Details of your catches:

See write up below

Your best tactics/bait/rigs:

Various - all simple tactics

Were the facilities what you expected?

Very pleased

Were you happy with them?

Yes very

Would you recommend the venue to a friend?

Yes

Would you recommend the services to a friend?

Yes

General Comments:

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 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!

Details of your catches:

Gus - 2 x 30lb, 4 x 20's, 4 doubles. Sean - 39lb 8oz Mirror, 34lb Common(PB) 6 X 20's, 1 x double, and 1 small Grass Carp (stalked)

Your best tactics/bait/rigs:

Single Rahja Spice 20mm Boilie topped with imitation corn cast out with 5 bait stringer, over handfuls of loose boilies. Simple hooklinks.

Were the facilities what you expected?

Lotus Cottage is a little basic but more than adequate. Clean and tidy with good cooking facilities and a good veranda that looks straight over the small lake.

Were you happy with them?

Extremely happy would have had the Lake house if it were available.

Would you recommend the venue to a friend?

Definitely - already planning on returning next year.

Would you recommend the services to a friend?

Yes - extremely efficient Service.

General Comments:

This is the first time in 16 years of going to France fishing we have taken our wives along. They were absolutely blown away by the peace and tranquility of Mas Bas and are already planning a return. Apart from the small Grassie all the fish were caught at night which meant the opportunity to take in some of the sights as recommended by Gilles and Lesley; who made themselves available if needed and were thoroughly delightful. All in all if you are looking for a family getaway in lovely surroundings with the opportunity to catch some good fighting fish then you can't go too far wrong with this place.

Details of your catches:

Fishing good but the smaller grass carp bothered us a bit and I had four or five sturgeon. We had 15 to 20 carp to 33lb

Your best tactics/bait/rigs:

I'd use larger boilies!

Were the facilities what you expected?

better, new extension of the veranda since we last came.

Were you happy with them?

very

Would you recommend the venue to a friend?

definitely, will go again

Would you recommend the services to a friend?

yes, without a doubt!

General Comments:

We stayed in Lake House and as usual we have been here before 3 or 4 times it was wonderful. Gods back Garden. I would recommend this to anyone.

Details of your catches:

My catches were as follows: 17x Mirror Carp ranging from 11LB to 41Lb Most of the mirrors were mid 20's I broke my previous PB twice with both the Forties in the Lake, my previous best was 38lb 10oz. I also caught 8 x Commons from 14LB to 26LB I only fished 5 out of the 7 day's and only night fished until 1.00am, I think if you are willing to put more time in, you can expect to break 100 fish for the week (Prolific)Lake, both of them.

Your best tactics/bait/rigs:

Quest Baits Rhaja Spice was the best bait to use, 20mm single or double tied tight to the hook, Gilles recommended size 4 or 2,1 hooks, I used size six, but did lose around 15-20 fish, 1 being a big one. I fished Lotus Lake, I fished tight to the Aerator and 1 either side. Hand fed around 15-20 boillies to each location, first thing in the morning, well when I got up 8.00am, around 3.00pm and then around 8.00 in the evening. It's worth making a note of when the Aerator comes on and off, as the fish seem to switch on/off. 8.30 in the evening is a really good time and 3.30 in the afternoon and anytime after 11.30 in the evening. I used 12LB X-Line fast sinking line, I would recommend using 16LB X-Line as I got snapped off quite a few times. If you are going to use back leads, can I suggest you take plenty with you, as a group we must have lost in excess of 35 leads. The fish do like to thrash around, especially the Grass Carp on the Main Lake. I used 25LB soft coated hook links Jelly Wyre, around 8

Were the facilities what you expected?

Yes, They were first class.

Were you happy with them?

Yes

Would you recommend the venue to a friend?

Yes

Would you recommend the services to a friend?

Yes

General Comments:

Lesley and Giles are on hand to help out, as and when required.

Try the restaurants out that Lesley and Giles have recommended, as they are fantastic and quite reasonably priced, especially lunch time.

It's really really difficult to say anything bad about this venue, there's something for every member of the family, even if you don't want to fish.

My only negative comment is the journey to get to Mas Bas, if you can cope with the long drive, there is no better fishing venue in France, it's an anglers paradise(Heaven).

We will be booking to go back in April and August 2011.

Many Thanks to Lesley and Giles for a fantastic holiday

From Lance, Gaynor and Lucy