Date: September 2008

Details: Croix Blanche Report September 2008

I sit here writing this report and can not believe we have already moved into September, where has the year gone. It only feels like yesterday that we were opening the gates to the first lot of anglers of the 2008 season. I feel I owe you all an apology as I have not written a report since May, I could not believe it when Martyn asked me to write a report and commented that there had not been one since then, so for all our loyal followers here you go:-

April 2008
In late April we also stocked 250 small grass carp into each lake to help try to slow down the weed growth, these fish were between 8oz-2lb as we were advised by a marine expert that these size fish will eat the most weed, and would also not interfere with the visiting angler’s pleasure. We are already seeing the benefits of the stocking as the weed is not as thick as in previous years and will continue to monitor the situation over the coming months/season.

May 2008
In May we saw the new stockings coming to the bank on a regular bases, Dan Sankey fished the Croix Blanche and had several of the new grass carp to mid 30, well done Dan on some good captures. Also in May saw our regular visitor catch the biggest cat of the year so far, at 74lb 4oz it was a beast and gave a good account of it self, this was a new PB cat for Lee, so well done mate, hope to see you again next season to try to improve on this with one of the Croix Blanche monsters. Not to be out done on the carp front Lee also managed a 49lb 2oz mirror, again a new PB for Lee, he went home a very happy man.


Gary Hand and his party of anglers was also over in May for their first visit to the Croix Blanche, they soon got the hang of things landing carp to over 40lb. Peter Armstrong and Andy Robinson made a return visit to the venue and had a very productive week catching many carp over the 30lb mark, they both had a very busy week and were pleased to go home for a rest! Some local anglers to where I live also made their first visit to the venue, Stuart Friend managed to bank a 40lb+ mirror on the very first day, what a way to start your holiday, well done Stuart. On the second evening Stuart also managed to bank one of the venues larger residents at 60lb, this was a new PB for Stuart and how he got away without being soaked still puzzles me, don’t worry Stuart we owe you a soaking.

June 2008
June started very wet here in France, in fact most of the season the weather has been disappointing. In May we had a very hot spell and in early June just as the fish were getting ready to spawn the weather turned cold again. This did not help the carp as they did not know what to do, they were ready to spawn but couldn’t due to the drop in water temperature. Then came the very sad news that the Hippo had become a casualty of not being able to spawn, the great fish gave many people the pleasure to capture and was a very difficult time for us all at A&J as we were all very fond of this big carp. As a matter of interest I did weigh the mighty fish when he died and it weighed in at 86lb, we all believe this would have been a contender for the world record.
On a happier note there were still many mighty carp to catch, so it was back to the fishing. James Harrison came out to the lakes to do an article for carpworld on the all inclusive trips we offer, James was rewarded with a 42lb mirror on the very first night, sadly the rain then came and the fishing once again slowed and James struggled for the rest of the week. I feel it worth a mention that James worked very hard at his fishing to try to entice some of the larger residents of the venue, James noticed that some of the carp were swimming high in the water so put out a fluro pop up 6 feet off the bottom on a zig rig, James had a screaming run and thought he had hooked one of the monsters only to be greeted by a small catfish, much to everyone’s surprise.
Mike Wilcock and his crowd from Hull made the long journey down, Pete Wilson managed a beautiful 45lb common, what a stunner that was, well done Pete. The weather started to improve through June as did the fishing. George Burden managed to land a 55lb 8oz mirror, not to be outdone we also had a visit by a young angler, Jourdan Saborache on his first visit to the venue out fished his dad Del landing carp to 43lb 8oz common and cats to 44lb, well done Jourdan on some excellent angling.
Regular Matt (mummy’s soldier) Baker made his yearly visit and had some great success landing carp to 47lb 4oz, well done Matt on your excellent captures during your week. Also in June saw the Price group return to the Croix Blanche, they had a very good session in 2007 so they had high expectations for 2008. Oliver Lindon did not let them down landing mirrors to 54lb and his mate Philip Price had a new Croix Blanche lake record cat of 70lb, these fish have really grown in this rich water, well done to both these young lads who always seem to do well on our venue. Doug Matthews also managed to land a few having grass carp to 30lb + and mirrors to 44lb, top angling fella.

July 2008
July started very slowly with the carp at long last managing to spawn, this knocked the fishing for a couple of weeks, but at least they managed to do what they had been waiting since May to do.


Top angler for July was Ash Hopkins banking the stunning two tone common at 51lb, what an amazing carp this has grown into, not to be outdone Paul Brown banked the famous moonscale at 51lb 8oz, a good weight for this fish for the time of year. The Spavins father & son duo made a return visit, and what a trip it turned out to be for them, they landed carp to 42lb well done guys. Also in July Jonathon Miller had a stunning 42lb common on a floating crust, this was a new floater caught record for the venue and a truly magnificent capture off the top, well done Jonathon. Young angler Jack Frasier listened to the advice of the bailiffs and stuck to his spots and towards the end of his week managed a 43lb 12oz mirror, a new PB and some top angling. Not to be out done his mate Craig Brown fishing in the next swim also managed a 40lb+ mirror.


Father & son Jack & James Booth also made the journey to the venue, although they didn’t manage any of the large carp they did manage to land some stunning cats to 50lb +, also Lee Alcock made his first ever visit to France and landed carp to 32lb 14oz, smashing his previous PB by over 14lb.


Also visiting France for the very first time was Tim Matthewman, Tim came over with A&J rep Paul Boichat determined to catch his first 30lb+ carp, he didn’t manage to catch one, much to his delight he had two beating his PB twice in a week, Paul also managed to catch having a new PB common of 33lb 12oz.

August 2008 What a month August has been with many carp gracing the banks and some anglers having some very productive trips. Peter Everett made his first trip to the venue and I don’t think it will be a trip he will forget in a hurry, Pete landed carp to 54lb beating his PB several times during the week. Pete came over with his friend Darren Nash who had to sit there while Pete landed some monster carp, halfway through the week Pete gave up his swim to his mate and Darren also went on to catch carp to 46lb 8oz, what a true friend he turned out to be, well done guys on some excellent fish for your first ever trip.


Croix Blanche bailiff Kirk Finch managed to get his rods out for a couple of nights and had some excellent results landing carp to over 40lb, well deserved for all the hard work and help he gives other anglers. Also visiting the venue was Harri Best, the son of Croix Blanche chef Les, Harry managed to get his rods out and landed some nice fish, well done Harry, out fishing Dad yet again.

I also managed to get my rods out for an evening’s fishing and was rewarded for my efforts with a 30+ & 40+ mirror. Croix Blanche regular Martin Quayle made his yearly visit and at long last we managed to give him a soaking having cats to 71lb 8oz. Neil Patton managed a new PB mirror of 44lb 12oz on his first visit to the venue. Also on his first visit to France Andy Wilson managed to join the 40’s club with a 42lb mirror, again a new PB. James Martin managed a hatrick having carp of 30lb+, 40lb+ topping out with a stunning mirror of 54lb. Also in the headlines was Steve Marshall having mirrors to 49lb 8oz and commons to 40lb 6oz, well done Steve hope to see you again next year.
After listening to anglers comments and liaising with a marine biologist we have decided to remove cats below 25lb from the lakes, as I am sure most regular visitors to the Croix Blanche will agree they have breed very well over the last few years and at times can be a pest. So far during the second half of August over 60 cats have been removed, we will continue to remove them until the end of the season and then review our policy in 2009 and if required continue to thin them out, this should only go to improve the fishing on our venue.
That’s about it for the news for now, I will try to get you an update sometime in October, but for now thanks to all our visitors and tight lines for the rest of 2008.

Rob Walters
Croix Blanche Head Bailiff

Jack frazer 43.12 Mirror	Ashley Hopkins 51.00 common	Craig Brown 44.02 mirror
Paul Brown 51.08 Mirror	Martin Quayle 71.08 Catfish	Jourdan Sabarouche 43.08 Common

Date: June 2008

Details: Hippo RIP ... Sad News....

On Wednesday 4th June 2008 we were horrified to discover the Hippo dead on the Tortue.

On further inspection of the corpse we didn't find any damage through loss or bad handling and we have come to the conclusion that stress from the spawning period had taken it toll on this huge fish.

The Hippo has brought great pleasure to all its captors over the years and was always a joy to see this impressive creature on the bank.

This fish will be sorely missed but never forgotten.

Joe Cleavely with the Hippo at 30.08lbs	Kevin Champion with the Hippo at 76.08lbs

Date: April 2008

Details: Grass Carp Stcked

This month saw the venue take stock of 200kg of grass carp split between the Croix Blanche and the Tortue.

There were around 200 small fish stocked to each lake to help control weed growth.

These little munchers will start to eat the weed before the sun gets to it and escalates weed growth rates.

The New stock arrived!!!	Here are the little munchers	Kirk adding the grassies to their new home.

Date: April 2008

Details: The Season so far........

Half way into February and the 2008 season gets underway. With the new improvements around the complex completed and a new bailiff on board - Kirk Finch, aka bream boy, we were all prepaired and ready for the start.

The first 2 weeks saw a couple of self-drive groups come to pit their wits against the residents of the Croix Blanche and this they did in fine style landing some stunning fish!

Top of the pile was Lloyd Bartley with a 50lb+ mirror and few more fish along the way. James Fay smashed his common pb with a real stunner at 48.02.

The second group of anglers soon arrived and did just as well with 3 40+ mirrors to Steve Benbow and another common of 47.08 graced Matt Kelly landing net. All the group caught and went home happy.

The coach turned up with our first group of anglers on the 22nd March. Heavy rain for the week made the fishing hard with only a few caught.

Week 2
Saw the arrival of Tim Summerscales and his mates from Huddersfield. The fish were back on the munch once again & Lee Hooper took advantage of his swim and spent a few hours stalking with free-lined worms and beat his pb twice in one afternoon catching a 30+ then a 40+... what a result & great angling!

Week 3
Saw another 50 grace the banks to me... and our new bailiff Kirk got in on the action as well, landing a mirror at 49+.

Week 4
Saw the Dixon duo from Kent out, both catching new pbs. Richard Dixon beating his pb by over double with a 56.08 mirror and improving his common pb as well. The grass carp got on his bait as well landing 3... with 2 over the 30lb barrier.

With the weather improving the catfish are starting to wake up as a couple the big girls were keeping me awake crashing last week... so it wont be long before one of the monster moggies come out.

Week 5
This week saw a group from Wales arrive at the venue with some good fish caught to upper 30’s.

Week 6
This week the fish had started to turn on. With the water levels dropping and the temperature rising catches were bound to improve, and they did!

Dave Armstrong, venue regular, landed some nice fish with an awesome common at 34lbs and his pb cat at 47lbs.

Craig Millichamp also landed some nice fish with two 40 plus mirrors to his tally.

Kevin Bright also had some nice fish with Mirrors to 35.10 and grass carp to 33.03lbs.

Les accounted for some nice fish with his best at 45.10lbs.

Week 7 is just getting going with some fish caught to mid 30’s already... but will keep you posted on that.

BYE FOR NOW
ROB

Date: January 2008

Details: Work gets underway in 2008

The 2008 season is nearly upon us with many anglers looking forward to pitting their wit's against our resident big fish!

As most of our client know we have an annual work party when we do repairs and general re-decoration of our facilities, but this year we have made some major changes.

Firstly we have extended our tea area outside the kitchen with a coverd area which will provide extra shelter from the elements so you can have a hot cup of tea or coffee while you chat about the nights fishing before you tuck in to your piping hot breakfast.

We have also extended the eating area with a purpose built Gazebo for you to eat Alfresco in the hot summer days enjoying a cold beer or glass of house wine.

We have also manufactured a bait boat power unit were anglers who have rented bait boats can charge their batteries securley with out them being taken off charge by mistake by other anglers. It also provides a secure area for phones etc to be charged.

We have also built a large area outside the bailiff's quarters were tackle can be left in the dry, waiting to be loaded for arrival or departure to the UK.

The menu has also seen a change offering a winter and summer menu with alternatives for anglers who may not like some of the meals on offer. There is also a vegatarian section for our non-meat eaters.

We have also renewed our bedchairs, guest chairs and we will still be offering our safety packs which include mats,slings and 50" landing nets.

As of 2008 Rob Walter will be taking over the running of the Croix Blanche as head bailiff and will over see the running of the Croix2 along with Les Best our resident chef and our new addition to the team Kirk Finch.

I will be based in the UK along with Paul Boichat to over see the overall running off the trips and I will also continue to conduct the guiding service we provide catfishing on the river Ebro.

We have all worked hard to make these improvments to the venue and we hope you enjoy them too while on your stay at our venues.

Regards, Martyn.

Les hard at it painting new tea area!	New tea area from pathway.	Needs a lick of paint!!
Finished ready to go!!!	New dry area for tackle.	Nice and dry!!!

Date: November 2007

Details: Big Fish Still Coming Out

Hi Carpers

A&J bailiff Rob Walters managed a new PB of 58lb 6oz mirror on 26th November, although the conditions in France have been very wet and at times well below freezing the big carp continue to feed.

Well done to Rob on his new PB and braving the freezing conditions.

Rob Walters with his new PB

Date: November 2007

Details: Winter Whackers At The Croix Blanche

Croix Blanche bailiff and master chef Les Best managed to at last get on his rods last week and do some fishing for himself, and what a week he had. Les managed to land a number of carp, including three carp over 50lb... yes all in one week!!

Les told me he beat his personal best no less than three times during the week having whackers of 50.14, 51.14 & 54.04, all mirrors.

Les said all his fish came from the deeper water fishing fusion bollies on a snowman rig over beds of particle.

Well done to Les for his excellent captures, well deserved after spending all season watching others catch the Croix Blanche monsters.

Les with the first of his 50's	Les couldn't believe it when the second one came along	The smile says it all, a new PB at 54.04, well done Les

Date: November 2007

Details: !!!!!2007 Big fish comp winners!!!!!

Hi Anglers,

The 2007 season has disapeared in a flash with some great catches from our venues and two lucky captors will be rewarded with a free trip to the Croix Blanche this year for the biggest carp and biggest catfish from the venue.

Our first winner is Keith Reeve with his capture of the mighty Hippo on the 25th June at 76.04!
Well done Keith its about time you had a Whacker!

Our second Prize is for the biggest catfish from the venue and this went to Darren Birch with an 83.04 catfish from the Tortue. Very surprised that this was not topped this year well done Darren and enjoy you free trip.

I would like to congratulate these anglers on there achivements on the venue this year.

Tight lines

Martyn

Date: October 2007

Details: !!!!!!!!NEW 70+!!!!!!!!!

Latest news today from head baillif Rob Walters.

At 05.30 0n the 17th October saw the Croix Blanche venue produce it 3rd fish over 70lbs.

The Happy captor Steven lockwood was over the moon when he slipped the net under this huge fish at 70.02!

He has also accounted for some great back up fish 38.08, 42.08 and a 49.00lbs catfish up till now with 3 days of his trip left.

Pictures are on there way so they will be added to the news as soon as possible.

This particular fish was caught at the begining of september at 64.08 by Ray McDermid! This fish has certainly been on the munch.

This brings in a total of 5 x 70+ captures this year lets hope 2007 will also bring in our first 80lb fish too!

Date: May 2007

Details: Croix Blanche Update

Hi Carpers

Firstly may I say sorry for the delay in uploading pictures/catch reports and latest news, it's been a very busy start to the season but hopefully now I will do it on a weekly bases.

The fishing started well in March with the selfdrive anglers catching some nice carp to over 50lb, Croix Blanche regular Kelvin Click came over to do some work for us and had a 10 fish catch, which in the middle of March ain't a bad weeks fishing, so well done Kelvin. Unfortunately Phil Hawkins, another regular to the Croix Blanche did not do so well, lets hope the venue is kinder to him next time.

In April John Waterman supprised us all by landing a new complex record common of 51lb, the same fish was caught in September last year at a weight of 42lb, so had managed to put on 9lb during the winter, well done John on an excellent catch. There has also been several other big fish on the bank up to 64lb, unfortunately due to problems with the radios and camera I don't yet have photos of these fish.

With the common coming out so big all attention turned to the Hippo, just how big would it be, we all believed it may go over the magicial 80lb mark, well on the 30th April Martin Norton proved us all wrong by catching this massive carp at a weight of 73lb 12oz. All though down in weight from last year this is still very big (and up on this time last year)so well done Martin on an excellent catch, all eyes will be on this fish during the 2007 season will it make the 80lb mark?.

The complex record catfish has also tumbled this year with a mighty cat of 83lb 4oz to Darrell Birch, the cats have been slow coming on the feed this year, but there has been several caught up to 65lb.

Well it is now early May and reports from the lake this week is there has once again been several carp caught over the 50lb mark, pictures to follow as soon as I get them.

Speak to you all soon.

Paul Boichat

Darrell Birch with a 83lb 4oz cat	John Waterman with a new complex record common of 51lb	Martin Norton with the might Hippo at 73lb 12oz

Date: May 2007

Details: Top Notch Bailiffs at Croix Blanche!

Email to Angling Lines, 10th May, 2007:

Julie,

I don’t know if you are the person that I should contact, but here goes anyway. I have read feedback making negative comment’s about the staff at Croix Blanche.

I have just this week returned from Croix Blanche (28/4 to 5/5/07). This was my third trip to this venue, and I have got to say, the staff that you have on site are some of the best people that I have come across... ever... in my fishing career. You have to keep them.

Les cooked his heart out for us and kept us full up with good home cooked food, just what you want when you’re fishing, and when he wasn’t cooking he was helping out on the bank.

As for Kevin, he was top notch, helpful, hard working, full of ideas and tips. What else do you need? He was a star for a lot us during our weeks fishing. Well done Kev.

So please pass on our thanks to the Guys for a great week, full of fun, and a few fish.

Kind regards,

Martin Norton.
Section Inspection Manager (District Line west)
Griffith House,
Auto: 22173
Mobile: 07734491592.

Date: January 2007

Details: !!!!!!!!Sandown show prize draw winners!!!!!!!!

The 2007 Sandow show winners are as follow:

Lee Saltmarsh from London
Paul Ewers from Chelmsford

Well done lads hope you enjoy your free trips to our venues.

Regards

Martyn Bocarisa
MD Euro carp sessions LTD

Date: November 2006

Details: New Grass Carp Stocked

Hi one and all, Ron and Marty here, just keeping you all upto date with the lakes progress.

Here are the new fish we have just added to the venue, following on from the last re-stocking of over 100 Carp at the beging of 2006.

The new fish are all big Grass Carp and all over 25.00 lbs.

1... 31.09,
2... 34.01,
3... 30.08,
4... 35.02,
5... 35.02,
6... 29.07,
7... 27.05,
8... 28.06,
9... 31.09,
10... 28.06,
11... 35.02,
12... 33.00,
13... 35.02,
14... 35.02

They were stocked in early November 2006

38+	35+	35+
35+

Date: November 2006

Details: The Euro carp sessions website goes live!!!!!!!!

Hi Anglers,

Early today our new website went live!

Loads of up to date info on the Croix Blanche and our new global trips.

Please take a look at our new pages which are much more user friendly and easier to navigate.

There are more interactive pages for you to us from pre-ordering your bait to odering clothing online.

I hope you enjoy veiwing the pages

check it out at www.eurocarpsessions.com

Date: November 2006

Details: Biggest fish comp.

Hi Anglers,

Hope you all have had an enjoyable season and are looking forward to icy nights and frozen fingers to come!

Just to say we have had a great year with lots of happy anglers on our trips all over.

The winner of the biggest fish prize this year is Colin Fowler, venue regular, after his impressive capture of the Hippo at 76lbs. Top angling Colin and enjoy you free trip with us next year - lets see if you can catch her again over 80lbs!

The biggest catfish prize goes to Chris Jenkins with the biggest catfish of the season at 84.06 - well done mate. Lets hope he can get it in the net next year LOL!

The all-inclusive trips have finished now and our self drive trips are in full swing some good fish coming out - biggest just over 64lbs so far.

In the next few days I'll post the the reports for the last two weeks, our expectations and plans as what we have to offer for the coming 2007 season.

All the best carpers... and keep on trying in the cold in the coming months. Just remember you need to be on the bank to get a take so wrap up well and good luck with your winter fishing.

Regards

Martyn

Self drives first 60 at 64.00lbs	Colin and the Hippo at 76lbs Prize winner	Chis jenkins with his prize winning Catfish
Winter Fishing At The Croix Blanche	Winter Fishing At The Croix Blanche

Date: October 2006

Details: !!!!!Venue Report!!!!!

!!!!!Venue Report!!!!!


Hi Carper’s it’s that time again!

This season has flown by with many fantastic catches along the way.

Lets start were we left off with the week starting....

19th to the 26th Aug 2006

This week saw one of our regular groups grace the banks of the Croix Blanche and not a bad week at all loads of big fish and cats too!

A.Rose had a great week with fish to 46.00. He also accounted for a bundle of 30+ fish to:
30.00, 30.00, 30.08, 31.04, 33.00, 34.00, 34.08 36.00, 36.10, 36.00, 38.00, 39.00 ... what a bag & that’s not including his 20’s as well.

D.Halstead landed some crackers with his pb Mirror at 53.04 and also his pb common at 43.00. He also had some back up fish to 38.12.

B.Yeomans landed the biggest carp of the week with a mirror of 55.00 - top angling mate.

Cockney George had some nice fish to 36.00, 31.00 and a good amount of 20’s ... well done mate.

R.Smith landed Moon scale at 48.00 spawned out with another mirror at 38.00

C.Constable seemed to be on catfish patrol landing cats of 76.00, 42.12. He finally shook off the cats to land a mint mirror at 34.08.

G.Pallen had a tough week after his performance last year of winning the biggest catfish of 2005.
But with his hard work and perseverance he landed some good fish to 39.08, 33.04 and a new 30+ common. Top angling mate.

R.Rea made a late booking and also had some crackers to boot with fish of 36.08 common, 33.12 mirror.... cracking fish.

Total fish for the week 70 fish, with 32 fish over 30lbs to 55.00lbs carp and 76.00 catfish - top angling fellas see you next year.

26th Aug to 2nd Sept 2006

This week saw venue regulars looking to catch that pb again!

A. Maynard had a great week breaking his pb’s again with fish of 41.00, 38.10 and some good back up carp and cats.

J.Pound had a difficult week but made a good move to land fish of 40.08, 32.12, 31.04. Well done Johnny.

Well what can I say Stephen Jarvis certainly had it right with 12 fish to 42.04 - good angling mate.

D.Bush put some whackers on the bank with fish to 46.04, 41.00 and some good fish to round his catch off.

M.Norton surpassed his expectation with a massive haul of big fish. To say he was shattered at the end of the week was an understatement. Here’s what he had: 39.02 Common, 39.12, 39.14, 44.06, 45.05 all mirrors, 46.09, 70.12 catfish and rounded it all of with this whopping mirror of 55.13... top angling mate!!!!!!!

V.Andrews had fish to 44.02, 32.04 and some low 30’s

D.Cox (former complex record holder) unfortunately left his magic rods at home this week, but still had some good fish to 36.00 with a pb catfish at 55.00.

R.Martin had some good fish to upper 40’s with the best fish 48.13. Nice to see you on the mend buddy.

All in all a good week with a 104 fish caught good fishing by anyones standards.

2nd to the 9th Sep 2006

Well this week saw the venue record go for both carp and cats with fish well on the feed. It was an awesome week!

Andrew & Jonathan Manning have been coming to the venue now for 5 years and have always done consistently well but this year the amount of good fish blew them away!!!!!!!!

A.Manning 74.06 new complex record, 33.04,37.08 common, 39.00, 40.02, 45.14, 48.04 Mirrors.

J.Manning 82.00, 81.08, 54.08 catfish 33.00, 34.00

The pair had there fair share of big fish and also countless 20’s... well done lads.

The Leicestershire carp crew hit the venue with only one thing on there mind and that was to take the place apart... which they duly did! Although they never bumped in to any of our real big mamma’s they accounted for some quality catches!

M.Law 33.08, 34.08, 41.06 all commons

M.Simpson best fish 42.10 and a total of 16 fish top angling mate.

P.Seager 31.08 common, 35.08

J.Dyer AKA Jogger (don’t ask!) 35.08, 35.05, 33.08 common, 33.00, 31.12, 31.09

The group had a great week with loads of laughs!
Total for the week 76 fish 29 x 20’s, 16 x 30’s, 6 x 40,s 1 x 50, 1 x 70, 2 x 80+ catfish. Top week fellas!!!

9th to the 16th Sept 2006

This week saw the venue turn up no less that 5 fish over 50lbs to 57 ... with 10 x 40’s and a bag load of 30’s.

T.Webb had a good week with two fish over 50 to 57.00 and load of 30+ fish.

D.Moseley fish to 56.00, 42.00, 37.04, 36.12

M.Lycett 57.04, 37.11, 33.14, 31.11

N.Porter 47.02 catfish, 41.03, 41.02

P.Edmonds 51.14, 41.00 catfish 2 pb’s well done mate.

R.Walters one of our old bailiffs covered for a week and managed a few nights and landed fish to 48.06 & 44.12.

Top week with some awesome fish - 73 fish caught.

16th to the 23rd Sept 2006

Well nobody expected to see the Hippo again in such a short time - 11 days infact- and at a new record weight of 76.00lbs. We expect this fish to hit the 80.00lbs mark in 2008. Well lets hope so... I will detail the catches as follows;

Colin Fowler the lucky captor of the Hippo at 76.00 with these fish also 33.05, 35.08, 36.08, 36.12, 46.15 ... well done mate! He also is in the running for the biggest carp prize landed on the venue !!!!!!!

B.Jenkins had a good week anding the biggest catfish this season. He should get a prize for getting this fish in our 42” landing nets! Well done mate! He also accounted for a new pb mirror of 40.02.

S.Peattie and girlfriend Sarah Pit had a good catch this week with 19 fish which comprising; Sarah 60.04 catfish, 32.04 mirror, 27.02 common, 13.10 common, 25.07, catfish, 21.07 mirror, 35.11 mirror, 28.01mirror, 32.05 mirror, 22.05 common.

Shaune:23.07 cat, 26.15 mirror, 29.05 mirror, 29.04 mirror, 47.09 mirror, 44.02 mirror, 32.11 mirror, 46.04 Mirror.

Top fishing!

57 fish for the week.


23rd to the 30th Sept 2006

The nights are now drawing in & the temperatures dropping. Warm sunny day and cold nights have dropped the water temperature naturally slowing the catches down towards the winter period.

Only 52 fish this week with the biggest fish going to Ian Chescoe at 48.04 who was also top rod for the week with 12 fish.

John Turk got some action with a cat of 70.00lbs and a new pb mirror at 43.02.

Only 17 fish over 30 this week ... the big girls seem to be hiding!

30th Sept to 7th October 2006

This week saw some good fish and the overall catch rate is down the average weight is increasing weekly!

Best fish out to Paul Young in the shape of a 51.10 mirror and he also accounted for 48.00, 32.04.

Peter Marsh had some good fish to just over 50 with a mirror at 50.06.

Colin O’Gorman landed some quality carp with fish of 43.00 cat, 36.04mirror, 41.02 mirror, 49.03 mirror, 34.00 mirror... top angling.

Although a slow week some good fish banked with a total of 36 fish - 2 x 50’s, 6 x 40’s, 10x 30’s.


7th to 14th Oct 2006

The cold weather has now set in with cold nights and damp mornings - lots of hot tea and anticipation!

This week was slow with only 21 fish caught to 38.08. The lads on this trip have experienced the Croix at it best and were in pursuit of the largest for this trip - but unfortunately not to be fella’s... better luck in May.

As you can see the venue has produced some amazing catches this year with records being broken all over the place!

Only two weeks before the self-drive anglers kick in and I will keep you informed.

The 2007 season is looking good with the venue filling quickly with anglers keen to come and pit there wit’s against our larger resident’s.

Along with our new venue Croix 2 and its massive shoals of carp let’s hope our success continues in to the future!

Well anglers, I hope you are looking forward to your forth coming trips and hopefully we will see you soon

Best Regards, Martyn

Date: September 2006

Details: Happy Customer Feedback!

Hi Guys

I just wanted to contact you to say thanks from all the Leicester guys for our trip 2nd-9th September. The facilities have improved greatly!

The toilets and shower area was spot on also the lodge area! The food was excellent Martyn and we appreciate the extra effort you made! The bait boat batteries were fantastic this year in fact I only had to change one set! The less said about the lake star the better! The new unhooking mats and carp care kits are top notch and it shows in the condition of the fish!

Seeing the Hippo on the bank was a privilege in itself! And you guys were great company the trip had top atmosphere about it! I got my disc from you this week and the photos are pukka! Thanks guys! We’ll be booking again in November for next year. This was the high light of my fishing year for the second year running and long may it continue! See ya soon!

Cheers

Mike Law
Duty Manager
The Shires
www.theshires.co.uk

Date: September 2006

Details: Complex records get bigger & bigger!!!!!!!!!!

Howdy Carper's

Some new venue news on whats been caught!

Venue regulars Colin Fowler & Chris Jenkins are both happy men this week as they both currently hold the new venue records for carp & catfish.

Colin has been coming to the Croix now for nearly six years and has always done reasonably well for big fish... but this year he has caught the fish of his dreams .... the Hippo at a new record weight of 76.00lb!

The massive mirror graced the banks on the 16th September at 23.40 to Colin who was a bit shatterd to say the least after his trip from Bristol.

The happy Bristol angler also accounted for some other good fish for the week including Commons & Mirrors to upper 40's... well done mate! And to top it all off he is in for the free holiday next year if the record dosent get broken again!
We will wait and see.

Chris Jenkins is also a happy bunny taking the catfish complex record with a cat at 84.06. We have seen a phase of big cat's coming out over the weeks with Jonathan Manning banking two 80+ fish in the same day.

Chris is looking forward to his free week next year. Lets hope he gets it!!!

The fish at the Croix this year have seen steady growth with many magical catches along the way -lets hope our jewel in the crown keeps shinning!!!

I am off to Spain shortly with a group of anglers so on my return a full report on our venues will be posted to keep you up to date on whats going.

Keep on catching lads and I'll speak to you soon.

Martyn

Keep on Smiling	Hippo at 76.00 Awsome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
	What a whacker!	Just a little help fom his friend!!!!!!!!!!!

Date: September 2006

Details: New Complex Record ( the Hippo at 74.06lbs)

Will she ever stop growing?

Enjoy the images.

Martyn.

The Hippo and Andrew Manning
	Who's bigger the fish or the Angler?

Date: September 2006

Details: 74lb 6oz...... Croix Blanche venue record falls to the Hippo again!

7th September 2006

Today saw the venue record fall again to venue regular Andrew Manning.

Andrew landed the Hippo at its record weight at 11.40am breaking his personal best fish by 14lbs which he caught from the Croix Last year.

The fish was in great shape after giving Andy the run around for about 15 mins, weighing in at 74.06lbs

Fishing along side Jonathan his son they have both accounted for some awsome fish with Johnathon landing a big Cat at 82.00lbs.

I will post pictures later today.

The question is will the Hippo make the 80lbs mark this year with only 9 weeks of the season left?

We will wait and see!!!!!!!!!!!

Date: August 2006

Details: Croix Blanche on fire again!!!

Venue report for June, July & August

Hi Anglers,
Thought I would get my fingers working and let you know what has been happening at the Croix Blanche.


17th to the 24th June 06

France still had rising temperatures and the summer water levels started to return... and so did the capture of big fish.

Bob Copley on his second visit to the venue managed some nice fish from the Croix in the shape of an immaculate mirror at 41.10. He also added to his catch sheet throughout the week with fish at 39.10, 31.08, 30.01.

Tim Robinson increased his personal best with a mirror at 34.06, along with Kieran Davis 32.00, Lee Ped 33.08, and Robert Hubert with a cat at 40.00, Miles Barrell 37.12. And plenty of back up fish for the week well done lads.

24th to the 1st July 06

The sun keeps on coming... temperatures are high with no cloud to cool things down.

Some good fish to 50 plus this week with Jason Daniels doing well with good weights,
He landed 50.04, 36.10, 32.00 and a new common at 30.00.

T. Foster, R.Ellis, T.McMahon all landed personal bests with fish of 33.02, 33.06 and 38.00. Some nice Mirror.

1st to the 8th July 06

This week saw some of the big girls on the bank after spawning and we were quite surprised to see how much weight the fish are up from this time last year. This is encouraging to see as this generally means the fish will be heavier at the later part of the season.

The Croix Blanche lake record fish came out to Andrew Clayden at 64.06, spawned out. This time last year the same fish came out at 56.10 to Robin Martin and the last time she graced the banks at 71.02 to Dave Cox in November '05.

Anyway back to the week in hand. Paul Boichat, our commercial manager, came over to cover Holidays and managed to put some nice fish on the bank with fish of 44.04, 33.04, 32.08, 29.12, 28.10, 22.04, 21.06, 20.06 - well done Paul.

Nick Leach had two good fish at 38.01 & 36.00 with some back up 20’s. Barrie Dyer, second time to the venue, beat his personal best with a fish of 37.08 and some good back up fish to high 20’s.

8th to the 15th July 06

This week produced just under 50 fish to the group with the biggest fish going to Tony Asensio at 44.00.

Keith Kitching was top rod for the week with 13 fish to 32.14 - well done mate.

Darren Smith & Tony Baldock, venue regulars, made a b-line for the back which didn’t do so well for them that week. The big cats were on the move in that area which made putting carp on the bank hard... Big Tony connected with a monster cat only to see his rod break!! Never mind Tony at least is was a Greys rod “Life time guarantee!”

Darren had an immaculate common and pb as the scales tipped 38.08. He also managed some good back up fish and a cat at 42.10.

Steve Scott, venue regular, also had some good fish to 39.08 & 31.00.

Kevin our bailiff (aka Forest Gump) had some good fish with Mirrors of 30.02 and cat to 44.08.


15th to the 22st July 06

A slow week but some good fish graced the banks.
Ian Cox Landed his pb cat at 75.00 - well done Ian.

Kevin our bailiff got amongst the fish again with Mirrors of 43.00, 42.04, 33.00 and cats of 39.00, 46.10.

The Scar brothers had some good fish with 31.14, 33.12 & some good 20’s

Paul Chell also beat his pb with a fish of 32.05.


22nd to the 29th July 06

This week saw 41 fish grace the banks with the biggest fish being landed to Paul Wortley at 45.08 - the "old warrior" from the Croix.

Robert Poultney landed the biggest fish from the Tortue at 44.02.

Lee Mansi, second time to the venue, put Mirrors to 41.00 on his catch sheet.

A total of 7 x 30’s to 39.00 in the shape of a pristine common to Kevin our bailiff.


29th July to the 5th August 06

This week saw the Croix Blanche turn up the heat with 60 fish landed.

Kelvin Click, venue regular for the last 7 years, put in his usual hauling session with 11 fish to 52.00 along with fish of 39.00, 36.00 Mirrors, and commons of 35.00,34.00, 35.00 along with some good 20’s and some cats.

His partner Ryan Hemming and first time to the venue did very well with Mirrors to 49.00, 34.00, 30.00, 39.00, 31.08 and some good 20’s.

Also Robert Emery had a good hit on the last night - 35.00 and 33.00 mirrors. Also Colin Dymond from his group landed a mint common at 33.00.

Darren Harding also smashed his pb with a common of 38.00.

Young Max Benjamin had a good week with beating his pb with 24.04 - well done Max keep it up mate (what great angler ...watch out for this boy in the future!)

A good week was had by all but things are about to get BETTER!

5th to the 12th August 06

This week saw the Croix Blanche on fire again and performing amazingly with 85 fish landed to the new complex record of 73.04 to Jack Moore!

What a week this angler had - not just quantity but also quality!! I cannot remember how many times this lad smashed his pb but by the time he left he had beaten his original pb by some 50lb!!!!!!!!!!!

This is what he had:

31.04 Mirror, 29.10 common, 47.06 mirror, 33.00 mirror, 73.04 mirror “The Hippo”
spawned out, 17.08 mirror, 23.12 mirror, 46.08 mirror, 13.02 common, 44.10 mirror to name but a few what week.

It will be along time before he forgets this and Dad Steve didn’t do to bad either with these fish to his name:

21.00 mirror, 33.06 mirror, 31.10 mirror, 42.13 mirror, 22.00 mirror, 34.04 mirror, 37.06 common.

Father and son duo Gordan & Ronnie Hay had their fair share of fish with 31.08 leather, 19.08 mirror, 46.00 mirror, 39.00 mirror, 31.00 common, 19.00 mirror, 24.00 mirror, 20.00 mirror,26.00 mirror, 28.00 mirror, 34.00 catfish, 34.00 mirror

......... not a bad catch at all!

Kirk Finch beat his French pb with a 38.00 from the Tortue and decided to split from his partner in peg 14 and make the move to Peg 2 were he had 11 fish over 20 in two nights - top angling and a good move!

Martin Quayle and Ricky James both had fish to over 40 with mirrors going 44.00 & 40.08 and also had some good cats between them to 48.12, 42.00, and 38.00.

What a week !!!

1 x 70, 12 x 40’s, 17 x 30’s, 29 x 20’s, 26 x doubles ..... a total of 85 fish. It's a shame that there were fish lost that week as it could have been well over a hundred fish - but all anglers left with a smile on their face and a suntan! Well done fellas!


12th to the 19th August

This week saw just 5 of us on the venue as we were having some filming done for a project Tony Davis-Patrick is doing on venues in Europe.
So we took advantage of a break and had some fishing for ourselves for a change.

This week also saw a new member of staff join the team! Gary Bown and accomplished angler from Bournemouth.

Gary’s love for Chub and barble are evident but he has turned his skill to catching carp. He will be taking over the kitchen duties as he is a whiz in the kitchen.

Anyway back to the weeks fishing... a total of 48 fish for the week, with Kevin getting in his favourite spot and getting into the fish straight away.

Kevin’s word after the week... "the best fishing I have ever had cannot believe it!"

This is what he had: 25.08 mirror, 42.04 mirror, 22.00 mirror, 26.06 mirror, 30.04 mirror, 16.08 common, 20.06 mirror, 21.00 catfish, 35.00 mirror, 49.14 mirror, 20.08 catfish, 10.00 common, 35.10 common, 39.12 mirror, 39.41 mirror, 58.04 Catfish, 23.00 mirror, 31.00 mirror, 15.00 catfish, 19.00 catfish, 34.06 mirror.

Great week Kev keep it up mate!

Tony had a difficult week being called at all hours to film big fish so his catching was always interrupted but he managed a few - mainly cats, 25.00 catfish, 25.00 catfish, 26.00 catfish.

Big Ron put a few on the bank to 63.00... here they are: 19.00 common, 18.00 mirror, 27.08 mirror, 23.00 mirror, 22.00 mirror, 19.00 mirror, 28.00 mirror, 18.00 common, 24.00 mirror, 26.08 mirror, 21.10 mirror.

Well done buddy on your new pb!

Now me... not a great week for me only a few fish but you see even though I have been fishing this venue for 8 years putting fish on the bank is not always easy!

The best fish I had was 39.00 mirror, 18.04 mirror, 24.10 mirror, 20.00 mirror, 25.00 mirror.

A great week relaxing and time to spend some quality time with friends and catch a few fish - we even managed to get to the Chinese for a meal one night - great stuff!

As you can see catches have improved over the last few months. Lets hope that the venue can continue to improve and hopefully some of the big girls get on the feed!

Anyway that’s all for now and I will come back with some more reports soon.

Tight lines

Martyn

Date: August 2006

Details: New Web Pages soon....

I know many of our clients check our web pages regularly to find out what has been going on at the venues... but since the start of the year it has been taking a back seat as our all new website is in production.

We got together with John Coppock, w