Frequently Asked Questions - Fishing
Please take time to look around the website as it contains a lot of information put together over time. We are updating the information all the time to ensure that it is accurate as possibly.
Q: I have been told that swims are drawn
out of a hat, is this right?
A: The purpose of the draw is to decide the order for choice of
swims. The person drawing number 1 gets first choice, number 2 gets
second choice, and so on until everybody has a swim.
When you arrive at the lake you have the opportunity to look around,
view the lake from all sides and study the water and swims. I would
suggest you take the opportunity to have a chat with your fellow
anglers to gauge your swim preference against theirs. If you can
agree between you which swim you would like to fish and everybody is
happy then, there will be no need for a draw.
Q: How many other people will be fishing
the lake?
A: The number of anglers fishing in any given week is limited to
around 12 and there may also be a few non-fishing guests. The lake
has 19 places to fish (5 of these are double swims) so there are
opportunities for people to change swims during the week, if you
wish to do so.
There is also the option to pre-bait an empty swim for a couple of
days and then have a day, night or 24 hour session in that swim as a
change during the week. However, in line with the Fishery Rules, you
are not able to have rods out in two swims at the same time for
obvious reasons.
Q: Can I pre-book a double swim prior to
arrival?
A: Sorry, pre-booking of swims is not possible (please see the
comments above). On arrival you will be given the opportunity to
look around and decide where you would like to fish. Please take the
opportunity to chat with you fellow anglers. There are 19 swims (5
of which are doubles) there should be plenty of opportunity to find
a pair together. You can move around during the week if you wish, and
fish another swim.
Q: What Licences do I need to fish the
water?
A: You do not need to obtain Licences to fish at Etang le Fays.
Arrangements have been made with the authorities in France to fish
the water 24/7.
Q: Are there particular swims that fish
better than others?
A: No swim fishes any better than any other around the lake in my
experience. I have taken good fish in every swim I have fished. Take
a look at our interactive Lake Map and click on the swim numbers to
view the pictures and details. When you arrive at the lake you have
the opportunity to look around, view the lake from all sides and
study the water at the swims.
Q: What does the Anglers Briefing cover?
A: Prior to the commencement of any fishing for the week, Mark will
brief everybody on various topics, provide help and guidance and
answer any questions you may have. This will include how to land,
handle, medicate, photograph and return fish is a controlled manner,
what to do if you have problems and a lot more besides. Please give
this briefing your full attention.
If there is anything you need just ask and Mark and Clare will do
what they can to make your week as comfortable, relaxing and
productive as possible.
Q: Is there a barbless hook rule in
place?
A: There is no Barbless Hook rule in place and you can use either
Barbed or Barbless hooks. But no bent hook rigs please (as stated in
the Fishery Rules). My personal preference are ESP Raptor barbless
T6 and G4.
Q: Being a novice carp angler could you
give me some information on rigs, tactics and tackle?
A: You will be pleased to hear that rigs, tactics and tackle are not
rocket science and you can use the same rigs that you would use in
the UK.
If it helps, my preferences are to use a size 6 wide gape hook with
a short shank, ESP Raptor T6 Barbless, or it cousin the longer shank
ESP Raptor G-4 Barbless. About 12 inches (300mm) of Kryston Mantis
Gold 25lb with the last 5 inches (130mm) or so, of the outer
covering stripped back and a hair loop tied. Leave enough to mount
the boilie so that it is just off the bend of the hook when hanging
vertical and tie hook with a knotless knot. Tie swivel to the other
end and you are ready to go. The finished rig will be about 6 inches
(150mm) long.
Use either an in-line lead or helicopter format so that the lead is
not fixed, tied to 15lb mono main line (braided main line is banned)
and you are ready for action. As I say, these are my preferences and
I have caught loads of great Carp using them. My personal best
Mirror to date is 56lb 8ozs.
If you need further information, please contact Mark at the lake.
If you still can’t find an answers to your questions, please don’t
hesitate to cast me a line at webmaster@catchcarpinfrance.com and I
will do what I can to help.
