Displaying items by tag: kent

The Golden Balls team strike their rods to success yet again!
That’s right anglers, it’s that time of year again for the famous golden balls charity event at Hawkhurst fish farm, Kent. 76 carp and match anglers including children from the age of 10, took to the lakes 12th-13th September to try and catch as many fish as they could in order to win the famous GB trophy and raise money for the Cancer Research UK charity.

The event included four separate matches of 1 junior match, 2 senior matches and 1 24 hour carp match over the two days. This years matches were all organised by the golden balls committee, where 12 juniors competed side by side in their match for 6 Hours. … So how did they get on?

1st     George Bolt     44lbs
2nd      Ross Macauley     42lbs 10oz   
3rd     Ash Cornish     26lb

Whilst the juniors were competing, the first senior match also made a start at 9.00 am. Dave Sage came in 1st place on Saturday’s match having a total weight of 156.9 lbs. so how did the runners up do?
1st     Dave Sage     156.9 lbs
2nd     Vic Elmer     148.0 lbs
3rd     Daren Chaston     126.12 lbs

As the sun went down, and a new day arises the second senior match got on the way. With the cloudy skys holding off the rain Paul Lamb came in fist place with the following not too far behind him:

1st     Paul Lamb     148.3 lbs
2nd     P Ollernshaw     114.14 lbs
3rd     Mark Breckall     110.4 lbs

So after these successful three matches, how were the anglers getting on in the 24 hour carp match that started on Saturday at 12pm…with the eager anglers getting their rods in and their bait scattered all round their swims, Ashley Izzard got the reel spinning catching the first fish in the match automatically taking him to the lead with a 10lb carp. But as the night drew nearer the real excitement started. The specimen lake became very popular with Daniel Warren catching a 26lb mirror and Dale Cassell catching a 29 lbs not too far behind him. So who was the lucky angler to win the famous golden balls trophy?

1st     Dale Cassell     55lb 10oz
2nd     Ashley Izzard     43lb 8oz
3rd     Frank Wheeler     31lb

Heaviest fish trophy sponsored by rigmarole also went to Dale Cassell of 29lb 2oz.

So up to the marquee for the famous raffle, presentations and grand total to be announced, all the match and carp anglers including juniors had their raffle tickets ready and braced themselves to hear that magic total they helped raise go towards Cancer Research UK. There was an overwhelming number of prizes donated for the raffle, and tombola that also took part during the day times over the weekend. The raffle wouldn't have been so successful if it wasn’t for our generous sponsors (see below). These were very much appreciated by all the golden balls team and organisers, not to mention the lucky winners who won fantastic holidays ranging from a weeks fishing holiday at Sky Lakes to a wide range of fishing equipment from Fox, Warriors and so on.

The golden balls committee along with Cancer Research UK representative Helen Waters and David and Wendy Dukes (Mayor of Tunbridge Wells) addressed the eager crowd who all took part, how much they had finally raised. The honour was left to Ben Wilkinson to announce the grand total of £17,500 as all their faces lit up with pride, from raising such an outstanding figure for the one event. What an amazing achievement and have to take our hats off to all that played a part in yet another successful weekend. Speaking to Barry Cale the founder of golden balls charity moments after said he was very thankful to everyone that took part and couldn’t believe how much they had still managed to raise with the current climate.

This is now the 4th golden balls charity event he has organised with his committee to be at the amazing grounds of Hawkhurst fisheries, Kent. Barry and his family including two daughters Stacie Hudson and Hayley Cale who also arrange their own yearly charity events based around dancing would personally like to thank everyone who played a part in the event, from people simply buying raffle tickets to our wonderful marshals Tony the tench, John Crundwell and Will Izzard. They all deserve praise for giving us their time and effort over the weekend. Not to forget our great number of sponsors and Hawkhurst fish farm for letting us use their complex. None of this could have been so successful without them, and it’s great to know all the money raised will help find a cure for the disease that effects so many of us.

Should you wish to make a donation to Cancer Research UK after being inspired by this magnificent event, you can do so by entering this link into your web browser. www.cancerresearchuk.org You can also contact them on 0207 2420200 for further details. Next years event will be taking part at the same picturesque complex of Hawkhurst fish farm 11th-12th September. If you would like to take part or would like to find out more details, please visit our new website www.gballs.webs.com or you can contact Barry cale on bnccale@hotmail.com or 07860491478. well done again to everyone and good luck for next year.

Hayley Cale
Golden Balls Secretary

The golden balls team would like to thank, in no particular order Norman Cale, Tim and Julie Sneed, Helen Waters, David and Wendy Dukes (deputy mayor of Tunbridge Wells), Tetly, Tony the tench, Trevor and Karen Dyer, Frank Wheeler, Glen Gatson, Wayne Gatson, Simon Sharp, Wendy Cale, John Crundwell, Hawkhurst fish farm, Ray Harris, Ashford Tackle, Vision Vinyls, Fresh Water Informer, Decathlon, Fox, Sky Lakes, Lake Serene, Etang Kingshaw, Spain Brothers, Venture tackle, tackle box, Kent tackle, rigmarole, smart carping, Benfleet hall lakes, Hawkhurst fish farm, strand quary café, uniform leisure, just baits, catcher baits, korda, Sparshatts, dynamite baits, crowborough tackle, any fish any where, nash tackle, acorn hire, Etang Baudy, solar tackle, CC mores, J & H lifting, rubben heaten, carp vader, tubertini, Stonnes fishery, AA Covers, fishing world of Kent.

"Pads Army" is now associated with and sponsored by MONK LAKES FISHERY in
Kent

The Lakes now have 80 swims for Disabled Anglers.

Pads Army and Monk Lakes' owners are hoping to have nearly all swims done by April 2009. Monk Lakes Fishery is still the best fishery in Kent and its going to get better.

Our Charity Fishing Match details for 2009 will be avilable soon so please watch this space. We are Planing a young Anglers session for those who have not fished before ... the details are being sorted out.

Paddy of PADS ARMY
Paddys Angling Disabled Support Group. Charity No 1118422.

Frant Lakes, Kent

Located just outside the village of Bells Yew Green near Tunbridge Wells, around 40 minutes drive from the South London area, Frant Lakes offers mixed and specimen fishing on eight lakes set in 200 acres of parkland as well as a fifty swim section of the River Teise. They offer disabled anglers more than 20 dedicated swims with adjacent car spaces.

Reader Review - Jel Holyoake, Kent - May 2007

This may sound silly but what planet do some fishery owners live on??

I recently went to Frant Lakes off the A21 in Kent. I arrived at 2.45pm and wanted to single rod surface fish the 'snags' (speciman lake) until the complex closed, 7pm. I was told by the bailiff that I would have to pay for an entire day, £15. I told the bailiff it was only for a few hours but he insisted that the owners would not let me fish unless I paid the full price. As there were only 3 cars in the car park I could quite clearly see that the complex was empty, but my £7.50 wasn't enough.

Are they so detatched from reality that they can't understand that some people only wish to fish for half a day and that on most waters there is a half day ticket policy.

I went down the road to Elphicks where I was sold a ticket for £6 and had 20 fish. I like Frant Lakes, but I think I'm going to struggle to go back there, a place I have intermittantly fished over the last-at least 15 years when Les Bowman (the present owners father) ran it.

How times change. When Les knew I was coming down by train he used to pick me up from the station and chuck my bike in the back of his little white van with his alsation. They were the times when the complex was struggling for anglers and he was consistantly fighting the council for planning permission. I was also the person whom he asked to tell all my friends that Frant was back on it's feet years ago when they had a big fish kill after witnessing the first 20 out, they thought all the big fish were dead.

Sometimes the little £7.50's are better than the no pounds-no pence at all, and us people who get the odd half day off can fish at a fair price.

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Editor: Definitley a lesson for fishery owners to learn there then ! Don't alienate your regular customers as they will vote with their feet. With so many "rival" fisheries in Kent, perhaps Frant Lakes need to re-consider their pricing policy.

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Reader Review - Anne - November 2007

Half day tickets are available at Frant Lakes as my sons and I have used them since we first came to the lakes around June this year.

As we have football in the mornings at the weekends we have only ever used the half day ticket and have paid monies to many people in the ticket office. We have found both Mr Bowman and his wife to be most helpful and polite on this our first season of fishing. Bailifs have also taken the time to offer us advice and tips to make the most of our time at the lakes.

We would highly recommend these beautiful well stocked lakes and hope that the previous review has not put people off.

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Editor: Just goes to show there are always two sides to every coin.

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Uk Fisherman would love to hear from any other anglers who have good or bad experiences of Frant Lakes. We would especially like to hear from anyone connected with Frant Lakes who would like to comment on this review.
Paul @ Uk Fisherman

Please note the views expressed on these review pages are not necessarily endorsed by UK Fisherman.

Based in Deal, Kent, 6 coarse fishing lakes make up the Cottington Lakes complex, offering a variety of angling to all levels - two mixed coarse lakes, two specimen carp lakes and a two match lakes, the latest of which was opened in 2005. Main species include carp, bream, tench, roach, rudd, perch and chub.

UK Fisherman was recently contacted by three anglers, all being familiar with the fishing at Cottington Lakes, but with very differing opinions of the place and the fishing on offer there. Just shows you that no two people ever have the same views on matters - well hey, wouldn't life be dull if we all agreed !!

Camo - Read Review

Carl - Read Review

John - Read Review

Carl - Read Comments and view pictures

Clive - Read Comments ** New Feb 08

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Reader Review - Paul (April 2007)

Comments removed at the request of the author

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Reader Review - Camo (April 2007)

"I cannot agree with the comments made about this fishery as the review sounds nothing like the place I have fished, the welcome one gets from Laurie who has worked in the Tackle shop for three years is excellent, he is extremely polite and a true gentleman."

"I went to the lakes today unannounced to see for myself first hand and the Lakes looked fantastic and as for the maintenance their has been trouble with blocked sluice gates in the dykes but that has now been rectified."

"I spoke to many anglers who love the place and fish were being caught left right and centre - I saw some beautiful fish and in pristine condition too. Aubrey was cutting the grass which he does on a weekly basis, Duane one of the Honary Bailiffs was removing old wooden platforms and replacing with new Galvanised Metal ones, paths were being laid around the match lakes, reeds were being cut back by Tim and weeds were being sprayed."

"The Lakes in my view have never looked better. There are now eight Lakes on the Complex including a silver fish lake, Pepper lake one of the Carp Lakes is being dug out to approximately seven acres and this all in a day."

Two views of Cottington Lakes - Pictures courtesy of Camo

"The facilities include toilets and showers which are cleaned on a daily basis, Cafe and Bar where the food is well presented and spotless and the tackle shop which is under new management and is very well stocked and caters for all Match, Pleasure and Carp anglers. Security Cameras safeguard your property and well being, each lake has its own car park so its never too far to your favourite swim. I took countless photos of the Lakes and fish etc, hoping to put pictures to my words so all could see first hand how beautiful this place is and its going to get better. There is a huge Caravan and Camping site which is open all year, with electric hook-ups and water etc."
Camo

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Reader Review - Carl Harris (May 2007)

Last week myself and 7 work colleagues hired the exclusive use of Lake Pepper. We spent 48 hours, in glorious May weather, at the lake. We found the local bailiffs and staff very helpful, and although the fishing was not prolific, everyone caught fish.

Five of us had British PB's, myself having 3 fish over 20lb, biggest 25 1/2lb mirror. All the fish were in pristine condition, and put up very good fights!!!

I would definitely return to Cottington and will recommend it to others.

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Reader Review - John (Sept 2007)

Your reviewer Paul gives a low assessment of his visit to Cottington Lakes. Whilst I do not doubt that he reflects his own experience mine is somewhat different.

I have visited Cottington on three occasions this year with my young son and friends to camp and fish. We have been treated courteously and in a friendly and helpful matter. There was no problem with distractions from other anglers, indeed we engaged in several pleasant conversations with others using the lakes, most of whom were more than happy to volunteer information gained from their experiences. We caught a variety of species as well as larger Tench and Carp.

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Reader Review - Carl (Oct 2007)

On a recent trip to Cottington Lakes which is in Deal, kent, I beat my PB twice in one day on Lake Christine. My PB stood at 16lb but when I struck into a 23.8lb mirror carp I was over the moon and made the trip well worth it.

But then shortly after, I stuck into a 26.8lb mirror carp on my other rod.

Cottington's is a nice and friendly place which has all the amenities that you could need for a short or long stay. The lakes are peaceful and are kept in good condition and the surrounding areas.

As the fish go they all put up a nice fight as I have fished all lakes apart from the match lakes and caught a range of nice fish which are in an all round good condition. I know some people disagree with paying the cost for the specimen lakes but with all fisheries that have specimen lakes they charge more so if you don't like it then go some where else and that's my opinion.

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Reader Review - Clive Cook (Feb. 08)

Re Paul's review. I've fished Cottington Lakes over the past 4 years for carp. I cannot agree with him on the quality of the fishing (my specific is carp): over a 3 day @ night period I bagged 17 carp with my pb 29 3/4lb mirror.

However I can fully substantiate his views on the staff, especially the moron on his quad bike who thinks he's the new Richard Walker of carp tactics and specimens caught. When you question monsieur le moron closer, all his specimen fish have been caught in .......yes you've got it France!!! The first time I fished Christine Lake, mons. le m. LEFT HIS BIVVY UP, barring us from that swim.

One funny instance though: he told to leave us alone in his best estuary vocabulary, promptly revved his quad up, went up the bank at the wrong angle and turned the lot over. Please get a life whoever or whatever he is AND KEEP OUT OF OUR FACES!!

Well all the best to Paul in future. Oh yes by the way, Camo is also biased to Cottington, he's a Kentish fisherman through and through

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Very differing views then of Cottington Lakes although the thumbs up seem to be definitely outweighing the thumbs down - guess you'll just have to make your own mind up and check the place out for yourself. If you do and you would like to send us your views, we would be delighted to hear from you.
Paul @ UK Fisherman

* Please note, the opinions shown on our review pages are not necessarily shared or endorsed by UK Fisherman.