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SPECTACULAR FISHING BY THE DUTCH - CATH REPORT A MUST READ!!!

FISH REPORT  - WEEK 19

TOTAL  FISH  CAUGHT   -   92

Norfolk Boys Invade

The weather this week was warm early week, and a mixed bag late week, with clouds and a few spells of NW winds (but no rain), had us expecting a slow week. With a mid week burst of action and the NW wind keeping the temperatures comfortable the session turned out fairly good (maybe the moon-phase – for those interested it was Waxing Gibbous to 80% by the weekend ! ! ).
The early week  warm spell, and throughout the late week warmer days Rob Day & Johnny Owen managed  a haul of  22 fish from Churchills swim, no 40’s but in a total of 21 fish both anglers had fish over the 30lb mark, Johnny managing 5 over 30lb to 36lb 6oz, and Mark with 3 -30’s to a P.B. of 39lb 8oz , not bad for Mark’s first visit,
Further down the far bank in St Tropez, regular Gary Little had an early start with a cracking 40lb 12oz fish (I help him land it while returning from angler deliveries on the Tractor – OUH AR, OUH AR) ) and a further 41lb 8oz fish were included in Gary’s 12 fish catch, including 7 – 30’s to over 35lb. Poacher Gary did start some ‘Midnite requies’ from St Tropez into Kens Dash and Moorings water (I’m deaf! and I heard the leads land from the caravan !) but !, Jason Sayer & Mark Purser had no problems, as the long lines moved the fish over for short range fishing (40-45yrds) from both Kens Dash & Moorings on the lodge front.
Jason & Mark struggled early in the week in Kens Dash (we did suggest they split up (Jason is recovering from a major back problem and needed help) but the guys stuck at it (lucky sods) and the wind changed, and Gary helped greatly from St Tropez!!! All together the Guys took 22 fish , with Mark taking all of the 5 – 30lb’s , but Jason didn’t mind , he had fish of 42lb and 47lb , result!!!!.            
Down in Sleepy Hollow.. Nige Thompson and Rob Hinkins struggled to get the numbers, but fish of 32lb and 35lb 8oz for Rob and a P.B. of 53lb 0oz for Nige  sealed a good session for the guys. While further down the bank in Dogs , Swamp & Planet respectively,  Pete , Den  and Mike ‘the German’ from the Deep South , Eddie ‘the Owners’ Country (I can hear the duelling Banjo’s as I write), Took several good fish, Mike with the Lions share and 10 fish, with 4 - 30’s to 35lb 8oz but Pete took the show with a late session 43lber.

Thanks for the help from the Guys who fish the lake, I’m hoping that, all the bit and bats arrive and all the guys come good with the requests for Tackle from the U.K. (I pull a world record from Spain you’ll all get a mention, (fat  angling chance- try a Web search). . . . . . . . . . . . .

Tight Lines & Bent Rods    …………………………..   Cherpont Mick

FISH REPORT  - WEEK 18

TOTAL  FISH  CAUGHT   -   117  + 1 Red Carp

FARLOW’S  STORM  CHASERS !

Its strange , but bad weather seems to follow some people around , never has this been so true than when referring to the Farlow’s Lake away teams.  Last year’s first session on Cherpont came to a grinding halt when the Creuse region saw the worst flooding in living memory, and some of our banks were under a foot of water at one point.  This year an early season trip to Village De Peche saw some of the guys wiped out by a Tornado ! and one or two were lucky to come away intact, so it was with trepidation that we saw the group arrive , and , true to form Midweek saw a Hailstorm which, fortunately, didn’t last too long at the lake, but stripped trees of all their foliage in the local town and destroyed several cars in a nearby town.

The group got off to a flying start and managed to bank 5 fish over the magical 40lb mark during the weekend, unfortunately the weather really warmed up, slowing the action and then the Hailstorm seemed to put the larger fish off the feed. Having said that , 3 of the Guys managed totals of 18 fish and over and non of the anglers blanked. 117 fish were banked in total and even one of our prized Red Carp put in an appearance . . . . .  

Top of the list for numbers of fish was ‘Mainline sponsored’ Wayne Mansford, who took a creditable 24 fish from the Moorings swim. Wayne’s Haul included 12 fish over 20lb (including a beautiful 24lb fully scaled specimen), 6 over 30lb including a 36 and 39lber, and this was topped off with a 40lb 6oz cracker. Wayne’s winning method was medium range fishing (35 – 45yrds) and baiting little and often. Nice result and well deserved as the poor guy suffered a bad cold for part of the week and at one point looked like death ! 

New boy to the group, Lucas Dyer quickly got to grips with the lake, banking 18 fish in total, including 2 over 40lb in the first 48 hours. Fishing the Renamed swim around 70yard out brought steady action throughout the week for Lucas, and besides the 40’s, at 42lb 0oz and 44lb 4oz, he also managed a further 4 over 30 to 35lb, and 10 over 20lb. He’s already booked on next years trip and could be one of the 4 that’s already paid their deposit to organiser Phil Bevan , better get yer names down quick boys, spaces are going fast ! ! !

Worker of the week must go to Craig Anstiss who kept moving between St Tropez and S.O.S. swims (and would have done a session in the Snags too if the Churchill’s, and McVities guys hadn’t been up there every morning at Dawn till dusk !). The hard work paid off though, and Craig Logged 18 fish (tho I’m sure he told me he’d had 20) , no monsters but 11 over 20lb and 4 over 30lb making the moves worthwhile.

Me old mates Pete ‘Spotty’ Leakey and Gary Dickson aka ‘Cabbage’ were on this particular trip, fishing the Dam end, and both took 3 fish over the 30lb mark.  Pete managing one of the 40lbers at 41lb 7oz while poor old Gary just can’t seem to get over that magical mark here – one day mate !

The Boys in Churchills swim, James Money and Dave Bowden , had a couple of purple patches and shared a 12 fish catch with 3 - 30lbers and new boy Dave took a P.B. 42lb 0oz lump  -  well done fella.

 All in all , not bad for a slow week   . . .    Tight lines and Bent Rods  . . . . .   Cherpont Mick

FISH REPORT  - WEEK 17

TOTAL  FISH  CAUGHT   -   75

EVERYONE A ‘WINN’ER

Week 17 saw a mixed bag of weather with very hot weather and evening thunderstorms, and heavy rain late week. The rainstorms had the desired effect , revitalising the lake as the week progressed, and the party of 10 anglers managed 75 fish in total, with 7 taking fish over the magical 40lb mark, and 5 P.B.s broken.

The Winn family turned up en-masse with Husband and wife team Darren and Naomi, and Son Martin and his new Bride Daniel taking up the Lodge front. The 3 anglers in the family (Daniel was just here for the sun) managed 24 fish in total, and all managed 40lb+ lumps. The family haul included 11 over 20lb , 8 over 30lb with Naomi taking 4 of these to just over 39lb and the 40lbers were:
Naomi  -  41lb 0oz ( P.B.)  ,   Martin  -  41lb 0oz    and   Darren  -  44lb 0oz  . . . . .

Our Welsh contingent arrived for their 2nd visit of the season and 4 of the 5 guys managed 40lb+ fish with the best of the week to Andy Cross at 51lb 12oz and a new P.B from Planet swim. Andy also took 4 over 20lb and 3 over 30lb to 36lb 11oz.
Next door in ‘The Dogs’swim, Simon Dobbs took a creditable 14 fish to a best of 43lb 8oz.
Regularly baiting the 85 to 90yard bar produced a further 6 over 20lb and 6 over 30lb to 35lb 0oz.
Andy Smith also fished the lodge front in ‘Moorings’ swim and caught steadily at medium range to finish the week with 7 fish, 2 of these over the 40lb at 40lb 8oz and 42lb 4oz.
Worker of the week (he’s used to it, working in the Pot Noodle Mines !) goes to Dai Philips.
Dai started the week in Planets, but a slow start had him up and moving to Renamed where he promptly pulled out a 34lber and his weeks best at 42lb 0oz. Not content with this, and reading the weather conditions well, Dai moved to the Dam end (Niagara) for the final 2 days and pulled a further 4 fish , 3 over 30lb to 36lb , well deserved Dai .

Me, well ….  A little experiment in Sleepy Hollow using 14mm baits and pellet at short (40yrds) range, produced 6 Carp in 2 nights to just over 30lb , and 4 Roach! Non under 2lb, plenty of action but I think I’ll stick to the larger baits next time ! !

Tight Lines & Bent Rods   . . . . . . . . .    Cherpont Mick

FISH REPORT  - WEEK 15

TOTAL  FISH  CAUGHT   -   74

TONNE UP TO 7 ANGLERS

A very sticky and humid week produced a surprising number of good fish to the seven anglers fishing with 2 of our prized 50lb+ visiting the Banks. Most of the guys were praying for a storm and a downpour which was predicted for later in the week but it never materialized , but that didn’t stop them from amassing a creditable 74 fish in total.

Mobility was again the name of the game, and Chris Belcher took full advantage of the extra space, taking 29 fish in total from no fewer than 4 different swims. 15 – 20’s , 12 over 30lb and a well deserved  52lb 4oz monster, and new P.B., from McVities swim which had recently been vacated (Doh). Poacher Chris had been taking some stick from fishing partner Mark Hobson on Chris’s inability to regularly top the 40lb mark, so he pushed passed that mark straight to the 50lb+ fish. Mark was surprisingly quiet after that!
Mark himself had managed a number of good fish prior to this with 5 over 30lb and 2 over 40lb at 41lb 3oz and a P.B. at 44lb 14oz , both from Sleepy Hollow.

Largest fish of the week fell to the rods of ‘Dangerous’ Brian Watts (that was the name on his T shirt) who banked ‘Petals’ at 58lb 0oz , a little down in weight after spawning, but he’ll soon be back over the 60lb mark. Brian also managed a further 5 fish with 3 – 20lbers and 2 over the 30lb mark to 34lb, all from Far & Away swim.

Mick Bridges managed some well earned leave from the Army after 4 tours of duty to war torn locations. Mick wasn’t here for a rest though and worked hard on several of the Far bank swims to finish the week with a 10 fish total with 8 fish over 30lb topped with a 46lb 2oz and new P.B.  I’m lead to believe Mick will be fishing for the Army at Abbey Lakes later in the year, we wish him all the best for this and hope he has as good a session as this one.

All in all an excellent week, and most of the anglers had packed down by Friday dinner, to celebrate Mick Bridges birthday, and to watch our tennis hopes go down in flames, as Andy Murray lost in the Wimbledon Semi’s!
Oh well , roll on next year . . . . . . .

Tight Lines & Bent Rods    ………………..    Cherpont Mick    

FISH REPORT  - WEEK 10

NEW LAKE RECORD NEW LAKE RECORD NEW LAKE RECORD NEW LAKE RECORD NEW LAKE RECORD NEW LAKE R

Parrallels 64lb 8oz

TOTAL  FISH  CAUGHT   -   81

NORTHERN  LAD  ‘LEEDS’ THE WAY.

With a week of hot humid weather , and spectacular ,mid-week Thunderstorms with Hailstones the size of Golf Balls, and the anglers running for cover , its still a wonder that the lake managed to produce 13 fish over the 40lb+ mark , AND , Break the Lake record in the Process !!

Northern Monkey ‘Steve Chapman,’ (from Leeds) has been visiting the lake for several years , and has landed some impressive fish on previous visits , but the experience he’s gained  all came good in one exceptional session .
Steve worked hard ,taking some good fish from ‘McVities’ swim,,before going mobile .
His  return to McVities certainly paid off in the shape of a New P.B. and Lake Record 64lb 8oz (‘Parrallels’).  Steve also managed fish of 45lb 0oz,  44lb 2oz , 43lb 2oz and 42lb 4oz  in a 19 fish  bonanza which included a further 7 – 30lb+ fish to 39lb 5oz. Well Done and well deserved Steve.
Fishing partner Ken Harris, in Moorings, did his best to keep up with his Hualing friend, and in between changing the food menu on a daily basis, managed 14 fish to a 42lb 0oz best for the week. A further 9 – 20’s and 4 – 30’s to 37lb 10oz put a smile on Ken’s face (were sure we saw one Ken).
   
In a mid-week purple patch at the Dam end, Glynn Robinson (one of the first people to own a caravan on the famous Waverney Valley Complex, when it was a chicken farm !) took a brace of 40lb fish at 43lb 2oz and 42lb 0oz in a 6 session from ‘Niagara’, while his mate Kev  Wishart, next door in ‘Gordy’s’, hooked and lost 3 good fish – Unfinished business Kev , next time.

Up at the other end of the lake John Lyons and Martin Dansey teamed up in ‘Churchills’, and took a 40lb+ fish each along with a further 14 fish. Martin had a 42lb 12oz fish while Johns biggest weighed in at 47lb 5oz and the pair also took 6 other fish over the 30lb mark to a 39lb 4oz for John.

Young lady angler, Elle Jopson is in her early teens, but has caught some pretty impressive fish, for someone so young, in both the U.K. and abroad. Fishing alongside Dad Jason on a slow week for the pair, she still managed to bank a 44lb 2oz beauty , I.m not sure but I don’t think this is Elle’s P.B. well done Elle.

A mention about the Felton Gang, three generations to be precise, Grandad Del managed a 41lb 4oz fish from ‘Renamed’ , bettered by his son Lee who took a 48lb 4oz chunk , and Lee’s son Alf of 12yrs age also got into the fish. Doing all his own work Alf managed 5 fish, breaking his P.B. on at least 2 occasions and breaking the 30lb barrier 3 times in all to finish with a P.B. of 34lb 14oz , well done Alf, a Carp Angler in the making.

Bent Rods and Tight lines    . . . . . . . .   Cherpont Mick

FISH REPORT  - WEEK 9

TOTAL  FISH  CAUGHT   -   85  +  1 RED CARP

Bert’s  Week

With a warm week, with changeable wind directions, and a few Thunder storms thrown in for good measure, it was inevitable that the fish would come on to spawn, but that didn’t stop the ‘Fireman’s outing’ from taking a few decent lumps , 3 over the 50lb mark in all, and a further 10 over 40lb+  made up the catch for the 6 regular visiting anglers, and they still managed 8 P.B.’s , with all but 1 angler taking fish over the 40lb+ mark . . .

Being mobile was soon obvious for the guys, and several big fish were taken quickly, after casting into unpressured areas, and resting the night spots during the day paid off. ‘Bert’ Clarke took the lions share of the fish mainly from ‘Churchills’ swim with a 22 fish haul, including 5 – 20’s , 9 – 30’s to 38lb 14oz , and 3 over the 40lb mark at 40lb 0oz , 44lb 10oz and 45lb 12oz . No P.B.’s but Clarkey has had some decent kippers from the lake in the past, and can boast some decent fish from the Walthamstow complex also.

Biggest fishes of the week goes to ‘Bert’ Gaish , fishing the Lodge bank during the day , he returned to the ‘Renamed’ swim at night to pull out a P.B. Common of 42lb 2oz , followed by a ‘New’ 50 at 50lb 12oz and P.B. for Danny in the shape of ‘ The Orange’ , first time over the 50lb mark.
Our policy is to let any angler who catches a fish, which exceeds the 50lb+ mark, to name that fish  . . . . . . (thank Christ ‘the Orange’ already had a name ! ! ! (The name was to be ‘Bert’ !!))

Close behind Craig (literally!) was ‘Bert’ Payne aka Giggles, never stopped laughing, and laughed his way to the second largest fish of the week and a P.B. of 51lb 12oz taken within 1 hour of casting into unpressured swim, ‘McVities’. He returned to ‘Kermits’ swim in the evenings and managed a further 8 fish to 44lb 2oz.

‘Bert’ Foster managed a  few good fish from the ‘Moorings’ swim early week and managed a P.B. 42lb 8oz , but a good move as the weather changed produced a 2nd P.B. for Kris in the ‘Swamp’ swim at 44lb 5oz, (7pm Thursday evening as I remember Kris)
Unfortunately Vocals ! was literally Rudely interrupted by the Streaker from Scarper-Carper(see the advert in C.W.) on his bike (Jamie, you didn’t do a very good job on my bike seat , it still smells ! ! ! wet wipes my? arse).

Bert Danks, and Bert Astley, were the sensible Anglers on the trip! (sorry Graig and Jamie) who fished hard and long (and sometimes Naked) during the week , Craig taking fish to 42lb 2oz and 44lb 4oz and Jamie, just short of the 4-0 with 6 fish over 30lb , 3 so close at 37lb 4oz , 38lb 0oz and 39lb.

Seriously well done to Lee, Danny, Colin, Kris, Danky and Jamie , a most enjoyable week and well deserved fish, just keep the cloths on next time! ! !  

Me! after a 2 week break and a rest, managed to level the scores with John at
3 – 40lb each, though I’ve needed twice the fishing time!. . .!

That’s Fishing, Tight Lines & Bent Rods    . . . . . . . . .. . .Cherpont Mick (& Berts)

FISH REPORT  - WEEK 8

TOTAL  FISH  CAUGHT   -  114

Week 8  was a mixed bag of weather with a warm start which turned to rain later in the week, this brought the fish on to feed and 7 of the 9 anglers managed to bag a 40lb+ fish, and  10 P.B.’s were broken.

Best fish of the week went to regular, and Birthday Boy Dave Lamb, who, after a poor start in ‘TheDogs’ swim moved to ‘McVities’ swim and promptly pulled out a P.B. 55lb 0oz within minutes of the move. A further 6 fish with 2 – 30’s to 39lb 0oz and 2 – 40’s at 41lb 8oz and 43lb 0oz left Dave a happy man. Commenting after the 55lber Dave stated “It was fate, my Mum needed 55 for a house at Bingo but it never came up. I told her don’t worry mum I’ll get the 55 next week” which he duly did. Nice Birthday present.

Most fish of the week went to another regular Nige Ludbrook who caught steadily throughout the week in ‘T&N’ (Tooth & Nail) swim, 27 fish in all.  Nige was left scratching his head early week , as he helped fellow Lodge front angler Stu Jenks land 2 early lumps (both over the 40lb mark) , but continued trickling the bait in and pulling the fish out, 10 – 30’s to 38lb 12oz and 4 over the 40lb mark including a 40lb 0oz ,
a 40lb 2oz , a P.B. Common of  42lb 2oz and topped of with a P.B. Mirror at 46lb 0oz.

New to the lake, Stu Jenks opted for ‘The Moorings’ swim and was glad he did. 2 early P.B.’s of 40lb 6oz and 49lb 11oz set Stu up for the week , and he went on to land 13 fish in all with 5 – 20’s and 5 – 30’s to 37lb 7oz . Another convert ! ! !

Regulars Alan Blackford and Tina Lazell chose ‘Sleepy Hollow’ swim for the week.. Mailine’s N.R.G. is always Alan’s Game Plan, fished at short range (40-45yrds), and as usual it produced the goods with 28 fish banked between the pair. 7 – 20’s and 12 – 30’s were taken with Tina having the lager 30’s with 3 over 37lb and both Anglers had 3 over the 40lb+ mark with Tina’s best at 42lb 10oz and Alan taking a 42lb 12oz Mirror and 2 more on the 46lb mark.  The pair also brought a Rose bush and Commemorative Plack for Alan’s late partner Eileen who was also very successful on the Lake, and who sadly passed away last year. The Rose now takes pride of place in the flower bed on the Lodge front and we hope Eileens still pulling the Big fish out somewhere.

Finally a couple of further P.B.’s and 40lb+ fish , the first to new face Pete Randall, after a move to ‘Niagara’ swim, Pete saw fizzing at short range which he cast to and was duly rewarded with a 41lb 0oz Mirror , good angling Pete , and the second mention to Mike Bebb who worked hard on the far bank all week fishing several of the free swims and at the end of the week was rewarded with 2 well deserved 40lb+ fish at 44lb 12oz and a new P.B. Mirror at 48lb 8oz , Mikes fishing partner for the week Gaz Sharples did the same but just could not get over the 40lb mark. Next time Gaz , unfinished business.

Tight Lines and Bent Rods   . . . . . .   Cherpont Mick  

WEEK 7

Mick's back...... now we get a proper catch report!!!

Week 7 saw the hot weather arrive to the region and some late week thunder and rain but the fish were on form with a total of 140 fish grading the bank - 15 of these over 40lb - the week's best 48lb8oz although none of the 50lbers put in an appearance. Most of the 40's came to the rods of regular Trevor Anthony in Churchills (always good in the hot weather) with 4 over the 40lb mark in a 20 fish haul - 8 20's, 5 30's to 39lb8oz and fish of 40lb 8oz, 41lb 8oz and his best of the week at 45lb.

Regulars Bob & Jackie Young kept on the move with the weather changes, fishing 7 swims in all for a total of 36 fish - 8 20's, 21 30's with 7 over 37lb and for a change Bob managed the larger fish at 41lb 8oz and the weeks best at 48lb 8oz - Jackie taking her weeks best at 38lb 4oz. Back to the biggies next time Jackie.......surely a lady who deserves a nomination for Lady Angler of the Year - she has a list of big fish which any traveling angler would be proud of (with a PB of well over 60lb) and unselfishly provides good advice on fishing Cherpont via the Carp Forums (while we're on the subject of Bob & Jackie, they have been regular anglers at Cherpont since the beginning and have spread the reputation of Cherpont far and wide for which I would like to thank them very much. Eddie)

We had 4 new recruits to the lake with the guys managing to break 10 PB's between them - and all fishing with lumps as follows:

Adam Dargan - Gordy's - 3PB's and a best 39lb8oz

Adam Whalley - Niagara - 4 PB's with 2 40's to 44lb

Chris James - with a PB of 44lb after a move to Lizards

Top of the new rods must go to Steve Priestly with 7 fish including 2 30's to 38lb, 3 over the 40lb mark, 40lb2oz, 42lb5oz and 45lb1oz, although his mates reckon the fish don't count as he actually talked them onto the bank!!! Top angling Steve. The Introducer of the new boy's, Dodgy Del Picton also managed a best of just over 39lb from the Moorings.

The "West Ham" regulars managed to increase a few PBs - 3 in all with TV star (return of the GED X) improving both his Mirror and Common PBs to a weeks best of 47lb 10oz and Calamity Bob Courtney, ADA Cacky, in between Birds Nest, Snap Offs and disasters around the kitchen Tea Urn entered the "Wall of Fame" here at Cherpont with a much awaited PB of 47lb 10oz - well done Bob, it couldn't have happened to a nicer (buy disaster struck) guy.....

Oh, nearly forgot Dudley Dave Ayres with a fish of 47lb 12oz (I think), with that Broad Brummy Accent, Dave could easily be French...... we can't understand either of the languages....... 5pm Dave!!!

All photos will follow soon, unfortunately the Modem melted in the late week electrical storm and May doesn't exist on the French working calendar with ARmistice, Pique (May Bank Holiday) and Ascension days and everyone French talking of the summer holidays, it could be a while before I'm back on line..... I think the French have got it right through, tarra for now Stress Heads.

140 carp caught. 70 over 30lb, 39 over 35lb, 15 over 40lb, the biggest 48lb 8oz. Average weight over 30lb.

Cherpont Mick.

WEEK 6

What can we say about this week.....? Only that the Welsh arrived - along with the rain! The biggest fish of the week was 48.12 for Thomas Davidson.

The total of fish for the week was 84 with 2 40+ common and 10 other 40+ mirrors.

Saturday, Sunday and Monday it rained non stop which slowed the fishing down a touch but it picked up at the back end of the week. Out of 16 anglers, 8 achieved PBs. Top rod of the week was Mark with 14 fish - 2 40lb+.

PS. Chiddy, wheres by back leads???

WEEK 5

Mick will be back next week. We had a good week including one of our 50's, Arthur at 56lb but John only managed to put 25 words down for the catch report........!

Still, here goes..... Shaun managed to bag a biggy in the name of Arthur (because of a scar oN the gill - get it? Arthur Scargill - well I thought it was good!)

78 carp caught, 43 over 30lb, 22 over 35lb, 9 over 40l b, 5 over 45lb - the biggest .

CHERPONT, YOUR BEST CHANCE IN FRANCE FOR A FIFTY!!!!!

WEEK 4
 
Mick's away for 2 weeks so sorry for the abreviated catch report......
 
My 2 friends popped over for a couple of nights fishing (Friday & Saturday).  When they arrived they looked like models from a C&A window!  Anyway, the first night the Dangerous Brothers (well Fahter & Son) managed a nice 37.5lb. After the first night in a bivvi I thought they might appreciate dinner at a restaurant and a comfortable bed in my house but NO, they chose the bivvi for night 2.  After retiring to my Granite bivvi (I went back to the house) at 8pm they managed 9 carp including 3 40's!  We needed an early start on Monday morning so with no shower or change of clothes there was a bad smell on the flight home!!!  Well done Barry & Mark.
 
Phil Court laded one of our known 50s Bruiser at a good weight of 54.03lb.

 
The facts....... 180 carp caught.  104 over 30lb, 18 over 40lb and the biggest at 54.08lb.
 
I was nice to see our regulars the Timney Clan (3 generations of fishermen).  John Timney Senior caught well including a 40+ common.
 
Again, not long till Mick is back so the catch report should get better.
 
See you all soon.
 
Eddie.

WEEK 3 - taking advantage of the special price - the bargain hunters on tour!

On a week with mild, overcast weather with a warm southerly later in the week, the guys on week 3 managed a pretty decent tally of fish.

Top rod for the week must go to Bob Belcher, who worked the Lodge side upper bank from Sleepy Hollow to Swamp. Staying in touch the feeding fish all week, he managed to break his PB twice and accumulated an impressive total of 44 fish including 13 - 20lb, 19 - 30lb and 5 fish over the 40lb mark including fish of 40lb 12oz, 41lb 8oz, 44lb 8oz, 47lb 12oz and finally topped off with "Petals", now back to approaching "HIS" best weight at 61lb 6oz (that's the last time we let the anglers name the fish (just joking fellas)).

Close on Dads heals, and actually taking a bigger fish count, was Bob's son Chris (Belcher). No fewer than 49 fish to this accomplished young angler who, with Angling buddy Kyle Cordrey, used all the swims to good effect on the far bank. 21 - 20lb, 19 - 30lb to 39lb 4oz graced the net, and Chris managed 4 over the 40lb mark, 3 from Far & Away swim at 40lb 10oz, 42lb and 44lb 12oz, and the best for the week for Chris from St Tropez swim at 45lb 12oz.

Poor Kyle got a bit of a ribbing from the father and son team, he just could not get in touch with the better fish and only (!) managed 19 fish with 4 over 30lb with a best of 37lb 6oz. Kyle did manage to reap revenge when Chris cast his rod tip section into the margins. Chris was a little wary of wading out in to the marginal silt, so got Kyle to give support with a landing net pole, the section was dully found but Kyle seemed to keep pushing forward with the pole. After several attempts Chris abandoned the help and waded back unaided......

With the other anglers out on the main lake, Eddie (the Owner) and the Bailiffs commandeered the Lodge front, and managed 4 - 40lb+ fish. Eddie had not fished the lake seriously in 5-6 years so did the week (and a couple of nights!) for 14 fish, with 6 over 30lb to 37lb and 2 - 40lbers, 41lb 8oz and 42lb (his old scales only go up in hal pound divisions!) all from Moorings swim.

John had a result in T&N with 10 fish in 3 afternoons including 5 - 30lbers and 3 over 40lb to a best of 42lb 12oz and an impressive average for the fish weights at over 34lb.

Mick struggled along as usual and had his 40lber per week at 45lb 2 oz in a couple of nights, and local French Carp angling friend Gerome had an invite for his help during the close season, and in 2 "nights only" fishing sessions, broke his PB with a fish of 46lb 2oz (20.95kg).

In total the lake produced 144 fish with 16 over the 40lb mark, to a best of 61lb 6oz. 7 of the 40lbers caught by occasional anglers so, all in all a pretty good week. After the cold starts of the last 2 seasons and the slow results, these early weeks this season are turning up some awesome fishing.

STOP PRES.......As I write this report (Sunday pm) a further 5 - 40lb+ fish have been the bank!!! WATCH THIS SPACE.....

WEEK 2

After the Dutch success on Drive & Survive the lake slowed a little and with early week cold NE winds the going was initially tough. Although the group of 10 did still manage 7 fish over the 40lb mark with a weeks best of 48lb 2 oz.

Chris Evans stand in, Nige "Ginger" Wilks took 2 of the bigger lumps in a 3 fish catch from Tooth & Nail. He managed the weeks best at 48lb 2oz and a further 40 at 41lb 2oz, all from an area baited for 3 days before fishing, top angling!

Next door in Moorings, Jim Pocock took the same, with 3 fish to 41lb 8oz and a new PB both guys were on the Trigga, over pellet and corn.

The Drive & Survive boys managed 12 fish between them and they all took 40lb+ fish, all coming within 20 minutes of each other. Nick Stewart (41lb 6oz and 41lb 2oz), Ricky William (45lb 8oz) and Darren Lee (46lb) fishing beyond the baited areas paying off. Unfortunately they had to leave mid-week but were already planning a return trip with a full party, the words "dogs dangly bits" were mentioned.

Finally, a report on "the traveling man", "relief bailiff" Rob McIntyre had his last session for what could be quite a while! Robs baby girl is due in 4 weeks so the guy swapped from week 6 to 2, now that's dedication. Dragging fishing, and work friend Alan Jones around the Lake a possible 5 times (probably nearer 7), they worked hard for the 8 fish between them, both anglers taking fish to 30lb+ to a best of Robs 33lber.

From all at Cherpont, al the anglers that have met you and the guys here, we wish you all the best, and we will see you soon, and that God there might be a few swims left for the rest of us to fish!!!

Amazing Fishing at Cherpont - report provided by Mick the Bailiff .....photos to follow!

With temperatures touching 22 deg during the days and 3 warm days prior to their arrival, the Dutch guys were hopeful of a good session, but the week that followed was one of the best at Cherpont in at least 3 years!!

259 carp were landed during the week of which 37 were over the magical 40lb+ mark. 12 fish were over 45lb and 4 of the sought after 50's graced the net, including Parallels, Bruiser and Arthur all of which are nearing their previous PB's after the marathon spawning of last year.

Top of the list was trip organizer and www.carpmania.nl entrepreneur Frenk and fishing partner Adri, taking 57 fish from Sleepy Hollow. Their list included 22 30's, 16 40's (3 of these over 45lb) and 2 of the weeks 4 50lb+ fish with Bruiser at 53lb 14oz and a final night whopper with Parallels at 59lb 6oz. The total weight of their haul was an incredible 1,961lb (891kg) and an average fish size of 34lb 6oz. Mick had to spend an evening or 2 in the swim just to verify that the numbers they were catching were for real....... (Frenk used to work as a top chef and The Cuisine was exceptional (plus the organizer looked after the alcohol too!!))

Ruud and Michael managed 63 carp from an on-form Churchills swim with 17 fish over 30lb and 3 over 40lb and 2 of these just breaking the 45lb mark. The total weight of the catch (some 733 kg) fell well short of the total weight of Ruuds substantial fishing equipment! Across the lake in Swamp, new comers to the Carpmania trips Henkie and Johan enjoyed a 44 fish haul. 14 30's and 3 over the 40lb mark including Arthur at 52lb 12oz, the guys commented that in all the years they've been fishing, they have never experienced action of this calibre.......they are currently begging, bribing and/or threatening physical violence to get to the next trip in October!!!

Tony and Henk in Renamed swim caught steadily as always, and as always ended the week with a shed full! 50 carp in call, with 16 30's and 9 over 40lb, one just short of 50 at 49lb 8oz and an as yet unidentified 55lb fish......watch this space.

Lastly (gulp) I'd better mention brothers Rick and trip sponsor Gerrit for the 24 30lb+ and 3 40lb+ fish in their 38 fish catch, not least as Gerrit is one of the top kick-boxing, cage fighters in Holland - and a nicer guy you couldn't wish to meet - well done boys.

Tight lines............ Cherpont Mick.

FIRST DRIVE & SURVIVE OF 2009

HARSH CONDITIONS........ I flew to the lake on Sunday, really pleased to land, very turbulent conditions! The fishing conditions wasn't much better. Hailing wind, blowing towards the dam wall and horizontal rain made the fishing conditions tough! As with all carp fishing, location being the hardest. Lionel, fishing Gordies, dropped straight on the fish and managed 3 on the first night including 2 30's. Kevin, fishing Moorings, fished hard for 1 carp of 36lb. Father and son Fox, fishing New Swim opposite Ken's, managed a stunning 48.5lb mirror as well as a lovely 36lb mirror.

CHERPONT, YOUR BEST CHANCE IN FRANCE...... Spaces still available, don't miss out!

CHANGES AT CHERPONT

As some of you may know, English owned lakes such as Cherpont have been scrutinized by the French tax authorities who have found that some of our practices are not in keeping with French tax regulations. This has now been rectified and the following changes will be made:

ALL purchases maid whilst at Cherpont must be paid in Euros. We will be unable to accept either sterling or credit cards. I hope this doesn't cause you too many problems, but if it does, just remember it is nothing compared to the problems it has caused me!!!

A quick reminder that all balances must be received 10 weeks prior to departure. Late payment will result in loosing both your place and your deposit.

LUGGAGE ALLOWANCE - AS OF 1 APRIL 2009

Too much luggage! Had a phone call from the coach company - not happy! As of 1st April 2009 NO luggage other than that as stated below will be allowed on the coach.

NO EXCEPTIONS - LUGGAGE ALLOWANCE IS:

1.One rod holder

2. One rucksack

3. One bivvi

4. One sleeping bag

5. One small hold all

6. One 10kg bucket of bait

Some anglers are still taking too much tackle, Please do not phone up to ask whether any additions will be ok, they will not. This is the coach company's policy.

CHERPONT THE BEST KEPT SECRET IN FRANCE!

Lake record for 2008 63lb 8oz