Angling Lines blog

March 1st, 2010

The aim of this years re stocking at Mas Bas was to increase the numbers of 30’s. Gilles went up to the fish farmer at La Brenne in the west of France and picked 21 beautiful mirror carp, all between 30 and 35lb.

As you can see from the photos they are in absolutely prime condition and after the five hour journey, were eager to investigate their new home.

17 were put into the Main Lake and 4 into Lotus Lake.

These additional fish should provide some great sport for our visitors this year.

You can see more photos here

James Derbyshire wrote:

I am booked on Mas Bas main lake at the end of July.  I am the only person fishing (my wife will be sunbathing!). I’m starting to think about getting myself sorted out for the trip and am wondering how much bait (and what baits) I should be taking with me for a week. There is no mention of the fish stock, other than the presence of silver fish.

With silver fish, are pellets out of the question?

I would normally take some maize, hemp, pellet, vitalin and boilies. I think growlers are not allowed on the lake?

Is there anything I’ve overlooked, or should not even bother taking?

Is there a bait freezer on site?

The Quest Baits available – are they in France already, available from the owner, or should I order and take myself?

Also, I believe that there is a “going rig” at the lake – big hooks and heavy leads. Is this correct?

Any other tips would be gratefully appreciated.

Thanks in anticipation.
James

Hi James,

I think you’ll love Mas Bas it is a superb venue and you really feel like you are in the south of France. Don’t miss the market in Laroque, the one I shot in the video, it is very colourful.
There is quite a lot of info on Mas Bas both on the Angling Lines site and this blog. I’d suggest you go through this first off to get an idea.

continue reading…

Craig Lea-hair wrote:

What type of bottom is Willow at Mas Bas? I’ve been thinking about what type and colour hook link to use.

Gareth Watkins replies:

First off you’ll love Mas Bas, I went to Willow with my family last summer when I shot the video. We had a great time; if you look at the DVD, you can see my kids having fun and William catching a fish. We did not fish very seriously as it was a family holiday, with borrowed equipment.

Anyway in regards to your query, the lake has a fairly firm bed, but bearing in mind that it was previously chocker with the lotus lilies there is a fair amount of silt, not deep enough to pose you any real problem.

We found the best tactics were to fish close to the far margins, and lily beds to the far end of the lake. There is a fair amount of cover there for the carp so you can bet that they’ll all be up there once people are around the terrace area.

continue reading…