Moon Lakes Complex, Tattershall, Lincolnshire.
Moon Lake, the oldest lake on the venue
Well I have been asked if I could shine some light on Moon Lakes at Tattershall in Lincolnshire.
Moon lakes is a very special complex that I find most enjoyable to fish, there are many lakes that can cater for all tastes of match and pleasure fishing, something to suit most anglers.
I am here today on Moon lake, this is the oldest of the lakes and has some pretty interesting fish to set your sights on. If I am honest this is one of the best fisheries in the area and although I don't fish it as frequently as I used to, I still have a love for the place.
Moon lake holds a pretty good head of fish and it's not just carp, skimmers and bream make up a good proportion of the match winning nets on here but you really need to know how to target them properly.
With this in mind I will show you the way I approach the venue, it has always worked well for me and I have won many a match on here and had some great catches. I can only suggest that you follow my guidelines, don't feel that this is the be all and end all, far from it as I as everyone else have had a whipping on the venue from time to time. That all depends on the fish and how they feel on any given day, sometimes they just want to stay long towards the island and the method or pellet waggler works quite well.
I will not go into these methods, I detest the pellet waggler as it has ruined many a good fishery but sometimes even I have to set it up, I do try to avoid these fisheries as a rule however.
Today I will be fishing the pole using pellet and paste, "just for a change" I can hear a few chant, well I would put my money up against anyone on here using this method, it is deadly to the point of embarrassment sometimes.
I have set up today close to Shirley's house (the owner), hoping to get a cuppa off her later in the day, she's not a bad lass but don't wind her up or beware.
Like I said it will be a pellet and paste day, all I have brought with me is 2.3mm sinking carp pellets, 4mm elite expanders, paste and pellet crumb, all my own Miracle Baits brand of course and the best going.
As you can see the bait requirement is basic and simple, don't confuse yourselves with a large array of baits, this is all you will ever need to catch a huge net of fish and win matches on Moon Lakes
Moon lakes is a very special complex that I find most enjoyable to fish, there are many lakes that can cater for all tastes of match and pleasure fishing, something to suit most anglers.
I am here today on Moon lake, this is the oldest of the lakes and has some pretty interesting fish to set your sights on. If I am honest this is one of the best fisheries in the area and although I don't fish it as frequently as I used to, I still have a love for the place.
Moon lake holds a pretty good head of fish and it's not just carp, skimmers and bream make up a good proportion of the match winning nets on here but you really need to know how to target them properly.
With this in mind I will show you the way I approach the venue, it has always worked well for me and I have won many a match on here and had some great catches. I can only suggest that you follow my guidelines, don't feel that this is the be all and end all, far from it as I as everyone else have had a whipping on the venue from time to time. That all depends on the fish and how they feel on any given day, sometimes they just want to stay long towards the island and the method or pellet waggler works quite well.
I will not go into these methods, I detest the pellet waggler as it has ruined many a good fishery but sometimes even I have to set it up, I do try to avoid these fisheries as a rule however.
Today I will be fishing the pole using pellet and paste, "just for a change" I can hear a few chant, well I would put my money up against anyone on here using this method, it is deadly to the point of embarrassment sometimes.
I have set up today close to Shirley's house (the owner), hoping to get a cuppa off her later in the day, she's not a bad lass but don't wind her up or beware.
Like I said it will be a pellet and paste day, all I have brought with me is 2.3mm sinking carp pellets, 4mm elite expanders, paste and pellet crumb, all my own Miracle Baits brand of course and the best going.
As you can see the bait requirement is basic and simple, don't confuse yourselves with a large array of baits, this is all you will ever need to catch a huge net of fish and win matches on Moon Lakes
All you will ever need for fishing at Moon lakes
For a good days fishing I would suggest about half a bag of 2.3mm sinkers, soaked of course. 1/3 of a bag of both pellet crumb and 4mm elite expanders and half a 500g bag of Miracle Paste.This is more than enough to put you 200lb on the scales or a very nice days pleasure fishing.
I will mix the paste about 2 days before I intend to use it, this gives it an extraordinary texture and smell that the fish find irresistible. I don't take any other baits to the bank at all, this will distract you from focusing on the job in hand, Paste fishing.
I see many people switching baits because they haven't had a bite for 10 minutes, this can be your downfall so stick with the basics.
I will mix the paste about 2 days before I intend to use it, this gives it an extraordinary texture and smell that the fish find irresistible. I don't take any other baits to the bank at all, this will distract you from focusing on the job in hand, Paste fishing.
I see many people switching baits because they haven't had a bite for 10 minutes, this can be your downfall so stick with the basics.
First and foremost, get set up and make yourself comfortable, it's no good fishing in a position that is uncomfortable as you will not be able to concentrate 100% and your fishing will suffer as a consequence. Make sure your feet are flat on the footplate or floor everything is close to hand so you don't have to stretch and most of all in a position where you can sit upright. I see so many people sat crouched over a pole that's rammed between their legs, back bent over and two hands holding the pole. NO please that's a disaster waiting to happen, you will suffer endless back problems in later life and besides that you are not in the most efficient fishing position.
Back straight, feet flat on the floor pole over your right calf (if your right handed) grip the pole with your right hand so your elbow is just short of the end of the pole. This gives you a pivoting movement when you lift your right foot onto your toes enabling the pole to move just enough to strike correctly. You also have a free hand to hold your catty and bait up as required.
Back straight, feet flat on the floor pole over your right calf (if your right handed) grip the pole with your right hand so your elbow is just short of the end of the pole. This gives you a pivoting movement when you lift your right foot onto your toes enabling the pole to move just enough to strike correctly. You also have a free hand to hold your catty and bait up as required.
Get yourself in the right fishing position, make fishing comfortable and easy
A good tip to anyone when pole fishing is to make sure your pole rollers (minimum of 2) are set up correctly. The one nearest to you should sit slightly higher than the rear one, this allows you to ship back the pole and gently rest the pole onto the rear roller rather than having to manoeuvre it onto a roller that's too high. Another tip is to find the balancing point of the pole on the front roller, you will know what I mean if you've ever shipped out with a pole cup and it's bounced off the roller depositing the contents of the cup everywhere but where you want it. Things like these make fishing so much easier and spending a few minutes at the start will save many mistakes later.
Once you have got all your gear set up it's time to get started, choose a rig that will present your bait properly and will not be effected by wind, undertow or any other contributing factors. It's better to have a slightly heavier rig than one that's too light. I all often see people trying to fish paste with no shots down the line and letting the paste cock the float......whatever are they doing and why? this way the float is constantly pulling the hook free from the paste and the bait is off in no time. They say "but I'm feeding my swim by doing this" what's a matter with a pole pot? have they no idea that the more time on the bank re-baiting is less time catching fish.........
Once you have got all your gear set up it's time to get started, choose a rig that will present your bait properly and will not be effected by wind, undertow or any other contributing factors. It's better to have a slightly heavier rig than one that's too light. I all often see people trying to fish paste with no shots down the line and letting the paste cock the float......whatever are they doing and why? this way the float is constantly pulling the hook free from the paste and the bait is off in no time. They say "but I'm feeding my swim by doing this" what's a matter with a pole pot? have they no idea that the more time on the bank re-baiting is less time catching fish.........
Feed using a pole pot, don't be a dummy
As you can see it's possible to feed with a pole pot without sacrificing fishing time re-baiting. You can deliver the amount of bait you need accurately and if needed scatter the bait over a given area. Here is my pole pot, an aerosol cap with 2 holes and an elastic band to hold it in place simple!
I also use a cable tie to ship out my paste this allows you to fish the paste nice and soft and eliminates tangles that you get if you ship it out in the pot.
The gear I am using is red hollow Middy elastic with Middy 0.19mm flourocrystal line, a Steve Mayer 0,6g paste float, a size 10 Middy 93-13 hook. More than enough to sort out those beasties.
Don't be silly and use light tackle have a bit to say who is pulling which way, after all anyone can play a fish for 40 minutes but that won't win you many matches.
We start off by plumbing the depth accurately 4 metres in all directions from where you have decided to fish. This gives you some idea of the contours of the bottom and also if there are any snags, deep holes etc etc. Set the rig so it's sitting about dead depth with maybe just half an inch or so laid on. This allows for the paste ball to roll over without pulling the float under.
When you are happy with all that, we set off feeding with a good pot of bait, this is an initial feed before we bait up. 9 times out of 10 when we drop in after this we get an instant sign, the initial feed is really important on commercials.
So now we bait the hook with paste, a good sized ball is picked off the paste flattened with your thumb, the hook is laid into this and then the paste is moulded around the hook into a tear drop shape. You don't need the hook exposed, well not with my paste, unlike some of the crap out there.
The line goes over the cable tie shots above the tie, noting that whenever possible the shots should be at least 18 inch from the hook but less than half the way up from the hook. The pot is filled once again with a third 4mm expanders, a third micro's (2.3mm) and a third pellet crumb.
I also use a cable tie to ship out my paste this allows you to fish the paste nice and soft and eliminates tangles that you get if you ship it out in the pot.
The gear I am using is red hollow Middy elastic with Middy 0.19mm flourocrystal line, a Steve Mayer 0,6g paste float, a size 10 Middy 93-13 hook. More than enough to sort out those beasties.
Don't be silly and use light tackle have a bit to say who is pulling which way, after all anyone can play a fish for 40 minutes but that won't win you many matches.
We start off by plumbing the depth accurately 4 metres in all directions from where you have decided to fish. This gives you some idea of the contours of the bottom and also if there are any snags, deep holes etc etc. Set the rig so it's sitting about dead depth with maybe just half an inch or so laid on. This allows for the paste ball to roll over without pulling the float under.
When you are happy with all that, we set off feeding with a good pot of bait, this is an initial feed before we bait up. 9 times out of 10 when we drop in after this we get an instant sign, the initial feed is really important on commercials.
So now we bait the hook with paste, a good sized ball is picked off the paste flattened with your thumb, the hook is laid into this and then the paste is moulded around the hook into a tear drop shape. You don't need the hook exposed, well not with my paste, unlike some of the crap out there.
The line goes over the cable tie shots above the tie, noting that whenever possible the shots should be at least 18 inch from the hook but less than half the way up from the hook. The pot is filled once again with a third 4mm expanders, a third micro's (2.3mm) and a third pellet crumb.
Above.... the all important pot, an aerosol cap is ideal for bulk feeding commercial fisheries where a small pot would be useless.
Right....Miracle Paste the deadly bait that has accounted for more records than any other paste on the market today. Simple to mix, easy to use and fish love it.......
Miracle Paste the best by far, many have tried to imitate it, but failed
If all is well you should be able to ship out with ease on your well placed rollers without spilling a drop out of the pot. Dump the pot over the spot where you intend to fish before twisting the pole slightly to release the rig to a downward position. When the rig swings as it will make sure that the paste is directly over the area you have chosen before letting it enter the water. If it goes in at an angle the float will pull under giving a false reading.
When the paste hits the bottom hold your line tight to the float and you will be able to feel any indications down the pole while you get it positioned spot on. It's possible to lift it gently to manoeuvre it just after introduction into the water but after a few seconds it's better left where it is.
By this time the float has usually buried, a firm but controlled strike is in order, not a pansy lift, it needs to be firm but only moving a few inches or so. You don't have to hit any planes that are flying above you if you get my drift.
When you have connected with a fish, immediately ship back as much as possible allowing the elastic to cushion the tension. This is done so that if you need to feed the pole back out you have some sections already behind you instead of adding any more. If it's a good carp then this will be the case, but make it work for every inch, don't just give it slack.
Keep the pole nice and low, you see too many people lifting the pole high as if they are playing a roach on the river, this is how the poles get broke. Let the elastic do all the work and only when you have broke down to your top 2 should you lift the pole, and only then when the carp is ready for the net.
It's so easy after a little practice, anyone can achieve fantastic results, it's just getting the right information rather than bad information given out by some.
When the fish is safely in the net you can start all over again, you MUST keep the feed going in constantly even when you are not catching. The fish sometimes congregate around the feed even if they are not feeding to guard their stash from others, this is when you get liners and foul hooked fish. But eventually they will come back on to the feed and tuck in. If you don't feed they will just filter away and the next person feeding will finish up with them.
You must also remember that in commercials the margins are the killing zones, eventually the fish will move in here and usually the bigger ones. These will mop up large amounts of bait in seconds so constant feeding is the key. The good thing is you can feed the margins by hand allowing you to concentrate on the area you have fed until the time comes to "have a look"
When the paste hits the bottom hold your line tight to the float and you will be able to feel any indications down the pole while you get it positioned spot on. It's possible to lift it gently to manoeuvre it just after introduction into the water but after a few seconds it's better left where it is.
By this time the float has usually buried, a firm but controlled strike is in order, not a pansy lift, it needs to be firm but only moving a few inches or so. You don't have to hit any planes that are flying above you if you get my drift.
When you have connected with a fish, immediately ship back as much as possible allowing the elastic to cushion the tension. This is done so that if you need to feed the pole back out you have some sections already behind you instead of adding any more. If it's a good carp then this will be the case, but make it work for every inch, don't just give it slack.
Keep the pole nice and low, you see too many people lifting the pole high as if they are playing a roach on the river, this is how the poles get broke. Let the elastic do all the work and only when you have broke down to your top 2 should you lift the pole, and only then when the carp is ready for the net.
It's so easy after a little practice, anyone can achieve fantastic results, it's just getting the right information rather than bad information given out by some.
When the fish is safely in the net you can start all over again, you MUST keep the feed going in constantly even when you are not catching. The fish sometimes congregate around the feed even if they are not feeding to guard their stash from others, this is when you get liners and foul hooked fish. But eventually they will come back on to the feed and tuck in. If you don't feed they will just filter away and the next person feeding will finish up with them.
You must also remember that in commercials the margins are the killing zones, eventually the fish will move in here and usually the bigger ones. These will mop up large amounts of bait in seconds so constant feeding is the key. The good thing is you can feed the margins by hand allowing you to concentrate on the area you have fed until the time comes to "have a look"
Feeding by hand is easier than using a catty if not too far
As you get half way through the session you may see signs in the margins, before if your lucky. Then it's time to have a look, you should however feed your long line now to keep the activity flowing on it, also making sure you keep feeding it in case the margins dry up. A good pot or two on the long line will give you chance to search the margins without loosing the fish and ensure they will still be there later. The first thing to remember about the margins is..they are usually big fish, you have only a short amount of pole in your hands and they may be able to see you too. Stealth is paramount so quick and jerky movements should be kept to a minimum, always make sure you have stronger rigs and always have sections handy to add on QUICKLY. You need to have the sections laid in the direction in which you are fishing so as to eliminate section crunching, (fish pulling the pole round when only slightly aligned) this is a disaster and can be expensive.
The first bite can be instant so be ready and don't get caught out, make sure that as soon as you have the fish safely under control you feed straight away, they are more likely to come back if the see food. Margin fish can sometimes be tamed within seconds, you need to be brave and try and subdue them quickly to avoid too much disturbance, this leaves them full of life in your landing net and sometimes difficult to unhook. Care should be taken with these fish now and do not put too much pressure on them trying to unhook them, this could damage the gills or fins.
It can be very exciting watching these big fish turn up in the margins but all too many times people in matches get caught up in the trap. They see them and have to catch them, sometimes they are wise old fish and give you a right run around and cost you vital pounds. If you are not catching them steady then just ignore them until later and go back on the line that was producing. Even if you are just catching silvers, those skimmers and bream add up and put a weight into your net without you realising it.
Silvers come in all shapes and sizes, you wouldn't turn these down would you
If you eventually get these fish to feed in the margins you could be in for some hectic sport. These margin fish love paste more than any others and they have ferocious appetites. The tell tale boils and swirls give them away even in the murky waters and it's like a drug, you just have to have a look. They scream off like rockets and as you look back to where you hooked it they are still there feeding in a frenzy.
Moon Lake is renounced for these big margin fish, I have caught them to over 20lb and they pull your string trust me.
The one on the left was just a baby compared to some but a lovely leather carp just ounces under double figures. It is such a great place to fish and the surroundings are nice and mature you should try it, tell them I sent you.
A nice leather carp
Moon Lake is renounced for these big margin fish, I have caught them to over 20lb and they pull your string trust me.
The one on the left was just a baby compared to some but a lovely leather carp just ounces under double figures. It is such a great place to fish and the surroundings are nice and mature you should try it, tell them I sent you.
A nice leather carp
A typical Moon Lakes mirror carp well into double figures
Not bad for just a couple of hours
Does this tickle your fancy ?
Priory Lakes, Ruskington near Sleaford.
Priory lake 1
Priory Lakes are situated in a secluded area just north of Sleaford on the outskirts of a small village called Ruskington. There are 2 lakes, lake 1 and lake 2, both are well stocked but lake 1 has an awesome amount of fish in it. The lakes are predominantly carp but many other species are in abundance, especially Rudd. With the carp feeding spasmodically due to spawning I thought it would give the viewers an insight to just how well you can catch these silvers on here.
Modern day commercial fisheries are associated with big weights of carp, however the carp don’t always feed when you want them to and that‘s a fact. How many times have you sat at your peg bite-less for long periods just waiting for the carp to show only to discover that they don‘t want to feed. In this article we will explain how to overcome this common problem by targeting the almost forgotten silvers.
Roach and Rudd are in almost all of the commercial fisheries throughout the country, they are the fish that time forgot, but not for long. It seems that more and more anglers are starting to think about setting up a rig for these silvers to fill in when the carp go off the feed. It may not be long before anglers will start to fish exclusively for silvers, they have piled on the weight feeding on high protein baits intended for the carp.
With this in mind, I asked a friend of mine Allan Foster to join me at one of my local fisheries to fish exclusively for silvers instead of the carp. Allan has been on a winning streak at Messingham Grange fishery near Scunthorpe recently, his tactics are simple, fishing for silvers.
We arrived at Priory Lakes near Sleaford, a well stocked commercial fishery that also has a good head of silver fish. Allan’s intention was to fish solely for the Roach and Rudd that so many anglers just ignore and sometimes to their peril. He set up on his peg and placed in 2 keepnets, one for the carp and one for the silvers. It’s common sense to keep the two apart to stop any damage when removing the net as the fragile fish may become squashed by the bigger carp and fatalities can occur.
Allan took out his top kits, they were set with doubled up solid 4 and 5 with puller bungs. He finds this forgiving enough for the small fish but still has the power to stop the carp if he should hit one. He has recently reverted back to doubled up solid elastics believing they provide a better all round control when fishing in this way and he certainly proved that point today. The elastics were fitted into power top 2 kits, this eliminated the elastic from bottoming out too quick if he hit’s a big carp.
The rigs consisted of 0.14mm line, a size 14 hook and Steve Gregory “shallow” pattern floats, this may seem harsh for silvers but you have to remember you are fishing in carp territory and the chances are you will hit a few. The shallow rig was set to about 18 inches with 3 number 10 droppers and the full depth rig was about 4 foot again with number 10 droppers to take the fish on the drop. The intention was to get the fish as close as possible maybe just a top 2 with the option of following them out if needed.
The bait could not be more simple, 3 pints of mixed white and red maggots, this should be enough to keep the fish coming for a few hours. The maggots would be fed constantly, not large amounts maybe 8-10 at a time but every 10 seconds. This is to get the fish shallow and get them competing for the feed and is essential to achieve big weights.
It was 4.10pm when he first put in and it took less than 5 minutes to get the fish swirling on the surface and catching one a bung, the majority of the fish were Rudd of about 4oz with a few better Roach mixed in. This is so simple anyone could do it, it’s not rocket science and it produces excellent results especially when the carp just stop feeding.
Roach and Rudd are in almost all of the commercial fisheries throughout the country, they are the fish that time forgot, but not for long. It seems that more and more anglers are starting to think about setting up a rig for these silvers to fill in when the carp go off the feed. It may not be long before anglers will start to fish exclusively for silvers, they have piled on the weight feeding on high protein baits intended for the carp.
With this in mind, I asked a friend of mine Allan Foster to join me at one of my local fisheries to fish exclusively for silvers instead of the carp. Allan has been on a winning streak at Messingham Grange fishery near Scunthorpe recently, his tactics are simple, fishing for silvers.
We arrived at Priory Lakes near Sleaford, a well stocked commercial fishery that also has a good head of silver fish. Allan’s intention was to fish solely for the Roach and Rudd that so many anglers just ignore and sometimes to their peril. He set up on his peg and placed in 2 keepnets, one for the carp and one for the silvers. It’s common sense to keep the two apart to stop any damage when removing the net as the fragile fish may become squashed by the bigger carp and fatalities can occur.
Allan took out his top kits, they were set with doubled up solid 4 and 5 with puller bungs. He finds this forgiving enough for the small fish but still has the power to stop the carp if he should hit one. He has recently reverted back to doubled up solid elastics believing they provide a better all round control when fishing in this way and he certainly proved that point today. The elastics were fitted into power top 2 kits, this eliminated the elastic from bottoming out too quick if he hit’s a big carp.
The rigs consisted of 0.14mm line, a size 14 hook and Steve Gregory “shallow” pattern floats, this may seem harsh for silvers but you have to remember you are fishing in carp territory and the chances are you will hit a few. The shallow rig was set to about 18 inches with 3 number 10 droppers and the full depth rig was about 4 foot again with number 10 droppers to take the fish on the drop. The intention was to get the fish as close as possible maybe just a top 2 with the option of following them out if needed.
The bait could not be more simple, 3 pints of mixed white and red maggots, this should be enough to keep the fish coming for a few hours. The maggots would be fed constantly, not large amounts maybe 8-10 at a time but every 10 seconds. This is to get the fish shallow and get them competing for the feed and is essential to achieve big weights.
It was 4.10pm when he first put in and it took less than 5 minutes to get the fish swirling on the surface and catching one a bung, the majority of the fish were Rudd of about 4oz with a few better Roach mixed in. This is so simple anyone could do it, it’s not rocket science and it produces excellent results especially when the carp just stop feeding.
All the fish look like they have never been hooked
Allan kept switching between full depth and shallow rig to try and pick up some better fish, this worked and he soon started to get a few decent Rudd, it’s often the case that small fish get to the bait first so dropping down is worth a try. The fish just keep coming, he is like a windmill with his arms going hell for leather. If you can keep up the pace you don’t loose the fish but if you stop feeding just for a short while they will drift off.
A short lull in bites indicated a carp had moved into the swim, they tend to bully the smaller ones away and it was just a matter of time. The next bite proved us right, the doubled number 5 screamed out across the lake but was quickly subdued by the puller bung. This is why the line needs to be pretty strong, any less and that fish would have snapped off, carrying the hook and maybe the rig for who knows how long. Allan managed to stop the carp from entering a small clump of reeds to his right and swiftly brought it over the landing net with a sigh of relief.
A short lull in bites indicated a carp had moved into the swim, they tend to bully the smaller ones away and it was just a matter of time. The next bite proved us right, the doubled number 5 screamed out across the lake but was quickly subdued by the puller bung. This is why the line needs to be pretty strong, any less and that fish would have snapped off, carrying the hook and maybe the rig for who knows how long. Allan managed to stop the carp from entering a small clump of reeds to his right and swiftly brought it over the landing net with a sigh of relief.
A carp comes to the net
He has certainly got the hang of this type of fishing and it shows in his match results at Messingham Grange where he is the guy to beat, it’s not his peg drawing skills either as he seems to win from anywhere on the lakes.
The fish seem to back off all of a sudden, it could be that there are more carp in the swim or that the sun has gone in and we had just had a thunder storm. Never think “they will come back” if needs must you have to follow them to keep them going in the net, so Allan sticks on a couple more sections and gets straight back into them. He finds that they have come really shallow now so he switches to a polyball rig and sets it just inches deep, this seems to do the trick and finds a few better stamp fish.
The fish seem to back off all of a sudden, it could be that there are more carp in the swim or that the sun has gone in and we had just had a thunder storm. Never think “they will come back” if needs must you have to follow them to keep them going in the net, so Allan sticks on a couple more sections and gets straight back into them. He finds that they have come really shallow now so he switches to a polyball rig and sets it just inches deep, this seems to do the trick and finds a few better stamp fish.
Not a bad stamp of fish
The fish just keep coming with just the odd small carp getting in the way from time to time, it makes you wonder sometimes whether this may be the future of commercial fishing. When these fish get bigger we might just start getting a few wake up calls and have to re-think our strategy. Since we only decided to do this article at the last minute it was a bit of a rush, Allan had to finish work and get all the way from Sheffield so it was pretty late when we started. The wind was terrible and we had the odd thunder storm with some huge hail stones not ideal conditions.
Even so the resulting catch was a credit to Allan, after 2 hours and 20 minutes we stopped to do some pictures and video before weighing and returning the catch.
The silver net weighed in at 42lb, mainly Rudd and Roach with 1 small Tench and a decent Skimmer Bream, the carp net went 16lb. Although Allan didn’t fish for the carp you can’t avoid catching them when they are in your swim, but that shows that you can still catch and land carp when fishing for silvers. I hope that this will help to secure that extra few pounds in your net when on your next match, but if you don’t heed this advice, you may be sat watching someone else catching when you are twiddling your thumbs just waiting and waiting and waiting……
The silver net weighed in at 42lb, mainly Rudd and Roach with 1 small Tench and a decent Skimmer Bream, the carp net went 16lb. Although Allan didn’t fish for the carp you can’t avoid catching them when they are in your swim, but that shows that you can still catch and land carp when fishing for silvers. I hope that this will help to secure that extra few pounds in your net when on your next match, but if you don’t heed this advice, you may be sat watching someone else catching when you are twiddling your thumbs just waiting and waiting and waiting……
Priory Road
Ruskington
Sleaford
Lincolnshire
NG34 9DJ
Booking Line Number Call: 01526 834444
Please only use this number for booking matches as you are more than welcome just to turn up and fish.
Opening Times October to March: 8pm – 4pm
April to September: 7am – 9pm
Please only use this number for booking matches as you are more than welcome just to turn up and fish.
Opening Times October to March: 8pm – 4pm
April to September: 7am – 9pm
Bain Valley Fishery, Tattershall Thorpe, Lincolnshire
Recently I have been fishing a venue that has really got what it takes, well for me that is and I'm sure you will agree.
Bain Valley fishery at Tattershall Thorpe in Lincolnshire, until last year, I didn’t really know of it’s existence apart from the odd mention by some anglers in a café I had been in. I was asked to fish a pairs match with a friend there and just for somewhere different I decided to give it a bash.
Bain Valley is a fishing complex that has at the moment 7 lakes, match, pleasure, specimen, trout and syndicate with others in the development stage, it also has a small touring caravan park which I believe is going to be extended into a static site shortly.
The main lakes were originally gravel workings so have a bit of depth in the middle and have a gently sloping bottom, quite easy to fish on in my view. The access is really good and your vehicle can be parked immediately behind your peg which makes it an ideal location for the disabled. Day tickets must be purchased from the bailiffs cabin before fishing and matches can be booked through the bailiff Pete who is a great bloke and is always willing to help. Keepnets are not allowed for pleasure anglers but are provided by the fishery for matches, landing nets must be brought with you though.
Pellets, Paste and Hook Pellets are available from the bailiff Pete as well as sound advice which you should heed.
The main match lake Halifax (all the lakes are named after planes that were once based in the area) holds a good head of stockie carp from 1lb up to 2.5lb which were introduced the year, before last, these made the resident carp start to feed well, these range from 4lb to 20lb+. These fish are fighting fit and very healthy and will hold a good account for themselves, therefore good strong tackle is advised especially on the pole.
Beware though, there are some animals in there, my son Tony holds the bone from one, it’s a woolly mammoth front leg bone that is probably 20.000 years old. This was taken from the lake when it was excavated along with other remains.
Bain Valley fishery at Tattershall Thorpe in Lincolnshire, until last year, I didn’t really know of it’s existence apart from the odd mention by some anglers in a café I had been in. I was asked to fish a pairs match with a friend there and just for somewhere different I decided to give it a bash.
Bain Valley is a fishing complex that has at the moment 7 lakes, match, pleasure, specimen, trout and syndicate with others in the development stage, it also has a small touring caravan park which I believe is going to be extended into a static site shortly.
The main lakes were originally gravel workings so have a bit of depth in the middle and have a gently sloping bottom, quite easy to fish on in my view. The access is really good and your vehicle can be parked immediately behind your peg which makes it an ideal location for the disabled. Day tickets must be purchased from the bailiffs cabin before fishing and matches can be booked through the bailiff Pete who is a great bloke and is always willing to help. Keepnets are not allowed for pleasure anglers but are provided by the fishery for matches, landing nets must be brought with you though.
Pellets, Paste and Hook Pellets are available from the bailiff Pete as well as sound advice which you should heed.
The main match lake Halifax (all the lakes are named after planes that were once based in the area) holds a good head of stockie carp from 1lb up to 2.5lb which were introduced the year, before last, these made the resident carp start to feed well, these range from 4lb to 20lb+. These fish are fighting fit and very healthy and will hold a good account for themselves, therefore good strong tackle is advised especially on the pole.
Beware though, there are some animals in there, my son Tony holds the bone from one, it’s a woolly mammoth front leg bone that is probably 20.000 years old. This was taken from the lake when it was excavated along with other remains.
There are some animals in here, literally, here is the fossilised remains of a woolly mammoth bone dated over 20,000 years from the lake bed
Today I have come along with my son Tony, he is a novice and has only fished a handful of times and most of those were in the Lord Mayors Cup run by Sheffield Angling Star years ago for children. I decided to let him fish to show just how easy it is to get it right on here, you don’t need to be a superstar it’s a case of being positive.
He set the box up in the water on peg 30 nothing special about the peg, they are all as good as the rest, there are no permanent hard-standing pegs just grass bank to the water.
I prefer to get in the water and find a bit of deeper water to land the fish in, this makes life easier because those big fish don't like to be dragged in when it's shallow.
The method was to be pellet and paste on the pole, obviously my Miracle Baits paste and pellets, and fishing at around 6m at a comfortable distance.
The rigs are really simple, 0.19mm MAP Commercial Power line, a 0.6g Steve Mayer paste float, bulk shotted with number 8 shot, size 10 Mustad Power Carp Barbless with the MAP TKS 50 pole set with MAP red Power Tube hollow elastic.
That’s proper stopping gear by any means but even this may struggle at times to tame some of these beasts.
He set the box up in the water on peg 30 nothing special about the peg, they are all as good as the rest, there are no permanent hard-standing pegs just grass bank to the water.
I prefer to get in the water and find a bit of deeper water to land the fish in, this makes life easier because those big fish don't like to be dragged in when it's shallow.
The method was to be pellet and paste on the pole, obviously my Miracle Baits paste and pellets, and fishing at around 6m at a comfortable distance.
The rigs are really simple, 0.19mm MAP Commercial Power line, a 0.6g Steve Mayer paste float, bulk shotted with number 8 shot, size 10 Mustad Power Carp Barbless with the MAP TKS 50 pole set with MAP red Power Tube hollow elastic.
That’s proper stopping gear by any means but even this may struggle at times to tame some of these beasts.
All the pegs are equally fair and matches can be won from anywhere on the lake
The pole has an adapted aerosol cap fitted to deliver the bait, these fish need feeding so a small pot would be of no use and they want it every drop in. It’s not necessary to pot in to start just build it up with the aerosol cap and when I say every drop in I mean it, if you miss they will drift off. It’s not necessary to use a catapult when fishing like this, it pays to keep the bait tight and catapults may spray the bait too wide. The hook is baited with a good lump of paste and into the pot goes a mixture, 30% 4mm expander pellets, 30% 2.3mm soaked sinkers and topped off with some of my pellet crumb that is mixed to a similar consistency as the paste. The loose feed is tipped into the water and the paste is dropped over the top making sure that it falls in the right place, if it goes to far it will sink the float or not far enough laid on too much with it being on a slope. Tony is fishing a short line from tip to float, this way you can keep the line tight to the float and feel for the bites, this allows you to decide if it’s a liner or a proper bite, trust me you will tell the difference.
Within seconds the float flies under and with a positive strike the red power tube screams out signalling a lump was ready and waiting. What a fish this is, when weighed later it went to over 15lb, not bad for the first drop.
Fish like these are what you go fishing for, hard fighting healthy fish with a good appetite
The real deal with paste fishing is confidence, you must believe you are going to catch and also confidence that the paste is on the hook. I get this all the time, people say that the paste has come off but let me tell you even though my paste is very soft when I use it, it will still be on the hook unless you lift the pole or you get a bite, guaranteed! If you are not so sure, mix some of my paste put it on a hook and line and lower it into a jam jar of water, let it settle on the bottom and secure the line with tape to the jar top. Leave it for a couple of hours and then take another look, it will still be on the hook (even overnight) and will only come off when you lift it.
Tony has now started to catch pretty regular, even though he is a novice he is beginning to get the hang of playing the fish by keeping the pole low and letting the elastic do the work, more poles are broken by people lifting the pole high with 4 or 5 sections on that any other way, this is because they use too light elastic for the quarry they are after.
Tony has now started to catch pretty regular, even though he is a novice he is beginning to get the hang of playing the fish by keeping the pole low and letting the elastic do the work, more poles are broken by people lifting the pole high with 4 or 5 sections on that any other way, this is because they use too light elastic for the quarry they are after.
Let the elastic do the work, keep your pole low until you are ready to net the fish.
Every time he goes in the pot is filled to the brim and a regular amount of feed is settling in the swim keeping the fish actively feeding all the time. This is bringing bites within seconds of the hook bait hitting the bottom. These fish are really fit and it can become hard work when it’s one after another. The use of well place pole rollers, as in 2 or more will dramatically reduce the strain and ensure smooth shipping back of the pole. Try not to jerk the pole or make harsh movements keep it steady until the pole is shipped back and you can safely take of your top 2, that’s the time to lift the tip and play the fish.
A good feeling when the fish is in the landing net
Lower the fish into the keepnet while still in the landing net
A nice 12lb paste caught mirror carp
A steady stream of stockies come to the net before a slight lull, that’s when the bigger fish move the smaller ones out of the swim, and as predicted they start to show, one after another. It’s so easy to build a weight this way and paste is the master at big weights those fish just love it. The majority of the bigger fish today are between 5lb and 8lb with plenty of stockies. There are other species in here but they don’t usually get a look in with these ravenous cyprios.
After 5 hours of fishing it was time to call it a day, Tony wanted to carry on he had enjoyed it that much but the light was going somewhat and a catch shot was required. We got Pete the bailiff to weigh the fish and even though we didn’t get them all in the catch shot it’s still an impressive net of fish. The big one just flipped on it’s side in the right hand net but you can still get an idea of it’s size.
Tony managed over 170lb in 5 hours, not a bad net for an experienced angler but for a novice angler that’s amazing. It all comes down to confidence at the end of the day and with my help he gained this and will manage to carry that off for the next time he fishes.
Bain Valley Fishery is situated at North Road Farm, Tattershall Thorpe, Lincolnshire, LN4 4PQ
Contact telephone numbers
Pete (Bailiff) 07956343346
Steve (Owner) 07779589210
Web site www.bainvalleyfisheries.co.uk
Email bvfisheries@gmail.com
After 5 hours of fishing it was time to call it a day, Tony wanted to carry on he had enjoyed it that much but the light was going somewhat and a catch shot was required. We got Pete the bailiff to weigh the fish and even though we didn’t get them all in the catch shot it’s still an impressive net of fish. The big one just flipped on it’s side in the right hand net but you can still get an idea of it’s size.
Tony managed over 170lb in 5 hours, not a bad net for an experienced angler but for a novice angler that’s amazing. It all comes down to confidence at the end of the day and with my help he gained this and will manage to carry that off for the next time he fishes.
Bain Valley Fishery is situated at North Road Farm, Tattershall Thorpe, Lincolnshire, LN4 4PQ
Contact telephone numbers
Pete (Bailiff) 07956343346
Steve (Owner) 07779589210
Web site www.bainvalleyfisheries.co.uk
Email bvfisheries@gmail.com
Part of over 170lb of fish in 5 hours not bad for a novice
Fen Lake, Metheringham. (Pictures to follow)
Fen lake is situated in a peaceful well managed site on the outskirts of Metheringham, the Lake is not a typical commercial fishery, its (I mean this in a nice way) more like a garden pond. It has just 20 pegs with an island as a feature, (this does not come in the equation until winter) as there are so many fish in here it’s a waste of time fishing long.
An initial look at the place would leave some anglers that are used to bigger places just driving off, but don’t get a false impression. There are so many fish in here it’s frightening, I have fished some well stocked places in my past I can tell you, but this one is awesome, and it’s just naturally stocked by breeding fish.
An initial look at the place would leave some anglers that are used to bigger places just driving off, but don’t get a false impression. There are so many fish in here it’s frightening, I have fished some well stocked places in my past I can tell you, but this one is awesome, and it’s just naturally stocked by breeding fish.
Fen Lake, situated in Metheringham.
Today I will be using a heavy feeding approach as this is generally what’s needed in matches here, it’s no good turning up on a 20 pegger here with a bag of pellets, you would get battered. I have tried every way of feeding just to see if I was doing it right and I have always returned to this method, it works and works well.
As a rule of thumb I would used about 750g of soaked 2.3mm sinkers an hour topped up with about half a bag of my 4mm elite expanders and a good bag of paste. It may sound a bit OTT to many of you but I manage to win almost all the matches I fish here so there must be something in it.
Firstly you need to get comfortable, its hard work catching over 200lb of stockies in 5 hours if you’re sat incorrectly and your back would be like glass the next day.
In the matches I would put in 4 nets at the start as there is a (slightly flexible) 50lb net limit. At the moment I have worked it out that 35 average stamp fish equate to around 50lb, so rather than count weight I just count fish, this is much easier when the fish are roughly the same size, just allow a little extra for those bigger fish.
I will be fishing for just an hour today, pleasure fishing when it’s this easy does not pull my strings at all but for anyone to gain a confidence boost this is the place.
I will just be fishing the top 2 of my Middy XK55 pole set with red 2.6mm Vespe Bi Core hollow elastic through to 0.16mm Middy flourocrystal line, an in-line polyball and a size 12 Middy T93-13 hook. (The polyball doesn’t spook the fish in such shallow water whereas a stemmed float would sometimes be more than half the water depth and be too visible) Some might think this is a bit heavy for the stamp of fish in here but I would say to them fish here first before judging.
Plumb the inside tight to the bank both sides, there is not much water here at the moment due to the dry weather but as long as there is enough water to cover their backs that’s enough, you will probably just fish one side, they just keep coming as long as you feed. Also plumb about 2 foot from the bank and have this as a drop back line, sometimes the fish back of for a minute or so later in the match when your bagging so this means you can keep in touch with the fish at all times.
My initial feed would be an orange sized ball of pellets (see above pic) on each line and a good nip of 4mm expanders, this will get the fishes attention immediately and within seconds the fish should be swirling and ready for action.
I will start with a lump of paste about the size of a 5p piece, dropping this in and plopping a nugget of pellets over the top. Instantly the float disappears and the laggy screams out without striking, forget the doubled up no 5’s here unless you want to be playing fish for half an hour.
The gear is perfectly in tune with the fish and although it screams off, it’s in the net within seconds. A nugget of pellets will be fed as I am playing the fish on all lines, and this is the order of the day, nuggets fed every 30 seconds without fail. If you don’t feed them they will just drift off and go to who is feeding more (trust me), they have insatiable appetites, I have regularly stopped anglers either side of me catching in matches by doing this.
Every other nugget flick in a good helping of expander pellets, these come into play later as you will see. The fish are now swirling on all the lines with tails breaking the surface and it’s sometimes difficult to get the bait to the bottom in 12 inches of water before the laggy gets dragged out. Now you can imagine why I don’t pleasure fish here, (hook a duck springs to mind) but I’m sure a lot of you out there would love it.
As the fish begin to pile up, the feed is getting eaten instantly, that’s why you need plenty so that’s why I give them plenty, don’t hold back!!! 50lb-70lb per hour is not uncommon and they just average about 1 ¼lb to 1 ½lb
“It’s truly an amazing place, I only fish long on seldom occasions, usually in winter when it’s really cold, but if you like catching Ide you can put over a ton in the net very easily by fishing maggot or meat at 11m. There are a good head of bigger fish in here too that run well into double figures, these are the original fish that have spawned to produce this pot of gold. In winter the fish still feed well on the inside but occasionally they will back off, that’s when the feeder or long pole will work. I still fish pellet and paste throughout the cold months but some switch to maggot to target the Ide, these average 12oz to 1 ½lb and there are LOTS of them.”
After a while you will start to get silly bites that you just can’t seem to hit, liners? No not all of them it’s just the fish getting cute, this is when you switch to 4mm expander and voilà! Your back in business it’s that simple, but even some of the good anglers that fish this place have not sorted it, well that was until they read this.
Just make sure that you feed like clockwork, every thirty seconds with a good nugget of 2.3mm and a few expanders, DON’T SCRIMP or DON’T CATCH it’s that simple!
I have never known a place where 20 anglers can catch consistently throughout the match without the catch rate dropping off, and weights be like this, 226lb, 203lb, 184lb, 172lb, 141lb, 111lb, 100lb, 97lb, 89lb 87lb, 84lb, and so on.
(Team Miracle Baits latest match weights 258lb, 240lb, 230lb, 220lb, 190lb etc)
At the end of an hour’s fishing I finished up with an estimated 75lb of these little power houses, you can’t get much better than that anywhere. I fished peg 5 today but it does not matter where you fish it’s the same all around the lake. A really fair venue that would suit the smaller clubs with 20 pegs or less, it’s also a place that will give you a real confidence booster.
There is a café on site that is open weekends and a decent bit of grub too; it would pay to ring and book your breakfasts in advance if there are a few of you. The girls also come around the lake during the day while you are fishing for top up sandwiches and drinks.
Nuff said?
Fen Lake is situated at
Fen Lane,
Metheringham,
Lincoln
LN4 3AQ
Contact…..Karen or Wayne on 0114 2359047 / 07833 753392
Westwood Lakes, Wyberton, Boston.
