March 2003 Newsletter
Hello All,
| Well the new year has started to get into swing and with the generally fine weather here in France ( makes a change... won't last), the carp have started to put in an appearance. With the trees bursting into bud all over the place, one certainly has the impression Spring is here. I was even able to get out and fish for the first time since November and broke my duck for 2003.
There have been quite a few new venues popping up over the Winter period. Some more established venues are open for bookings now and the better known ones are filling fast. The completely new venues will offer virgin fishing to those fortunate enough to get in before the rush. |
Gareth
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Here then is a round up of the March News:
Etang du Moulin de Passais
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This totally new venue for 2003, is a charming little lake in Normandy near Mayenne, with a luxury gîte adjacent to the lake. It is perfect for a small group of anglers or families. The site is owned and run by an English couple, the Witham's, who will look after you, feed you and let you have a go at the lovely carp in this totally new and as yet rarely fished venue. Available as an exclusive lake with accommodation of a high standard. |
Keith, the owner has stocked a good number of carp, around 150-200 in total - up to 43lb, since he acquired the site in 2002. The most recent consignment of carp was 1200kgs up to 43lb. Previous stockings were mostly 20lb pluses with fish to 38lb. More photos will follow shortly. I shall be testing the venue for you in April .... watch this space. Go to Passais ...
Etang de la Brenne
| Another totally new French owned venue, set in the centre of France near Chateauroux, which has an awesome head of fish. Not a big fish venue but carp do go to low thirties. The vast majority of the stock ranges from 15-25lb. I was present at the recent vidange and personally witnessed the returning of some 500 fish to the 15 acre water. It has basic facilities but is set in a tranquil and beautiful area of France, and is a very pretty lake.
First forays this year saw local French anglers catch well, in short weekend sessions. The first angler to cast a line had a 22lb mirror after only minutes at the water's edge. A subsequent group fished a 72 hour session landing 21 fish to three anglers. Not bad for early March. We have a couple of field testers at the venue this month who will be reporting back on their trip. |
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Morgane Lakes
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A small Horton Management venue in the Mayenne region, new for 2003. It has an awesome head of carp to over 40lb in one lake and catfish in the other. I was personally present at the netting this winter and can vouch for the quality and the number of fish in these lakes, which have bankside accommodation. A good runs venue with the chance for a biggie also. Ideal for a small group or family. Go to Morganes ... |
Domaine de Ribière
March stocking - 36lbs+
The Ribière has undergone a radical restocking over the past Winter period, with a large number of big carp added to the existing stocks. It is fair to say that last year's results were a little disappointing, with the big original fish remaining, for the most part, discrete in comparison to the more numerous and evidently hungrier stockies. The addition of the new fish should in all logic completely transform the fishing.
March stocking - 36lbs |
March stocking - 30lbs |
To get your mouth watering here is a brief run down of the extremely impressive stockings since October:
| October 02 |
1 X 19lb 8oz; 8 x Twenties to 28lb 12oz; 2 x thirties to 31lb 9oz |
| November 02 |
Approximately 550kg of carp, including a 46lb 2oz, 36lb, 35lb 4oz, 30lb 12oz, 30lb 7oz, 29lb 5oz, 29lb 3oz, 28lb 6oz, 27lb, 26lb 9oz, 25lb14oz |
| December 02 |
1 x 50lb 6oz; 1 x 44lb; 1x 30lb; 1x 29lb 7oz; 20x 26lb+ Total : 25 carp for 439 kg |
| January 03 |
1 x 37lb 4oz; 1 x 35lb 2oz; 10 x Grass Carp, between 26 to 30lb, 3 x Carp 28lb+ - Total: 15 fish |
| March 03 |
1 x 44lb, 1x 42lb 4oz, 1 x 36lb, 2x 30lb, 2x 28lb |
I think you'll agree this adds up to an awful lot of carp to go for. I'll be down in April for a field testing session... as usual my findings and catches will be reported here first.
LATE NEWS - to get the season off to a flying start there's a special offer on fishing in April - click here for more details.
***Last Minute****
Etang de la Botte
The season has kicked off on this venue and already it has produced a biggie. A French angler landing carp of 44lb & 42lb 9oz fish in a session during the first weekend of March from peg 18. Another lump, again to a French angler came of peg 1 and weighted in at a hefty 46lb 2oz. An excellent start then on this venue.
Etang de Margot
Big hit for young angler at Margot: Twelve year old Dean Bullen had the session of his young life when he visited the awesome Margot in March. The young carper landed carp of 38lb + and 36lb 13oz as well as a huge 42lb 12oz sturgeon.
See you next month...
Gareth
gareth@anglinglines.com
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