Claygate Lake Sophie. 18th May 2013

#1

Its 3 1/2 weeks until our next outing at Claygate and just for a change its more of a silvers/ mixed water than out and out carp. There appear to be some very big bream in excess of 10lb but unlikely to be enough to target them specifically though there are quite a number of smaller bream and skimmers. I dont think anyone has fished this lake before so if you have any information, Im sure the rest of the members would appreciate any assistance you could give.
The website says

Lake Sophie is a snake shaped lake consisting of 30 well designed swims (ideal for pole fishing), and like all the other lakes on Claygate Fishery it has been well stocked with a large variety of different species.

The largest carp on this lake is approximately 16lb, there are Tench of 8lb plus, chub of 3lb plus, along with a Barbel to 4lb, there are also Bream 11lb plus, perch of 2lb plus, along with a healthy stock of skimmer bream and other silvers.
The margin fishing on Lake Sophie is exceptional; by applying several tried and tested angling methods good catches of various species makes your trip to this particular lake a memorable and happy experience.

This is a favourite lake for many anglers because of its consistency of quality fishing throughout the day.

Rules are

Maximum 8lb line.
No fixed leads.
Barbless hooks only.
Two keep nets at all times.Maximum weight per net, average 70lb.

Keep nets are supplied by the fisheries and it is the responsibility of the match organiser to ensure all nets are returned in good condition to the bailiff.
Nets and landing nets to be air dried.

Any silver fish weighing over 5lb must be weighed and returned, not placed into keep net
Carp larger than 10lb should not be placed in keep nets but weighed at the time of capture.

All fish must be netted not swung.

No fixed method feeders rigs.

All unused bait must be disposed of in the bins provided or removed from site. (Failure to abide by these rules could result in disqualification from the match and the fisheries)

Scales for the matches must have a minimum range of greater than 60lb.

Unhooking mats must be used to protect the fish at all times during the weighing in.

Disgorgers must be used on fish that are deeply hooked thus avoiding injury.

Maximum match time 6 hours unless previously agreed by the owners.

Midway weighing may be requested during the summer season.

So the questions this week are

Will Keiths bruised ego recover in time to do battle for the MK pound
Will Mick the Chippy join us again or have all those new "North of the River " swearwords he learnt at Hartleylands put him off.
After the match will Clive divert the Ready Mixed concrete lorries he ordered for Hartleylands to Claygate to build a Tesco express, or will he decide he finally likes one of our venues.
Can John carry on his speciman hunting exploits and catch one of those big bream.

It does seem that a fact finding mission would be in order in a week or so.
So which of you wants to fish the match and who fancies a practise fact finding mission.

Dave
Simon
Tony W
Gino
Terry
Keith
Mick
Graham
John
Clive
Al
Jim
TonyR
Chris
Rod

Guest
Mick the chippy
Tom (Guest)

17

#2

Both please Mr C...depending on when you fancy the fact finding

#3

Yes please Dave, just the match.

#4

Yes pleasy

#5

Yes to the Match Dave.

#6

Same as Si Dave, yes to the match, depends on when you are thinking of going for the visit, practice, outing?

#7

put me down dave and i let you know re Martin & Zack

#8

Yes please Dave.

vic1 · #9

Hi Dave
Hope to be able attend this match, it will be my first fishing outing this year after op.so cant wait

Cheers...vic

#10

Thats good Vic. If you need a short walk peg or help with your gear just shout as im sure there will be plenty who will give you a hand.

#11

yes please mr c but only the match

#12

yes please dave

mickthechippy · #13

im pretty sure I could make this iffin theres a space dave

nice ponds

#14

Is there a cafe at Claygate or is it a burger van and you need to pre order

#15

When we fished it last year there was a burger van run by an eastern european woman. I had one of the best cheese and bacon burgers Ive ever had.
Need to check she is still doing it when I ring to comfirm the booking. Or we will find out when the fact finding mission takes place.

#16

Ill put you down Mick as Im sure we can squeeze you in.

#17

Yes please sir Dave.

Anyone know anything about this place ?

#18

Yes Please Dave

#19

any update on the possilbe date for the field trip to see what it is like Dave?

#20

Dave - me and Jim are ok for this one. I may be able to do a reckie with you as well.