We visit Somerset’s The Sedges Fishery
Three well-stocked lakes cater for everyone
There are several areas of the UK that offer excellent coarse fishing without getting the credit they deserve – and the South West definitely falls into that category.
A whole host of prolific rivers, canals and stillwaters are dotted throughout the region, and the commercial scene is equally buoyant.
The Sedges Fishery is one of the many shining lights, and the three lakes have been built with plenty of different angling styles in mind.
TACTICALLY VERSATILE
Close to the Somerset town of Bridgwater, The Sedges is a complex where one session could be spent casting a feeder with pinpoint accuracy towards an island for carp before switching to a finely-tuned pole rig for skimmers on the next.
Tile Lake has a number of islands to chuck to, with the waggler, bomb or feeder. Here, carp averaging 4lb-7lb but going to over 15lb are the main target.
Next door is Brick Lake. This is an open water-style pool. Rotating tactics is often the key here, starting out in the middle on the feeder and then plundering various pole lines later in the day for a mixed bag.
Last, but certainly not least, is Canal Lake, and this little gem is local ace Dan White’s pick of the bunch.
MIXED BAG MAGIC
The Garbolino and Spotted Finbacked angler appreciates the consistency of sport on the 24-peg snake pool and reckons it’s a sure bet for winter action.
“Although it has plenty of carp stocked, the silver fish are worth some serious attention,” he says.
“There’s a real mixture of roach, skimmers, tench, barbel and perch.
“That stocking policy means that no matter what the conditions may be, there are plenty of bites to be had.”
If you don’t live in the area, there’s on-site accommodation that will help you make a break of it. With the coast, several good shopping zones and other outdoor pursuits nearby, it could well be the ideal place to bring the whole family.
You may have never heard of The Sedges before, but give it a bash and it certainly won’t be the last time you visit.