Angling Lines Blog

Tony with a 39lb 8oz PB French mirror

Ian returned to Vaux this September for the third time, bringing his wheelchair bound father, Tony, for his second visit.  Tony required Ian’s constant care and assistance to hook and land fish and with little strength in his upper body there were some losses of larger carp.  But he still achieved his aim to catch a big fish with minimal aid when he had his PB of 39lb 8oz.  Ian too achieved his PB, a 41lb 8oz mirror.  On the only night that Ian was able to fish, he had a double hook-up and two thirties on the mat at the same time.  However, fishing days with his father meant that he could not continue nights and consequently the number of carp caught over the week was undoubtedly lower than it could have been.

Tony had no problems with the current facilities in the gîte and lakeside as he knew what to expect from his previous visit two years ago.  However, over the winter months, we will be adapting the ground floor shower to make a wet area especially for wheelchair users so they will have access to a shower.  We will put up a News Report with photos when the work has been completed.

Fishing Holiday at Vaux

From the Reels on Wheels blog;

As everyone involved with angling for the less able will know finding a fishery with platforms that are usable for everyone can be a big headache, so with this in mind I (on behalf of Reels On Wheels) have been working on a solution.

This is what I have come up with, it is a portable platform with all the attachments that you would normally find on a seat box, but it is designed to be used from a wheelchair. With adjustable legs and width adjustment it can be used on almost any bank even when the ground isn’t anywhere near level and in any chair. It packs down into a holdall about 75cm long and is light enough to be carried easily by anyone.

We have been field testing it over the summer and Julz has fished from it several times and everyone who has seen it thinks it is a wonderful piece of kit.

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The reason i haven’t booked a holiday with you is I’m wheelchair bound. I signed up to your newsletters hoping to find somewhere accessible.  If you could send me info on all the lakes that cater for disabled I’ll be more than happy to book a holiday. Been looking for 2 years and nothing in France seems suitable.

Thanks, Leon

Hi Leon,
We have a venue which may be able to help you;

Vaux has a large house next to the lake, both front double doors open for access this takes you through the kitchen, just off the kitchen is the large lounge and also a downstairs bathroom. They are happy to provide a single bed in the spacious living room for a disabled angler (bed raised on Disabled Suppliers’ plastic cones) plus a second single bed for a companion if required. This still leaves plenty of room for the social area. So you do not have to bivvy if you do not wish to do so. This venue is sold as exclusive and the house sleeps up to 8 so if you have a large family they call all go.

Access around the lake is not a problem for someone in a wheelchair and two disabled anglers this year (2009) fished off the platform, as do the majority of our anglers.

Although the owners do not live on site, Chas comes in every day and will stay on site for as long as is required, especially if a disabled angler requires assistance.

Please check these venues on the web site both have photo’s of the facilities and accommodation, do not hesitate to call for further info.

Look forward to hearing from you.
Regards Linda