South Our guide to Crow Green Fishery and hot weekend waters to get on
THIS three-lake complex in Essex is home to monsters.
The three-acre Main Lake is not just a phenomenal carp water, with fish to over 40lb, but lurking in the depths are some of the biggest catfish in the country weighing in at over 125lb.
To target the catfish for which Crow Green is famed for you need to be ready for a proper battle and gear up accordingly. Mainline required to land these fish must be 25lb minimum as per fishery rules. Due to the sheer size of these fish the fishery only allows catfish anglers to fish for them in pairs. This ruling, as well the required specialist cat unhooking mats and other equipment, ensures the safety of the fish and the anglers alike.
Catfish Pro team member Richard Wetton has had a lot of success with the moggies, and said: “In warm weather I target the cats in the shallower water with surface baits like squid under a topper or dumbell rig.
“As the weather cools and fish move to deeper water, I switch to halibut pellets on a brick rig.
“You have to step up your gear, and I use big reels loaded with 99lb braid down to a 120lb Catfish Pro hooklink and the new Pro circle hooks in size 4/0.”
In addition to the Main Lake there are two other waters on site, Car Park and Lily Lakes. Both are full of fish carp, bream, rudd, roach and big perch.
So if you are looking for a great day’s pleasure fishing on lighter gear these are the spots to head for. The fishery recommends a lightly baited area, fishing over the top of the feed with maggots or worms to get the most consistent action. LOCATION: Crow Green Fishery, Days Lane, Brentwood, CM15 9SL
CONTACT: 01277 375172 PRICES: £10 per day (one rod) , £15 (two rods), concessions £7 (one rod) , £10 (two rods)
RULES: Night fishing by prior arrangement only and strictly for regular anglers only, no barbed hooks, no livebaiting, no dogs, Medicarp or similar products to be used by all anglers if necessary