silly12sally

Has anybody fished there? What is the lake and stock like?

I use to rig a piece of 3 or 4 inch tubing onto my snakebite hooklink and pull it over the swivel to restrict how far the hooklink can manouevre about when casting. It was effective.

Somerley Lakes in Ringwood. Two lakes. Main lake - 20 acres, carp to 36lb, approximately 80 20s, loads of high doubles. The average fish is 18-20lb. One of those lakes that can throw up big hauls but at other times be very hard. A good winter water. You have to get in the right swims though. There is a roped off sanctuary so it doesnt take einstein to figure out where the fish like to hang. Baiting up the margins is effective. WARNING - VERY SNAGGY. The smaller lake - 6 acres. Loads of singles and doubles with a few 20s. Also a good match lake. Easy water with typical methods working. I personally rate the main lake as one of the top waters in the country. Tickets are available from Christchurch/Ringwood tackle shops.

What is Tonbridge like?

What clubs have you guys belonged to in the area? PM if you're a covert type. I have done Kingfisher, Blue Circle, Northfleet, Frant, Orpington and Wintons and Paddock Wood.

It is no easy venue. Never fished it myself but know a few who have. These have not been the types of anglers who only fish obvious hotspots. It is low stock.

The approach assumes that the carp is taking the bait from the direction of the hook. As stated the hookhold may be outside the carp's mouth. Nice to see you're thinking though.

Not sure if the whole stock is foreign mate. The larger fish certainly are. Very small lakes mate. I have only walked round after a session at Frant, which is 2 mins away. You would not be casting any more than 30 yards. From what I gathered the lakes are very silty.

Use to be a day ticket. Dont get excited by it though mate. There are some clonking fish but it is like having a French 50lber in your garden pond. To round it all off there is a 40lber called Two Tone. What a stitch up?

Sorry for my replies to the guy. Whether he deserved it or not, it was probably best not to react.

Usally the same height as yourself. In your case 'Big Steve' that must be like 10 ft. Cant get over how big you are.

Never fished it. But I have read the book Carp Now and Then by Rod Hutchinson. There is about 3 chapters devoted to Cassien in the book. Also, have a roam around for Steve Briggs articles. He fishes Cassien every winter and has written many articles about the place. He has had fish to 61lb. I have said before cassien is renowned for 90% of anglers blanking but for those who catch 90% will break their pb. Tight Lines, you have picked yourself a heck of a water to tackle. At this stage of my carping life a water like that would break me. One day maybe.

From what I have heard it is not a doddle of a fishery like some have made out.

So that's 9% on a pb, 90% disappointed and 1% feeling very unlucky! I think. Medic! I'm going for a lay down Cowley. Just a quote I read. Not from my personal experience.

Now that might constitute selling. If it was a pleasant setting I would take it on. But most holiday anglers like a venue with a chance of a 60.