March 2004 Newsletter
| Springtime is here and anglers are heading abroad for their first trips of 2004. The weather, such an important factor in last year's carp fishing, has again been dry and cold. Water levels in most areas of France are low and in many regions the water table is desperately short of water. This could suggest that a difficult season maybe ahead if we see a repeat of last year's heat wave and drought conditions. Here's hoping that the weather is fine. but not too dry and hot.
This month we are pleased to confirm our launch into Worldwide Carping with two well known venues. Chira in the Canaries and the Klasserie, Donaldson, Snagmere & Grassmere venues in South Africa. We have other Worldwide destinations in the pipeline at the start of what should prove to be an exciting year for overseas fishing. |
Gareth
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Embalse de Chira - Gran Canaria
A famous destination over the last fifteen years, the Embalse de Chira has seen some superb carp caught in the past. It's climate is just perfect for a winter trip away from the cold rain of northern Europe. Temperatures in the 70's, cheap food and excellent fishing would make a mid-winter fishing break to Chira a great choice. Or why not take the family in the summer? |
I was fortunate enough to be able to check out the fishing and accommodation during February. The lake side apartments owned by Agustin Cabrera offer a perfect base for fishing the lake. Six clean, functional flats over look the 150-200 acre lake in the mountains of Gran Canaria. It's a truly superb location!. Chira has seen very little pressure from anglers over the last five years or so, but the carp are still there in numbers and the fishing excellent.
On my brief trip to the island I fished for just six hours and was able to bank three superb fish - a brace of twenties and a thirty. A handful of Activ 8 and a PVA bag of pellets saw the fish home into my swim within a couple of hours. Fishing on Agustin's area of bank I was well pleased with my result. Other fish caught during the same day included two further twenties and a 30lb 8oz to a Dutch angler. All fish were in immaculate condition and caught during the day, and I have to say without trying too hard!
Show me Chira.
| Klasserie, Donaldson, Snagmere & Grassmere - South Africa
Looking farther a field Bridget visited the venues in South Africa. These included the Klaserie Dam (which has the South African record for a carp, standing at 64lb), Donaldson Dam renowned for its immaculate commons and Snagmere situated two hours drive from Johannesburg.
Bridget was impressed not only with the fishing, but also the superb service on offer. Bivvied up with camera at the ready, she recorded large numbers of very hefty carp caught. You'll soon be able to see the details and videos on our website. 'Simply the best!' - is how she described the whole experience and we can't wait to open up the venues to our customers. It really is the fishing experience of a lifetime. Watch this space!
Show me Klasserie, Donaldson, Snagmere & Grassmere. |
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Back in France now..
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Etang des Vaux
A new venue for 2004, what sets Vaux apart is the superb quality of its lakeside accommodation. The Mill House has been renovated to an exceptionally high standard by the owners Chas and Josie Cook. Suitable for families or a small group of friends this is a wonderful location for a fishing holiday in total luxury. First reports from the early birds at the lake have, I would suspect, surpassed even Chas's expectations. Here Josie Cook takes up the story;
"Steve and Damien have been staying with us this week. The weather has been atrocious, including severe overnight frosts, snow, hail, heavy rain - so cold at one point that their bite alarms froze-up and several runs were missed! They caught a lot of fish though - with a grand total of 83 carp; 10 over 20lb - and the last fish as they were packing up a tad under 32lb! " |
A great start in awful conditions, but an indication of what's to come from a venue I'm sure we'll be hearing a lot more about.
Show me Vaux.
| Le Roseau
This popular runs water has got right back into swing of things after the Winter break. Despite extremely cold conditions, with temperatures plummeting as low as -5°C last week, the first anglers to brave the chill of spring, certainly got amongst the fish. The bar and restaurant proved to be a great retreat to escape the chill and to enjoy a meal and drink.
A French duo, Pascal Thomas and Arnaud Daimé, had a superb haul fishing from pegs 6 & 7 during the week of the 21st to 26th March. They had a total of 103 carp between them. Pascal's tally was 36 doubles and 17 twenties to 26lb 4oz, while his fishing partner managed 39 doubles and 11 twenties to 28lb 8oz. Their total weight was nearly half a ton. and the average was just two ounces under 20lb. |
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Another notable capture from the venue during this the first real week of fishing was a 44lb catfish from the Small Lake caught by English angler M. Henderson. The large cat took a live baited roach.
Show me Roseau.
| Domaine de la Vallée
This renowned big fish venue has got off to a flying start with news coming through this week of a huge fish caught of 55lb. The mighty carp fell to the rods of a Dutch angler Mr Schrijver at 6am on the 21st March. He was fishing from peg 7 with over-sized boilie hook baits of a fishmeal base mix with a mixed fruit flavour. Weather conditions had been atrocious, as mentioned in the news item above, but the carpers perseverance was rewarded by this personal best fish.
Show me Vallee. |
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Well that's it for this month. See you next month with more Angling Lines Holidays news.
Cheers,
Gareth
gareth@anglinglines.com |
