"Maize and peach and pepper boilies. Get them from Pascale and you won't go far wrong. Fish love the back of the island so always find a spot you can fish to there. The fish will eat as much as you can throw at them when they are feeding. Start with small amounts and then build up if you are catching. Other than that fish like you would any other lake full of 30's & 40's. Oh plus a few 50's and 60's!! Lol"
Phil Timmins
Showing posts with label Advice. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Advice. Show all posts
Monday, November 14, 2011
Friday, August 5, 2011
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Respect the fish you catch
Please always use an unhooking mat (at least 1m x 60cm and thick enough) and a tarpaulin with catfish. They also need to be held with care and respect.
Tarpaulin used with the catfish
The fish must never be left unattended. Always have your mat, net, camera and bucket full of water ready.
The unhooking mat is big and thick enough to protect the fish
The mat and tarpaulin must be wet before puting the fish on it. A bucket full of water must be closed of you and the fish need to be wet very often. Never stand up with a fish in your arms excepted if you are in the water (deep enough).
Water level is high enough to carry the fish in it
We know you are always very proud of the fish you caught and love to photograph them as we love to receive your photos. But please keep in mind that a fish lives in the water. The shortest is the the photos seance, the fastest the fish goes back to its natural world.
Releasing the fish in the water with care and as soon as possible
Please help us to maintain ALL the fish in good condition.
Sandrine from www.hortonfishing.com
Thursday, September 2, 2010
New Hortonfishing website on line !
Hi everybody,
The new Hortonfishing.com is now on line. Feel free to have a look. Enjoy the visit.
If your photos or feedbacks are not yet on it, please email them to me to infos@hortonfishing.com . We will be pleased to add them as well as you experience on the venue you have fished this season and the best tactics and baits.
Thanks to Nigel for his excellent work on the website.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Latest frequently asked questions
Hi All,
Many thanks for your tremendous input into this Blog, the catch reports below are extremely useful as they give a live and true representation of what is actually happening on the lakes. One thing is for sure the fish have really piled the weight on in all venues.
We have had of late a flurry or recurring rule questions in office which is why I would like to elaborate on them a bit.
Leadcore: No leadcore is allowed on any part of the tackle because over the last 10 years over 90 percent of tethered or damaged fish are associated to the use of this material, it has a particular behaviour in water once freed of the mainline. More often than not it actually wraps itself around the gills causing significant distress.
Braided mainline: Braided mainline is not allowed for carp fishing albeit it is tolerated if a 10metre nylon or fluoro shockleader is used and that the connection knot between mainline and shockleader allows the lead and lead clip to be released. However, no mainline braids of less than 9kg strength should be used as lesser strength braids are too fine and dangerous. Braided mainline is allowed for marker rods and spod rods.
Predator fishing: Pike and other predator fishing is at the discretion of the lake owner, if you intend to lure fish for predators during the stay it would be better to contact us prior to visit so that we may ask the owners for consent.
Unhooking mats: Please remember that these fish are becoming bigger and heavier, anything less than 1.2m long and 0.8m across should not be used. If you intend to weigh your carp in the unhooking mat, the latter must have side zips to prevent the fish from falling out.
That's enough boring information from me tonight, I'd much rather hear from you guys actually out there and catching them...
A bientôt
Many thanks for your tremendous input into this Blog, the catch reports below are extremely useful as they give a live and true representation of what is actually happening on the lakes. One thing is for sure the fish have really piled the weight on in all venues.
We have had of late a flurry or recurring rule questions in office which is why I would like to elaborate on them a bit.
Leadcore: No leadcore is allowed on any part of the tackle because over the last 10 years over 90 percent of tethered or damaged fish are associated to the use of this material, it has a particular behaviour in water once freed of the mainline. More often than not it actually wraps itself around the gills causing significant distress.
Braided mainline: Braided mainline is not allowed for carp fishing albeit it is tolerated if a 10metre nylon or fluoro shockleader is used and that the connection knot between mainline and shockleader allows the lead and lead clip to be released. However, no mainline braids of less than 9kg strength should be used as lesser strength braids are too fine and dangerous. Braided mainline is allowed for marker rods and spod rods.
Predator fishing: Pike and other predator fishing is at the discretion of the lake owner, if you intend to lure fish for predators during the stay it would be better to contact us prior to visit so that we may ask the owners for consent.
Unhooking mats: Please remember that these fish are becoming bigger and heavier, anything less than 1.2m long and 0.8m across should not be used. If you intend to weigh your carp in the unhooking mat, the latter must have side zips to prevent the fish from falling out.
That's enough boring information from me tonight, I'd much rather hear from you guys actually out there and catching them...
A bientôt
Monday, April 6, 2009
Back en Traque
So it is April and Goncourt is producing some amazing results this year to anglers brave enough to fish in France this time of year. Just take a look at some of the catch reports from Pascale over the last month. I know some of the anglers fishing there this early in the season and they are loving it.
Ok, back to La Traque. I have fished La Traque several times over the last 6 years on the Goncourt complex and I have seen all the changes this lake has gone through. When I first fished the lake 6 years ago it was a good 20’s water with the odd 30 pounder to catch but now it has turned into a real big fish water.
I can remember the first time I went there the biggest fish I caught was just under 25lb and I struggled to catch fish over 20lb while the 2 people I went with both caught 30’s to 37lb.
The lake is around 12 acres in size with all the swims having lots of water to fish. Each swim has hotspots to fish to as well as gravel bars and plateaux’s to search out. It is booked on an exclusive basis, so a group of friends can easily have a social fishing week with some great facilities. There was a new wooden lodge built in 2008 with electricity installed. This is great if the weather is bad or if you want to take your partners with you. There is a wooden bench outside for eating and a BBQ next to it. Everything you need except for the beers in the fridge!!
La Traque swim
The lake itself has changed dramatically with all of the snags being removed from the water so that anglers have a better chance of landing the stunning fish in this lake. I can remember 3 of us the first year fishing La Traque hooking over 120 fish but only landing just over half of them. This has now changed with a good 90% of the fish being landed due to the careful management of the lake.
The stock of the lake is around 300 fish and I know it says the average weight is 22lb on Simons website but believe me I have always had a higher average than this in the last few years. The lake record I think is 56lb 8oz but I think it will be broken this year with a fish over 60lb. I have seen fish in the lake before spawning over this weight.
The carp in the lake are stunning with so many different strains of fish. You can catch long leather one minute and then a big plated mirror the next with a fat dumpy 30 plus in the middle!! This lake offers everything for lots of different types of anglers. If you want to catch lots it’s possible, but you also have some huge fish in this lake that will blow your personal best out of the water. I beat my P.B by 6lb one day and then by 11lb the next!
36lb and a 44lb
The fish move around the lake from day to day and you can catch in one area for a few days and then your friend will start catching a day later. I will explain more about this later.
Tactics on the water are quite simple too. I have fished in every part of the lake but have found the margins to be most favourable. The far margin is by far the best with careful bait placement. I always use a boat but some anglers prefer not to do this, it is all personal choice. I have watched the fish patrol the margins while using the boat and it is incredible what you see. So when you go onto the lake look first before fishing to find the clear areas, so you will be more confident where you fish.
I can remember this last year taking Pascale out in the boat to look at the fish patrolling the far margins. She was amazed at what we saw. We saw most of the big fish swimming near to the tree line. We watched the fish move over bait and then start to feed. This has got to be the most exciting way to watch fish, close up and personal. Try it while you are there, you will not be disappointed.
I have always fished with small amounts of tight baiting however I bait regularly. I always use pellets and peach and pepper boilies on this lake. I mark the areas with markers that are able to be seen in at night. I use the fluro strip from Hi-Viz jackets, this can be seen easily at with a torch when baiting up at night. I always use a bait boat at night for safety reasons and would never recommend going to use a boat at night alone. Please remember to remove all your markers before you leave. It only takes a few minutes and stops the lakes looking untidy for the following week’s anglers. Leave it as you find it I say. I know Pascale makes sure the lakes are cleaned every week when you leave but every little helps!!
TIME TO TIDY UP BRETT !!!!!
I normally use “snakes” when baiting up on La Traque. Snakes? I hear you say. Well they are just long PVA mesh bags filled with pellets and boilies. I feed the rig through the tube to cover the rig totally and then place the bait tube on the baited area via the boat. This ensures the bait is totally covered with pellet and boilies so the fish feed with confidence on the area. Remember these fish are fished for most weeks of the season and have seen most presentations so rig camouflage is a key factor to remember.
Snakes
Last year on La Traque my friend and I were lucky enough to catch three 50lb plus fish to 55lb using this method and we tried to bait areas regularly through the day. You will find sometimes the fish have cleaned you out and left your rig sitting there on the lake bed all alone. Brett my fishing partner had this happen to him using method mix. He had baited with method mix one night and went to check the area the next morning. He had his rig sitting in a nice tight circle of method mix with all the other bait gone!! Just because they are French carp don’t think they are stupid.
51lb, 54lb and my P.B at 55lb
Good Fishing,
Phil
Ok, back to La Traque. I have fished La Traque several times over the last 6 years on the Goncourt complex and I have seen all the changes this lake has gone through. When I first fished the lake 6 years ago it was a good 20’s water with the odd 30 pounder to catch but now it has turned into a real big fish water.
I can remember the first time I went there the biggest fish I caught was just under 25lb and I struggled to catch fish over 20lb while the 2 people I went with both caught 30’s to 37lb.
The lake is around 12 acres in size with all the swims having lots of water to fish. Each swim has hotspots to fish to as well as gravel bars and plateaux’s to search out. It is booked on an exclusive basis, so a group of friends can easily have a social fishing week with some great facilities. There was a new wooden lodge built in 2008 with electricity installed. This is great if the weather is bad or if you want to take your partners with you. There is a wooden bench outside for eating and a BBQ next to it. Everything you need except for the beers in the fridge!!
La Traque swim
The lake itself has changed dramatically with all of the snags being removed from the water so that anglers have a better chance of landing the stunning fish in this lake. I can remember 3 of us the first year fishing La Traque hooking over 120 fish but only landing just over half of them. This has now changed with a good 90% of the fish being landed due to the careful management of the lake.
The stock of the lake is around 300 fish and I know it says the average weight is 22lb on Simons website but believe me I have always had a higher average than this in the last few years. The lake record I think is 56lb 8oz but I think it will be broken this year with a fish over 60lb. I have seen fish in the lake before spawning over this weight.
The carp in the lake are stunning with so many different strains of fish. You can catch long leather one minute and then a big plated mirror the next with a fat dumpy 30 plus in the middle!! This lake offers everything for lots of different types of anglers. If you want to catch lots it’s possible, but you also have some huge fish in this lake that will blow your personal best out of the water. I beat my P.B by 6lb one day and then by 11lb the next!
36lb and a 44lbThe fish move around the lake from day to day and you can catch in one area for a few days and then your friend will start catching a day later. I will explain more about this later.
Tactics on the water are quite simple too. I have fished in every part of the lake but have found the margins to be most favourable. The far margin is by far the best with careful bait placement. I always use a boat but some anglers prefer not to do this, it is all personal choice. I have watched the fish patrol the margins while using the boat and it is incredible what you see. So when you go onto the lake look first before fishing to find the clear areas, so you will be more confident where you fish.
I can remember this last year taking Pascale out in the boat to look at the fish patrolling the far margins. She was amazed at what we saw. We saw most of the big fish swimming near to the tree line. We watched the fish move over bait and then start to feed. This has got to be the most exciting way to watch fish, close up and personal. Try it while you are there, you will not be disappointed.
I have always fished with small amounts of tight baiting however I bait regularly. I always use pellets and peach and pepper boilies on this lake. I mark the areas with markers that are able to be seen in at night. I use the fluro strip from Hi-Viz jackets, this can be seen easily at with a torch when baiting up at night. I always use a bait boat at night for safety reasons and would never recommend going to use a boat at night alone. Please remember to remove all your markers before you leave. It only takes a few minutes and stops the lakes looking untidy for the following week’s anglers. Leave it as you find it I say. I know Pascale makes sure the lakes are cleaned every week when you leave but every little helps!!
TIME TO TIDY UP BRETT !!!!!
I normally use “snakes” when baiting up on La Traque. Snakes? I hear you say. Well they are just long PVA mesh bags filled with pellets and boilies. I feed the rig through the tube to cover the rig totally and then place the bait tube on the baited area via the boat. This ensures the bait is totally covered with pellet and boilies so the fish feed with confidence on the area. Remember these fish are fished for most weeks of the season and have seen most presentations so rig camouflage is a key factor to remember.
Snakes
Last year on La Traque my friend and I were lucky enough to catch three 50lb plus fish to 55lb using this method and we tried to bait areas regularly through the day. You will find sometimes the fish have cleaned you out and left your rig sitting there on the lake bed all alone. Brett my fishing partner had this happen to him using method mix. He had baited with method mix one night and went to check the area the next morning. He had his rig sitting in a nice tight circle of method mix with all the other bait gone!! Just because they are French carp don’t think they are stupid.
51lb, 54lb and my P.B at 55lb
As I mentioned earlier the carp move around the lake a lot during a weeks fishing. We had a great example of this towards the end of our weeks fishing in May. We had been told by Pascale that the fish would move to the opposite end of the lake but ignored her advice. The number of runs were dropping off but we didn’t move our rods so she fished in this area and had 2 runs in no time at all. Lesson learnt by me for sure.
Celebrating Goncourt style
Just to finish off, I would like to sum up by saying that La Traque caters for all types of anglers that go to France. I have been with French carp fishing virgins who have caught P.B’s constantly all week and I have also broken my P.B several times on this lake with some real lumps.
Get you and your mates on La Traque for a great weeks fishing with the chance of some carp that will blow you away.
Get you and your mates on La Traque for a great weeks fishing with the chance of some carp that will blow you away.
Keeping the fish wet with the help of Pascale
Good Fishing,
Phil
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Great Lake – Lets get things started
Over the last couple of months The Great Lake on the Goncourt complex has been attracting lots of attention. I have had numerous calls about the lake regarding its size, how hard it is to fish, what methods to use etc,etc. So having fished the complex over the last 6 years I hope to shed a little light on what is probably the jewel in the crown of the Goncourt complex.
Firstly the size. Well, yes it is big but don’t be put off by its 50 plus acres because when you fish the lake it will soon become apparent that the lake can be split into smaller lakes. The islands and arms that stretch out into the lake help breakdown the lakes size thus giving you lots more confidence and helping you catch fish easier by not worrying about the size of the lake.
Looking from the gravel works arm
Secondly is what tactics to use on this water and once again it a case of keeping it simple. I always use the same rigs as I do on my English waters with the only difference being an increase in hook and lead size. The most important thing on The Great Lake is getting the rig in the right place. I always use the boat the first day to find some areas to fish, which are marked and baited lightly.
I use the boat as little as possible, but the first day is generally the best day to use it because it is change over day and the boat has probably been used to extract marker floats from the previous weeks anglers using the lake. After this I keep the boat use to a minimum. The lake is very clear and the fish are easily spooked so try to keep the boat out of the water as much as possible.
The lake is also weedy in parts so try to find holes or clear areas close to weed beds but remember to bait lightly. All the fish I have caught on this lake have come from a couple of handfuls of Peach and Pepper boilies per rod with half a kilo of mixed pellet.
The rig is simple and I use a normal snowman set up consisting of a Peach and Pepper bottom bait, topped with a Scopex Squid pop up. I then use a five or six bait stringer and mesh bag over the hook to finish off the rig. I always like to cast to marked areas if possible to keep disturbance to a minimum but sometimes I have to use a bait boat.
30lb Mirror and a 50lb plus Sturgeon
Oh, I forgot to mention Pascale, not that she needs any introduction. Wherever you fish on the Goncourt complex Pascale will know where the best fishing areas and how to fish them. She spends every day of the season looking after her customers and supplying them with her world famous pies. If you want up to date information speak to her on your arrival, you will not be disappointed. She also catches a few fish too but is always too shy to admit this, so here is her first 30lb fish from The Great Lake. Sorry Pascale.
Firstly the size. Well, yes it is big but don’t be put off by its 50 plus acres because when you fish the lake it will soon become apparent that the lake can be split into smaller lakes. The islands and arms that stretch out into the lake help breakdown the lakes size thus giving you lots more confidence and helping you catch fish easier by not worrying about the size of the lake.
Looking from the gravel works arm
Secondly is what tactics to use on this water and once again it a case of keeping it simple. I always use the same rigs as I do on my English waters with the only difference being an increase in hook and lead size. The most important thing on The Great Lake is getting the rig in the right place. I always use the boat the first day to find some areas to fish, which are marked and baited lightly.
I use the boat as little as possible, but the first day is generally the best day to use it because it is change over day and the boat has probably been used to extract marker floats from the previous weeks anglers using the lake. After this I keep the boat use to a minimum. The lake is very clear and the fish are easily spooked so try to keep the boat out of the water as much as possible.
The lake is also weedy in parts so try to find holes or clear areas close to weed beds but remember to bait lightly. All the fish I have caught on this lake have come from a couple of handfuls of Peach and Pepper boilies per rod with half a kilo of mixed pellet.
The rig is simple and I use a normal snowman set up consisting of a Peach and Pepper bottom bait, topped with a Scopex Squid pop up. I then use a five or six bait stringer and mesh bag over the hook to finish off the rig. I always like to cast to marked areas if possible to keep disturbance to a minimum but sometimes I have to use a bait boat.
The Rig and The finished Rig
Lastly, I would like to tell everyone who has been to Pascales’ Goncourt complex and has seen The Great Lake, not to be daunted by it. It is only as difficult as you make it and I can tell you that this lake has fish in it to make your dreams come true. This does not only mean purely the size of the fish even though they grow to over 60lb in the lake but the sheer beauty of the fish which you find nowhere else in France. These hard fighting big scaled mirrors are one hell of a prize to have in your album.
If you want hard fighting fish, don’t forget the stock of sturgeon that are in The Great Lake too. There are sturgeon to over 100lb in there and fight like a run away train with a head start on you. These fish will test you and your tackle to the extreme and then fight some more when closer to the net. One thing to remember with these fish is that they fight to the end so please return them quickly to the lake and nurse them until they swim off strongly.
30lb Mirror and a 50lb plus Sturgeon
Oh, I forgot to mention Pascale, not that she needs any introduction. Wherever you fish on the Goncourt complex Pascale will know where the best fishing areas and how to fish them. She spends every day of the season looking after her customers and supplying them with her world famous pies. If you want up to date information speak to her on your arrival, you will not be disappointed. She also catches a few fish too but is always too shy to admit this, so here is her first 30lb fish from The Great Lake. Sorry Pascale.
Pascales 30lb Great Lake fish
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