On the bank Manor Farm
Comfort and convenience top of the list
PLANS for major improvements at one of the Midlands’ top fisheries have been revealed by its owners.
Andy and Alicia at Manor Farm Leisure have unveiled an ambitious project with the aim of making life even easier for visiting anglers
For example, a new self-service ticket machine will allow flexible arrival and leaving times – perfect for those anglers with limited time. And a toilet block at the centre of the fishery will soon be joined by another with showers, for luxury carping.
Last week, news reporters Chris Haydon and Freddie Sandford headed to the 100-acre complex near Biggleswade in Bedfordshire Beds, to find out more, as Chris explains here…
NATURAL BEAUTY
“We arrived at the fishery early evening and after a quick chat with Alicia and bailiff, John, we started with a stroll around the complex. The first thing that you notice is how well managed this large site is, but with nothing taken away from the natural feel of the lakes themselves.
“The fishery is close to the A1 and might be forgiven for thinking that the lakes would be mere barren holes in the ground, nothing could be further from the truth.
“All seven lakes are surrounded by beautiful mature trees, reed beds and grassy banks.
“The features in and around the lakes are just as plentiful, with most having lily beds, plateaux, silt gullies and islands to keep the fishing varied and challenging.”
WATERS FOR EVERYONE
“There is no hiding the fact that the main species on this complex is carp, with fish over 20lb in six of the lakes. “There is, however, plenty for pleasure anglers to do here as well. On the 24-peg Match Canal, 100lb bags of quality bream, skimmers, roach, tench, perch and smaller carp are taken regularly. This water is float only, which makes for some exciting fishing.
“You will find specimen-sized tench, bream and pike in most of the other waters on site too. These fish are rarely targeted, so there could be some real surprises for pioneering anglers.
“If you are after the big carp, you will find the best specimens running to over 30lb in Winters, Booneys and the Carp Lake, while Becks, Damsel Lake and Blunham Lake are all prolific runs waters.
“Of the carp waters, it was Booneys that really caught my eye, and it’s certainly one I will be targeting in the future.
“On this occasion, though, due to limited time at our disposal, Freddie and I settled on the more densely stocked Carp Lake on the bank closest to the entrance.”
THE CARP LAKE
“Setting up on the shop bank, we had just a quick night to try and catch one of the 300 carp resident in the lake. With the average size of these fish being 16lb-19lb and a decent head of 20lb-plus fish on offer, just one would be enough to make us very happy anglers... while one of the five 30lb-plus fish would be adream result!
“We started by having a lead around to look for features, and the main thing we noticed was the weed. Most of the bottom is covered with low-lying weed, so with this in mind, the best approach is to either present a bait on top of it or find a clean area. As it turned out we did both these things, with Freddie targeting a gravel bar nine wraps out and myself choosing to fish on top of the weed with solid bags and pop-ups.
“Both methods took fish, with Freddie’s rod ramping off as darkness fell with a surprise personal-best tench of 8lb 6oz. A beautiful common of 18lb took my bait early next morning.
“An enjoyable night’s fishing at a beautiful venue, with two fish caught and plenty of others seen but not outwitted. What more could you ask of a day-ticket complex?
“I will certainly be returning to Manor Farm Lakes this summer and I suggest you do too!”