A LILLYPOOL SESSION VIDEO

Here’s a customer shot video of a 2013 Lillypool session which we love!

** WARNING; it does contain swearing **

A DREAM COME TRUE? – LIFE AS A BAILIFF, PT 1

Like many British carp anglers, the thought of one day living and working in France as an Owner or Bailiff on a carp fishery has never been far from the forefront of my future thoughts and aspirations.

Four years ago, whilst on a fishing trip to France, I met Martin, one of the owners of Lillypool. He was on holiday and had Lillypool booked for himself, but he was kind enough to let my group fish the lake at very short notice after we had been badly let down by another lake we had booked.

After a really good weeks fishing and more beer than I can remember, we exchanged email addresses and telephone numbers. We would definitely keep in touch once back in the UK after having had such a good laugh all week.

Lillypool

Fast forward three years and after numerous more holidays and trips to help on work parties and a few boozy nights out in the UK, Martin and I had become really good friends. Martin then tells me about a second lake he is thinking about opening as his second carp fishery and he’s looking for a partner to share the project. After a quick trip out to see the lake and plenty of discussions on costs, my house is up for sale. There is enough equity for a share in Martin’s new project. This could be it – the dream was getting closer!

Another year passes, two sales have fallen through and the economy in the UK is dreadful. Selling my house is going to be far from easy. The dream is fading somewhat, but I know that nobody else has bought into the share of the second lake. Maybe there are other ways and I’m still in with a chance?

Martin and Richard’s new project

…and again

Only a few weeks pass since the last house sale chain breaks, it’s early April 2013. I receive a call asking how my meeting with the bank had gone… In principle, I could re-mortgage to release funds. ‘Great news’, was the reaction. ‘There have been some further developments. The current Lillypool bailiff is going back to the UK in six weeks time and I was wondering if you are interested in a job’. After nearly soiling myself, I said that of course I was interested.

The next 4 weeks are somewhat hectic. If I can sort all my things in the UK, I’m moving to France!! Needless to say, I wasn’t going to let this opportunity slip. The house, money, job and all, sorted! This is it – I’m moving to France on the 4th of June. The time comes and I can’t wait for the challenges that lie ahead.

Six months on, many a friend made and many a trial navigated, I have settled in nicely and am very happy here in France. The dream has most definitely become a reality. The reality though, is very far from what I had dreamt! The last six months have been a massive learning curve and far more demanding (both physically and mentally) than I could ever have imagined.

Richard Owen

Bumper Catch at Lillypool

34.03 - Darren

A bumper catch week for Stuart, Jamie and Darren last week at Lillypool.

Details of your catches: Darren had 33 carp to 40lb 8oz. Stuart had 24 carp to 40lb 14oz. Jamie had 25 carp to 30lb 2oz.

Your best tactics/bait/rigs: Heavy baiting.

Were the facilities what you expected? Yes, epic shower, the lodge was brilliant!

General comments: We fished hard all week, pushing for the lake record. Rick the bailiff was fantastic, helping out in the kitchen and keeping us supplied so we could keep fishing. What a hero, top lad!! 2 bottles of champagne in the fridge for you fella. The particle was constantly on cook for us, we got through around a quarter of a tonne of bait, the fish loved, they where definitely on the munch.

40.14 - Stuart

Jamie, Darren & Stuart

For more information on Lillypool follow the link - French Carp Fishing

Meet the Bailiff

Meet Richard, the new bailiff at Lillypool. We ask him how he got into the sport and what improvements he's been busy with down at the lake...

 Lillypool is a beautiful 4 acre lake with an impressive head of fast growing Michel Bigot stocked carp up to a substantial 51lb. The lake is suitable for 4 to 5 anglers each having plenty of open water and fish holding features to cast to.

 

For more information on Lillypool follow the link - French Carp Fishing

Late Booking at Lillypool Carp Lake Arrives with a Bang!

Lillypool welcomed Dave brown and sons, Cody and Matthew, on a late and shorter than usual booking this week...

Despite this, a bumper 4 days fishing was to follow consisting of 45 runs, 33 fish to 39lb 10oz and a new lake record catfish at 48lb 6oz were banked. Great stuff guys!

For more information on Lillypool follow the link - French Carp Fishing

Recent Catch at Lillypool

Gary Lockyer was out at Lillypool this June, coming away with a handful of decent thirties including the 38lb common below…

Details of your catches: 37 total including 3 x 30′s to 38lb, 18 x 20′s to 28lb 8oz and 16 under 20′s. Lost 5.
Your best tactics/bait/rigs: Cell over hemp.
General comments: All associated with the venue were accommodating and very helpful and friendly.

38lb

For more information, feedback and photos from Lillypool follow the link - French Carp Fishing