mrs_rusheslake

1 I think.... the weather hasnt been that great high pressure no sun.

coops.... your mate Martin is here this week he is on 23 fish so far so not doing too bad. Weve had a crop of biggish catfish out over the last couple of weeks including a couple of 60+ (56lbs scales bottomed out when resting on the mat ) & a few 50+ all coming to halibuts.

Well Dave I dont know if I can add to your post.... we registered as an SARL ( French equivalent to a Ltd company) in 2003 before we even had paying anglers, as we wanted to do it 'properly' from the off... and obviously be able to claim back the TVA (VAT) on our expensive fish purchase! We dont employ anyone as we are a relatively small operation. I would like to add my good wishes on your new adventure & do get some advice on registering for work etc. There are various expat forums which should tell you the ins & outs of working legally in France. Bon chance!

Flash..... There is accomodation and there is accomodation. During the summer months more anglers are looking for a fishing holiday for the ENTIRE family as financial restraints might mean this will be their only holiday and needs to suit everyone in the party including wives kids etc. Have you seen the Les Rivets house & pool think it sort of outdoes a 1 bedroom 'chalet'. You pays your money etc.

My understanding of the situation is that the water authority had sent a letter to Les Rivets placing a TEMPORARY closure notice on them due to some water issues. Adrian has had a tough time of it over the last 18 months or so, so hopefully he can get the situation resolved asap and get Les Rivets open.

Wow.... I am sure that the choice for you must be mindblowing! First of all I would do a little checklist things that you want the lake to be or have... ie runs water or big fish water. Distance from a port (make sure the time isnt for a lear jet). Facilities.. decent shower/ toilet freezers/ fridges Size of lake how many you want to share the lake with. And most importantly PLEASE ensure the fishery is a fully legal registered fishery. Also try and get recommendations from anglers who have actually been to the venue and not they met someone whose cousins uncles aunt has been!

I would read this if I were you. http://www.carp.com/carp-forum/viewtopic.php?t=51108&highlight=maya

Hi there... Yes you can use livebaits but since doing the latest netting in March they are more difficult to find, still bring your float rod... chap this week was fishing for livebaits and caught a 17lber on a size 16 which made for a good bit of sport! Our fish also have it off the top so worth a go.

Have you forgotten anything??? Have a great trip

You wont find a site... but these usually come up by word of mouth. Trouble with the 'try before you buy' method is that owners would be reluctant as valuable fish stocks could go 'walkabouts' I know I would... Still, as you said, they can only say no.

Carpepecheur that is just lakes for sale.. I could probably give the OP a rundown on lakes that are for sale but dont know any that are for up for lease... Will keep my ear to the ground for you though.

Thats really kind of you its much appreciated

At the end of last year I did write a thread on how we were looking for a hero. I must apologise first of all because the day after I got rushed into hospital & I never followed up on some of your very kind offers . Well upshot of it all is after much searching we finally found our hero... Adam a serving soldier with the Paras who has done tours of duty in Kosovo, Iraq, Northern Ireland twice & Afghanistan twice the latest in 2011. His wife put his name forward as she is immensely proud of him and thought he very much deserved this treat. Adam has been a very keen carp angler for a number of years and had never been to France although it has been a long held dream of his. As some of you might remember a regular & extremely generous customer had offered a couple of places in his exclusive week for a hero. John travels to Rushes every year from Australia! Well with Johns generous gift and some sustenance and a bait package they arrive here on Saturday so fingers crossed he will have a fantastic week.

Cheers Simon...

If this isnt a bit of spamming please answer the questions... what week in September, how many of you are still going, the cost etc. Please also can you add the siret number of the lake to put members minds at rest regarding their legality. Thanks

There are a small number of operators taking small groups to France, some have specific destinations & others have a choice. Before you make any decision it is important to ask them if they have 'hire & reward' insurance and are operating within the law.

Fantastic boys... Thanks

Awwwww Cobleyn that is so nice of you !!!!

As some of you will know we are supporting the Help for Heroes charity in 2011 & 2012. One of our VERY generous regulars has donated 2 places on his exclusive week to TWO serving members of the Armed Forces. If you know 2 lads/ladies who you think deserve these places then please let me have your thoughts. The week is w/c April 28th 2012 The swims are both together. Although Johns week is a 'breakfast only' week Iain & I will throw in the breakfasts for the week & a bait package. So please put your thinking caps on & pm me with possible candidates & details. Just need to work out how to get them a ferry crossing.

A fantastic year for you both & of course your anglers. Was lovely spending a lazy day with you back in the summer. Your fishery gets better and better & with hosts like you & Val 2012 is poised to be a very special season. Kim & Iain

I believe Michel netted it in the latter part of this season, the crays were a problem. Having said that I have just read the AL blurb and it doesnt mention them AT ALL.

I think your research must include reading catch reports & reading experience reports, and better still recommendations from anglers that have fished the lake. Your first trip is a learning curve. Ignore the blurb.... read the facts.

What would you class as nuisance fish? Transporting freshly frozen boilies can be done in either a coolbox with ice bags or packs... just make sure whether the lake you are going to has freezers. As I said before bait & quantities thereof will depend on what lake you decide to fish. Some lakes are 'baitboat' waters... but some arent. To be honest these questions should be all directed to say 4/5 lakes you have narrowed your search to. Has your internet search got you a shortlist yet???? If you are doing D&S ask whether they have fridges/ freezer. In your opinion what is a big fish water or more importantly would upping your pb a few times still do it for you?

Your EHIC Card.... Apply for yours here.... http://www.nhs.uk/nhsengland/Healthcareabroad/pages/Healthcareabroad.aspx

Where to start LOL? Weather can be as unpredictable in France as it is in the UK... could be warm or cold & wet days, the nights will be cold though and obviously long. Dover - Calais is by far the cheapest route, but if you are looking to fish in Central France (Limousin area for example) the journey will be 7 hours plus. So best to decide how far you want to drive in France and draw up a shortlist dependant on this. Do you want a runs water or a big fish water.....? Whats your UK pb? If the lake supplies unhooking mats & slings they will want you to use them, this is because of disease transfer. You probably wont want to buy a barrow as MOST lakes will either let you borrow one if you cant drive & drop off your gear to your swim & in any case you dont want to increase the cost of your holiday do you? Spiders are a matter of course in France Im afraid much the same as UK... we dont have deadly ones though! Snakes should be tucked up already in October so shouldnt think you would encounter them. 15lb line is fine. One thing I would sort out now though is your NH card... this could take a couple of weeks and is an absolute MUST. Most lakes will specify what bait they allow, personally I would figure on getting fresh frozen... saying this though different things work on diffferent waters so something to sort once youve sorted out where you are going. Have a couple to recommend within 4 hours of Calais dependant on big fish or runs.... I also have space for one + guest for w/c Oct 1st