Fishery of the Week

You’ll not have fished another like it!

We sample the sport at Staffordshire’s More House Farm

SNAKE lakes are generally much of a muchness in design.

Each peg is approximately 13m to the far bank, with clumps of reeds tight over that are obvious spots to target.

It can be a lot of fun bagging in the early days, but once you’ve mastered the technique there’s little variation.

SOMETHING DIFFERENT

With that in mind, bosses at More House Farm Fishery in East Sussex set about creating a snake lake like no other.

Sidewinder Lake has 50 pegs from which to launch your attack and every one of these offers different features.

Some are narrow, and suited to a traditional ‘pole to the far bank’ approach. Others have long margins that just can’t be ignored. There are even a number of wider bays where a feeder comes into its own.

Carp and F1s are the dominant species, but don’t be lulled into thinking these are all the water holds. A good number of rudd, roach, bream, tench and barbel have been introduced to keep things interesting.

Middy’s Russell Shipton believes the unusual design is what keeps drawing anglers back, and he told Angling Times: “I’ve fished the venue plenty of times this year and I have lost count of the number of different approaches I have been able to catch well on.

“Each peg demands something a little different, which keeps you on your toes. One thing is for sure, though, no matter where you sit, you are going to have stacks of fish waiting nearby.”

CHOICE OF THREE LAKES

Two other lakes are also on site. Canal is a more typical snake that caters for 20 anglers, while Kingfisher is the place to get your bite alarms out and fish for carp over 35lb and catfish nudging an eye-watering 90lb.

New snake lakes are constantly cropping up all over the country, but you’ll struggle to find one that can match the unique style of Sidewinder.

LOCATION: More House Farm, Ditchling Road, Wivelsfield Green, East Sussex, RH17 7RE

CONTACT: Call 07800 530173 or visit www.mhff.co.uk

PRICES: Sidewinder and Canal – adults £10 one rod, £12 for two. Concessions £6 and £8. All tickets to be purchased before fishing

RULES: Barbless hooks only, under-14s must be accompanied by an adult, no fixed rigs