An Amazing 7 Days Fishing

Over the past 40 years I have been a pleasure angler. This year I decided to try fishing in France as a friend of mine had moved over there and has his own fishery.

I like to day fish only and wanted to try to catch some new species.

My friend is James Peacock and the first day of my trip he took me to the River Saone to try for the catfish there. We arrived to the river to try our luck and fished with live roach. After 3 hours of fishing here we agreed to go and look for another swim. Almost one hour later we pulled up to another swim. I asked James if he fished this swim before and James said “No but it looks right”. Then he rowed the baits out, we were fishing 4 rods.

It was less than half an hour that the baits were in the water when the left hand rod slowly started taking line. As I got to the rod the run became faster and faster, I struck into the biggest fish of my life. It was upstream and smashed through lots of water lilies but the braided main line cut through them, after a fight in the red-hot sun I finally got it near the bank. James then slide down the high bank, then he jumped in and gloved the Catfish. My first Catfish that James estimated between 45 to 50 lb. We took some photos and released the fish. After fishing for 3 more hours with out a bite we returned to his lake Etang de Azat-Chatenet.

We had some food then went down to the lake to fish for a couple of hours before it got dark. I had a run on one of the carp rods and I landed a 12 lb mirror carp, 2 personal bests on the same day.

The following 2 days for me was incredible, first was a 13 lb mirror new PB, followed by a 13 lb sturgeon new PB. Then a 14 lb mirror new PB, then my first Koi 9 lb new PB. Next up was another first a beautiful grass carp that weighed in at 25 lb new PB followed shortly by a 15 lb sturgeon new PB. I had 19 fish in total, ending with an 18 lb mirror carp, another PB. I had a great 3 days and arranged to return before winter set in due to work.

When I returned the rains had come and the water was really cold the first day I had 4 more fish with a 27 lb mirror carp another PB. Day 2 I had 8 fish mirrors and sturgeon with the biggest sturgeon going 16.5 lb new PB. Day 3 was to produce one mirror and 3 sturgeons, the biggest sturgeon went to 17.5 lb new PB. The weather was getting worse every day, my last day I managed 4 sturgeon. For me it was an amazing 7 days fishing, 2 short sessions 39 fish most of them bigger then I had ever caught before with 4 new species and 13 personal bests. Next year I know where I am fishing!

A bit about Etang de Azat-Chatenet

This lovely cottage has been recently restored to a very good standard.

The accommodation consists of a kitchen/diner with a sofa that can adapt to a double bed and wood burning stove plus electric radiator. The kitchen is equipped with free standing gas cooker and fridge with ice box, table and chairs.

There is a laundry room for guests to use.

There is a large shower-room and separate toilet with wash hand basin.

There is free to view English TV and Radio, and a Playstation 2 so that you can watch your DVD’s, listen to your CD’s or play your games.

Upstairs you will find 2 x twin bedrooms with electric radiators

Please check for 2007 Special Holiday Offers