A Memorable Fishing Trip

Even if you speak no French at all the language need not be a problem. Most venues are English spoken and because we have booked everything in advance there should be no real problems for you to contend with. You will always find the owners of the lakes helpful and welcoming and we remain only a phone call away at any time.

The majority of the waters that we represent DO NOT require anglers to hold a French National fishing permit “Permit de Pêche”, as they are private venues on private land. Should you travel independently to a venue that is not privately owned, you will need to purchase the correct Licence. These are available in fishing tackle shops or in tobacconists “Tabac”. To night fish in the authorised areas you’ll need the Permit Complet and possibly a night stamp too. Information and the requirements can be obtained from the point of sale.

All the waters we promote DO HAVE legal night fishing in a secure environment – so all the hassle and worries are taken care of. All our waters are either privately owned lakes or have obtained permission from the local authorities to allow carp angling at night.

However, generally speaking on public waters in France night fishing is NOT permitted. This includes most rivers and communal and club waters. Usually designated night sectors are available on venues, but these are usually only a few hundred yards of bankside, and not necessarily the best spots on the lakes or rivers. Information on the night sectors available can be obtained from the fishing Licence point of sale. A word of caution though – fishing outside the night sectors is a risky business and can lead to you having your tackle seized.

I think it is fair to say most anglers go to France with unrealistic expectations on what they will catch in a week. Certainly the lakes we promote are all well stocked, and most hold huge carp to over 50lb, with large numbers of 20’s, 30’s and forties … but unfortunately this doesn’t mean you will haul on every trip.

Think about your fishing at home. How often do you turn a water over in one week? Don’t expect to do so in France. All the lakes we promote have seen some spectacular catches, but not every angler going will emulate these. If the action is slow or non existent it is rarely the fault of the water or the stock levels. Weather can play a big part and very few anglers question their own tactics. Explore a swim and use the techniques that are explained in the magazines and books. Marker floats and plumbing are essential. If you are losing fish, question your rig as it is obviously not giving you the right presentation.

Play around with the length of the hook link, the hair material, bait shape etc. Just because it works at home doesn’t mean it will necessarily work on a French lake. The lake bed, weed, silt levels and debris will certainly be different. This said you will very probably be on venues with fish far larger than you have faced before, unless you are fortunate or experienced enough to be on a top UK water. Thirty pound plus carp are common and some anglers catch several in one week. Forties and fifties are less numerous but many of our venues hold such fish. Set out with reasonable expectations and fish well and you should not be disappointed. We can guarantee that the fish are there but not that you’ll catch them…. that’s your part of the game plan! Feel free to contact me if you have any specific questions. Be bold, be lucky and tight lines!

Depending on the lake will depend on whether the lake has English plug sockets or French outlets.