A COMMERCIAL WHERE BREAM GO 10lb-PLUS!
The huge ‘slabs’ at Stanbridge View can be found right under your feet...
IN AN angling world dominated by hundreds of commercials, it is often those that offer something completely different to their rivals that consistently thrive.
Gone are the days when piling in huge numbers of carp and F1s into a muddy pool will suffice. The vast majority of anglers are now on the hunt for a fresh challenge.
On the face of things, Sussex’s Stanbridge View Fishery has all the hallmarks of a typical commercial.
Several islands within pole range are dotted around the 32-peg complex, with solid wooden stagings in place to launch your attack.
But when the float goes under there is every chance that you are going to latch into a fish that a specimen angler would be proud to slip the net under.
Carp to over 20lb are present, but it is the healthy stock of bream to double figures that are making the headlines.
Marukyu and Middy-backed angler Russell Shipton has had his fair share of the quality slabs since first sampling the complex earlier in the year, and he said: “You expect big bream to be found in large reservoirs or rivers but they are thriving in Stanbridge and keep packing on the pounds.
“I’ve had them up to 8lb, but I know they run bigger and I have friends who have landed them.”
COMMUNITY SPIRIT
The word ‘commercial’ infers that a venue is run for the sole purpose of turning a profit, but Stanbridge is run in a very different manner.
Thousands of pounds are raised each year from day-ticket fees, but rather than stick the cash straight into a bank account, a large percentage of it is pumped back into the local community.
Junior fishing events form part of the project, and families were invited to a recent bonfire and fireworks display that was funded by fishery proceeds.
EXPLORE DEPTHS
When it comes to the fishing itself, the lake is packed with features, both above and below
the surface.
Most pegs have an island within reach and you’ll also be able to see several tree stumps below the waterline that offer additional cover during the colder weather.
If you’re not confident about getting close to these, reaching for the plummet and working your way around your swim will reveal lots of different options.
Deep nearside margins that are covered with dying reeds are often home to a few bream, as are the open-water spots located close to deeper holes or ledges.
“People instantly think they have to fish long on the pole to find the fish but they could be right under your feet. Never ignore the margins, as they could be up to 4ft deep – enough to hold fish all year round,” said Russell.
PATIENT APPROACH
Getting bites is fairly easy at Stanbridge but the challenge lies in seeking out the big bream. Stacks of fish in the 3lb-5lb class are present but the 7lb-10lb lumps take a bit of thought to track down.
While waiting for these fish to find the bait, you’ll be kept occupied by small carp, tench and skimmers, although there are also giant rudd to 3lb that could put in a winter appearance.
On what was arguably the wettest day of the year, Russell battled against the elements in front of the Angling Times cameras and produced a stunning catch in less than ideal conditions.
Several quality slabs to 6lb graced the net during the session to give everyone a taste of the true potential of this fishery.
“The owners have gone to great lengths to create a fishery that is like no other. The stocking policy offers the chance to land some very special fish regardless of the conditions,” concluded Russell.
PRICES: £8 on the bank CONTACT: Call Andy on 01444 461266 LOCATION: Stanbridge View Fishery, Nursery Lane, Warninglid, West Sussex, RH17 5JS RULES: Barbless hooks only, no larger than size 12, no nuts or boilies