 40lb 4oz.
A couple of hours later and Roger was out of his chair and playing a decent fish. After a very good fight he finally netted a large and very angry Grass carp. It settled enough for the weighing and was confirmed at 31lb 12oz.
That was to be the sum of the action for the night and the guys slept soundly.
Andy with his long awaited thirty… 31lb 15oz
At breakfast on Thursday a few of the guys decided that they would pop into town for the day, an ill-fated decision if ever there was one. From the sound of things much local brew was consumed which resulted in one of the party, and no names mentioned, to stumble and fall into a large display outside a florists shop. Apparently everyone else decided to scarper and watch giggling from around the corner as the injured party tried to clamber out of the pile of blooms which surrounded him and beat a hasty retreat before he was collared by the proprietor. Of course there was a complaint of foul play and the victim claimed that another of the party pushed him, this was vehemently denied of course.
Thursday night saw more Catfish action in the double swim, Luke first off the mark at around 10pm. Landing a 27lb 4oz specimen, and Ollie following suit at around midnight with another monster of 48lb 4oz, our new second largest catfish in the lake, and his second of the week over 40lb’s
Ollie followed this beast up with another at first light, this time in the shape of a common carp of 40lb 2oz, this fish was spawned out having been caught at 43lb 4oz earlier in the season.
Cor also had an early morning run which resulted in a common, sadly his weighed in at only 12lb. Still a scale perfect little fish like this will only grow on to be a stunner in a few years.
At 2pm in the afternoon Simon in the Social swim had a blinding run, he picked up his rod, to feel a large fish plodding away at range. He was patient and slowly but surely the fish started to move in his direction. There is never any point trying to hurry the fish in the lake, with almost no snags, as long as they are well hooked they will come, just softly softly so as not to cause a hook pull.
Simon played the fish perfectly and soon enough he had his largest mirror of the week on the unhooking mate. It was weighed at 37lb 4oz, and the photographs were taken before it was released back into the lake.
Friday evening saw another England group game, so we decided to have a barbeque, for the family and anglers. It was an awesome meal, and lots of lovely Belgian lager was partaken of. England managed to do their bit too and won the game, so a wonderful end to the week.
We had so much fun this week that we feel we have to thank the anglers for their part in that, their humour and the banter between them all was top drawer, and we laughed each and every day at something which had happened or something someone had said. It was truly a pleasure guys, and we are so grateful at the way you mingled in with the family. They enjoyed your company immensely and you really helped to make the week a very very special one which both Helen and I will remember for an awful long time.
French Carp Lakes – Molyneux
Steve Inn’s French Carp Session at Villefond
Steve Inn’s recently (July ’12) spent a week on Villefond carp lake in France… here’s some of the highlights…
Carp Fishing in France at Villefond
Monday, 30 July 2012
French Carp Lake Molyneux – Report to 2nd June ’12
Jason with a spawned out Big Lin at 41lb 10oz
After a frenetic few weeks we had only two anglers on Molyneux this week. Good mates Jason and Andy from London arrived mid-morning after a pleasant journey across. Tea was taken and the usual wander around the lake began. I explained the week that the previous anglers had caught between them and I could see the guys licking their lips in anticipation. With only one or two showing around the lake on our walk round the guys decided to start the week in the Social swims.
They left us to get set up and sorted out for the week, and of course unload the refreshments.
They came round for dinner, and reported one or two fish in front of them, albeit at range. After dinner, and a nice chat over a beer or two they left to get their rods out.
31.05
Jason was the first to wet a net, when he was rudely awakened at around 2am by the sound of a Delkim melting down. After a good scrap, he was pleased to see a long lean looking mirror in the folds of the mesh. Once weighed it was proved to be the first thirty of the week at 30lb’s and an ounce or two…
At first light he was up to the same sound as before and lifted into another nice fish. Again without too much drama he brought it to the net where once again his faithful ghillie did the honours with the net. This fish was slightly shorter but much chunkier than the previous fish and the Ruebens confirmed this. 32lb 1oz. Not a bad start!
At around 8.30am the tables were turned when Jason took a turn as nets man for Andy’s first fish of the trip. A nice looking mirror of 26lb’s Three fish before breakfast on the first night. Were we going to carry on in the same vein as the week before?
With the weather warm and sunny, the day proved to be a little slower. Jason and I went out in the boat and marked one or two posts which we baited with particle and a few boilies. Just before dinnertime Jason was in again, a little smaller than his previous two fish at 21lb 12oz, but a stunning long chocolate coloured mirror. When they look like that size really doesn’t matter quite so much.
At 10 pm Andy’s rod rattled off again, this time a 24lb mirror graced the net. A slow night followed and the guys sadly didn’t add to their tally. Jason felt at this point that the fish in front had disappeared, possibly around the other side of the island. Early morning saw him set up a float rod with light gear in the hope of one or two of our lovely tench. He wandered down the channel to Willows swim and proceeded to tempt one to take the bait. Not long after he cast out, his float twitched and slid away, he lifted into what he presumed was a tench to almost have the rod torn from his grip. Whatever was pulling away from him like a train was certainly no tench. He let the fish go, not even trying to stop it for fear of snapping his fragile set up. After a long and often hair raising tussle he finally caught sight of the culprit as it finally hit the surface, a catfish and quite a large one. Very gingerly he played it out and Andy skillfully netted it for him. A 31lb catfish on 4lb line and float set up quite an achievement. This certainly made up for the quiet night they had both had.
45lb – the new Molyneux record cat
At breakfast the guys decided to give it another day where they were and make a decision on moving later that day. At 11am Andy had another take and after a good scrap lifted the net around a lovely looking common. This one weighed in at 28lb. An hour later he was in again, and this time a mirror of almost the same size and proportions was landed. The scales showed it to 4oz’s lighter at 27lb 12oz. This reinvigorated both the guys and they decided to give it another night where they were. Sadly it proved to be the wrong decision as Tuesday night brought only a good night’s sleep for them both.
After breakfast the following day they packed up and set off around to the double swim. Situated around the opposite side of the island they hoped it would give them a better chance. Indeed they had seen the odd fish showing around there.
That evening as we all sat eating dinner there was a light thunder storm which had been threatening all day, after which it continued raining for a couple of hours. This was the change the guys had been waiting for. The pressure dropped, and suddenly as though someone had thrown a switch, the lake felt alive. It was to 3.45am the following morning before the first fish was hooked. Andy again doing the business, and another mirror rolled into his waiting net. This fish weighed in at 28lb 9oz.
Barely an hour later and and another alarm squealed, this time Jason was up and onto his rods landing a cracking mirror of 35lb 10oz. Twenty minutes later another of Jason’s rods roared off and a hard fighting fish made an attempt to get away up the channel. After a long and hard fight Andy lifted the net around his mate’s second catfish of the week. This one considerably larger than the first. After unhooking it they weighed it and found it to be 45lb 12oz. A new lake record for Molyneux, beating the previous record by ¾ of a lb.
35.10
Half an hour later and Jason was in again, his third take in less than an hour. Once again he had an almighty tussle with what seemed a very good fish. Andy was dragged back from beneath the covers to do the honours, by this time he was at least getting rather adept with a net. A large mirror slid over the drawcord and into the safety of the net. Once on the unhooking mat, and the mesh was parted they saw a gorgeous looking mirror. One I later confirmed to them was the Big Lin. At a spawned out weight of 41lb’s 10 oz. Jason was obviously delighted with his mornings work. At 6am Andy was in again, another good fight saw him eventually land a mirror of 29lb 12oz, so close to the 30lb barrier which he was so keen to break. An hour before breakfast one of Andy’s alarms gave a few bleeps and he was on it like a shot. A tame fight ensued after which a small common of 14lb’s being lifted from the water.
Breakfast was had with the guys in good spirits; the move had paid off, with three fish landed each during the early hours. Nothing happened that day apart from a few cold beers being sunk and a baguette and cheese lunch being consumed. The night again was quiet, until at 5am when Jason’s rod tore off, once again a spirited fight followed which saw him land another nice mirror of 33lb 3oz. I can imagine the banter as Andy took the pic’s.
After breakfast the guys cast out and rebaited , and a short while later Andy had a decent run, he lifted into what felt a better fish, and after a plodding fight, he brought a healthy looking mirror to the net. He had finally broken the thirty pound barrier in the shape of a lovely 31lb 15oz mirror. Happy Days! He cast back out and shot up to the fridge to collect a few beers to celebrate in style.
Friday night and at 1am it all kicked off with a triple take between them Andy had two rods rattling off, while Jason had the one. Andy’s two landed carp were a 23lb 4oz mirror, and a 12lb common, another of our babies, whilst Jason had trumped him yet again with a mirror of 32lb 14oz. Isn’t it strange how this happens, same bait, similar set up’s and yet Andy consistently catching the smaller fish. At 5am Jason once again had his early morning run, this time landing a much smaller common, his first of the week again a small grown on fish of 12lb.
This was to be the last action of the week, and a slow pack up and breakfast followed. The guys had thoroughly enjoyed their week, and were good fun to be around. It is nice to see two guys who work hard together, and still enjoy each other’s company enough to spend time with one another socially.
We thoroughly enjoyed meeting them both, and genuinely hope to see them again next year……
French Carp Lakes – Molyneux
How to Bag up in France at Commons Lake
Commons regular Keith Grinham explains tackle and tactics used during the latest in a series of big hits at this prolific venue.
Fishing France at Commons Lake
Friday, 27 July 2012
Great Carp Fishing Photo from Margot
Just received this photo of Melanie Hope, whose been fishing Margot this week with her husband Matt & sons Leon & Henry. Great photo!
Carp fishing in France at Margot
A Weeks Carp Fishing at Villefond (July ’12)
Mark Lambert recently spent a week fishing his own venue and recorded it in this short video clip. We see carp to 40lb+ and Dan the catfish makes an appearance at 75lb. Superb fishing!
Carp fishing in France at Villefond
Wednesday, 25 July 2012
When to go Carp Fishing
30lb 2oz common. One of Six carp caught that same day during a 4 hour session.
Carp collecting at the mouth of my garden pond stream
If only there was an easy solution of working out when our favourite species of fish feeds. There are triggers that we are all aware of such excessive low pressure fronts, new warm winds and thunderstorms. For those who can bare it out in extreme weather conditions the results can be quite productive. But do we all want to go to these extremes to catch a carp. I am sure the answer is no!
So what else can we look for that will give us some indication as to when to get those long sticks out of the shed and down to the waters edge?
One of the best tools that I have got is my shoal of guinea pigs that swim around in my garden pond, my beloved koi carp. At various times during the day as I am going about my daily routine I will drop a few morsels of boilies into the pond. How immediate, if any, the response is from the carp, can give an indication of how our wilder species would react.
Generally if the carp are swimming mid-water there is a chance that they will feed immediately. If they are all lying in a line on the bottom of the pond the food could be there for days. Cruising carp will feed but not as quickly as the mid-water fish. The food will disappear eventually but after a few hours rather than an immediate response.
Within minutes the carp are on he feed. It’s time to go fishing!
It is the immediate response that I am looking for. This is the time to get the tackle into the car and head off for a lake. These days I only fish short sessions at my local lakes and I generally do fairly well, a quick hit and away.
My day fishing tackle is light and easily fits on my back so that I am mobile. On arrival at one of my local lakes my first task is to try and locate fish cruising mid-water or feeding fish by looking for vortex movements from the fish and colouration in the water from the bottom being disturbed.
If I find all three this could be a winner. I will introduce a few individual boilies by catapult, one at a time so as not to spook the carp. Once I am confident that they are staying put I will cast out to the side of the fish with the lightest lead that I can possibly get away with. I use slack lines and I will move down the bank from the baited area as far as possible so not to disturb the fish while they feed. Generally if this method works, it is within minutes. If the fish move on you might as well do the same. Sometimes you get lucky and others you fail… but isn’t it fun!
Paul Cooper
Carp Fishing in France with Angling Lines
Tuesday, 24 July 2012
French Carping in Glorious Isolation!
How to Catch Carp at Boux
Magical Boux
Hi Paul,
I have booked a week on Boux with some friends and my son… can you give any info on the best way to approach the fishing at the fishery thanks.
Peter
Paul Cooper with a Boux 49lb Carp (Oct 2012)
Hi Peter,
A lot will depend on when you have booked your visit to Boux. One of the reasons for the large growth rate of the fish is the presence of one of their food supplies, which are crayfish. The crayfish are active in the warmer months and generally feed around the margin areas of the lake. One of the ways to avoid the crayfish interest is to fish the deeper waters which are generally towards the dam wall, but again not too close to attract them away from the margins. On my 3 visits last year I did not find any evidence of poison chat which can be a pain in the neck.
However, if you are fishing the warmer months, July to the end of September, there are ways around avoiding too much attention from the crays;
- Plastic Baits;
I used these with great effect with just a single 14 or 16 mil plastic boilie on my pop rig that I use ( The Ultimate pop up rig ). I just baited up my baited area as normal and dropped one of these in the middle of them. My baited area was made up of 18mil Quality Baits HG42 boilies. - Armo-meshing;
For this method you need an air dried bottom bait covered with the armo-mesh and again fished over a baited area of boilies. The crays will play with the boilie but cannot penetrate the meshing leaving it for the carp to feed on. The presence of the crays in your swim will attract the attention of the bigger so you just have to keep plugging away. - Shrink sleeve wrap;With this method you again need an air dried boilie and wrap covers the biggest part of the boilie leaving the 2 ends exposed to give off the flavour of the boilie and attract the carp. The carp crays will nibble at the ends of the boilie but leave enough to attract carp to feed on it.
I put a video together called How to present bait when poison chat or crayfish are active. This explains the above methods.
If the weather is not too hot you should not get a problem with the crays but the above measures will help to put carp on the bank if they are active.
45lb (Oct ’12)
The carp do tend to patrol from the far right hand side of the dam along the reed line of the non fishing bank, to the reeds at the far end. If the weather is not too hot the right hand side of the dam is a good spot to fish towards the right hand bay. The depths here vary from 12 foot to 5 foot and do seem to attract the attention of feeding carp. My strategy for fishing this section of the lake was to spread a 18mil boilies over an tight area with a throwing stick and to cast out a single bottom bait with a small PVA bag. This produced a lot of big fish for me.
If you are fishing off the wooded bank, the left hand reed line is a good location but the water here is shallower and there are a few crays here.
Over to the far margins you will see a lot of patrolling fish. It is a long cast but if you are using a bait boat it should be no trouble to reach them. Again if you get too close to the margins you will encounter crayfish. The bank of the wooded area is high but there are steps down to the water if the water is low and should not present a problem. This is the best bank for a social. If the weather is hot you are in the shade from around 11am onwards. The dam can be unbearable if it is too hot as there is no shade.
The fish in Boux are in excellent condition and are all growing fast with a lot of carp reaching the 40 mark and above.
As for bait, I would take at least 20 kilo of boilies and any other particles or pellets that you wish to add. The bait that I used on my last 2 successful trips was Quality Baits HG42 in 18mil, but any good quality bait should catch the carp at Boux.
If you have any more questions do not hesitate to get back in touch.
Paul Cooper
Carp fishing in France at Boux
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