Cadland Fishery

Set within the North Solent Nature Reserve of the New Forest, the fishery was formed in 1984 initially as a trout fishing venue and was formerly known as Mopley Farm Fishery on the Manor of Cadland. This continued until 1990 when the water was changed to a more popular coarse fishery. A partnership was formed with the Manor of Cadland in 1998 to manage the estate waters, which were then completely restocked. The spring of 2010 then brought about another change with the Manor of Cadland taking over the sole running of the fishery.

Cadland Fisheries – Mopley Pond is now a beautiful three-acre lake split by three islands, one of which you are able to fish from. With a deep channel running down one side, there are shallower ones around the back of the islands, providing some good stalking areas. Other features include lilies and reedbeds and gravel spots within the silt are also great areas to target. Fruit flavoured boilies work well although it is important to note that only ‘freezer’ bait boilies are allowed and no shelflife boilies can be used.

Albert Turner, the current fishery manager is dedicated to the venue being able to offer something to a broad spectrum of anglers and this is evident with the ticket options available. Not only can you fish via the purchase of day tickets, but there is also a season permit option. This can provide considerable money savings across the year, and will also provide the holder permission to night fish through a booking system.

What’s more, a season ticket also includes the non-day ticket water, Dark Lane Pond. The fishery also manages a syndicate water, Bilcombes Pond making Mopley Pond a great stepping stone for day tickets anglers looking to save money, but also sample syndicate fishing at a later date. It’s a seriously wonderful place to fish.

The vital information you need...

Biggest resident: Mirrors to 23lb and commons to 26lb
Average fish size: Upper-doubles
Rough fish stock: 120 carp
Going bait: Boilies
Local tackle shop: Castaway Fishing Tackle on 02392 550081
Takeaways: Evergreen Chinese Takeaway (023808 894921)
Rod limit: Three rods
Location: Fawley, Southampton, Hampshire, SO45 1AB
Contact: Cadland Fishery 02380 891059 or 07933 392742
Website: cadlandcarpwaters.co.uk
Facilities: Toilets, Disabled access and on-site parking
Prices: Day Ticket, £10; Evening, £7 and Season Ticket, £110 (nights included)
Known summer areas/swims: All areas will fish well through summer.
Bailiff's top tip: “Attract the smaller fish and the bigger fish will follow.”