Our website features an outstanding collection of carp lakes in France, and each one is a credit to the dedicated people who run them. With this in mind, we spoke with Matt at Lakeview and asked him a few questions to learn more about his journey.
1. When did you discover carp fishing and how did you come to be here at the lake?
I’ve always enjoyed coarse fishing but hadn’t really tried carp fishing until about 20 years ago. I went on a week-long carp break in France. It was early in the year, I had no gear, but borrowed what I needed and had an amazing week. The weather was fantastic and I caught a few fish, that were largely PB’s for me even if they were only upper teens and 20’s.
Back then, I had two young kids and was trying to balance my love of fishing with family life. I started looking for lakes where the family could enjoy themselves too – swimming, sunbathing, playing darts and pool, exploring. In general though, they were few and far between and often extremely expensive. I told myself I could do better and committed to finding something that would allow holidaymakers to enjoy both fishing and a proper French holiday, with something for everyone.
2. What’s the best and worst part of being the owner?
The best part is hearing people have broken their PB’s, that they’ve had an amazing holiday, that everything is perfect for them and well thought out. We put a lot of work into anticipating what people might need. The worst part is when fishing proves tricky. No matter how skilled you are, sometimes the fishing can be a real challenge.
3. What would you say is the best feature of your lake?
First and foremost, it’s just a really pretty lake. It’s about 1.5 acres, so not huge but it’s circular and accessible, so simple to fish, including stalking. I focus on fish that are unusual and have distinctive patterns or colours, fish that I’d catch and think that’s a great looking fish.
4. When people arrive is there anything they are surprised by?
How peaceful and idyllic the location is. Despite being close to some large towns and not too far from a couple of cities, the house and lake are very rural, really quiet. Wildlife is everywhere, and it’s a place where you can really switch off. Guests often spot birds and animals they wouldn’t usually see – some quite rare.
5. What is the most common mistake you see anglers make at your lake?
Probably overfeeding and not experimenting with baits and flavours. Fishy/meaty baits tend to work best, but sometimes something different works a treat. Some of the largest fish have been caught on a solitary worm, under a tree, close to the bank.
6. Finally, what is the one most important piece of advice you’d give to anglers visiting your lake soon?
Fish to the features. There are old tree roots in one area that carp love rolling over, and beds of iris where you’ll often see them cruising and circling. The margins are well worth exploring too. People often plump for the deep water or the deep silt but there’s much more to the lake, have a stalk under the trees – it often pays off.
Carp lakes in France – Lakeview
Set in the peaceful Charente countryside, Lakeview offers complete privacy, beautiful surroundings and abundant wildlife for both anglers and families looking to unwind. The charming farm house accommodates up to 8 and includes a superb outdoor area with an above-ground pool, games room and extensive gardens, making it the perfect blend of carp fishing and a relaxed family holiday.
The 1.3 acre lake is home to carp to over 55lb and is suited to a maximum of 2 anglers. A flat, grassy island reached by a short walkway holds the main double swim, while the dam wall and quiet margins offer extra opportunities for those who enjoy exploring different spots. It’s a calm, unhurried place to fish while the rest of the family makes the most of everything the venue has to offer.
For more information follow the link → Carp lakes in France – Lakeview.
Read more of our interviews with owners here → Interview with a Lake Owner Series.
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