FISHERY OF THE WEEK The Oaks, Sessay
Three pleasure lakes await in Yorkshire
THE SPECIMEN lakes at The Oaks are renowned for being lined with bivvies and bite alarms, but that’s all changed recently thanks to their unexpected silverfish form.
Big carp that are often to the forefront of the conversation have taken a back seat as a result of the non-stop sport provided by the hordes of roach, perch and skimmers
Firs, Oaks and Willows Lakes have seen an influx of visitors determined to get in on the action, and they’ve all been given plenty to smile about.
The three lakes are reserved for pleasure anglers, which eliminates the need to worry about whether a match will be in progress when you visit.
The design of each gets the mind racing, with little gullies, islands and coves dotted around to keep you guessing where the shoals will be sitting.
Evergreen trees have also been planted sporadically around the lakes to add a splash of colour on even the bleakest of days.
Not just for locals
Up-and-coming match star Rob Swan lives more than 100 miles from the North Yorkshire complex, but is so impressed by what’s on offer that he makes regular trips to sample the sport.
“It takes me almost two hours to get there, but it’s well worth it once you start fishing. I know for a fact that I’m not the only one willing to go to such lengths to fish The Oaks,” says Rob.
“A 30lb net of roach and skimmers is always possible, with a good chance of catching a perch that could beat your personal best.
“There’s no need to spend masses on bait either as a couple of pints of casters and a bit of groundbait will be enough to put you in the driving seat.”
Although this simple bait list is all you need to catch every species of silverfish on offer in the lakes, it will pay to vary the way you introduce it.
Feeding options
It can take a little time to get the skimmers feeding, but the roach will be up for a munch right from the word go.
“I’ll cup in a couple of balls of groundbait laced with casters around 13m out, and this is where I expect the skimmers to eventually settle,” says Rob.
“A dark mix packed with plenty of fishmeal and fine particles tends to work best for skimmers. This line is left alone for at least an hour to allow the shoal to settle and begin feeding confidently.
“I start the session fishing around 5m out for the roach, loosefeeding casters. Every few put-ins I’ll step up to a double or triple caster hookbait and fish that briefly, as there’s every chance a big perch has come in and spooked the silvers.”
A rig made up of 0.13mm mainline to an 0.11mm hooklength and a size 18 hook will help you land every silverfish you hook when you combine it with an orange Daiwa Hydrolastic.
The full package
While the fishing is clearly the main focus of a day out at The Oaks, the convenience provided by the site contributes to its overall feel.
If you forget any bait or essential bits of kit there is no need to worry, because the on-site tackle shop sells everything you might need.
There’s also a café to prevent a rumbling stomach while on the bank, and once your appetite is satisfied, there won’t be much of a walk to your peg thanks to the numerous parking points around the venue.
The Oaks’s silverfish secret is well and truly out, and you’ll struggle to find a more reliable venue to visit this week.