Fishery of the Week Eden Brook
Great surroundings and the sport is superb
CATCHING fish is clearly a prime objective of this sport of ours.
But there are some waters where merely sitting down and soaking up the stunning backdrop is enough to put a smile on your face.
At a time anglers, it seems, want much more than just a few bites from their day on the bank, some fisheries are upping the ante to create a breathtaking setting that makes an immediate impression upon visitors.
Surrey’s Eden Brook Fishery is a classic example of a venue that pays just as much attention to the aesthetics of the complex as it does to the fishing.
The two lakes – Eden Brook and The Meridian – are surrounded by a plethora of greenery, with old oak and willow trees decorating the banks and islands.
On a warm summer’s day you’d struggle to find a better setting in which to spend the afternoon, and when you chuck into the equation almost guaranteed action on the fishing front you are on to a real winner.
WELL-STOCKED WATERS
The Meridian is home to stacks of carp between 3lb and 8lb, and those that stick to tried and tested tactics such as long pole and pellet, the pellet waggler and the Method feeder have every chance of putting together a huge catch.
But for venue regular and Orpington Tackle & Bait boss Peter Bolt it is Eden Brook Lake that holds the true appeal.
“The lake is packed with features, and at this time of year there will be fish topping everywhere you look,” explained Peter.
“Mirrors and commons to over 30lb are the main target, but it is impossible to guess what stamp of fish will come to the net next, which is why fishing this lake excites me so much.
“The big carp have bred incredibly well and there are now thousands of small hand sized carp. You’ll get a fish every chuck on the pole, Method or pellet waggler, and one chuck can bring a small stockie while the next can produce a personal best double!”
MODERN FACILITIES
A lot of fisheries pay attention to how attractive their lakes are but make the mistake of ruining all that hard work by creating eyesores elsewhere on site.
Tackle shops, cafés and toilet blocks are often a blot on an otherwise beautiful landscape, but Eden Brook has been designed carefully so that such things won’t be a problem.
The café is located inside a wooden building that slides seamlessly into the setting, and the toilet and shower block – which are free to use for anglers – are tucked out of sight.
SPOILT FOR CHOICE
Having selected a peg with an island in front of him for the feature with Angling Times,
Peter mused for a moment before picking the waggler rod out of his bag.
“There are so many options on every peg but I fancy a day on the waggler. With the number of small carp in here I know the action will be instant, but the challenge will be to get through to those real lumps.
That prediction proved to be spot-on as carp averaging around 6oz came to the net at a fast and furious pace, but every now and then the rhythm would be disrupted as a double-figure specimen took the bait and charged off.
“I’ve been fishing for more years than I can remember, but the excitement of coming to Eden Brook always gives me a sleepless night in the build-up to the session,” said Peter.
“When it comes to creating the complete package, this place has really got it sorted.”