Reports | Gigantica

Number of Anglers	12
Total Number of Carp	21
Biggest Fish	'Sparky' with Galactica @ 44lb

Good evening Gentlemen,

Sorry for the missing updates…….nothing serious, I have been away on my summer holidays. On my return, we have had technical issues which, obviously, have been resolved today after having a new modem installed.

So, a few weeks worth of info to catch up with and I know your all waiting for up to the minute information regarding, tactics, the fishing and what fish have been caught of late.

Prior to me flying off on holiday, we had ‘suffered’ some very slow fishing due to several interrupted spawning. Mother nature seemingly conspiring against us, warming up sufficiently to get my babies revved up and expecting some scaly sex, then just as they got down and funky, a cold wind, heavy with cold rain would push in, dropping the water temperature enough to stop em in their tracks…..

Just like you and me, being stopped mid-flow did nothing for the Carps attitude and they seemingly drifted around in huge shoals, frustrated with the conditions. I and several clients sat in the tree line snags and watched, amazed as the real big fish repeated came in and roll and rub on the under water structures. They seemed very irritable and what with carrying the spawn and the now, too warm water making the fishing very difficult, we had very little to show for a couple of weeks.

You also have to remember that, we advertise Gigantica as a difficult water too catch from. Very few anglers come here and ‘smash’ it. It’s a tall order to come here – and all other big fish French holiday venues – drop on for a week and haul.

Gigantica is no different from any other holiday venue, in as much as were full, week in week out. Does your own local water see so much angling pressure ? I doubt it. Unfortunately, the days of coming to France and hauling huge catches of massive fish are long gone. To succeed well, you have to think exactly what your trying too achieve, be lucky in the draw and get on fish, then fish well – all on a water you may have never even seen…..

For those that do, and get it right, they do have some very impressive weeks fishing…….just ask some of our more successful clients.

So, back to the week prior to my departure. The only ‘quiet’ week of the year. Only 7 anglers booked on two of which were my very closest friends. Neil & Jay.

The draw complete, the anglers began setting up. Well spread out, but as the fish had yet to spawn, extremely hot weather it looked like it was going to be a difficult week, which is how I described it prior to the anglers drawing the swims.

Unfortunately, it was a difficult week, frustrating for most a fish showed in all the swims, but only under the surface, grouped up, waiting to get the sexual antics underway and finally relieve themselves of the growing irritability.

Gary Smith down in the Tree line tried all the tricks in the book too no avail, however.

Neil and Jay fishing in Oblivion and Alamo respectively caught from day one.

Jay in the Alamo, fishing the known 70yds feeding area, managed to loose his French virginity with 2 fish, the biggest a mid 20. Neil however, fishing from Oblivion across to the tree line on the point managed to capture fish each and every night, ending up with 9 fish to mid 30lbs.

Mainline Cell, topped with hi viz yellow homemade pop – ups doing the damage. All the fish caught throughout the week were male fish.

So, I left site and immediately, they began to ‘do their thing’…….finally !

Amazing scenes for all to watch, and once finally out of the way, the fishing began to get back to what we expect at this time of the year. I understand that there were 12-14 fish landed – too low 40z being the largest- but unfortunately nearly as many lost !?

I’ll just touch on the high number of lose’s here throughout that week and generally, most weeks.

We try to advise our clients on arrival that longer hooklenghts and larger hooks, compared to their UK fishing, are advisable. The results have shown that using smaller, UK sized hooks certainly loose you more fish and throughout our time, certainly hooklenghts around the 12” length with size 4 hooks have been very successful. Big hooks……they are but so are the fish and with, generally, 20ft of water under the rod tips, our big fish make the most of it too chug up and down trying their best to shed the hooks. The bigger hooks have, over time, proven to be more successful with a much higher hooking to landing ratio compared to the smaller UK hooks that some of our clients like to use.

Now, the second week of my absence. I must say a massive thank you to Simon – the Chef- who, each year has stood in for me whilst Im away . He does a wonderful job in my absence and when he does actually fish, he generally catches a few as well. Not this time though….of the two weeks he was on site, he only actually fished for one night ! Thanks mate.

Dodge fishing in the ‘Stink’ caught a couple, a new PB as well at 39lb, pics in the report. Mark, who came with Simon for the duration, managed 5 fish in quick succession when they drifted into ‘big girls’ and Mark was quick to move and capitalize on em. Again, all male fish up to mid 30.

My good friend Rene, from Holland also got amongst em, taking several fish including a gorgeous mid 20 common, an awesome 30+ linear and ‘the 43’ spawned out at 41lb. Always good to see friends catch em.

So on my return, the catch rate rising steadily. Gaz, Wayne and Murphy in Stock pond, Pole and Alactraz – their second visit – Gaz having several bites, losing one, a red eyed monkey wrench and a couple of smaller male fish which were return too the stock pond to grow on and secure a better – higher average weight.

Wayne struggled but on Friday night, took advantage of a now vacant swim. Unfortunately losing two but bagging a lovely high 20 common saving Wayne from the blank. Good skills as well, making the move on the very last night, result ! Unfortunately, Murphy didn’t catch but they didn’t really get in front of him and you cant catch what aint there !

Tony and his beautiful Wife fished the Beach and Tony managed to nick a couple, a mid 20 common being the biggest.

Result of the week had to be Ziggy’s new PB whilst fishing the Tree line. Having travelled from Germany where he fishes a small syndicate lake, Zig smashed his PB with a 28common…..get in !

Zig’s wife, the wonderful Sandra lost a fish mid week, a hook pull from the tree line’s open water.

Hauler of the week, Mark ‘Sparky’ Hines, fishing in Co’s brushed of all the bait wind ups and fished well, with the ever consistent Mainline Cell, however, this time topped with homemade high flavoured yellow pop – ups. Mark had another great week, 14 fish – 6 losses and 2 new PB’s. Mark had ‘two time’ spawned out at 40.08 and then Galactica at a very impressive 44lb. Gemma, Marks lovely girlfriend even got in on the act by catching 31 roach ! Mark surpassed himself whilst trying to get a pic of one of his smaller fish. The fish, shy of having its photo taken, jumped out of Marks hands, and he produced an amazing back flip straight into the lake fully clothed…….we awarded Mark a 5.7 score, well done Sparks !

Christian, Zigs angling partner lost a fish in ‘Scotties corner’ unfortunately. Justin and Stuart fished a frustrating week, suffering from a growing underwater snag out in front of ‘Pink’ which robbed Stuart of several fish due to lost tackle. All was not lost though, with Stuart catching a couple of smaller male fish to save a blank.

Ive since spent an entire day dragging ‘Pink’ and removed hundreds of yards of old rigs – branches festooned with old line and braid and, amazingly, an entire ‘pole’ marker…….all 6M of it including its huge concrete anchor……now totally covered in Zebra mussels which, when all combined, have grown to be a major hindrance……..now all removed thankfully.

Glenn down in ‘ Alamo’ watched day after day as the fish moved over him, showed heavily until they had eaten all his freebees. The frustration proved to much and after tweeking his rigs, he immediately bagged a low 20. After getting very drunk later that week, he also admitted some very disturbing news but that, I’ll spare you the gory details hahahahhahaha eh Glenn !!

Then finally, too Gary, my bruvva, fishing down in Oblivion. Its fair too say Gigantica hasn’t been to nice too Gary, this being his 3 trip, and coming out poorly out of the hat again. Better luck next time bruvva !? Gary, did have some very impressive bait with him. His own company ‘ Baitzone’ producing amazing particles – for now – that never go off and even though ‘wet’ can be used with PVA bags straight from the bucket……very very impressive stuff. I can see this stuff taking off in a big way, the convenience off keeping several buckets in the back of your motor, safe knowing they wont go off, then not having too mess around drying em off to ‘bag up’ ! check it out.

So, were bang up to date, last week producing nearly 30 runs. This Im sure will be the beginning of the bigger hits now they’ve spawned and the weathers perfect.

I’ll add several photos to the site, some a little random but as I haven’t be here, it’s the best I can do.

Now Im back, the site will be updates each and every week as usual, with next week being the ‘Gigantica International Match’ as held each year, Im hoping England will trance Germany and Benelux as they did last year. I’ll give you the full run down on event and your be able to see all the highlights on SKY TV as its being filmed throughout the duration.

As usual, be safe, be lucky. Danny.

Sparky with 'two time' @ 40.08

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Rene with 'the 43' @ 41lb after spawning

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Dodge with his new PB, 39lb.

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Number of Anglers	8
Total Number of Carp	11
Biggest Fish	Dutch John & 'The Giant' @ 74.08 - 34kg

Good eveneing Gentlemen,

I know a lot of you check this report week in week out and look for little bits of info and tips for your up coming trips, so this week, before we get down to what came out last week, a brief bit of information, which hopefully, will make your trips all the more enjoyable.

You’ve all read the magazine articles and watched the DVD were Dan kicks ass whilst using huge beds of the awesome Mainline Cell boilies.

Obviously, that situation will & does catch its fair share of fish, as has proven but, don’t be a slave to the method and just fish as per the DVD.

Think about whats happening on the lake when you’re here, the conditions and what is or more importantly, isn’t coming out. The huge beds of Mainilne Cell works so well when those fish are feeding hard, but in recent weeks, with the spawning – or not spawning – to be more to the point, carefully judging whats going on and baiting to suit has proven to be the most advantageous way.

Im here 24/7, and rather than just turning up and blasting in 10kg tubes of boilie, ring me – or mail me before. Get on the latest news and tailor your baiting strategy too suit. Whilst were waiting for them to get there annual sexual activities out of the way, the huge beds of bait are actually working against some.

Certainly, when several anglers have baited heavily, the whole lake has slowed significantly due to the fish, who are browsing the larger beds of bait without the competition for feeding, there just picking away at the huge beds, no mistakes – no pick ups.

Bait wise, smaller beds generate the competition whilst feeding, and its that competition that forces the slip up and you catching more than you would have sitting behind the big beds of bait. Weve all heard the saying, you can put it in, but you cant take it out…….

So, on with the weeks results…….

It was the only ‘quiet’ week of 2010. With only 8 anglers fishing, it would be the only week without extreme pressure the fish see week in week out. Would it make any difference. It would have if they had completed spawning, which they started Sunday through into Monday.

We saw what can happen here at Gigantica when there are actually eating. First of was Oliver from Germany in ‘Big Southerly’ on Saturday night with the ‘bearded Lady’ and a new PB for Oliver at 42lb. looking well considering the aggressive sexual encounters beginning all over the lake.

Next up, Dutch John had the ‘Defensive Linear ‘ from the ‘Tree line’ at 42lb, just one of our many beautiful 40+ linears were so proud of.

Over the other side of the pond, Ron was fishing in ‘Big girls’ and had an amazing run of fish.

Ron had begun in ‘Oblivion’ and lost one fishing down into ‘Big girls’ water, he made the right decision moving into ‘Big girls’ and HAULED.

Mirrors of 25lb, 33lb, an awesome 38 common, ‘the Weld’ at 42lb and ‘the Turd’ at 42lb finally topped by the huge framed ‘Twin’ at 54lb !! The ‘Twin’ having dropped a fair bit of spawn looked well, given the situation, such an ‘angry’ looking fish, went off well on the return.

Opposite, one of my best friends, paying a visit, quickly moved his hookbaits too the bar and in the main route the fish were taking, within minutes ‘ Dishy Dave’ had banked a chunky male, and at 34lb, his new best from Gigantica.

That was it !!?? as soon as the slaughter had begun, it was all over with. A brisk Easterly just taking the edge of the water temperature and putting a stop to the spawning activitys……..for now.

Open water fishing was a none starter as all the fish taking refuge in the marginal trees and then, out of the blue….

Dutch John down in the ‘tree line’ called me, as does everyone when a big fish is in the net and with excitement, I made my way down to him, knowing he had a big girl in the net. Which one could it be ?

John couldn’t get the fish out the water due to the size of it, and once I had it on the mat, we both peeled back the sling to easily recognize ‘The Giant’ and at 74.8lb – 34kg, a new lake record !!!

Johns Solar Club topped with atop banana pop up doing the damage for him all week, and later that night he added a mid 20 mirror…..not that he was worried, a truly awesome fish, and a right result for the Dutch monkey !

A few blanked, including me in Alcatraz. With all the fish in the snaggy margins waiting for another chance at spawning, it was a long ol’week but some excellent fish, including a new lake record so we cant moan too much.

Bring on the spawning, once and for all so we can get down to some serious hauling!! The weather set to ‘go hot’ next week so Im praying, this will be it, they’ll get it on and all sexed up, get finished and get there heads down for a long awaited trough up, lets hope so !!

As usual, stay safe, be lucky.

Danny

Oliver &amp; 'The bearded Lady' @ 42lb

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Ron &amp; 'The turd' @ 42lb

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Dutch John &amp; 'The Giant' @ 74.08 - 34kg

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Number of Anglers	12
Total Number of Carp	3
Biggest Fish	44 to Carl in 'Big girls'

Welcome back Gentlemen,

Mmmmmm, an incredably tough with with the fish, starting to spawn only to stop almost immediately !? Obviously, not the best conditions for angling and so it showed at the end of the week with a miserabe score sheet wise. With only 3 carp caught ?!

Adam & Gage ( the Jew ) in Stock pond & Pole turnt up late after there tour of Amsterdams red light district ! Adam went home fishless after an incredably frustrating week with huge numbers of sexed up fish cruising directly over his baited areas but with the rising water temps, only spawning was on there minds, not Adams offerings. Gage did manage to let one go ? but did land a really good looking mirror at 32lb, a new PB.

Gage has the images on his iPhone and will be sending them to me shortly, I'll add them to the report as and when they come in, a good result for Gage who used the awesome Mainline Cell and Indian spice pop ups.

Then we had the Pasty crew up from Tauton. John & his missus fished Alactraz, Dad & Mum in 'the Beach', Shad & missus in 'the tree line' and finally Bert and missus in Co's.

All the lads fished well in there chosen swims well but as the fish have still yet to spawn, it was always going to be a very tough week. Also, the water clarity was definitly playing a huge part of quite why it was just so difficult. During our last dive, the claritiy amazing and quite clear, that every bit of un-camoflaged rig components standing out like the obvious rig bits they were !

Dad missed a couple of chances, the sheer power and speed taking Dad by total surprise. Unfortunately, Dad never managed to bank any of the fish that pulled his string.

Glen fished - well fished is being too kind - Glen hid from anything furry or wild for the week in Big southerly and ended up paying Phil, in Oblivion a pound as Glen failed to catch a big roach as per there earlier bet.

Ricky let a decent one go, mid week in 'the Pink' and Tony ( Montana ) fishing in the 'stink' with cheese but jus couldnt manage a fish, nor could Sween in 'Alamo" with his home made fishmeals.

Whilst Phil never had a Carp, he did prove a big hit with the bream, taking an incredable 100lb+ in a few hours fishing helping us to diminish the bream stock to a managable size.

Carl however showed us how too fish by bagging a 44lb mirror and later in the week, a low 20 near the back end of the week. Im waiting for Carl to send in the images, and I'll get em up asap as soon as they arrive.

As you can see, a very slow and difficult week with the carp in an very irratable state, desperate to get the spawning behind em so they can get back to normal, and get some food down them.

Weve experienced all sorts of weather here this week and as I write, theyve been spawning for 48 hrs so Im hoping, there get back to normality very soon.

I much prefer to write up more posivity charged reports full of big hauls and even bigger new PBs, but until this spawning has passed ( under way so only time will tell ) log on next week and hopefully I have lots of news and great images for you to look at.

Until then, you already know, stay safe, be lucky.

Danny

Gage with his PB @ 32lb+

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Number of Anglers	12
Total Number of Carp	9
Biggest Fish	Fred @ 48lbs to Tom in Tree line

Good morning,

Welcome back to the latest installment of angling here at Gigantica.

A relatively slow week fishing wise but with such a great bunch of guys, another very enjoyable week.

With this weeks anglers mostly being Essex boys, with a few Yam yams ( brum boyz ) it was clearly going to be an enjoyable week. With indesicive weather and pre-spawning fish clearly irratable with not actually having spawned yet, it proved to be generally a slow weeks fishing.

Aide was first of the mark, with a rare Saturday night capture, a beautuifully coloured and well conditioned 32 putting the Yam yams on the score card. Fishing in Co's point with the ever faithful Mainline Cell.

When Gigantica first began, having one dominant bait was never our intention. We wanted everyone to have free choice and options to use a huge varying list of successful baits, however.

Its quickly become clear that to catch well, with the large multiple captures possible, using Cell isnt just a marketing ploy. The fish show a very clear preference for the Mainline bait and if you want to catch possible multiple captures, why use anything different. I see week in week out, other baits either fail to catch, or scrape out a few fish to claim success, where the Cell, just goes from strenght too strenght. It really is an amzing bait, and coupled with Mainlines amazing Indian Spice pop ups, form a devastating combination here. I want you to catch whilst here, its how we meassure our success, and using Mainline's Cell will help you as it catches a huge percentage of the fish caught each and every week.

Back to the weeks results, Carl Yam yam, had a good week in ' the beach' catching a couple but with the all important new PB at 30.12, result.

Bill & Luke drew Pole & Stockpond and whilst Luke fished well, he unfortunately blanked however, Bill next door managed to smash his PB by miles ! a low 20, then a really gorgeous fish at 33 topped by the awesome'two time' at a new PB of 42 lb for him.

Simon & Tony in 'Alamo' toughed it out in the Alamo but with such poor set ups it was no wonder they struggled. Simons set up was tidied up with some 'Essex' influence from me and once all his bobbins and reel handles were straights, he managed to lure a nice low 30.l Tony however, had no chance, not even I could help him with the handles he had on his rods, he was clearly beyond help and so it showed when he went home with a dry net. Im sure his taste in rod handles would help him if he was clubbing baby seals, but as a fishing rod handle, OMG, no, simply no.

Chris down in 'Big girls" managed a new sneaky PB, with some fish entering 'Big girls' looking for spawning action. Good skill helped manage a 32 mirror from his margins, and a new PB for Chris so happy days

Saving the best till last, Tommy Yam yam, down in the Tree line, more than made up for his mid week lose of a possible 50 common, went on to net the incredable 'Fred' @ an all time high and a new PB to boot. Well done Tom, a right ol'result there mate. Well done !

So another great week over with, and I look forward to meeting this guys again in the near future.

Well in guys, and as usual, be safe and be lucky.

Danny

Bill with his new PB 'two time'@ 42

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Tom Yam yam with the incredable 'Fred' @ 48

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Carl Yam yam with his new PB at 30.12

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Number of Anglers	10
Total Number of Carp	15
Biggest Fish	Danish Bacon@45

Welcome back Gentlemen,

Another week over with, some great new friends, some good fish - a few PBs and a couple of firsts here at Gigantica.

First off, Danny F and myself actually managed to fish together, the plan to work in the day, haul at night....ha, how wrong was we. We worked o.k. but I never even saw a fish fart in front of me so a big blank for me.......Dan didnt,as usual, but his action was short lived. A small double at the start of the week, and he hadn't blanked, it was that tough! A crazy half hour saw a huge number of fish move in over his baited area, for a short but intense time a lot of fish showed constantly over him and so it was, with a 30 in the net the other rod roared of and a high 20 joined its scaly friend. The 30 'the bean' and the other fish, a 27.12 mirror ended up being all Dan would catch for the rest of the week, not for the want of trying but conditions were against us from day one.

Marcin drove from Poland to fish a week in the 'beach' but never made the score card unfortunately but Martin, a fellow Polish angler in 'the tree line' did ! he lost 4 through the week due to the snags and hook pulls and after increasing the amount of shrink tube under his size 4 wide gape b's he did manage 3 x 30z and the pot bellied 'Pimple Tail common' @ 41lb. He was well pleased and is booking for July, hopefully he will bring back his lovely partner Barbara who brightened our week!

Les, picked Co's Point on his second visit this year unfortunately had to sit and watch as the fish grouped up on mass ready for some spawning, extremely hot weather at the start of the week saw the fish ALMOST get under way but a huge storm on Tuesday night put spawning to the back of their minds for the forseeable, until the sun shines again that is.

George and Rowan, both on there second visit here this year had a great week. George first of the mark with '2,3,4' @ 42, an awesome fish, then mid week banked a beautiful 36+ common which, as we have no images of it, we named the Kent common after George. Rowan, next door in the 'Stink' got in on the action as well with a 31+mirror on friday afternoon, then early Saturday morning, had the awesome 'Danish Bacon' at a new high of 45lb and a new pb for Rowan who will not be bringing George next time so he gets a few more bites! it just goes to show you have to keep plugging away, one decent 24 hour spell can make the week.

Then to what can only be called 'the comedy zone'. Our first Asian carp angler continually tried to outwit his 'B'arch' 'No fish Trev'. Tony aka 'The foot flicker' aka 'Gupta Singh' aka 'better than Trev' snared a 22 and a 17 after what ended up being a very very frustrating week in The Alamo for the two Dagenham reprobates. Gupta eating his way through his own body weight in chocolate each evening to keep his impressive midrift in shape - Eating and drinking are a way of lif for the old foot flicker, its the only way to drown out the noise of 'her indoors' and 'No fish Trev' forever telling him what to do and what to carry back to the swim each evening............like an ol'married couple !

Jaki & Ryan, down in 'Oblivion' had an up and down week, well from the noises coming out of the bivvy they did! Ryan having his 40th birthday here, we baked a cake and put on a bit of a doo for all on the lake. Ryan hated the sun and spent most of the early part of the week under his impressive pink frilly parasol, or was it his hat, were not quite sure! Then thunder and lightening scared the b Jesus out of Jaki. Ryan even managed to bag a 32 mirror after a right ol' tussle and a 24 common later in the evening. Happy Birthday Ryan.

So, another week over, more bites, 19 in total - improvement on last week but they have yet too spawn so we wait, fingers crossed that they get under way as soon as possible so we can draw a line under it and get back to some serious hauling !

As usual, be safe, be lucky.

Danny + Danny

Pimple at 41 to Martin

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Kent common to George

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Danish Bacon @ 45 to Rowan

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Number of Anglers	11
Total Number of Carp	11
Biggest Fish	Brutus@52.12

Good morning and welcome back,

Some technical issues meens that this is the third time Im writing this weeks - or as it is actually two weeks ago now......arghhh I hate computers !!!

So, lets try again and hope that this actually makes it out too you all because I know you all follow this for reference and info for up coming trips.

Right then, Danny F had booked 4 swims for what would be a 2 week stint here, for the first time he would actually be fishing for himself and not as some work orientated session so I was looking forward to a couple of fun weeks and socialising.

I'll start off in Pole and work clockwise - not how events played out for the week but I will write it all up.

First off was Rob In Pole Position, a great swim at this time of year and especially with the prolonged N.E. winds we have been subjected too for what seems like ever lately. Rob fished well all week, never giving up even when it looked like a blank might be on the cards. However, as is the way here at Gigantica, the end of the week usually is the most prolific time and so it was when Rob, on Friday afternoon, just before dinner, subdued the magnificant 'Shoulders' ! this is the first time this fish has been out for a long time now and it really fought Rob to the end. Mainlines Cell and one of his own baits fished snowman style snared the awesome beast. At 40-12 it was a new PB for Rob who was totally blown away - well done Rob - result !! its great to see people so chuffed, makes the long winter and all that cooking worth while!

Brandon in Alcatraz fished just as hard but unfortunately let one go mid week, his one and only chance unfortunately. but bugger me did he drink some beers! red carpet treatment for you next time!

Ed in 'the Beach' whinckled a couple out, a high double which was relocated to the stock pond as is our way here at Gigantica. Our thinking is, we have more than enough fish but the smaller ones, being very pretty fish that need filling out a little qare better off in the stock pond. There they can eat for France without fear of being hooked, we're hoping to see a significant weight gains. Once these gorgeous fish are up into the upper 20z - low 30z, we will re-introdue them into the big lake.

These reared on fish should force the bigger originals into a feeding frenzy for there first few weeks of reintroduction, around the start of next season. This should hopefully up the catch rate at the slowest time of the year.

Ed also had a lovely long scaly mirror of 31+ and a 12lb pillow, ALRIGHT !

Simon, struggled in the ' tree line'. With fish in the trees throughout,Simon fished through a frustrating week. Dan & myself scuba dived the tree line on the closing Saturday and it was clear why Simon had struggled. The water here at Gigantica is now so clear, Simons rigs were much easier to spot than normal being in the shallowest part of the lake!! It really showed how the rig components have to be matched to lake your fishing. We found several leads snagged in the trees from various anglers who had fished recently and to say their camoflage was weak is no exaggeration ! Luckily, we have specifically colour matched leads made for us here at Gigantica which were very well matched to the bottom, making the rigs less conspicuios.

Danny, in Co's point learnt a valuable lesson and he should have known better ! he moved out of Co's to fish in the 'stock pond' swim, the sheer number of fish showing in the 'stock pond' swim lured him out of his original swim......something we tell everyone not to do, sit tight and catch......after 2 frustratiing nights without a bite he moved back to his original swim and saved a blank with a quick couple of fish, and a lesson learnt.

Mark & Tony in 'the pink & the Stink' had fish from the off, Mark catching a couple topped by the mighty 'Brutus' @ a new PB weight of 52.12, what an awesome fish 'Brutus' is, such a large frame. Tony, Marks Dad managed to snare one at the end of the week,a mid 20, so happy days all round for the father and son duo.

Then we get too the Brizzy boyz, and a first here at Gigantica.......a pop up caught fish. Yes, after nearly 2 years of witnessing hundreds of captures, Wayne caught the first real pop up caught fish !! A new PB for Wayne as well at 40lb, 'the long fish' looked in fine condition in the Spring sunshine, also not out since September 08, from the same swim! Wayne used his favorite CC Moores N-Gage to bank it, and a pop up to boot, well done Wayne.

So another weeks closes, new friends made, some decent fish caught but Spawning is looming with the rising temps and it wont be long until scaly sex will be underway..........the quicker its over with, the better but someones week will be slowed by their antics.

As usual, be safe, be lucky.

Danny

The Mighty 'Brutus' to Mark at a new PB 52.12

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Shoulders at 40+ for Rob, simply awesome.

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Brizzy Gert, Wayne with his new PB - the long fish 40+

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Number of Anglers	10
Total Number of Carp	10
Biggest Fish	STAPLES @ 61.12.......most fish Ian with 4 fish too 27lb

Welcome back to the Gigantica weekly update.........come back the sunshine is all I ask for !

This cold Northerly - North Easterly is killing us ! The warm sunny Spring sunshine we had a couple of weeks ago is all but a distance memoerie now and the catch results mirror the falling temps.

Though not all bad news, the weather is- has been playing a big part in the slow catch rates but there is warmer weather predicted so theres light at the end of the tunnel so too speak.

First off, Ian, in the 'Beach' witha saturday night 27lb - continuing a prolific run of fish for this swim. Ian decided to move into the 'tree line' obviously tempted by the big shadows he could see drifting around in the snaggy underwater area. As the temps had risen slightly, quite a few of our spawny little males stopped thinking about the Spring time sex fest looming and dropped their guard and made the mistake to picking up Ian's well placed hookbaits close to the snags. 3 more low - mid twentys made his tally 4 for the week.

Ken moved straight into the now empty 'Beach' and had his one and only fish for the week, a 28lb mirror. Andy on Co's point got in on the action with fluro hooklenghts and size 6 Korda Kurv B hooks snaring 3 mid to upper 20z for Andy.

Adrian and Simon stuck to the Gigantica method - Cell boilies and Mainline Indian spice pop ups fished as snowmen and landed the 'head' at a high @ 43.12 from the Alamo - the swim with the most fish in it for several weeks now but still not producing the goods ??? Quite why this is happening, Im just not sure. There has been a lot of fish in front of ther Alamo for several weeks now, just sitting behind the baiting areas, obviously feeding judging by the fish showing activety each day but just no positive hook ups other than the 'Head' ?

How long this situation will continue is any ones guess but Im sure over the next couple of weeks, a method will become evident and who ever it is that works it out is going to batter their scaly ass'

Then, to Troy, who finally found the right hole to put it in, after some confusion, got the right hole and banged out the mighty 'Staples' !

Troy was obviously blown away, a high for his group which had a close member of his family pass away unexpectedly prior to the trip and the lads were quite down on arrival. Troy did well with such a big framed fish in the shots, and you can see, an awesdome creature. Mainline bait snowman Cell and meen green doing the business again unsurprisingly. This bait just keeps on catching, and the bigger fish over and over again.

I know everybody has their own personal favorite baits that you fish with confidence at home but why make things harder by not using Mainlines Cell and Indian Spice boilies whilst here, it just gives you the best chance of catching here. Over the last two years Ive been here, its clearly evident that Gigantica certainly isnt a fishmeal loving water. Whilst certain people have had good weeks using a fiashmeal based bait, its the exception rather than the rule. If you dont want too use Cell, New grange, Active 8 and Fusion do well, if you would rather not use Mainline ? birdfood type baits far out catch fishmeal baitsd here........just a little heads up for you there.

So there you have it, another week over, again slow due to the weather but with rising air temps and better winds predicted, next week should improve a little, check back next week to see if Im right.

As usual, be safe and be lucky.

Danny

The 'head' @ 43.12 to Adrian

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Staples @ 61.12

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Troy, with Staples just before his ritual soaking.

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Number of Anglers	12
Total Number of Carp	10
Biggest Fish	Mr.Angry 50.12 - one of 6 fish to Steve

Good day and welcome back to the Gigantica weekly update.

So, a really great week socially as several of my friends visited for the week which is always nice and a few decent fish put in an appearence......

However, Mother Nature played a significant part this week when a hidiously cold N.E. wind blew in for the week. We'd enjoy spring sunshine and temps up to mid 30s the week before, this week, highs of arounf 6-8degrees dependant on how strong that cold N.E. could blow !!

With nothing they could do about it, the lads cracked on and did what they do best, fish well.

Steve ( Apache ) fished his very tight, controlled manner from Pole position and struggled with the boilie concept that rules here.

Whilst Im not putting Steves approach down, sometimes its just the right thing to do........follow what it is that is a proven method on the lake your visiting. Whether thats the first time or youve been before and caught. Listen, angle well and get a couple under your belt before trying to go of and do what you think is needed.

Try to use your own proven method once youve caught, before you change over to the going method to late for it too be effective and you go home fishless !?

Back to it, Steve managed the smallest fish of the trip, a beautiful little spawned in the lake common. As this fish was under the 20lb limit that we impose here at Gigantica, the little fish was relegated to the stock pond were it will be able to feed to its little hearts content and hopefully pile the weight on before returning too the big deep blue waters of the main lake.

Steve C, next door in Alcatraz, ended having quite an impressive week. Though he only managed half of his predicted 12 fish, the few he caught were quite impressive. Catching on Mainline Cell at range to the back of the only real prominent feature in the lake. Steve had a cracking 41mirror to kick off his week, several other smaller fish added to the tally but the highlight for all of us was the fish he had the privalege too name. As we have no record of the fish during our time I called D.F. who has fished it longer than owning the water.

A quick image email and Dan and he confirmed that he had caught the fish several years ago at 24lb.

So, 4 years later, and having doubled its own body weight, Steve called the fish Mr.Angry due to the verry hard fight he enjoyed on hooking him ! A very reconisable fish with its strange dorsal damage which obviously makes no difference too Mr.Angry when hooked.

Ivan in the Beach and Andy in the tree line both never got on the score sheet but Nick, the former owner of Maison du Lac Bleu did. Having managed a complex of lakes for over 10 years, this session was his very first proper session on a different lake. Nick put Mainlines Cell boilies to the test and caught 2 really nice mid 20lb fish.

Rene, my close Dutch friend sat and patiently watched whilst Steve C caught opposite him, sadly on the back of the prevailing wind for most of the week until late Thursday when the wind changed breifly for just 12 hours in his favour and he caught a beautiful scaly 35lb mirror ! Result and well done Rene, he always manages to winkle at least one out.

Gary 'Baitzone' Bailey and Dean his young apprentice struggled all week in the Pink & Stink but never gave up, unfortunately the fish just did stay in the area long enough for them to put the mark on them and they went home fishless.

The Dutch contingent Vincent and Duncan in Alamo with Johan & Yuri in Oblivion enjoyed their time here but again, suffered from unfavourable conditions. Had the wind turnt long enough to push the fish in front of them, they would have caught but Mother Nature doesnt always do what we want.

As you can see, through this weeks report I have mentioned the wind. It is a very big issue here as Gigantica fish love to follow and move with it. However, as we run a draw situation at the start of the week, the wind may not be in your favour throughout the week. Other than moving in on the wind should any swims be free theres not a lot you can do about being 'off' the wind. Fear not though as each area of the lake certainly has resident fish that only ever come from certain areas- swims - ith that area. Also, as it warms up, and spawning is complete, the fish shoal up into smaller shoals of 25-50 fish. These smaller shoals roam around the lake, mainly on the wind but should the wind drop away as it does alot in the evenings, the fish will move to where they want to be, wind or not so do not worry to much if the wind isnt in your favour after the draw.

Well, the lads packed up and Mother Nature gave them the final kick in the guts as it started Saturday morning with glorious bright sunshine. Warm sunshine, light winds and fish showing all over there baited areas. Oh well, it wasnt to be but it was a great week and I look forward to them all returning in the near future.

Be safe, be lucky.

Danny

Mr. Angry, first time at 50+

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Even with his weird little dorsal, an awesome fish !

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Number of Anglers	12
Total Number of Carp	13
Biggest Fish	biggest fish NEW LAKE RECORD 74LB, biggest catch 6 fish.

Welcome back to the Gigantica weekly report.....

What can I say apart from WOW !! Justin McArthur from Worthing sets a new Gigantica record when he banked the Giant from the 'Beach' swim in the early hours of Wednesday at a truly impressive 74lb !!

Justin had a great week, smashing his French PB twice, firstly with the capture of a stunning 26lb fully scaled mirror, which was gorgeous, then once the baited rig was back out in position, his Perfection Baits Scopex - black pepper bottom bait topped of with the ever consistent Mainline Indian Spice or as we call them here, the mean greens !

The bait combo obviously appealing and straight away, off he ( the Giant is a Male fish ) trunddles and puts up an excellant account of himself. Justin, me, and the rest of the group were just amazed at how immense a fish he is !,Looking great in the warm Spring sunshine, Justin did an excellant job holding him up for the pics. Take a look at him, the Giant setting a new lake record. Well done Justin !

Not to sit on his hands, Justin then banked 'the Rigadon' at 45lb, up 5lb almost too the day it was caught last year !!!.

In Pole position, Gavin was having a great week also......fishing to the producing area at 70m, with the standard but proven Gigantica method, Mainline Cell tooped with the Mainline mean greens over a healthy scattering of Cell, Gavin upped his PB with his very first fish, a brute of a fish, Singles Mate at 43lb then followed it up through the week with a succession of good 20z.

George, the group leader, and his beautiful wife, Deena, just couldnt resist the aqua blue waters and both, through the week managed to fall in !! As good as it looked, they both assured me it was 'bloody freezing' lol.

George had a 26mirror from the 'Tree line' but was frustrated at the lack of action, considering the amount of fish in residence in the 'tree line' snags.

Although one of the more popular swims, the 'tree line' is quite a technical swim to fish. The fish group up in the snags throughout the day and by fishing close to the edge of the trees, you can, at times, haul. However, the fish generally leave the safety of the snags through the evening and migrate into the deeper water for the night.

So your fishing snags in the day, which is very strenuous, then relocating your hookbaits at night in the deeper water. Hard work on the best of days, stressful when there not playing ball.

Weve found that the best way too extract the fish whilst fishing the trees and snags is not to use heavy rods and braid pointed directly at the baits as you would imagine but to use softer rods, set at an angle from the snags, and by using heavy nylon line, the rods act as massive quivertips. The fish, on being hooked pull against the action of the rod and then kite away from the snags. Fishing like this, with the use of running leads ups the landing to hooked ratio massively. Indeed, we have found that, by fishing a conventional snag stlye, i.e. rods pointed at the baits, bow string tight lines, heavy rods, the hooked fish swim directly up through the water hoping to snag the hooklenght in the branches that dangle down into the water. Once the line is snagged, the fish use their weight and speed to pull the hooks out leaving you tethered to the surface snags. Very frustrating but now, easily resolved with a little bit of cunning thought.

Ian & Neil, over in Alamo, had the most frustrating week off all. With constant fish movement in front of them all week, it was a releif when Neils zig produced a beautiful 24lb linear. Ian followed it up a day or so later with a 22lb fish but this time falling too a bottom bait. Very frustrating for sure.

The final fish, a 24lb mirror fell to young Scott fishing in Oblivion. He fished hard all week, even when it looked like a blank was on the cards but finally managed to pull one outta the hat last knockings, well done Scott, good skillz.

So, there you have it, more fish than the previous week, a trend which Im hoping will continue, a New Lake Record at an ashtonishing 74lb and a great week generally.

So, onto the next week. Lets hope even more big fish grace the nets and Id love another fish to break the lake record so soon.

Be safe, be lucky.

Danny

New lake record, all 74lb of it !!

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Rigadon @ 45

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Singles Mate @ 43 for Gavin

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Number of Anglers	10
Total Number of Carp	5
Biggest Fish	Biggest fish 55.12m. biggest multiple - 3 fish.

Welcome back to the Gigantica weekly update.

Well last week never worked out how I anticipated. Rising air and water temps, prolonged periods of sunshine and blue sky had me thinking it was going to ' go off' with multiple capture for a few anglers, especially after the Great Danes had had quite a good week the week before.....

It was slower than I expected, why ? I dont know but it looked so goodfor a few bites but there were fished caught.

Les Bolland choose to fish Pole position armed with his favorite Mainline Fusion, a known fish catcher here at Gigantica. This was Les' first time over the channel fishing and he managed to bank 3 fish. A 22, 24 and a 29. All caught on Fusion, fished at 70 yds. Next door, Blankey - aka Steve unfortunately didnt catch, much to Les' delight but fish showed over him on and off .

John Steve lol fishing out on Co's point introduced a steady supply of a new Active Bait Solutions mix to where the fish were showing constantly in front of him for the entire week.

A slow start saw a 26m out mid week but the week was very frustrating with constant fish movement but Steve - John ( sorry, I called John Steve all week for some reason ? ) perservered and on Saturday morning put 'The Unit' in the net ! Result for Steve hahahaha Well done mate. Combi links and Kurv shanks keeping him connected throughout the fight.

Roy and Steve struggled all week with fish over them but had to leave early due to work committments and Jason & Darryl, happy birthday too the Portsmouth supporter ( he'll hate that lol ) enjoyed trying to break the Gigantica beer consumption record and nearly managed it !!

A great week, a great bunch of lads, who I'll be seeing again as theyve all booked to return, hopefully, theyll all bank a few next time. I look forward to seeing you all again lads.

Well, it didnt work out as Id planned but was still a great week, socially and fish wise.

With good weather continuing, Im hoping next week will finally ' kick off' with a Spring haul.

Until then, be safe & be lucky.

Danny

Les' fist and biggest Gigantica fish !

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Steve John - ABS caught lump ' the unit ' !!

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Number of Anglers	12
Total Number of Carp	6
Biggest Fish	43.09 Fred

Good evening Gents,

Well, we had a great week, last week and not only due to the fantastic Spring sunshine, or the fish that were banked but for great company the lads from Sport Dres have been.

Having driven from Denmark and Sweden, Sport Dres headed up by Peder Lichtenberg duely arrived and were into fish straight away. This is generally quite uncommon here, a fish first night but Steen, who was fishing in the 'Scotties corner' banked a new venue 40 & a PB at that which we have named 'Danish Bacon' in honour of the Sport Dres lads. Steen, also banked a low 20lb mirror the next night as well putting him ahead. DT baits tutti and N-gage baits scoring for Steen.

We the air temps slowly rising, fish have been seen all over the lake, mainly at night and this movement burns energy that has to be replaced somehow !

With 2 fish lost, it was looking up and water temps were also increasing while the weather was improving day on day.

Kevin, from Sweden and fishing in the tree line banked the awesome 'Fred the fish" at 43.08 which puts this amazing looking fish up just shy of 4lb since its last bankside visit.

Kevin said that whilst it was dark, fish were constantly showing all over the lake between 12am through to sunrise ! Sitting up obviously did Kevin some good as he went on to bag a few more fish, another 3 more fish, the biggest being a 35lb mirror giving him a total of 4 fish landed with another lost. All of Kevins fish falling to Trigga bottom baits and pink pop ups, again proving that, the snowman presentation is the baiting style to fish with here at Gigantica, taking almost all the carp caught throughout the year.

So the suns arrived, its now showing the Springs colours after a long dull and grey winter thats seemingly gone on for ever !

So in total, 9 bites last week, so great improvement on the previous weeks and showing just a little of what can be acheived once the sun gets on the water for any decent amount of time.

Team Sport Dres all the way from Denmark & Sweden

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Steen holding 'Danish Bacon'

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Fred the fish looking awesome in the Spring sunshine for Kevin.

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Number of Anglers	6
Total Number of Carp	2
Biggest Fish	42lb Mirror, 35lb mirror

Good morning Gents,

Well another weeks angling has come and gone. Better weather and better catches are now becoming the norm ! As the sun stays higher in the sky and air and water temps slowly rise, the fish are really active. Showing through the night and when the suns been on the water, finally beginning their Spring time ritual of turning up in the margins.

Though its all looking really positive, the fishing has still been difficult. Bottom temps finally hitting the double figures, it was Polish Angler, Maciej Ciarkowski who banked the first fish of the week. All 42lb of it. A fantastic mirror which looked fantastic in its Spring colours.

Caught in the early hours, from the 'Big Southerly' Maciej used the ever consistent Mainline Cell and Mean Green topped snowman bait.......still working and to be honest, I cant see anything else out fishing this awesome combination this summer !

Some good angling by Maiej who had been constantly in touch with me prior to his arrival, checking on conditions and what had been caught from where. He knew before hand that conditions were good for the swim he choose and with some determined angling, his one and only fish of the week, well done !

A strange, late in the day capture next........I say strange as the fish recently have been coming out regulary early mornings, around 2a.m. being a spring time favorite for those scaly beasts.

However, Mac managed a take late morning in the Oblivion swim, resulting in a well proportioned 35lb mirror. The sun had been shining quite hard that day, with the air temps well on the rise, this obviously played a huge part in the timing of Mac's fish.

As the Spring progress' and the temps rise, more importantly, the watr temps rise, the fish are becoming more and more active. This movement obviously expells energy which they have to replace, however, right at this moment in time, big beds of bait are not catching the fish. Actually, I think its actually holding back captures due to to much bait being in the lake. With this in mind, the lads have slowed their baiting plans and this has improved the catch rate slightly.

If your coming in the next couple of weeks, keep checking here for the weekly updates or even better mail me for up to the minute advise on conditions and captures. I can advise on the latest changes and, as and when the fish really begin to feed due too the water reaching decent bottom temps, you can come armed with sufficent bait to suit.

We have freezers here should you want to bring your freezer bait and what you dont use, you can take home with you, still frozen and ready to use on your next trip. Or more simply, as we always have sufficent stock of the going Mainline bait, why not pre order with me and have it here, frozen and ready to use on your arrival.

So, 2 fish this week, improving weather, rising water temps and a lake exclusive next week with the DT baits, sponsored anglers from Denmark, I hope I'll have even more big fish photo's for you to check out.

Be safe, be lucky.

The Grand Fromage.

Polish Angler, Maciej Ciarkowski 42lb

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Maciej, 42lb frpm 'Big Southerly'

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Number of Anglers	8
Total Number of Carp	1
Biggest Fish	29 common

With improving weather I had high hopes that this week would see the first spring captures of 2010.

With rising air and water temps I had expected a few bites and even betted a beer for the first fish. With capable anglers covering the right area's and actually seeing and hearing fish move through the night it was only a matter of time the fish fed hard enough to slip up.

The weather remained variable, with warm days then light frosts in the early hours.

Finally, with the fish moving and expending energy, they had to replenish and feed, so the first proper Spring carp of 2010 was finally banked. A lovely 29 common caught on a Essential baits B5 snowman offering fished from 'the Pink' at 70 yds range. Coming at 2 am it caused quite some fun and games but was the only fish of the week. Well done Dave.

After the last couple of weeks expectation, poor weather conditions and hospital trips with me 'the doctor' saving lives I was just glad to see a fish on the bank. With the rising amount of shows its only time until a few more come to the bank and hopefully, a few of the big girls as well !

be safe, be lucky.

Number of Anglers	7
Total Number of Carp	1
Biggest Fish	35.08Common

Welcome back to the Gigantica weekly reports........

So, a crazy week weather wise what with a small hurricane destroying several bivvies in under 10 minutes flat..... as were the bivvies after ! Darren's Pioneer ending up looking like the ghetto from Sohweto in what can only be called a hilarious destruction !

This weeks anglers were all friends from last year, Colin & Andy from 'up North', Darren & John, the Cornish Pasty massive and Dave 'the duff set-up' & Ian from Milton Keynes having all fished here last year. The only exception being Yens from Germany.

First night, the Pasty boyz let one go claiming it was a line bite......upon inspection, the reeled in rig confirmed it was a fish. These boyz now how to fish but unfortunately, only helped me remove several Brasem but there back later in the year, hopefully Bron, Darrens missus will be well enough to come with him and John, the Man United LOSER will be bringing me my 20quid he now owes me !

Dave & Ian struggled, mainly due to Dave's terrible set up and Ians bivvy was totaslly flattened by the high winds. These Gents are back again later in the year and so long as Dave has sorted his set up out, they'll both get amongst them.

Saving the week, Colin banked the only fish of the week, a 35.08 common fishing out to the plateau from Alcatraz. Mainline's Cell with a small Fluro pink pop up fished snow man style did the trick. A nice fish for Colin. Andy, Colins bro didnt catch this time but like their last visit, there both back in the warmer months to kick ass, having caught a fair few last visit. " its an eel"

So, only the one out, the lads fished very well but the weathers just keeping a tight grip on things, roll on the sunnier days, rising water temps will see a few mopre regular fish banked. As and when that happens, I'll up date each and every week now were under way. Roll on the summer !!

Be lucky.

Only one of the week, so a result !

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Number of Anglers	2
Total Number of Carp	1
Biggest Fish	15.02

Well, after each and everydays hard work, both Dan & Josh go back and get the rods out for the night. This has not been possible for at least the last 10 nights due to the servere cold weather had had frozen the lake solid.

However, Josh persisited and has been rewarded with the first Carp of 2010 ! Only 15.02 but still, a true hardcore winter result for the man, I salute you Sir !

With recent temps as low as -14 for several nights with daytime highs of -7 a fish was just a dream but as soon as the Ice has melted, baits have been fished each and every night. Stringers of Mainline Cell boilies with a Homemade-Davo White pop up nailed to the bottom tricked the fish.

At 15.02, the fish is now residing in our stock pond along with 26 other sub 20lbs caught late last year.

Our plan is to heavily feed them and later this year, once there in the upper 20 - 30lb bracket, will will re-relaese them into the big lake and start again removing the smaller carp. This will increase our average weight and hopefully increase the numbers of bigger fish for a patrons to catch throughout the new season.

As usual, I will update the site at the start of the new week with any addional captures and relevent news.

Be lucky.

The Grand Fromage

Shiny New Year winter Carp

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Number of Anglers	0
Total Number of Carp	0
Biggest Fish	0

No clients this week due to severe weather, although Josh Sandars & Dan Bennet from Sparsholt college have arrived as part of a work placement for their college course.

We will be giving the whole site a facelift after what has been a very busy year.

Both lads will have the rods out at night if and when the Ice melts away. I will update when, if, hopefully, they catch any fish.

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Number of Anglers	5
Total Number of Carp	0
Biggest Fish	0

We wish all our customers a Merry Christams and a Happy New Year, we hope your next carp is your biggest !

5 anglers, 3 from U.K. & 2 from Belguim. Again, a very tough week with no fish caught unfortunately. The weather, again, playing its part in what can only be classed as a tough week.

The English lads fished in Beach, Tree line & Co's Point, the Belguim lads choose to fish Pink & Stink.

With all recent evident fish movement the choice of swims were logical but again, the fish just didnt play ball.

Nothing was seen or heard for several nights until NYE when both the Belguim anglers and Wayne, fishing Co's point saw and heard several 'shows' through the night. Unfortunately, the activity didnt convert into a capture and it was back to the usual cold still nights upto the very last morning when again, Wayne, packing up on Co's saw several fish on the surface, roll but far to late to have helped as he was actually putting his gear away for the drive home.

It was strange that in, once all the anglers had left for home, I saw 3 fish in the same area that Wayne had pinpointed, with one fish, a clear 30lb+ fish coming clear of the surface.

Why hadnt they caught ? Im still scratching my head. Its been the last 4-5 weeks now, the fish have shown in the same general area and have been fished for, and fished for well but yet, still no chances ? I just dont know, maybe were not fishing the feeding spots in the general area or are the lads fishing well, where there showing but just not eating in that area ? One thing is for certain, this recent cold area has shown up 2-3 areas that seem to be warmer for longer than the rest of the lake....perhaps this is a clue to where they may just be.

Only time will tell.

We hope you enjoy a great new year & look forward to seeing you, here on the banks in 2010, Be lucky.

Number of Anglers	1
Total Number of Carp	0
Biggest Fish	0

What a week........ the only angler of the week, Chris fished hard in what can only be described as Antartic conditions !

Very heavy frost's of -14 followed by 5" of snow and ice never dented Chris' determination throughout the week. Strangely, the fish were very active throughout the duration and Chris was bang on them.

Fishing small, tight areas of a home made bait, with stringers over the top failed to entice any enquieries through the week unfortunately.

I had hoped that having braved such harsh conditions, and what with the fish being so active right where Chris was fishing, his hardcore enthusiasm would have pulled one out the hat but it was just too much to ask.

The fish just never fed with enough confidence for Chris to snag one. On discussion and with the fishes activity in mind, Chris even fished zigs at various depths to try and find their 'comfort' zone and induce a bite but even this failed.

It just wasnt too be unfortunately even though he fished very well. Worse was to come for Chris as he got caught up in the terrible traffic - weather problems on the way home, and with Calais closed and the Tunnel broken, his epic week managed to prove even more dissappointing.

Hardcore Chris, thats all I can say ! On a plus note, the weather has improved massively this week and its looking promising for next weeks anglers, be a nice Christmas present if they manage to bank one !

Be lucky.

Number of Anglers	2
Total Number of Carp	2
Biggest Fish	Wonderous winter PB, 40.14 Common ( Pimple Tail )

Marc & Nick Brydon braved the Winter weather for the first full week in Dec, full of confidence of a true cold water carp.

Due to the fact that they were the only anglers fishing the week, they chose to 'double up' in Co's Point and fish a large area that, historically hold's fish during the winter period.

The weather had been worsening the week prior and continued to worsen with temperatures falling fast. True winter conditions !

Nick, pulled it out the hat early on Monday morning, 04:30 to be exact, and banked a marvellously conditioned Winter 40 Common ! A real winter result, especially as at 40.14 it was a magnificant personal best !

Mainline Cell, tipped with a peice of rubber corn the successful bait - the Cell being a dominant bait throughout the year, now proving its winter credentals. Our fish have really tuned into the Cell throughout the year, catching a significantly large percentage of the captures through 2009, used as a Snowman set-up, it's almost unfair !

Nick was on a high during the photograph's and was totally amazed when one of his other rods pulled out the clip and was away, right in the middle of the photo's. Marc & Jake, rushed in to look after the common, whilst Nick played his second carp of the session.

After a short but spirited fight, they slipped the net under a beautifully scaled mirror of 18.08. Both fish looked amazing in the Winter sunshine for the photos.

The rest of the week, unfortunately, passed by without any further occurances, whilst the weather turnt even more wintery !

So, only 2 fish banked, but what a fish, well done Nick.

A Winter 40 Common & a PB as well !

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Number of Anglers	6
Total Number of Carp	2
Biggest Fish	Stevie Cowell lands a stunning 36 14 on a tough week

Danny F and 5 mates fished this week. weather looked awesome 14 in the day 9 at night and all southerly based winds, yet the lake fished hard. danny f started in oblivion and moved after 2 days to alcatraz, the fish then moved into oblivion and cleared up all his bait, he says 'i ignored my own advice and moved, had i stayed put i would have caught a few. but after making one mistake I stuck to my guns and stayed in alcatraz and managed a pretty 19 pounder that went straight in the stock pond to be grown on'. Steve's fish was a real stunner and he said 'its the best looking fish i have ever caught in France, when can i book for next year!' despite fishing hard the other guys failed to catch, Ivan lost one when a tangled hooklink snapped half way through the week. Danny says 'in hindsight i wish we hadn't used the boats and baited lighter at the start but no-one expected the fishing to be so different from my session just 2 weeks earlier on 24th October. The lake had risen 4 inches whilst i had been away and i think this new cold water had affected the fish in the short term. I expect the lake to stabilise in the next few weeks.

Wodka 36lb 14oz.

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19lb that went into the stock pond.

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The usual suspects.

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Number of Anglers	3
Total Number of Carp	1
Biggest Fish	Fat Boys world tour 2009. Jonesy and Palmer eat but do not Haul!

The weather took a massive turn for the worst this week and made it difficult for UK Eating Team, Peter Jones of Tackle Box, Dartford and Keith Palmer. With minus 4 at 7pm and bitter winds these two accomplished anglers and supreme eaters had their work cut out for them. warming through 8 Gallons of curry is normally a half hour job for underwear model Keith yet in these conditions it took over two hours to fully cook this gastronomic giant.

They fished in Stink and Alamo and Danny T did a night or two in Oblivion and at the end of the week Danny still couldnt explain why they had not caught, especially as some nights there swims were 'black with fish'. Danny T managed a 25lber on the last morning from Oblivion after a night of fish crashing one after the other, 'i should have caught more they were black on me, he said'.

it seems that at this time of the year the fish are affected massively by the weather, it can fish its head off or be super tricky, thats the chance we all take for the fish being at their biggest weights of the year.

Number of Anglers	10
Total Number of Carp	6
Biggest Fish	New 50 common THE NUDE PATCH comes from Alcatraz

10 Army boys made the long journey from Germany on a lake exclusive.

Big winds with lots of rain made the going tough.

234 came out of The Stink at 44lbs which is a new PB and a new top weight for that fish, Danny F had the fish in the later part of September at 38lb 12oz, thats over 5 pounds in a month!

all the boys have vowed to return and give the place a proper pasting!

2 3 4 at an all-time high of 44lb.

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Baby Black Eye at 35lb 8oz.

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Number of Anglers	5
Total Number of Carp	32
Biggest Fish	Darrell Peck lands 7 including an unknown 58lbs 12oz mirror christened THE UNIT

Weather started perfect, mild and sw winds. Danny Fairbrass in Co's Point had to wait 24 hours for his first bite then had 6 in a night to 42.8 (Northern Scaly), his action continued during the week ending up with 19 fish to 44.8, all falling to CELL snowmen or bottom baits over lots 20mm freebies at 110 yards. Darrell Peck moved to Oblivion and caught from the first night taking 7 fish including a TOTALLY NEW 50+ nicknamed THE UNIT at 58lbs 12oz, what a result for the lake and for Darrell. He managed two other good uns a new 41 common named THE VIRGIN and BRUTUS at 50lbs 8oz, its first time over 50! Darrell used 15mm Fruitella snowmen on CELL botom baits and fed 3-8kg CELL per night. Darrell commented 'I broke my French pb by 30lbs and was amazed how quickly the fish responded to large beds of boilies'. Billy moved into Alcatraz when Darrell moved out and took a brace of 30 commons in the first hour! The weather deteriorated towards the end of the week and runs slowed down, still an amazing week! This session was filmed for SKY SPORTS show THINKING TACKLE and will go the air Feb/March 2010.

Brutus 50lb 8oz

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Singles Mate 44lb 8oz

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The Unit 58lb 12oz

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Number of Anglers	4
Total Number of Carp	3
Biggest Fish	Rigadon slides into the Tree Line and snatches them from under Stotty's nose!

Nick the Greek had a 35lber off Co's and lost one at about 120 yards and our little star Rigadon aka Sleepy Neil slid into The Tree Line for 5 nights and caught a stunning 39 named Sasquatch and 43 we have not yet identified fishing about 60 yards straight out away from the trees. CELL and indian Spice doing the business, if it aint broke dont fix it.

Ian Stott returned for his 3rd week in less than a year and blanked in The Beech! Accomplished swim hogger Ian who is considered one of the best anglers in his remote village in East Anglia had a mare of a week, we all now how you feel Mr Stott! Stotties a mate so i'm sure he will enjoy the micky taking but in all seriousness our experinces at Gigantica have taught us that there is a very fixed winning method when fishing in open water, fish all 3 rods at the same range about a rod length apart, feed 2-10kg boilies on day 1 and keep feeding between 2 and 5kg a day until the bites start coming, if nothing happends for 3 days the fish are probably not on you, stop baiting until you start catching, Ian kept baiting no matter what and simply overfed his swim. He put in over 10kg on the last night after a week of no bites, crazy! if you are going with lots of bait, consider the time of year and always start with a big bed, dont end with one.

Also Ian purchased his CELL from a rolling service not from us or Mainline, for some reason bait rolled by Mainline is better than dry mix made and rolled by bait firms, we have experinced this fist hand and cant explain why it is. you have been warned!

Unknown 43lb.

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Sasquatch 39lb.

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Number of Anglers	2
Total Number of Carp	0
Biggest Fish	Bitterly Cold Easterlies and very few anglers made it a super tough week

The weather definitely beat the two Bristol boys on this week. they didnt help themselves setting up in the teeth of the easterly on the advice of Dave Fuidge aka FUDGY who fished Pole Position with great success in May! Hot swims change from week to week so choosing a swim based on a spring capture was, in our opinion a bad idea but when someone has a plan in their head its very hard to get them to change. Co's point out of the wind would have been a better bet but some people simply will not listen to full time bailiff Danny T!

Number of Anglers	12
Total Number of Carp	18
Biggest Fish	BLACK EYE comes from The Pink at 42lbs 8oz. The Belgiums conquor The Beech

Home made fish meals got the Belgium pairing in The Beech 11 fish including 3 forites, SHOULDERS 42LBS, plus two other 40's we have not indetified yet.

Co's produced a 36 common

Pole did 3 fish inc a 38 common.

Fish were caught form all over the lake to a variety of methods, big beds of boilies being the best tactic this week, by far.

Remko, with Black eye out of Pink

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Number of Anglers	8
Total Number of Carp	16
Biggest Fish	'Jammy' Clarky flukes STAPLES at new top weight of 67lbs 12oz

This is the Frampton syndicates first ever lake exclsuive on Gigantica and big things were expected from this group of super talented anglers. sadly, the lake didnt respond to a toatlly new bait Shellfish B5 and this coupled with the fact over 200 fish had been out over the previous month or so meant the week fished harder than expected.

as our headline says the worlds luckiest angler 'Clarky' fluked the lakes second biggest known resident STAPLES at an all time top weight of 67lbs 12oz, what a weight for this male fish, this shows our policy of a mixed diet of boilies some pellets and particles is working, in all seriousness well done mate the micky taking is just CARP ENVY from Danny T and Danny F. Clarky's long suffering missus Katherine had THE CHEESE at 35lbs 10oz, first time out for a year!

Dishy Dave Waker (See CarpWorld) had a 18lb 12oz mirror from Alamo and openly admitted to Danny F when back in the UK that sticking to the Shellfish B5 was a mistake in view of all the CELL that had gone in over this season, he also said none of them expected to need as much bait as they did. B5 is a brilliant bait but it struggled to interest ths fish hooked on a fully established food source, in this case CELL.

Mz.Clarke with her PB 'the cheese' at 35+

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Clarky with the mighty Staples at 67lb 12oz.

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Number of Anglers	7
Total Number of Carp	34
Biggest Fish	Danny F bags THE GIANT at 72lbs

Danny moved into Co's Point after Ting Tongs super week as he continued to film the free DVD for 2010. he carried on were Tong finished and caught from the off sadly loosing his first bite which seemed like a good un. the fish came steadily and he ended the week with 24 bites landing 19 inc 3 real special ones DISCUS as new fish at 44.8, DROP TAIL at 55lbs out just a week earlier after going missing for 12 months and THE GIANT at 72 pounds all on either 20mm CELL bottom baits or snowmen with homemade CELL pop ups, like Tong he fished at 90 yards and fed boilies all week using almost 50kg by the end. ALI went in Alcatraz and managed 7 to upper thrities Tom Dove had 5 from Alamo inc THE TWIN at 53lbs both using CELL, of course. Fred from Holland had a new 40 we have named FRED which is one of most beautiful fish, he was well pleased and will be back with his mates next year. all these fish and more will be on CARP, TACKLE, TACTICS and TIPS in shops FREE of charge next Feb/March.

The Giant 72lbs

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The Giant 72lbs

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Fred 40.04, What a Carp

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Number of Anglers	8
Total Number of Carp	56
Biggest Fish	Ting Tong smashes CO'S POINT taking 31 fish. Drop Tail at 52lbs 12oz from BIG GIRLS

weather was warm and sunny with mostly northerly based winds, later in the week the wind swung in all directions with mainly clear skys. Tong hit the ground running and caught from the first night. he fished all 3 rods at 90 yds with al least 10 yards between each hookbait. he didnt use a marker rod and simppy sprayed 20mm CELL boilies all over the area. He fished superbly ending with 33 takes landing 31 fish, showing what can be caught if the lake is fished dead right, hookbaits were either indian spice or tutti snowmen with a 20mm cell underneath or double 18mm CELL bottom baits. his only bad luck was that he didnt connect with any of the A Team, his best was just short of 37lbs. Dannt F fished in Pole Position and had 13 takes landing 12 inc PIPS at 41lbs again over large amounts of CELL. Adam Penning chased the fish and struggled with 2 to 29 and Dutch Jon had 4 stunners from the TREE LINE inc BLACK EYE at 41 and THE SNAGS LINEAR 38lbs. Andy and Chicken Legs had nothing in Pink and Stink so they fished a rod each for the day in Big Girls and Andy had Drop Tail at 52lbs 12oz another new pb, he then moved into Oblivion and had two more inc a 37 common.

Pips 41lbs

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Number of Anglers	9
Total Number of Carp	29
Biggest Fish	Essex Mick bags Fudgies at 61 and a new fish named Chunky at 49 14!

Mick from Essex managed 7 out of Pole Position inc CHUNKY at 49 14 and FUIDGIES at 61 fishing just boilies about 80 yards out. Mick was over the moon with his result and cant wait to get back next year.

Micks mate Steve in Alcatraz had 2

BLACK EYE came out of the Tree Line AGAIN at 42lbs, that fish loves that swim.

9 fish inc 4 pbs's came from Co's point

9 fish from the Alamo, Andy and Colin had all their fish in the first 3 days inc The CUT TAIL COMMON at 47 2 and THE NUDE FISH at 45lbs up an amazing 8lbs in a month, they are really troffing at this time of year. Andy and Colin are both 'big old boys' and they couldnt eat all of Danny T;s big man menu! they will be back.

Another excellent week with experinced anglers making the lake look easy!

Chunky 49.14

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Cut Tail 47.2

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Number of Anglers	6
Total Number of Carp	50
Biggest Fish	Si and Tom smash the Alamo, taking 36 fish inc 7 forties. John takes Single Scale at 59 and Fudgies

Si and Tom made the effort to speak to Danny T before their trip and totally took his advice and spent all their pennies on 70kg of CELL which they brought with them from the UK. They doubled up in our only 2 man swim The Alamo and fed heavily from the start and the fishing just got better and better. their rigs were super simple blow back rigs with indian spice pop ups fished snowman style with a cell bottom bait underneath.

John from Cornwall had SINGLE SCALE at 59lbs 2oz and FUDGY'S at 60lb 4oz as part of a 12 fish catch from Pole Position, fishing at Danny T's range of about 60 yards using his own boilies which shows like eds catch in August that if you aply the right bait at the right times you can catch on anyhting.

All in all a brilliant week with not just loads of fish but big uns too!

Single Scale 59lbs

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Spring Scaly 46lbs

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The Smiling Fish 47lbs

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Number of Anglers	0
Total Number of Carp	0
Biggest Fish	Closed this week to re-dig the stock pond

the stock pond had been started in the winter of 2008 but after falling water levels it was re dug to house up to 40 doubles from thre main lake with the viw to growing them on to over 25lbs and then reinroduced back into the main lake. the ongoing plan is to keep removing the smallest fish and growing them on until the lake only has 30 plus carp in it.

Number of Anglers	7
Total Number of Carp	16
Biggest Fish	Pete bags THE IMMACULATE at 44lbs

Action was spread all the way round the lake and only two people actually blanked. the group were using Dynamite Baits Monster Tiger Nut and the fish repsonded well to this, bearing in mind it was the frozen version, not the shelf lifes.

THE IMMACULATE common came out for the first time this year at 44lbs, the picture shows pete was well pleased to get it! we had shaky photo's and no weight of this fish from last year so its great to finally get an accurate weight!

The Immaculate 44lbs

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Stoneacres

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Number of Anglers	8
Total Number of Carp	18
Biggest Fish	Sparky and his Brother take 6 from Co's Point

Sparky and his brother lost as many fish as they hooked and Danny T couldn't underdstand why he lost so many. Sparky moved to Stock Pond for the last night and had two more.

Ian Stott manged 3 from The Alamo to low 20's and vowed to come back! Like many people Ian refused to listen to Danny T and fished his own way which cost him many bites. he is an accomplished angler in the UK and this shows just how critical it is to follow Danny T's advice on what bait and how much to use and when to feed it.

Number of Anglers	6
Total Number of Carp	16
Biggest Fish	Alan takes FUDGY's at 57lbs 8oz part of a 10 fish catch from Co's point

Alan from the packing department at Korda spent a weeks holiday with his girlfriend and son in Co's point. after following Danny's advice to the letter he bagged the majority of the fish out that week including FUDGY'S at 57lbs 8oz and THE NUDE FISH at 37lbs, NUDE PATCH COMMON at 42 and half tail common at 32. All fish falling to CELL snowmen over large amounts opf boilie at between 70 and 90 yards. WHY DONT MORE PEOPLE TAKE DANNY'S ADVICE?

TREE LINE produced 2 fish inc The English fish at 27lbs 10oz

Fudgies 57.08

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The Nude Fish 37lbs

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Half Tail Common 32lbs

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Number of Anglers	9
Total Number of Carp	47
Biggest Fish	Hamish bags THE GIANT at 68lbs and Ed takes 18 fish to 40lbs

Weather SW all week straight into The Alamo

Ed doubled up in The Alamo with another Dutch mate of ours and at first the action was slow. When his fishing buddy left after a few days and Ed started applying more bait and fishing all his rods at the same range he started to haul. He was using a secret protoype dutch fishmeal boilie with a simple blow back rig and bottom bait, he finished with the best haul so far this season with 22 bites and 18 fish up to 40lbs ROBERTS FISH. In total he used 40kg of boilies, every time i got up for a piss in the night Ed was baiting up< he fished hard and deserved what he caught showing us all how its done!

Jack and hamish on work experince from Sparsholt Collage had 19 fish from Co's point at 70 yards inc The Giant at 68lbs, well done Hamish you are gonna have to get some muscles if you plan to come back!

In The Beech Ralf only managed an 18lb'er on a Zig, he needed more bait in the swim as the fish were there.

Roberts Fish 40lbs

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Number of Anglers	4
Total Number of Carp	22
Biggest Fish	Danny T continues to rape Pole Position inc THE HEAD and 234 both at 40 plus!

Koen has 3 off of Co's Point to 33lb a nice common.

Danny F has 8 from The Alamo inc a 36 and 37. A 5 day trip for Mr F mainly to dive the lake between BIG SOUTHERLY and THE PINK to remove any snags they find. danny reports 'Danny T and i were amazed at how many snags were present in this area, we removed loads, some huge branches sticking bolt upright from the bottom, others semi buried but covered in zebra mussles. some snags were covered in line and rigs, all of which were removed. We have made this area far more fishable, its no wonder Ting Tong lost so many from here in June, both neighbouring swims will continue to benefit from what snags we couldnt remove and both are now far more fishable. on the fishing front i had a great few days in The Alamo, i learnt alot, mostly that if i had fed more i would have caught more, on the last day i put 2 kilos on their heads after a bite at 5am and had one 10 minutes after, had I rebaitied sooner after each fish i would have caught more. our carp are now addicted to large beds of boilies, too little bait will often go unnoticed!

Jack on work experience had 2 from The Stink

Danny T had 9 from Pole Position inc THE HEAD at 41 and 234 at 41, Indian Spice and Cell at 50 yards again, this swim just keeps producing the 40's close in!

The Head 41lbs

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Thick Wrist 37lbs

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Number of Anglers	4
Total Number of Carp	18
Biggest Fish	Two 43lb commons from TREE LINE and ALAMO

A lady catches her new pb at 27lbs fro ALCATRAZ

Danny T takes 6 from POLE POSITION inc a 42. Danny only fishes on quiet weeks and keeps to 50 yards range in the summer to show how close the fish can be caught, he fed 20mm CELL fishing Indian Spice/Cell snowmen ove the top.

Rene returns to catch the CUT TAIL common from ALAMO we;; spawned out at 43lbs, a low weight but good news for later weight gains!

Number of Anglers	3
Total Number of Carp	13
Biggest Fish	42 linear comes from TREE LINE

BIG SOUTHERLY produced a new pb of 34lbs.

Number of Anglers	9
Total Number of Carp	27
Biggest Fish	TEAM ENGLAND wins Gigantica European Cup

3 English verses 3 Germans verses 3 Dutch/Belgiums (benelux) in the first of an annual match between the countries. Anglers are spread all around the lake to make the match as fair as possible. winds mainly from the North and East and Sunny. Arjen of benelux in TREE LINE started strong with a small one and mid thirty but Tong BIG SOUTHERLY and Danny F ALCATRAZ came back with fish the first night and second day. that pattern continued during the week and Danny and Tong continued to extend their lead as the other countries failed to get to grips with the place, the final tallys were Germany 0 Fish! Benelux 9 fish for 190lbs and England 18 fish for 380lbs. Danny recalls 'we gave the other teams as much info as we could regarding winning baits and rigs yet most did their own thing which cost them dearly, i was happy with our result and proud of Tong and Tom Dove who soldiered on getting two fish on the last night when the wind turned in his favour. at this time of year when the fish have just spawned you simply cannopt give them enough bait and next year i will be training myself in advance to cope with the feeding regime as we do not allow boats for this competition. we all had a great time and the other teams were brillaint sports. the match was covered by SKY SPORTS and appears on the latest THINKING TACKLE series 4 DVD out in shops in Dec 09.

Danny with No Name at 30lb 8oz.

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Number of Anglers	4
Total Number of Carp	4
Biggest Fish	Neil AKA Rigadon gets a 40+ first bite!

This is the first week of our new season and we are as green to what works on this water as anyone else.

Our two paying customers started in The Pink and The Stink and moved around during the week without success. in handsight sticking to one swim and baiting it consistently would have brought better results.

Danny F and Neil came over for just 3 nights to help Danny T finish building the last of the palatial swims, Alcatraz, Pole Position and The Stock Pond. Danny writes 'I never knew how much hard work it would be building swims, aftre each day i was f+++ed! i fished in Alcatraz whislts it was being built and managed a stunning upper double on the second night and an even more stunning 34 we nicknamed Alcatraz on the last night. I spodded our particle mix and chopped Cell boilies for the first two nights but was too tired on night 3 so used the boat. The fish were clearly not scared of the 6 foot scaffold poles being banged in the swim during the day. A very satisfying few days topped off by Neil AKA Rigadon getting a new 40 at 40lb 4oz fcasting over to the Stock Pond out of bounds bank right in the edge. Good angling mate'!

Danny continues 'This is my first taste of the water at this time of year and i reckon you cannot use enough bait, i would start with a 10 litre bucket of particle, pellets and boilies or at leats 5kg boilies on day one and build that during the week. The fish have woken up and are looking for food!

Rigadon 40.04

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Alcatraz 34

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Number of Anglers	8
Total Number of Carp	11
Biggest Fish	Dutch John with 'the giant'@ 74.08