smufter

As you enter the lake from the path through the woods, turn left and walk about 50 yards. I usually prefer fishing just past the little cut back (can't remember the name of the swim now) but it's just before the tree line. You can cover a lot of water from there.

It's a lovely looking pond. Real "old estate" feel about it with some lovely features. I could imagine spending the whole day sitting here in peace and tranquility....but trust me, you'll either need a JCB or a massive weed rake at least! Enjoy your session at Normy. Get there early or else all the good swims will be taken!

They took on Battle "New pond" last year. I went to have a look at it. Bloody hell. I have NEVER seen a pond so weedy or covered in lillies in my life. It would be impossible to find a clear patch, let along bring a decent fish in..... I'm in Bexhill Ouch.

I work right next door to Wishing tree. It's a great looking lake (if you ignore the part submerged Tesco shopping trollies etc) and I often see big fish topping out in the middle on a nice day. It's just a shame that it's been left to go to rack and ruin, It upsets me to see the amount of litter left lying around on the bank and I wasn't being disrespectful above when I mentioned "noddies" I should have said "hoodies" because you get all the local "chavs" up there fishing during the school holidays. You still get the odd one or two decent people up there fishing, but unfortunately carp care is non existent by the majority.

Trouble is, I doubt if any of them have any lips left.... have you seen the typical noddies that you get fishing down there?

That's Broomham. You can still fish there and there are some reasonable Carp and Perch in there by all accounts, along with Tench. I've had a few Tench out of there in the past. The Carp always seem to be congregating under the trees on the left hand side and it's impossible to reach them. A bait boat would come in handy but you'd look a bit silly with a bait boat on a pond that small

I think the weed situation has got worse since they cut all the trees away

Totally different lake now that all the trees have been chopped down on the far bank. They've really spoilt it. I was a member last year but didn't visit the lake once (shame because it is in a lovely secluded setting). Can be very (very) weedy during the Summer months.

Could be tricky

Oh well, I bit the bullet and booked it anyway! Reviews well, couldn't find a bad word about it anywhere I looked. If anybody fancies joining me for a week (from Saturday 27th June) give me a shout. Might have a place (or two) free. £225.00 for a weeks fishing in nice looking accommodation (I don't do drive/survive!).......

I would have left as is mate. Would have been ideal for fishing the margins from your pod

I currently use Chub Outkast rods, and have been very happy with them. I've got the chance to buy some second hand (almost mint) Free Spirits in just the size I want (11') and they are effectively half the price the guy paid for them new. They won't catch me any more fish that's for sure. But they look the dogs doodah's and will I feel a million dollars using them? You bet I will. Can't wait to pick them up.

Just wanted to know if anybody on the forum had ever fished here before?? http://www.theretreatlake.com/index.htm Looks idyllic for what I want. £895.00 for a weeks exclusive use, including the Gite. Works out just on £225.00 each for the four of us. Has anybody got any 1st hand experience please? Cheers Rob

You cheeky monkey! My 12 footers are making the trip

If anyone's not booked their channel crossing yet, DFDS have just launched a 20% discount offer for all crossings until the end of the year if booked by 28th February. I've just booked our trip in June....£56.00 return! http://www.dfdsseaways.co.uk/ferry-offers-and-deals/ferry-to-france-offers/save20-book-early-offer/?

there's no right or wrong mate, you take what you can afford and what you feel is enough. im sure your have a good week still though it could be so hot in june . it could go 2 ways and that is its either too hot and the fish arent on the feed so much and 15kg is plenty or they would have spawned not long before you go and could well be up for a right munch and 15kg is not enough We are not planning to fish during the "heat of the day"...just early mornings (from first light until about 10am and then again from maybe 6pm until just after dark when it's beginning to cool down). Rest of the time will be spent exploring the local countryside/eateries with my Daughter or sleeping! Only fishing a 5 acre lake, and I'm not one for firing a lot of freebies out. "Normally", I can stretch a kilo out for 2 or 3 sessions.

I'm going to feel decidedly undergunned going with 15kg in June. For the both of us.........

I always use a rig boom to kick my hooklength away from the mainline. Without using one, even feathering the cast can lead to a tangle if you are using a fairly decent sized weight, especially on deeper waters whilst the weight is "plummeting" down.

I am off here next year... http://www.la-ridelee.co.uk/ This also looks quite nice and has accommodation for up to three http://www.carpfishingmayenne.com/index.html Four of us going next year and it works out roughly £180.00 each (excluding ferry/bait/fuel costs etc). The second one would work out about the same bearing in mind there are only 3 of you planning to go. With the first one you are basically "on your own" so I'm looking forward to a few days out in the area sampling the local cuisine and sparking up the supplied BBQ, but the 2nd one offers various food packages if that's what takes your fancy. Both venues about a 5 hour jaunt from Calais, but break the journey up with a slight detour and a nice meal somewhere and you are in holiday mode already! Both seem perfect to me if you want to fish somewhere a little exclusive and intimate...which is my preference. Obviously no good if you want to fish a massive great "ocean". Don't know how "easy" either of them are either, but this will be my first visit too, and I think I'd rather take on something like this than one of the bigger places full of "proper" carpers....

I have used ESP "Soft Ghost" but more recently "Berkley Trilene". http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BERKLEY-TRILENE-FLUOROCARBON-CLEAR-ALL-SIZES-STRAINS-/330577851123?pt=UK_SportsLeisure_Fishing_Line_JN&var=540037905011&hash=item4cf7f9b2f3 I think I actually prefer the Berkley as it knots a little better. I use it in 12lb and have had no problems with it whatsoever, landing my pb (25lb 11oz) on it a couple of weeks ago. Both are clear. I have also heard good things about Seaguar Fluoro but haven't personally used it as yet. Hope that helps. Rob

^^^^^^^ This

Two cats. Colin, a ginger Tom that drives up mad. Dob (so called because she is white with blotches over, like she has been "dobbed" with a paintbrush).

Got to be honest, I'm not a "river" man. I have only ever fished at Normanhurst or Harmers. Haven't fished Rye Nook, understand it is supposed to be reasonably good, but we are spoilt for choice for day ticket waters around here. As I say, I am going over to Crowborough to fish at Stream Valley if you fancy it. One of the nicest day ticket waters I have fished.

Hi Jonno I'm a member and have fished it plenty of times. Lovely, natural lake about 1 1/2 acres in size. Plenty of fish in there, the carp run to just over 20 and give a good scrap. A good head of decent sized Tench in there too along with some fair Perch. It's quite a trek up through the woods to get to the water though, so my advice is travel light! No night fishing but you can fish from 4am until dusk. The lake isn't very deep, and there is a shallow bay at the far end, ideal for a bit of stalking if you fancy. Last year it was quite weedy, you had to pick your spots pretty carefully, I haven't been this year yet, I keep promising myself to pop up there but something else always crops up. I have been told that the weed isn't quite so prolific at the moment. You used to have to buy an additonal "day ticket" (only cost a £ or so) to fish it. This was not done as a money raiser but just so the club knew how many were fishing it at any given time. They dropped this last year as an "experiment" and as far as I am aware it hasn't been re-introduced. I have also taken a mate up there, guests are allowed, I think the price of a guest ticket is about £8.00 a day. You can buy one of these from one of the local tackle shops. They chopped a load of the trees down up there a couple of years ago, and some say that the lake has been ruined because of it. The far bank is devoid of any greenery now, and is very exposed. It's not a particularly nice bank to fish if I'm honest. There aren't that many swims so if you plan on going on a week-end, make sure you get there nice and early or you will end up with a duff 'un. During the week it's a lot quieter, I tend to have Wednesdays off of work and have sometimes been the only one fishing all day. Because of it's location it is nice and quiet, no noise from passing traffic or hoards of people walking by. The odd dog walker but they really are few and far between. If you want any more advice or fancy a session up there one day give me a shout. I can also offer you some advice on other local day ticket waters if you want. I am off to Stream Valley Lakes in Crowborough this coming Wednesday. A nicer water you would be hard pushed to find. Rob

I too use Soft Ghost. Never given me a problem and knots well.