Angling Lines Blog

Following the requests from my previous blog (well, there was a least two requests!) as promised I said I would write a piece on carp fishing holidays in France; from initially picking a venue, preparation for the trip and finally the journey through France and a few personal fishing tips.

Hopefully these blogs will help anyone thinking about going to France for the first time… or even just to give an insight into the disturbed mind of a 50+ something carp fisherman, who should know better at his age!   I still love an adventure and acknowledges that since taking up with carp fishing holidays in France they have become the highlight of my fishing year… they put a spring in my step and a twinkle in my eye just to think about going again.

Do your research!

Perhaps the most important part of any planned fishing trip is to spend the time to do a little research on picking the correct venue for yourself and your travelling companions.  Without doubt Angling Lines are super at helping anglers experience the delights of France and carp fishing at its best. One phone call to the girls in the office and they will give you unbiased advice on a wide selection of venues and that will definitely help in your quest to find the perfect venue for you.

However I think it’s worth doing a little homework before this and to make some decisions on a few basic requirements.

Perhaps the first thing is to look at is your angling strengths;

Do you regularly fish large waters? Is your fishing equipment designed for this, or perhaps like me your prefer the more intimate type of waters.  Personally I still haven’t grown up and I’m still spell bound from the tales of huge carp in Redmire in 50’s and 60’s.  This has fuelled my obsession that has lasted through the years (I still chuckle on how I used to hide the tins of sweetcorn back in the 60’s from other anglers as it was THE secret bait that caught so many carp from carp lakes up and down the country). continue reading…

I was sat thinking the other night after bemoaning about the seemingly never ending winter and the lack of any good programmes on the TV. when my mind turned to my forthcoming fishing trips this year to France, and within a few moments I found myself smiling at the thought that spring isn’t too far away and it will be soon time to hit the fishing shops to prepare for another weeks fishing in France.

Chuck Ives and a beautiful French mirror

I thought that I would take the opportunity to explain how my holidays to France organised by Angling Lines have transformed and reignited my passion for carp angling and how they have quickly become the highlight of my year. I thought that this blog would be useful to anyone who is perhaps thinking about going to France for the first time or perhaps deciding if they ought to go again and haven’t experienced an Angling Lines holiday.

It was three years ago, when deciding that I couldn’t face another journey down to the West Country stuck in the endless traffic jams on the M5 for a few carp during my holidays when I decided to contact Angling Lines to enquire about fishing in France. continue reading…

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We all know that one of the true joys of France is being able to sample the wines.. and bring a few back!  However, if you’re like me you stand looking at the umpteen varities on the supermarket shelf & haven’t got a clue where to start!  Here’s a beginners guide;

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Alsace-1   Beaujolais-2    Bordeaux-3   Burgundy-4

Cahors-5   Chablis-    Champagne-7   Côtes du Rhone-8

Côtes de Jura-9   Jurançon-10   Languedoc-11   Pouilly/Sancerre-12

Provence -13   Rousillon-14   Savoie-15   Val de Loire–16

Alsace

The distinctive whites of Alsace are rich in aroma and full of ripe flavour. Reisling, Muscat, Gewurtztraminer and Pinot Gris are generally considered the finest, but good wines are also produced from Sylvare and Pinot Blanc grapes. The region’s only red grape is Pinot Noir which can also produce excellent wines.

Beaujolais

Famous for fresh, fruit flavoured, Beaujolais Nouveau, released on the third Thursday of November after the harvest. Of conventional Beaujolais wines Beaujolais AC is the best appellation. The finest examples are Brouilly, Chenas, Chiroubles, Cote de Brouilly, Fleurie, Julienas, Morgon, Moulin-a-Vent, Regnie and St-Amoura. continue reading…

Following on from her earlier Ferry post Bridget gives you some tips on getting the best value out of your ferry crossing;.

*  It’s cheaper to take a car and trailer than 2 cars

*  A minibus is not much more than a car

*  Booking additional height (above 1.7m) costs very little more.  But it must be booked in advance so if your bedchairs etc. will fit on the roof rack – why not! (PS it’s very important they are secure though if you are stopping off at motorway services- so either don’t leave the vehicle unattended or use a secure top box)

*  Hiring a van is very expensive if you’re taking it abroad.  Consider using the Clearview van hire service – they supply you with a driver too so you don’t even have to drive
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Which Cross Channel Ferry would suit me best? – a question we get asked often.  Bridget Keep gives the Pros & Cons;

There are so many options now for crossing to France so here is a comprehensive guide to the Pros and Cons of the various options;

Dover to Calais ferries

By far the cheapest and also frequent crossings the time taken is between 1.10 mins and 1.30 mins. If you do miss the ferry at least you know there is another along in an hour or so! The ships themselves offer excellent facilities with restaurants, bars and duty free on board! The downside being on the northern most coasts can be the drive time and subsequent tolls on the auto routes to get to where you want to go. continue reading…