Friday 12th March 2010 and Sapphire receives another 25 large carp to add to it’s existing stock.  These were mostly commons, the smallest of them weighing 35lb 5oz.

These bigger specimens come from large stock lakes which take all day to net, so it was nearly midnight before the fish transport lorry arrives at Sapphire.

11 of the carp are between 35lb and 40lb, 12 are over 40lb and 2 more over 50lb.

All of the 40lb + carp are long torpedo shaped commons which come from the exact same place as the 60lb and 70lb+ commons we see at Margot, another famous Bigot venue.

The final phase of this mega stocking is set to become the icing on this grand cake when the largest of the stock lakes will be netted. This very secret location holds the high 50s and 60lb+ carp which are ear-marked for Sapphire.

The recent storm which recently swept through the whole of France was the sting in the tail of the worst winter for years and it has meant that the water level in this stock lake is still too high for netting its fish.

It’s now a race against time for the water level drop enough to allow the stock lake to be netted before the summer and Michel and Laurent will let us know just as soon as netting becomes possible.

Even so, Sapphire can already boast of a fantastic stock of over 375 carp, with a huge head of 30s and 40s and 4 known 50s. None of which will have been caught before.

Video to follow in the next few days…

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1.  A map –

2.  Passport – obvious really!  But remember to check in good time if it’s still going to be current when you go.  New anti-terrorist rules make the application process much more lengthy now.

3.  In your vehicle - warning triangle and luminous jackets. These are mandatory, use them for all break downs. One luminous jacket for each passenger must be in the car.

4.  Vehicle Documents – insurance, driving license and log book. If you are stopped the gendarmes will want to see these and there is a potential fine if you can’t produce them.

5.  Cash or credit card for the motorway tolls – embarrassing if you haven’t got them.

6.  Bottle opener – again obvious really, you really do need to try the local wine.

7.  Freezer blocks & cooler box – you’ll need this to keep the beer cold!

8.  Electrical adapters

9.  Suntan lotion and after sun – catching those carp will leave you exposed, no need to become a lobster!

10.  HIC card for health insurance – saves paying upfront for emergency healthcare.

11.  Antiseptic wash/first aid box.

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• Your first carp session in France… a beginners guide (2)
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1- For safety use a cooker that is low to the ground so you can’t knock it over and never cook in you bivvy.

2- The best fuel to cook on is gas, as it is easier to control the heat and burns hotter. Keep the gas in a warm place like the bottom of your sleeping bag as it will burn better if the gas is warm compared to it being cold and burning slow.

3- The only essential pans you will need are a good non stick frying pan and a normal small pan. All of your cooking can be done in these two pans and you can even boil water for hot drinks without the added baggage of a kettle. A small plastic chopping board, a good chopping knife and a wooden spoon are all you will need not the kitchen sink.  Don’t forget a plate, cup, knife, fork and spoon.

4- When going out for a week’s fishing make a list of what food you would like to eat each day and take 2-3 days of it with you, this is best frozen as it will last longer in your cool bag, most of the lakes are not far from the local shops, for your next few days’ stock up!

5- As your prepping your fishing gear prep your food as well and don’t leave it to the last thing, food is one of the most important items you need, if a car has no petrol then it’s not going to go the same applies to yourself, if you eat well and drink well you will become more focussed on what you are doing.

6- Keep all your food and cooking equipment in one bag, which has divided sections, so you’re not routing about in all your other gear all the time. You could line your bag with tin foil as this will keep all your food colder for longer.

7- Take baby wipes for cleaning your pans, plates and other equipment, this is the best way, as you don’t need water and washing up liquid on hand all the time. Obviously make sure they are non scented ones otherwise even your favourite food could become quite un-tasty.

8- Most importantly don’t try to be too adventurous, save that for the kitchen at home, use simple ingredients that will last and you know will be enjoyable. Keep it simple but delicious!

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WIN A WEEK AT WATERSMEET!

The first angler in the 2010 season to land a carp over 40lb, or catfish over 80lb, will win one week’s fishing at Watersmeet.

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We want to have a net dip on site.  Obviously there are many different ways of making up net dips but are you able to let me know of what any of your other venues are using in France?

I sent the question out to all our lake owners & here’s a selection of the responses… I must admit I’ve been surprised at the range of views;

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We find the safest way is to provide the net heads and the anglers bring their own handles this eliminates the use of net dips. But if you do need a good disinfectant Malachite Gold is the one to use.

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Best way is permanganate de potassium.  Easy, cheap and the most effective.

You put a small amount of powder in a 200l tank and dip what you want for few minutes.

I use it to dip ill fish and have saved several.  It kills mushrooms, bacteria’s, parasites etc.

A very small quantity of powder is needed for hundred litres of water. A kilo will last years.

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There is no need for dips !!!

Just make sure all nets are bone dry for 48 hours and there is no need for dips in our experience.

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I would be interested to hear the answer as well, as you know we supply the nets at the moment but we got through 6 last year and they are not cheap here. If I could get a good dip then I might think about next year not supplying the nets.

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Please advise the enquirer that unless covered, and the ‘dip’ changed each and every month, (in fact in hot weather the change should be as frequent as weekly), the dipping of nets is a total, and may I add, expensive waste of time.

Far better solution is to provide nets, or use a high powered UV tube and expose wet equipment to a brief ‘nuking’ of UV which will kill 99% of harmful bacteria.

Also, exposure to ‘dip’ degrades nets over time and will in time actually destroy them.

The actual ‘dip’ I can name, but it’s a prohibited liquid only available under license and is, I understand VERY expensive to purchase, if it is at all available in France.

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Our net dip is going to be a wheelie bin size container of water with half a cup of Jeyes fluid, changed annually.  It’s strong stuff and we are going to insist that all anglers use this when they arrive.

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I use a big round green plastic container which is sold everywhere in France for around 20euro. They are around 1m diameter and around 1m  high… perfect for dipping unhooking mats and nets without having to break them down.

I fill this to just below the top and add two mugs full of Jeyes fluid (which I buy in England for around £6), changing every year. I have used this for many years.

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Over to Roy Fulton, Clearview boss to explain the trips;

“The trips to Roseau have booked up really well this year… but unfortunately we have to vacate the lake in September because the shooting season begins.  So we’ve decided to run trips to the beautiful Malvoisine lake.  The fishing at Malvoisine is always reliable so you can get ready for plenty of fast & furious carp action.

The meeting point is at the Relyon car parks in Dover. Relyon has organised an account for us so you get discounted parking. Once all the cars are parked and tackle loaded, it’s off to Dover for the ferry. Onboard the ferry there will be plenty of time to look around, have a meal and take a look in the shops.

The ferry journey takes around 1½ hours and once in France it takes about 4 hours to drive to the lake… so it’s time to have a nap or just take in the scenery.

The beautiful Etang de Malvoisine

When we arrive at Malvoisine you can have a quick look around the lake & then it’s time for a cuppa and the draw for swims. If there are anglers who want to fish together in a double swim that’s not a problem.  If you’ve pre-ordered bait that will be handed out and off you go to get set up.

Breakfast and evening meals are included – you can take them back to your swim or you can eat them in our dining area, whichever you prefer.  Click here to see the example menu.  There is a lunch and dessert menu, so if you fancy a snack, or just a Mars Bar, they’re always available to buy too.”

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We are delighted to tell you that the readers of Carp Talk voted Angling Lines as the “Best Overseas Holiday Company” for the second successive year.  Many thanks to everyone who voted for us.

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39.08 April Cracker!

So why April in particular?

EXCITEMENT is the word that best sums it up I guess. For a few short weeks every year, a number of factors all come together at the same time. I call it ‘the angler’s magic window’ and it can start to open at any time from mid-March…

•           The winter rainfall has given the lake several complete changes of water and the water quality is at its best

•           The spring breezes help to ensure that oxygen levels remain high

•           The sun is strong enough to warm the banks and the water temperature starts to rise

•           The hunting season (la chasse) is over and the roe deer lead a host of other animals out of hiding

and put on a display for the visitors

•           AND THE CARP GO ON THE FEED.

For the carp, it’s simply a race against nature. They need to eats loads and quickly in order to build up their strength before spawning. For the anglers the magic window opens up on lake records, PB’s and action packed fishing.

4 PB's in the April sunshine for this team

Here’s some of the highlights from the 2009 April catch reports:

1st April            The Hunjan Bros            4 x 20’s in a day

7th April            Blackman family            4 x 20’s in a day

8th April            Blackman family            39lb 8oz PB and Lake Record

10th April          Blackman family            3 x 20’s and 1 x 15 in a day

13th April          Jake & Kerry     4 x 30’s in a day

14th April          Jake & Kerry     5 x 20’s in a day

15th April          Jake & Kerry     3 x 20’s and 1 x 30 in a day

24th April          Tony and the boys        4 x PB’s in their first 24 hours

25th April          Tony and the boys        9 x 20’s and 1 x 30 in a day

26th April          Tony and the boys        2 x 20’s and 2 x 30’s in a day

27th April          Tony and the boys        4 x 20’s and 1 x 18 in a day

BAITS – The Blackman family caught on Ian’s homemade baits. All the other fish were caught on Quest Baits available on site.

Martin

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Hopefully these blogs will help anyone thinking about going to France for the first time… or even just to give an insight into the disturbed mind of a 50+ something carp fisherman, who should know better at his age!   I still love an adventure and acknowledges that since taking up with carp fishing holidays in France they have become the highlight of my fishing year… they put a spring in my step and a twinkle in my eye just to think about going again.

Do your research!

Perhaps the most important part of any planned fishing trip is to spend the time to do a little research on picking the correct venue for yourself and your travelling companions.  Without doubt Angling Lines are super at helping anglers experience the delights of France and carp fishing at its best. One phone call to the girls in the office and they will give you unbiased advice on a wide selection of venues and that will definitely help in your quest to find the perfect venue for you.

However I think it’s worth doing a little homework before this and to make some decisions on a few basic requirements.

Perhaps the first thing is to look at is your angling strengths;

Do you regularly fish large waters? Is your fishing equipment designed for this, or perhaps like me your prefer the more intimate type of waters.  Personally I still haven’t grown up and I’m still spell bound from the tales of huge carp in Redmire in 50’s and 60’s.  This has fuelled my obsession that has lasted through the years (I still chuckle on how I used to hide the tins of sweetcorn back in the 60’s from other anglers as it was THE secret bait that caught so many carp from carp lakes up and down the country).

Anyway, please see my thoughts in the list below.  I’ve placed them in the order of importance to me, but remember what’s important to me may be less so to you.

I strongly recommend that a little time at this stage spent deciding on the type of venue you’re looking for will pay dividends and help the girls at Angling Lines sort out the correct venue for you.

1. Take a look at your normal fishing equipment – this should help you decide on a lake size that suits you.  After all you’re going to France to catch and if you normally fish at ranges of up to 50 yards it will be pointless to go to a brilliant water that holds loads of carp but to catch consistently you really need to cast 100yds plus accurately… or vice versa if you are geared up for & enjoy long range fishing back in the UK.  You’ll find the small water venues restrictive for your chosen fishing style and perhaps your fishing equipment not ideally suited to the venue.

Bletiere – one of my favourite small venues in France

2. Do you need accommodation, if so to what standard? Or are you intending to bivvy up?

3. Is your partner, or family going to go with you, or is it a trip with the boys? There are venues specifically catering for what ever type of fishing holiday you are thinking of taking. If you are taking non-fishing companions on the trip, making sure that they will be happy whilst you’re fishing.  This will definitely cut down on any ear ache that will surely be coming your way if your non-fishing wife or girl friend is huddled in the back of your bivvy, sheltering from the rain, and needing to use the loo which just happens to be situated on the other side of the lake!

We'd all like to catch these monster carp but the venues that contain them are often pretty difficult!

4. What’s your fishing target for the week? Is it to catch a 40lb+,or even 60lb+carp?  If so select one of the venues that will give you the best possible chance of achieving this.   Or , like me, are you  just looking for better fishing than is normally available in UK and offers a chance of a carp or two in the 30lb to 40lb bracket (can’t be bad!)  Also remember that many of the waters containing the real giant carp are difficult by their very nature.  Give them a miss unless you are prepared to blank or if lucky to catch just one of these super specimen carp.  Pick a venue that gives you every chance of the type of success you are looking for.  Carp fishing is all about personal choice.  To some anglers the thought of their buzzers going off all the time and 50+ carp banked during a week’s holiday would not suit their ideals at all… whilst to others this would be utopia.

5. Do you want lake exclusive or would you prefer to share with other anglers. Both of these options have their plus points.

6. When you arrive at this point you’ll already have narrowed down the choice of venues on offer to the ones that meet your basic outline requirements.  Now decide when you would like to go. I suggest that if possible be a little bit flexible in this, to give you maximum choice when it comes to the actual booking or to secure your most preferred venue.

7. Check out the feedbacks from the list of venues you have narrowed down your choices to. It’s especially worth while checking the feedbacks from previous years for the time of year that you intend to travel. The feedback section on each of the AL venues is brilliant, they are completely unbiased, not altered in any way and will give you a real insight to the venues on offer.  But remember each of us has differing angling capabilities or may wish to fish in a relaxed holiday style whilst others will fish intensively looking to maximise the opportunity on offer… and this will reflect on the venues feedbacks.

8. Distance – how far are you prepared to travel?  The majority of the furthest venues offer a Fly option where you can hire tackle when you get there.  Or perhaps you would like to choose one of the venues closest to the channel ports and take a leisurely drive through France.

By now, I expect you will be focussing on one or two venues. That to me is when to pick up the phone, speak to the girls in the AL office, tell them what you are looking for.  They’ll probably confirm that you have made the right choices and perhaps help you decide on the final one for you if you just can’t make that ultimate decision.

Is it worth this much effort?

Every time I’ve been to France I see anglers on the way out wolfing down breakfasts on the ferry & full of optimism.  Unfortunately often on the way back I see the same anglers looking disappointed.

I think that to do a bit a homework as listed above, will pay dividends.  Certainly I use Angling Lines because I know each venue has been thoroughly checked out and contains the fish stocks advertised, whilst other less reputable companies or owners perhaps use a bit of poetic licence when describing their lakes stocking levels.  But I think it pays to help them to help you by doing this first stage before you pick up the phone

Pick your venue wisely and it will pay dividends and like me you will be going back for more and more.

Tight lines, Chuck Ives

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