WHERE TO FISH
With dozens of ‘thirties’ and both mirrors and commons to well over 40lb, Kingfisher is a venue where dreams really can come true ....
Exclusive tactics map of Kingfisher Lake PLUS Mat Woods’ Day Ticket Diary and more...
“Try to find the clay spots. They’re quite easy to locate.”
ONCE home to Benson, the famous common which exceeded 60lb, Kingfisher is still one of the best day-ticket waters around.
The average size of the resident carp is impressive, with dozens of thirties and plenty of forties present. The venue can be busy, and some years the weed growth can be prolific, but there are very few dayticket waters that can offer the type of red-letter days that Kingfisher can, when it all drops right. What’s more, the vast majority of the stock are stunning fish too! Venue regular Gary Denniss has experienced some sensational hits of fish from Kingfisher down the years, and he had these tips to offer any Carpfeed readers thinking of giving the venue a try.
“Don’t use anything other than boilies. It’s amazing that Swan (the adjoining lake) and Kingfisher are so close to each other but are so different, and on Kingfisher you don’t want to be using particles.
“Try to find the clay spots. They’re quite easy to locate as they’re smooth and firm, and you will spot bits of clay if you inspect your lead. There are clay spots about 70 yards out from the two Point swims and again in front of the two central pegs on the River Bank.
“If you see an area where there’s a lot of fish showing, don’t be afraid to set up on them – it doesn’t seem to bother them one bit.
“Around most of the lake the margins look like they should do fish, but they don’t. However, there are deep margins on the Lock Bank beneath the overhanging trees which will produce bites. “Depth doesn’t bother me - it’s about finding the clay spots. And if you can’t, then fish over silt, as long as it’s not the rotten or stale stuff.
“Any quality boilie will produce fish. I’ve done really well using faded yellow hookbaits over brown free offerings, and snowman rigs work really well with yellow or pink toppers.”