Sep 2010

A trip down memmory lane!, 1st Sep

My wife and I have such fond memories of Mas Bas, but about five years ago we learnt that the lakes were to be represented by Angling Lines, a company that would put the fishing on a much more commercial basis. We felt that this would change the holiday hide-away we knew and loved, so we decided that it was time to move on. This was no great hardship because since 2005 it has been fly-fishing that has taken up most of our time on the rivers and lakes.

It was not until we were looking through some old photographs that we realized how much we missed our excursions to Mas Bas and the good friends we have made in the area. So one evening back in July we decided that, regardless of how the fishing might have changed, we would book a week’s break at the end of September and drive down from St Malo.

The journey was easy now that the new motorways are open, but it was with some trepidation that we climbed the stairs at the side of the big house.

We needn’t have worried; some things never seem to change. Gilles and Lesley were still as welcoming as ever and the house had not lost any of its rustic charm. But the lakes seemed much larger. Gilles explained that the lily pads had died off and that we might be surprised by some of the fish. ‘Surprised’ doesn’t really cover the week we had!

For the record, the catch was as follows:

2 tench, about 3lb each… 5 Grass Carp at 6-9lb… 4 Sturgeon around 6-8lb… 2 Common Carp at 20.5lb, 22lb and 5 Mirror Carp, the best being 28lb, 32lb and 45.5lb.

This is undoubtedly the best week’s fishing that I can remember with the big mirror being my personal best Carp to date. The fish that gave me a bad back! The only downside to the trip was that I strained my back lifting the 32lb fish and was not able to lift the bigger one!

Our thanks to all concerned for making it a great week… ….we’ll be back!

Chris Sandford

Mar 2010

21 x 30lb+ carp stocked, 1st Mar

The aim of this years re stocking at Mas Bas was to increase the numbers of 30’s. Gilles went up to the fish farmer at La Brenne in the west of France and picked 21 beautiful mirror carp, all between 30 and 35lb.

As you can see from the photos they are in absolutely prime condition and after the five hour journey, were eager to investigate their new home.

17 were put into the Main Lake and 4 into Lotus Lake. These additional fish should provide some great sport for our visitors this year.

Best wishes, Giles & Leslie

Feb 2009

Winter News from Mas Bas, 1st Feb

We have been very busy at Mas Bas over this winter, planning improvements and restocking.

At the end of 2008 we re-stocked with ½ ton of grass carp between 1lb and 3lbs, and are hoping that they will start munching the early spring weed that caused us problems last year. Some of the grass carp from the last re-stock,two years ago are now 27lb+ beauties, and are caught regularly.

Gilles bought 25 Koi carp this week and is sourcing more in order to make 2009’s fishing more colourful.

More mirror and commons are arriving over the next couple of months so we will keep you posted.

Clearing up after the tremendous storm, which devasted much of the south west of france at the end of january, goes on..........we were very lucky, only losing a couple of big trees, roof tiles etc. The collecting of branches blown everywhere is becoming a nicer job now the weather is improving and the warmer, sunny days arrive.

Improvements to Lake House start at the beginning of March when the two upstairs bathrooms get facelifts with new tiles and paintwork, washbasins and curtains. The exterior of the house is to be painted which will make a huge impact to the ‘look’ of Mas Bas on arrival.

Also planned before the summer season is new tiling around the pool, the side terrace and under the veranda.

Pics of the improvements will be on our page as soon as they are available.