Happy Wednesday everyone and welcome to this weeks installment on my blog! Last week I spoke about the importance of a good pair of polarized sunglasses which will help you spot carp easier and protect your eyes from the harmful UV rays. If you are interested and haven’t read this yet then you can do so here!
This week I am going to speak about a club I am a member of and review the waters that they hold! I have been a member of Crowborough & District Anglers Association on and off for the past 18 years having joined as a young angler with my Dad when we first moved to the area! I learnt most of my fishing on these waters and know most like the back of my hand! They hold the right to many different lakes and streches of river which will tickle many different anglers appetite!
In this review I will speak about my knowledge of the lakes, what each lake holds and a few hints and tips along the way!
Pennybridge
This was a water that the club developed itself in the mid 1990’s under the guidance of our former webmaster Roger Funnell, with the help of the National Lottery. At the time we believed we were the first club in the country to undertake such a project.
It opened to members in the summer of 1997. Since then it has proved to be a very popular water. With two very accessible disabled swims, a large car park, toilet, and as the location of the clubs’ annual Junior Day, this really is a water that appeals to everyone.
Crucian Carp – 2lb 2oz
Tench – 6lb 6oz
Bream – 2lb+
Perch 2lb 15oz
Roach – 1lb 10oz
Gudgeon – 3oz
This is one of my favourite pleasure waters held by this club. I have spent many afternoons here on this beautiful lake fishing for its larger residents; Crucian and Tench. Back in the day this use to be the place to go for a 4lb + Tench but these seem to have died out but I will not give up! My tip is simple fishing with a whip or a ledgered luncheon meat on a feeder rod for the larger species.
Scaland Wood
The club has enjoyed the rights to this water since 1978.
Since then the water has gone from strength to strength and in 2009 the club had the chance to purchase the water, which it did. In 2010 a wind break was constructed behind the dam and the roadside bank treeline was thinned out during 2012-13.
Soon after this the car park was reinstated, a short hard path made down to the lake and a compost toilet constructed. This water has now had further improvements during 2017 with defined raised pegs, improved path ways and an extension to the car park. It is a water all members should feel proud of.
Common Carp – 10lbs 12oz
Crucian Carp – 2lbs 1oz
Ghost Carp – 10lbs 3oz
Mirror Carp – 12lbs 11oz
Goldfish – 1lbs 10oz
Perch – 4lbs
Roach – 1lb 4oz
This lake is where I self taught myself alot of what I know about carp fishing. This is the perfect place to go if you want a variety of captures from carp to roach and bream. Recently an airator has been installed to introduce more oxygen into the water and increase the carps appetite! HOPEFULLY!
Oast Farm
The club negotiated the rights to this water during November 2017 with it having previously been a day ticket water for many years. Some members will already know of it as a prolific Carp water!
There is plenty of onsite parking and a farm shop, cafe and toilets, the owners are offering members a deal on take out food of a sausage or bacon sandwich, tea, coffee or apple juice and a slice of flapjack for £5.
The lake is approximately half an acre with depths to 6ft.
Mirror Carp – 19lb
Common Carp – 15lb
Crucian Carp – 2lb
Tench – 2lb
Roach 1lb 8oz
Rudd – 1lb 8oz
This lake proves to be popular for those wanting a bend in the rod. Large hauls can be had on this lake when feeding including some of the lakes larger relatives!
Wirgol
When the club first gained the opportunity to fish this water it was little more than the iron age work hole from where it gained its’ name. Under the leadership of the then Water Management Officer Henry Russell the lower Wirgol I was opened in 1985. A year later and after much work by Henry and his merry band the upper Wirgol II was opened. Members from the 1990’s will remember that each summer a bale of barley straw would be seen floating around as it helped to remedy the problems caused by algal blooms.
In 2005 the dam on Wirgol I was reconstructed, which also helped increase the volume of water.
Both waters have always been popular with Carp anglers although there are many other treasures swimming around beneath the surface.
Common Carp – 12lbs 4oz
Crucian Carp – 2lbs 5oz
Leather Carp – 5lbs 0oz
Mirror Carp – 15lb 10oz
Perch – 2lbs 10oz
Roach – 2lbs 1oz
Rudd – 8oz
Tench – 2lb 4oz
Here there are two waters Wirgol I and Wirgol II. Both hold stocks of carp and other species if you don’t mind a little walk with your gear! In my opinion I would fish here more often but the walk puts me off!
Underhill
The club has been fishing this one acre lake since 1991. Back in those days the water was plagued with lilies and weedgrowth. But over the years, the club has worked hard to enhance the fishery and improve the bankside environment. It has now evolved into an excellent general fishery and co-hosts the summer series of Junior matches.
Common Carp – 10lbs 0oz
Mirror Carp – 18lb 1oz
Eel – 2lb 0oz
Pumpkinseed – 6oz
Roach – 1lb 0oz
Rudd – 1lb 1oz
Tench 4lb 4oz
Brown Trout – 2lb 7oz
This lake is very picturesque and holds a good stock of loads of different varieties of fish! During my younger years this used to be one of the Junior Matches favourite venue due to the variety and the sizes!
Mill House Farm
This water first caught the eye of a Committee member while out dog walking in September 2012. It was finally opened to the members in August 2015. During the intervening period the water was transformed under the guidance of project leader Dave Flint. Several trees were removed from the water. Areas of inaccessible bankside were transformed and new swims were established. The water quality was tested, the lilies were thinned out and the stock was assessed. We believe it is a water with an interesting shape and plenty of different swims that will suit different styles of angling.
The access to this water was greatly improved in 2017 with a hard road now going all the way from the entrance to the car park and some new gates, there is also now a hard path from the car park almost to the waters edge.
Common Carp – 23lb 9oz
Mirror Carp – 28lb 8oz
Bream – 1lb 8oz
Crucian Carp – 1lb 3oz
Eel – 1lb 0oz
Perch – 1lb 2oz
Roach – 1lb 5oz
Rudd – 1lb 0oz
Tench – 4lb 9oz
This is a very interesting lake. I have only recently started to fish this but it holds a few gems. With only 4 known carp (possibly 5 but not confirmed) this lake provides an interesting challenge for those experienced carpers. I am on the hunt for one myself and will continue to pursue!
More House Farm
The Club acquired this three water complex in the Spring of 2016. Each water has a unique personality and offers something different to the other two.
Mirror Carp – 40lbs+
Common Carp – 37lb 8oz
Catfish – 69lb
Tench – 1lb 8oz
There are many lakes on this complex which CDAA members have some right too!
Gabriels
The club first acquired fishing rights here in the autumn of 2012. Members are allowed to fish with one rod on Oak Lake (Monday to Friday only), Silver Lake, Swallow Lake and Hare Lake. In addition there is one and a quarter miles of the River Eden to fish.
Mirror Carp – 40lb
Common Carp – 44lb 6oz
Grass Carp – 29lb 5oz
Tench – 5lb
Bream – 5lb
Chub – 5lb
Rudd – 2lb
Roach – 2lb
Perch – 4lb
Dace – 10oz
Gudgeon – 2oz
Like previous this fishery has a few lakes open to CDAA members but please check their website before attending.
Danesfield Wood
This is a pretty little water hidden away in the woods which the club first acquired it in 2007.
Despite a collapse in the dam in 2010 the water has gone from strength to strength. After the dam was rebuilt the club restocked the water with 453 Common, Leather and Mirror Carp between 1 and 2lbs in June 2011. It’s about an acre in size and up to five feet deep and it is a wonderful stalking water.
Various works have taken place here over the past couple of years with new swims created and the one on the dam made safer.
Mirror Carp – 4lb
Common Carp – 16lb
Ghost Carp – 6lb
This lake is great for a bit of stalking. This lake is jam packed with carp so is great for anyone looking to get a bend in their rod
Claygate Lakes
The club secured the rights to fish here as of the 2nd January 2019.
CDAA members can fish the two match lakes (Sophie & Eva) with a single pole or rod as part of their membership,
if you wish to use a second rod there is a £2 charge.
The fishery advise that you contact them before travelling to fish on a weekend as they hold a lot of matches at the venue and there may not be any pegs available.
To fish the specimen lake (Amy) you MUST prebook with the fishery who will apply a £2 discount to any ticket you purchase, provided you make them aware that you are a CDAA member.
Mirror Carp – 20lb
Common Carp – 39lb
Barbel – 6lb
Tench – 9lb
Bream – 11lb
Chub – 5lb
I have never fished this lake but I have heard good reviews from match fisherman with the hauls that can be had. Worth a go if your a on the hunt for species or to get a bend in the rod!
Weir Wood Reservoir
The Club first gained the rights to this one and a half mile long, 280 acre reservoir in 2001.
Since then it has proved to be a popular water with match anglers, Trout anglers and Pike anglers in particular.
Mirror Carp – 34lb
Common Carp – 34lb
Crucian Carp – 2lb 9oz
Tench – 4lb
Bream – 14lb
Rudd – 2lb
Roach – 2lb
Perch – 4lb
Pike – 34lb
Eel – 8lb 8oz
The RFA
The Club has been a member of the Rother Fisheries Association since the early 1980’s. The Association was formed in 1872 and has the rights to twelve miles of the River Rother and a stretch of the Royal Military Canal. There are several sections of river that are detailed below.
Robertsbridge to Udiuam
Udiam to Bodiam
Newenden (Downstream)
Potmans Heath to Blackwall Bridge
The Royal Military Canal (Iden Lock to Appledore Dam)
Eridge Stream
The club first acquired the rights to this pretty stream in 1976 thanks to our former Water Management Officer, Henry Russell. Our stretch of this stream goes on for about a mile. For those who enjoy chasing Trout and Chub, this is the perfect getaway.
Overview
CDAA is a great platform for all different types of anglers. It holds waters suitable for different types of fishermen from your seasoned carpers to your match fisherman. Young, Old, Disabled, Roamer or Like to sit tight, then they have something for everyone! I would reccomend this club to anyone as it is only £55 for the year! What a BARGAIN.
The club is run by some great people who I have met on the bank alot of times. They are always willing to pass on their knowledge and happy to help anyone that wants to improve!
If you would like to know anything else about CDAA then you can check them out here!
I have alot of knowledge on their waters so if there is anything from this blog or any other blog for that matter then please don’t hesitate in getting in contact. I am ALWAYS happy to help! You can DM me on Facebook or Insta, Email me or fill out the form below!
Wet nets and tight lines all! Till next time!
