FISHERY OF THE WEEK
Monkhall Fishery adds a touch of class
Monkhall Fishery
COMMERCIAL fisheries strive to make their visitor experience as pleasurable as possible, but it’s fair to say that the in-form Monkhall Fishery is one step ahead of its rivals.
Top-class fishing is assured on all six lakes at the Shropshire complex, but that is only part of the appeal.
Each pool is surrounded by an electrified fence – which is switched off when anglers are present – to make sure the vast stocks of carp, F1s and silverfish are protected from predators. The pegs are also very generously sized, and even the biggest tackle tart will have plenty of space around him to place his equipment.
There’s no need to bring smelly nets with you because the fishery provides them free of charge in a bid to stop viruses being transferred from other venues. Rather than insist that you collect them from a central point and then place them damp and unprotected into your car for the drive to your swim, there are ‘net stations’ next to each peg.
Add to this secure parking close to every peg, on-site accommodation and toilets and you realise why Monkhall’s stock is quickly rising.
When it comes to the fishing itself the hype doesn’t drop away either, and local expert Adam Rumble reckons there are very few places that can offer the same level of action.
“The owners have ploughed a lot of money into making Monkhall something special and there is no doubt they have done just that,” he says.
“Kingfisher, Lark, Owl and Swallow all have a central island and fishing to it with the long pole or a small feeder with maggot or pellets will keep bites coming. Fishing in open water between 7m and 9m out is a good alternative. “Buzzard has two islands, Hawk has three, and the latter is my favourite lake on the complex.
“This is because it is so versatile. You can fish a waggler and maggot just off the island and catch ide between 4oz and 1lb every chuck, or turn to a small pellet feeder or long pole and get among the F1s and carp.
“It is also a very fair lake and no matter where you pitch up on it, there are bound to be fish in front of you.”
When it comes to tactics, little and often feeding of maggots with a catapult will soon get the ide competing on the waggler, with 4lb mainline and a 0.11mm hooklength to a size 18 hook all that is required.
Step it up a little on the tip, using the smallest pellet feeder
you own packed with micros.
Spool up with 6lb mainline on your reel and use a 4ins 0.17mm hooklength to a size 16 hook that is baited with hair-rigged bread discs.
There are thousands of commercials dotted across the country but very few have gone to the lengths of Monkhall to provide their customers with the ultimate package.