Anglers Paradise
Gardner Tackle carper, Ricky Thomas provides all the info you'll need to know for a successful trip to his recommended venue
This small open access venue offers the big-fish angler a real chance of catching a chunk. At around two-acres in size, this great venue boasts a low stock of big carp. The exact stock is still somewhat unknown, although at a guess I would imagine between 13 and 15 carp inhabit the venue, where two forty-pound mirrors and a potential forty-pound common make-up the three biggest fish caught to date. Within the remaining stock you will find a further seven fish (two commons and five mirrors) all of which are above the thirty-pound mark – up to 37lb so far this year.
The remaining stock is three to five carp ranging from the low twenties up to 29lb. so there’s really no such thing as smaller residents in this lake – they are all specimen size. With fish being caught for the first time alongside the very good growth rates the fish have displayed, it’s hard to exactly calculate the stock, but a maximum of 15 carp would be a close bet.
The lake can accommodate five anglers when full and is broken-up by two islands that are at either end of the venue. The lake supports a large amount of thin weed that spans all the way down the ‘no fishing bank’ and down into the west side of the venue. Alongside the weed, numerous sets of large lily pads can be found. Apart from the pads and the weed bed features, the lakebed is quite flat with a few gravel and clay spots to be found. Most of the fish will normally be located in the vegetation especially in the warmer months.
Small beds of bait seem to be most effective with Mainline Cell having caught nearly all the fish in the past. A simple pop-up rig fished with a PVA Stick is always a good start in nicking your first fish. Although being quiet is probably my biggest tip - the fish are ultra-spooky especially when hearing heavy footsteps. This challenging venue is far from easy but there are rich rewards, with the average fish size being just over thirty-pounds it’s well worth a Krak!
The vital information you need...
Biggest resident: 50lb 2oz
Average fish size: 32lb
Rough fish stock: 13-15
Going bait: Mainline Cell
Local tackle shop: There is an on-site shop
Takeaways: None that deliver, but there are a few less than 5 minutes away
Rod limit: Two rods
Location: Anglers Paradise is located near Halwill Junction, Beaworthy situated between the towns of Holsworthy and Hatherleigh in Devon
Contact: 01409 221559
Website: anglers-paradise.co.uk
Prices: £20 per day, £10 per night
Facilities: Toilets and on-site tackle shop
Known autumn areas/swims: Pegs 1 & 2
Ricky's top tip: “Use a baiting spoon to drop the rig so that everything is presented perfectly."