One of the carp from the Mas Bas recent stocking
Chris with his 45lb Mas Bas mirror
My wife and I have such fond memories of Mas Bas, but about five years ago we learnt that the lakes were to be represented by Angling Lines, a company that would put the fishing on a much more commercial basis.
We felt that this would change the holiday hide-away we knew and loved, so we decided that it was time to move on. This was no great hardship because since 2005 it has been fly-fishing that has taken up most of our time on the rivers and lakes.
It was not until we were looking through some old photographs that we realized how much we missed our excursions to Mas Bas and the good friends we have made in the area. So one evening back in July we decided that, regardless of how the fishing might have changed, we would book a week’s break at the end of September and drive down from St Malo.
The journey was easy now that the new motorways are open, but it was with some trepidation that we climbed the stairs at the side of the big house. We needn’t have worried; some things never seem to change.
Gilles and Lesley were still as welcoming as ever and the house had not lost any of its rustic charm. But the lakes seemed much larger. Gilles explained that the lily pads had died off and that we might be surprised by some of the fish.
‘Surprised’ doesn’t really cover the week we had!
For the record, the catch was as follows: 2 tench, about 3lb each… 5 Grass Carp at 6-9lb… 4 Sturgeon around 6-8lb… 2 Common Carp at 20.5lb, 22lb and 5 Mirror Carp, the best being 28lb, 32lb and 45.5lb.
This is undoubtedly the best week’s fishing that I can remember with the big mirror being my personal best Carp to date.
The fish that gave me a bad back!
The only downside to the trip was that I strained my back lifting the 32lb fish and was not able to lift the bigger one!
Our thanks to all concerned for making it a great week… ….we’ll be back!
Chris Sandford
Mas Bas Lotus lake produced this 41lb’er for Jake
Writing as the mother of Jake Carling, an avid 12 year old anger from Kent intent on spending as much of his summer holidays, (preferably ‘en France!) staking out big carp, I seized an opportunity to seek a venue recommendation from the great Danny Fairbrass during February’s ‘Big One exhibtion’
We queued for what seemed an age at the Korda stand until I finally managed to exchange a few words with Danny on his thoughts for the perfect family venue. He kindly tipped advice on Angling Lines carp fishing holidays and on returning home we trawled their site and discovered ‘Mas Bas’ in South West of France…
These lakes and their surroundings were not only scenic and peaceful beyond our imagination but they were known for a lake record of 53lbs. Jake spent a week prior to our departure working on odd jobs for Hawkhurst fish farm in lieu of his vast bait requirements to see him through a week of action packed angling which saw him bag an overall total of 232lbs in 5 days!! The bait included 8 kilos of Mainline Fusion boilies, 6 kilos of Mainline Cell, 5 kilos of hemp, 6 kilos of groundbait, 2 fusion glugs, pineapple pop ups, plus tuna, tiger nuts and ever faithful sweetcorn!!
The set up for the week was as follows:
Tackle; 3 rods, bolt rig tied to a knotless knot with a size 2 microbarbed hook with rig rings and shrink tube.
Bait; Three fusion boiles fished over a kilo of spod mix and fished tight to a patch of lillies.
Catch day 1. Lotus lake came alive early evening but each good run resulted in lost fish.
Catch day 2: Suddenly Jake was in business and ecstatic after netting his first 30lb mirror carp with a little help needed from his friend, Darren Ashton, to perform an acccurate weigh in. Followed by a 2lb tench plus another carp weighing in at 27lbs.
Catch day 3: Another successful night session brought in 26 lb and 25lb mirror carp and an 8lb grass carp.
Catch day 4: Five 2lb bream punctuated a day session followed by a lull at dusk. However, this was not to last as a hugely successful night session saw a very excited Jake bring in his PB; a 41lb mirror carp causing great excitement amongst fellow anglers on the bank.
Catch day 5: 28lb mirror and a stunning 25lb common carp in the most pristine condition and his last fish…a 10lb mirror.
According to owner Giles, Lotus lake is notoriously difficult to fish during the week we visited.
So as we said our farewells, it was definitely a case of ‘job done’ for Jake, content with the knowledge that he had not only beaten his PB but also set a record at Mas Bas for being the youngest angler to catch a 40lb+ carp at the venue.
Copyright Fenella Roiz De Sa, 12th August 2010
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.
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.
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