Well, after another forum member on here won a weeks fishing to film a DVD with Hooked on France on with all money going to the rainbow trust charity, I was pretty Damn jealous. Due to me having a summer holiday in Zante with 25+ mates, a lot of money spent and some hefty fines i had to put off another trip i had planned. It was a midweek day when i was at work and received a phone call from Northernsod (Gordon) saying Hooked on France have asked if i wanted to join them on the trip, i was on the ball and within seconds a yes went straight into his ear. Dates and a lake were sorted and things progressed nicely. I think it was a decision between everyone that we would get our bait from Frank at catcherbaits, who also joined us on the trip with his wife Sue. All our orders were placed and it was down to him to get it rolled and bring it along, in which he did.

Friday 28th September came and i was buzzing, well i think everyone was. All 6 of us met up at Portsmouth ready for the overnight ferry to Le Havre. A few beers were had and we jumped into our sleeping bags ready for 2.5 hour drive to the lake. (Well all of us except stretchy went to sleep, stretchy decided to stay up on the boat walking round, finding friends and ponsing drinks, pmsl)

The drive took just over 2.5 hours and upon arriving at the lake we were greeted by Iain & Kim the lake owners, the chickens, Buster the dog and the cats. We had a brief look at the lake and as swims had already been decided the one’s that wanted the rods out went one way whilst the rest finished the tea and coffee off whilst soaking the sun up.

Saturday was a busy night for most, I managed to land 9 fish to 18.04, not huge but very enjoyable. We all turned up at brekky tired but all happy as we had all caught. Sunday came and went with even more fish being landed not forgetting Sue (Franks wife) breaking her P.B. 3 times in the one day with the biggest being 25.08. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday progressed excellently with Frank landing the biggest common of the week at 26.12 and John landing a 29.02 which was the biggest in the competition we had. Sue had yet even more 20’s to her name and was well and truly top rod during the week. I managed a couple more twenties as did Dave Frank and John. Friday came and it was our last full day so everyone’s hopes were high and stayed high. Everyone landed yet more fish including a one toner take to me and an awesome fight which resulted in me getting in the lake taking the fish on in the drink, a few water pictures and that summed my week up, quality. Dave and John had a few more, including a very pretty 13lb which he got in the drink for a few pictures, he picks the fish up and wallop the fish takes a dive and leaves Dave is left searching the water for his capture..pmsl. Although he made up for it with a stunning 25.00 scaley mirror which did behave for the water shots. Gordon (Northernsod) was the only one not to have a twenty up until Friday...he had loads of fish close to it, but Friday night was his night when he landed to 20’s weighing in at 22.08 and 26.08 and he deserved it. Saturday morning came and it was packing up time, I had a heavy night, sleeping through my alarms but managed to winkle one or two out that morning. Everyone packed up, we said our thanks and goodbyes and we headed for Le Havre for the 17.30 ferry back to reality.

Well that’s the fishing side of things...we did have our funny times...i was pitched up with Dave and John on one side..We had some funny arguments including Dave’s salad dodger, the rod debates, dodgy scales, childhood talks and much more. You were both top company and had me in stitches all week. Sue, Frank & Gordon who were on the other side took the more serious approach and results showed, all sound people and top angling. Well Done Sue for outdoing Frank although Frank will say he taught you everything.

Lastly, Thanks to Iain & Kim, we all had a great time, the food was gorgeous and the hospitality was spot on. You two really know how to run a lake. The lake is stunning; swims are great with lots of space for each angler. Buster (dog) and Harvey (cat) had us all laughing when Buster tried to give Harvey a good’un.
Anyone that is looking for a runs water with great fighting and great looking fish, quality food and hospitality in a lovely setting this is the place for you, you will not regret it. We are already in talks of getting back out there.
That’s me done, I’ve gone on enough. Thanks to Hooked on France for the trip....well enjoyed by all

Dale