The first major piece of news this month is the launch of the new 2005 Angling Lines brochure. With the huge increase in the numbers of waters we are able to offer this years brochure has jumped up to a bumper 72 page catalogue, packed with glossy colour photos of the venues quick information that gives you all the necessary details at a glance. This year has seen a widening of the holidays on offer to include countries other than France and Canada . You will find destinations in the USA, South Africa, Belgium, Spain, Gran Canaria, & Canada as well as a larger choice than ever in France . Get your copy now by phoning the office on 08712 004466.

The summer has been anything but hot over the majority of France . while the spring was pretty good on the whole, the months of July and August have been a mixture of cooler cloudy weather and thunder storms, intermingled with the all too rare rays of sunshine. Some rain storms have been very heavy indeed, causing destruction and flooding in some areas. However, this has not affected the fishing and has resulted in a consistency of catch rates on many waters that is nice to see.

Laroussi:
New this year, this gravel pit to the south of Le Mans has proved to be an exceptional find and promises to be a star prospect for 2005. The owner Medhi Daho and his wife Caroline run a very clean and well maintained fishery. The most exciting aspect of the place however is the average size of the fish being caught. July and August have proved to be simply outstanding.

Chris and Ross Stanghon were among the first Angling Lines customers to fish the venue from 7th to 14th August. Here are their comments on what was a great week's fishing:

Belgium:
These lakes - Tertre, Grand Rieu (Etang de Rue) and Herbières - are well known big fish venues situated in northern Belgium , near Mons , just two hours drive from the French ferry port of Calais . Both Tertre and Grand Rieu have a solid reputation for producing big carp in excess of 50lb, where as Herbières is a new venue for 2005.

At the beginning of September Garry Turner from Burnley had a truly spectacular catch of big carp on the Lac de Tertre. Fishing at the far end of the venue on the main bank he banked fish of 46lb 2oz, 50lb 6oz, 52lb 8oz and 66lb, (a new venue record). This was his second trip to the venue and Garry banked the monster mirror fishing over a mass baiting of pellets and boilies at 100 yards plus. Using a bait boat to keep the swim topped up with large quantities of bait the carp took a boilie over the baited area.

Show me Belgium

Brionnais:
Brionnais has also been producing the goods as far as big fish go - with its luxury lakeside chalets and large head of fish it has proved an ideal family venue.

Darren Allbrook and William Beckett accompanied by their wives, Lesley & Michelle, spent a week in July fishing from Chalet 5. They managed a haul of over 600lb in total weight. Their catch included some singles, doubles of 14lb, 15lb, 17lb, 18lb, 19lb, 24lb, 26lb, 28lb, as well as an awesome trio of 41lb, 43lb & 49lb carp. Their tactics consisted of using Tiger nuts and tiger nut boilies as well as Strawberry method & strawberry boilies over carp pellets.