1st time in france, lake recommendations -weather october

[goggins1234]

hi, im new to this site! if you guys could help me on here i'd really appreciate it! i've got hols from work and was thinking of doin a france trip for one week, i've done my own research but would like some guidance. me and my missus, (she doesn't fish), drive/survive, hopefully 1st week october, we don't know what to expect weather wise for this time of yr (this is important!). am i right in assuming that dover/calais is the best route? as its my 1st time i want to make it count, so could anyone recommend a good lake, and as its drive/survive i don't really want to pay over the odds? also i'm unsure about how much bait to take ie how many kilos of boilies, frozen or shelflife? i don't have a bait boat, are they needed over there? do i use their unhooking mat and weigh sling or do i need to upgrade my own as i don't think mine are big enough? doing this has been a dream of mine for years and i want to put it into action and get it right, cos i'm gonna try and go once a year from now on. i'm pleased that my missus has agreed to come cos my fishing buddies keep loosing me down (their loss lol!) am i gonna need to buy a barrow, or would i be able to get the car close to the swim for offloading? im hoping for big carp and big catfish and not the nuisance fish? i have 15lb line on my reels already would it be best to change it to a higher poundage? my missus' phobia is spiders (big time!) and mine is snakes, do we need to worry and am i gonna have to turn ninja lol! if i need to leave my swim for anything (ie shopping for fresh food) would my tackle be safe? if i've left anything out, please comment, as ANY info would be great

[mrs_rusheslake]

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

[andy52]

NH card? Plz explain. Thanks

[mrs_rusheslake]

Your EHIC Card....

Apply for yours here....

http://www.nhs.uk/nhsengland/Healthcareabroad/pages/Healthcareabroad.aspx

[andy52]

Thank you

[leggs007]

goggins take up that space you will not be dissapointed ferry pourtsmouth to caen and 2 hour drive to lake food fantastic and sky in the guest room for your misses i went last year last week in sept weather was cool on the night be nice in day except for one day of rain

[goggins1234]

first of all, thanks for all the replies so far....i think i'll stick with the dover/calais crossing cos of the cost! i've never driven in france would be willing to drive for like 5 hours? (i drive for a living anyway) any info on the toll roads or driving/roads in general would be good. i want big fish waters but i don't want to be there for a week and see no action if that makes sense? my pb is 22lb. would frozen bait be ok with the travelling and then last for a week? how many kilos of boilies would you recommend for a week? as i said i don't want any of those nuisance fish, and will i be alright with a spod and marker or do i need a bait boat?

[mrs_rusheslake]

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?

[goggins1234]

Poisson-chats, crayfish, bream. Please forgive me, i dont mean to seem picky but i dont want my first all important fishing trip to France to be ruined I just want to have the greatest experience possible, so its going to make me want to go time and time again!. I just want to fish for lots of big carp, catfish, sturgeon etc. i haven't narrowed my search down to any, although i have been looking at lots and been researching lots of small clips and videos on u tube. I am looking to start my journey on the 30th of this month. yes i am looking to beat my pb, i would be happy with a 30, but nice to know that there would be a chance of a 40 or a 50, some places even advertise 60's. is this a sales pitch?

[mrs_rusheslake]

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.

[goggins1234]

how much will it cost for me and my missus 1/10/11 drive and survive?

[blondee]

We live in Lancashire, the best route from up North is Portsmouth to Le Havre, with LD lines, if your missus is going get the sleeper seats booked they're worth every penny I've done crossings from Dover too but its a hellish drive down.

 

October weather will start to be chilly at night, we had a couple of nights last week were the temperature dropped and there was ice on the ground sheet, daytime was scorching though, just take warm clothes / fleece and hats just in case it gets cold in the bivvy.

[blankeds]

Goggins, my suggestion would be for you to make a shortlist of say 5 lakes across France, then ask your questions again in accordance to your requirements.

Looking at your previous posts, once you have narrowed your search ask:

 

Location from ports

Size of lake

Fish Stocks

Runs water

Big fish water

Nuisance fish

Facilites ETC....

 

I read your post where you stated that you would be happy with a 30 but would like to catch/chance to have a 40 or 50.

It is not all about catching big fish though I agree there is no better feeling than catching a big lump, but believe me it isn't all about catching a hippo, I would honestly prefer to catch a shed load of fish than sit behind my rods all week waiting for one biggie, its also a holiday after all, stress yourself out and build the trip up to big or bust and you will be sorely upset. Consider the other half, let her catch a few and it opens up a whole new perspective I promise.

 

My opinion would be to look for an out an out runs water, have fun on your first trip then look for something else.

 

You also asked about 60s being a sales pitch, show me where I can put me tent up

"You pays your money and you takes your chance"

Look across all forums, how many reports do you see of 60s coming out on a weekly basis Not that many, and the few that have them are well and truely booked up so the chances of you getting on on the 30th of this month are as likely as falling Nasa satelite landing in my back garden.