Angling Lines blog

By Andrew at Molyneux lake;

I often get asked about bait but I was a bit hesitant to write a piece about it in case people thought they could gain an ‘edge’ by doing the opposite of what I advise, but here’s what I’ve found at Molyneux.  Of course every lake varies, but these are my thoughts;

Particles

All particles seem to work well with the exception of Tigernuts.

Boilies

Boilies are the most expensive bait… but by far the most constant. A high quality freezer bait, for me, is preferable. At Molyneux freezer baits generally seem to do better than shelflife boilies.  The cheap, high attract 50:50, euro boilies are almost pointless as they seem to catch next to nothing. continue reading…

Friday 12th March 2010 and Sapphire receives another 25 large carp to add to its existing stock. These were mostly commons… 11 are between 35lb and 40lb, 12 are over 40lb and 2 more over 50lb.

You can read the full report here.

I’ve been travelling to France to fish for carp and catfish for over twenty years.  One thing that I have learned to my cost is that you cannot do too much preparation. When you visit France, you are often trying to achieve in a week what you would not do in a season, or perhaps in the case of the huge fish available catch something you could never dream of at home.  This may all seem a bit dry, but do some planning and come back with the photographs and memories you been dreaming of.

1. It may seem stupid or obvious but choose the right venue. Do you want a runs water, huge carp, a gite, a swimming pool?  Do you want an out and out carp fishing trip or a family holiday with some fishing?  Angling Lines provide them all; make sure you pick the one you really want

2. Read the brochure, look at the website, and talk to Angling Lines they really want to help you.  Make sure there are no tackle or bait restrictions.  Those lovingly prepared tigers and peanuts are no good to you if they are not allowed at the venue.   Are your rods, lines, hooks, nets and unhooking mats adequate for the fishing you are considering and acceptable to the fishery owner.  You want to hook that dream fish, land it and release it safely so ask the questions. continue reading…

Friday 12th March 2010 and Sapphire receives another 25 large carp to add to it’s existing stock.  These were mostly commons, the smallest of them weighing 35lb 5oz.

These bigger specimens come from large stock lakes which take all day to net, so it was nearly midnight before the fish transport lorry arrives at Sapphire.

11 of the carp are between 35lb and 40lb, 12 are over 40lb and 2 more over 50lb.

All of the 40lb + carp are long torpedo shaped commons which come from the exact same place as the 60lb and 70lb+ commons we see at Margot, another famous Bigot venue.

The final phase of this mega stocking is set to become the icing on this grand cake when the largest of the stock lakes will be netted. This very secret location holds the high 50s and 60lb+ carp which are ear-marked for Sapphire. continue reading…

1.  A map – Sat Navs like Tom Tom are great but they are not infallible. Sometimes you need to check they are going to the right place!

2.  Passport – obvious really!  But remember to check in good time if it’s still going to be current when you go.  New anti-terrorist rules make the application process much more lengthy now.

3.  In your vehicle - warning triangle and luminous jackets. These are mandatory, use them for all break downs. One luminous jacket for each passenger must be in the car.

4.  Vehicle Documents – insurance, driving license and log book. If you are stopped the gendarmes will want to see these and there is a potential fine if you can’t produce them.

5.  Cash or credit card for the motorway tolls – embarrassing if you haven’t got them.

6.  Bottle opener – again obvious really, you really do need to try the local wine.

7.  Freezer blocks & cooler box – you’ll need this to keep the beer cold!

8.  Electrical adapters

9.  Suntan lotion and after sun – catching those carp will leave you exposed, no need to become a lobster!

10.  HIC card for health insurance – saves paying upfront for emergency healthcare.

11.  Antiseptic wash/first aid box.