Maggits Lake

Cast to the islands for a great mixed bag or a big carp

BITES are the name of the game at this fishery near Basildon. Four strains of carp and several other coarse species swim in the mature 30-peg lake, fishable on day or night tickets.

The carp run big, with 20lb fish likely and plenty of doublefigure specimens alongside smaller fish to keep the younger or less experienced angler happy.

If the carp aren’t playing ball, roach, rudd, tench, bream and golden orfe will respond to relatively simple tactics.

Each swim has platforms, and several islands can be reached with an easy cast. For fans of the long pole, each swim is bursting with features such as overhanging trees, reeds and sedge beds. For the long-stay carp angler, open water pegs allow two rods to be used.

Maggits is a tranquil place to spend a few hours, with clean facilities and a friendly atmosphere. There’s a proper toilet block and plenty of parking, and the Lakeside Bites café is well worth a visit before or after you wet a line.

Contact: 07956 848082 Location: Summerhill Farm, Pipps Hill Road North, Billericay, Essex, CM11 2UJ Prices: Day tickets £10, £15 per night, OAPs £5 on Wednesdays Rules: No carp sacks, no rods to be left unattended, barbless hooks only, each angler must...

Maggits Fishery, Summerhill Farm, Pipps Hill Road North, Basildon, Essex, CM11 2UJ