Well the sun is finally shining over France and the temperatures are rising. Spring is definitely here, the trees are in blossom and the cold days of winter but a distant memory. As temperatures increase the carp are becoming more and more active and some very good catches are beginning to filter through the grapevine.

Gareth

A La Carp

This renowned big carp venue has turned up a few nice fish for one of the first groups out so far in 2004. Carp anglers, Lee Holmes, Chris Harvey, Matt Collier, Matt Lockett & Tom Ormes were on the venue from 3rd to 10th April and they certainly got amongst the fish, with an absolutely stunning haul of big fish. Here's a break down of the twelve carp landed. of which nine were over 30lb, the best going fifty pounds plus!

52lb mirror, 42lb mirror, 39lb 8oz mirror, 38lb mirror, 35lb mirror, 34lb 4oz mirror , 32lb mirror, 35lb 8oz mirror, 30lb 8oz mirror, 28lb 6oz common, 26lb fully scaled mirror, 25lb 6oz koi.

Hooked in France

This established venue is proving a popular choice for our customers. Following major work done on the lake by the new owner, including restocking, the first anglers out here were able to enjoy the "all-new" Montautiers Lake. Using a bait boat and the venues own selection of bait, Andy and his mate Paul managed a number of fish to over 30lb during their session at the back und of March, in pretty dismal weather conditions. Over the week they managed 19 fish between them, 1 sturgeon, 1 x 30, 9 x 20's and 8 doubles... not bad considering the weather.

They commented on the venue: " Despite the weather we had a fantastic week, the facilities are great, the location is great and Lee can't do enough to help. I can honestly say that this is the best fishery that I've been to in France, and one that I will definitely return to."

Le Roseau

The Roseau has carried on in the manner which it started off, with some absolutely huge hauls of carp. I was present at the venue at the start of the week commencing 24th April and was able to witness and capture on video some of the action the guys were enjoying - you can see the video here

The going bait certainly seemed to be Maple 8 which easily out fished other flavours and types of boilie. The Method also accounted for a number of fish. Mixes including Vitalin, Swimstim groundbait, hemp and pellet were a particularly successful combination, with strawberry flavoured maize also taking a good share of the fish. Average sizes are creeping up reaching upper doubles now with a good sprinkling of twenty pound plus fish and the odd thirty.

The restaurant @ Roseau

Passais

This pretty lake with its first class accommodation has been a popular choice and rightly so. Early season anglers have been able to enjoy some excellent sport whilst having full use of the gite facilities.

Here are a few entries in the comments book from the early groups of anglers at the venue:

17 April - Andy Jeffries managed ten fish to 25lb, half of which were over the 20lb mark, but the smallest was still a creditable 18lb. He commented: "You have a lovely set-up, the house is luxury to fishermen - it's a place I could bring my wife and children! "

3 April - Mr Cockrayne landed 20 fish most of which were twenties. 13 x 20's to 28lb and five doubles to 19lb 6oz. He commented: "You have a beautiful place here, the cottage is too good for us! You're excellent hosts... we're sure to see you again!"