Ok! so you have decided to plan your first trip carp fishing in France, what should you look for and where should you go? Choosing the right lake and being well prepared is key to a successful first trip.
Here are six essential tips to help you get the most from your adventure.
1. Do Your Homework Before You Go
Make sure you book a reputable venue with a good track record. When carp fishing in France, It might sound attractive to fish a pioneering venue, but that can mean risking your holiday. So get as much information as you can. Check out other people’s experiences on the feedback sections for each lake. Ask the questions to gain as much info as possible before you leave. This way, you’ll arrive confident and informed.
2. Don’t be over ambitious
When selecting a venue look at the various options, choose a venue that is in keeping with your experience. Big waters are great fun but if you’ve never fished one, you could be ill equipped and ill prepared. Build your way up to the large waters (if that’s your cup of tea). Angling Lines has stacks of venues for all levels, from runs waters like Cailleaux and Jonchery 7  to big fish waters like Laroussi and Villefond.
3. Decide what size and type of fish you want to catch
Think about your target fish size. Are you hoping for a new PB, or are you more focused on quantity over size? Pick a venue that holds the size, numbers and type of fish you want to go for. If you’re used to catching lots of doubles and a few twenties, a venue like Blue Lake could offer more of the same, along with the chance of a larger catch. In general this type of venue will have enough fish to let you have loads of fun, yet offer you the chance of a personal best.
4. Don’t Chase Giants on Your First Trip
We get it, you want to hook a 70lb monster, but for a first trip you don’t have to pick a large fish venue. In carp fishing you have all your life to get there, so savour each stage up the ladder. If you have the big hit or the big fish, then great.. it’s a bonus!
5. Prepare Before You Leave
Preparation is everything so be sure to check your tackle and bait before you leave. Renew your lines, buy in extra hooks, leads, leaders and rig bits. While there are tackle shops in France, they may not be nearby or well-stocked. Make sure you have a enough bait. You can get boilies from many outlets and some venues also sell bait on site. Consider shelf-life baits if freezer space isn’t available, and always carry extra batteries, lamps, and gas.
Finally, make sure you have a good map and/or GPS and double-check you have breakdown and recovery cover. Just as important, don’t overlook holiday insurance. It’s better to be over-prepared than stranded.
6. Enjoy the Experience
Above all, carp fishing in France should be enjoyable. It’s more than just catching fish, it’s about relaxing, soaking in the scenery, and sharing great moments with friends. A few rays, a few beers, and a few carp: that’s what a good French fishing holiday is all about.
See our full range of French carp fishing lakes here – Carp Fishing in France.
Excellent points Gareth. Being realistic about what you expect to catch. No point going to one of the more difficult 50lb+ waters and blanking if you’ve not got many fish under your belt in the uK. You learn more from catching than you do from blanking early in your carp fishing career so don’t be seduced by the Big, big fish waters. anyway, if you knock a 50 out in your first trip you’ve nothing to aim for after!
Hi David
Yes I’ve seen a number of lads turn up at the Croix Blanche with PB’s of under 20lb and knock out a forty plus.
Where do you go from there? You miss all the fun of building up to a big carp.
I’m pleased I made my way up through doubles, twenties and thirties… It too me 20 years to catch my first 30lb plus carp…
Cheers
Gareth
I feel the same way intirely, my PB at the moment is only 15LB 3oz, and i’m going fishing in france in 5 weeks time, and to be honest i’d rather work my way up the ranks as such, than to jump in at the deep end. Just looking forward to catching plenty of 20lb’s and maybe the odd 30lb for a bonus!!!!!
Matt
Brilliant advice from Gareth, read it and believe it !
I especially agree with not trying to catch a monster carp too early on in your carp fishing career – I have enjoyed working my way up over the years, I have been carp fishing for 25 years and i have only caught one 40+ fish, but I still get great satisfaction from catching big 20’s and 30’s and i still have something to aim for in a big 40 or maybe a 50 one day ! If it gets to the point where you don’t value a 30lb carp, its time to take up golf !