Reports | Gigantica

Number of Anglers	5
Total Number of Carp	3
Biggest Fish	Quibell with Repunsal @ 57.12

Welcome back to the first Winter report of 2011.

As with all Winter fishing, there may not be a lot too report some weeks other than heavy frosts and maybe, snow. But for this first week I glad to say there are some fish too report about, hopefully a good omen for the coming weeks.

A strange week for several reasons. 1st, the weather. Unbelieveably warm for the time of year with incredible night time highs and glorious sunshine throughout most of the days has seen the fish VERY active. 2nd, only 2 of the 5 anglers start the week. 2 German anglers fished hard, starting on Alcatraz then intoAlamo but unfortunately without fish.

The 3 other anglers then joined us, from Trakker products and with them some awesome weather.

Darrell Peck, showing us the way with a first night 20+ out of Stink, then the following night, Matt Quibell banked the amazing Repunsal at a new high and a new PB for Matt @ 57.14 !

Not to be out done, I chipped in with the mighty Big Bollox first time over 50 @ 50.08, anothernew 50 for us here at Gigantica.

Even though your allowed to row your hookbaits outnowwith the Winter rules,both big fish were caught within a couple of rod lenghts from the bank.

There will be some amazing big fish out in the weeks too come, lots offish I expect to make 50+ in the coming weeks, and now the Winter rules are here, 4 rods and you can row your hookbaits out, why not join us as theres still some limited spaces available.

Big French fish in the frosts......come on, come join me trying to catch a huge fish in the snow !!

Be safe, be lucky.

Q with Repunsal @ 57.12

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Big Bolloxs 1st time over 50 !

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Number of Anglers	7
Total Number of Carp	4
Biggest Fish	Snags linear to Gary Lagden @ 47lb

Welcome back to the report,

A tough week, as they all will be now the weather has slowly settled into its colder season and only due to get colder, even if this is the warmest November in 350+ yrs.

Gary Lagden, after switching swims with his mate at the draw, obviously did the right thing and was rewarded witha brace of 40z in a night.

Snags lineaqr came first @ 47lb and then, several hours later that night banked a beautiful 42lb mirror. Just what you need on a fresh November night, and the whole reason anglers keep at it through the ciolder months !

My close friend, Fatty Palmer, broke his duck and although he did lose a fish, finally, he had his first Gigantica fish in the shape of a ol'friend of mine, the shoulders common. A beautiful fish, especially in its pre-winter colours.

The other fish to be be banked, again, too a close friend of mine, the Manager of Tackle BOx in Kent,'Tusk' finally broke his duck. a ready tied shop bought rig, with a boilie he stole off of Keith, on a obvious 'pub' chuck, proved no matter how poor an angler, your always in with a shout and so it was when Tusk banked his first Gigantica fish, an awesome 39lb mirror ( which I presume, he foul hooked ;0) )

Some good angling went un rewarded, Dan from Fat fish, angled very well but failed unfortunately, and Aston, spent most of the trip trying to keep all the wildlife away from his bivvie each and every night as the rest of us slept sweetly.

A difficult week, awesome conditions considering the time of year and more normal, seasonally cold weather due too arrive, maybe a HUGE winter fish is on the cards.......hopefully.

Gary looking happy with Snags linear @47lb

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Garysother 40 @ 42lb

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Number of Anglers	10
Total Number of Carp	0
Biggest Fish	0

Welcome back to the weekly report,

The boys from Dragon Baits, Austriamade the long journey from there home country but, with very poor weather against them, they failed to make the score sheet.

Hopefully, theyll do better on there return.

Number of Anglers	9
Total Number of Carp	2
Biggest Fish	Karen with a 36lb common

Welcome back.

The weather is now on the turn and the fishing is finding it hard to adjust. Huge amounts of fish showing at night but very few chances being created. I believe, the summers impressive weed growth is now dying away and the larder of natural food is now more avaiable than ever.

Each peice of weed retrieved, it full of pea mussels and fresh water shrimp, and with there natural enviroment now disappearing, they have become accessible, or more so and the fish are feasting on this seasonal menu.

Fish are being caught, but just not with regularity. Wayne in Oblivion managed to scratch out a 25lb+ common on the ever reliable Cell and even though the fish have stayed in the area, he failed to score.

Right through the week, Karen, fishing in Stock pond fished well, never giving up and was rewarded on the final night with an impressive 36lb common, saving her from a blank and making the rest of use suitably jealous.

Im sure the changing weather and once the natural food is depleted, the fish will settle into there colder water day to day routine. Stringers and Solidz, fished over lighter than average baited areas should maximise your chances of a pick up now. Time will tell.

Number of Anglers	8
Total Number of Carp	4
Biggest Fish	The 'Nude patch' common & the impressive 'Target'

Welcome back to the weekly report,

A tough week, the Autumn finally arriving with lovely high pressure sunny days and freezing fog throughout the night and then, at the back end of the week, the first frosts of the year.

The Southend boys were quick too there first choice of swims but, for what ever reason, failed to make the score sheet even though they had fish showing over there areas most nights. Frustrating for the guys who fished well.

Dale & Jay in Alamo, again, fishing well but struggling for bites did convert, and a lovely 28 mirror, there one and only fish of the week unfortunately. Very frustrating for Jay, the last 2 nights the fish were very very active on his spots but just would not slip up.

Finally, Oblivion was left open from the draw, even after I told the guys it produced the majority of the weeks before fish so I went in there, fished 2 rods on a spot Ive been watching and had 3, lost one. A beautiful 39.15 too start then PB common & Mirror. The 'Nude patch' common & the very very impressive 'Target' my number one ambition but probably the hardest fish too catch here so well chuffed.

Well, the cold weathers here and making itself felt. Fish still very very active and obviously eating heavily. Looking forward to the next few weeks when I anticipate some HUGE fish to be caught. Check back next week for the update on how its fishing.

Be safe, be lucky.

Nude Patch @ 55.12

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Target @ 66.4

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Number of Anglers	10
Total Number of Carp	10
Biggest Fish	Biggest brace ever by a Danish angler. 77.8 & 64 !

Welcome back Gentleman,

Well, the autumnal weathers here too stay but the fish have settled into it well. No frosts yet too upset things but with the Cranes overhead, the first frosts wont be far off.

We had our annual Sport Dres anglers travel all the way from Denmark. Orginised by Peder Lichtenberg, its a week I always look forward to as theyve been before and there good guys, who enjoy there fishing but have a laugh along the way.

Though slow, Lars had a dream week. The biggest brace by a Danish angler with Fudgeys @ 77.8 with The Galaxy @ 64lb. Not happy with that impressive brace, Lars also caught Shoulders @ 45.12, Arfur @ 43 and a 39+ common and a smaller 20.

DT Nblend, with SportDres additives doing the damage for Lars on his amazing week.

Peder, Kim & Micheal also caught on the NBlend rolled for Sport Dres by DT.

4 of the group had chose to use CC Moores mixes and caught a beautiful 38.8 mirror from 'Stock pond' swim.

Another decent week for Sportdres, very funny as usual at meal times and a lovely hat Steen wore throughout as well.

Looking forward to their week next year already, hoping a few of the guys have the same result Lars did.

Be safe, be lucky.

Lars, Fudgeys at a all time High @ 77.8

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Lars again, the Galaxy @ 64

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An awesome 38lb

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Number of Anglers	8
Total Number of Carp	4
Biggest Fish	Dave with a low 30, one of 3 fish

Welcome back.

A tough week, the weather finally cooling off and effecting the catch rate. Dave in Pole, lost 2 on Saturday night but went on to catch 3 fish, the biggest a low 30lb+ fish. Dave fished hard, as did all this weeks anglers and ground out his well deserved result in very tough conditions.

Dave brought George, and although George didnt make the score sheet, I have to mention him for his hardcore determination. Late 60s and blind in one eye, with his eye sight rapidly failing in his other eye, he still fished hardcore....an inspiration.

Dutch John Munoz fished his beloved tree line but failed to make the score sheet,perhaps his first choice, Big girls, may have proved a better choice as conditions forced the fish in there at the ned of the week, unmolested. An open water swims calling John now !

Autumns here and wont be long until the Cranes begin there migration, and with them, the arrival of the colder weather.

A very tough week for all, but a great bunch of guys, as always. Big hi to Phil.

Be safe, be lucky.

Number of Anglers	10
Total Number of Carp	14
Biggest Fish	Kev with Brutus, 1st time at 60+

Welcome back. Another week of highs and lows. Crazy high pressure, easterly based Indian summer really making itself felt amongst the fish.

Several blanked, solely due to conditions and the Carps odd behaviour due too the weather.

Saturday night, Kev in Alamo, did what we all travel too France for, a fish of a lifetime in the shape of Brutus, at her first time out at over 60lb. Kev used his own bait fished out towards the weed on the right hand side of the swim. A PB as well, a great start too the week.

Bryan & MArtin, doubled up in Co's showed us all how its done. Martin banking the well known 'black eye' her 1st time over 50 !! A long time coming for this character fish. Bryan, using his own Black Snailz boilies really got amongst em with several fish topped of with a VERY impressive 52lb common. Again, this fishes 1st time at 50+

Late knockings, Dave & Locky got amongst a few to save a blank which, if you take into the account the bizzarre weather, the whole group did well considering.

Be safe, be lucky.

Kev with Brutus @ 60+

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Bryan with The Recluse @52+

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Martin with Black eye, 1st time at 50+

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Number of Anglers	9
Total Number of Carp	14
Biggest Fish	Discus at 57

Welcome back. Another few very busy weeks, some big fish caught and the colder weather now in sight.

Coate Water park regulars, Eddie Stobbard comedy squad and the German contingant fishing well. Strange weather in the form of a high pressure moving slowly in, part of a unsettled year here in the Champagne Ardenne.

Craig, in Pole getting it together later in the week, several topped by 'The Clown' @ 46+

Mark in Alcatraz, steady with several topped by 'Discus' @ 57

Simon in Co's with several topped by an upper 30.

Willy in Stink with a 30+

Gerrad in Alamo with 'Wodka' @ 41+

A tough week, due too the weather, perhaps more bait wouldve helped the guys who did catch, catch more.

Craig with the 'Clown'

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Mark with 'Discus'

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Gerrad with 'Wodka'

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Number of Anglers	10
Total Number of Carp	43
Biggest Fish	Fudgey's @ 74

A fantastic weeks fishing, even better, it was all captured on film for the forth coming DVD.

Long range tactics for Danny F & Ali H, culminating in a serious weeks worth of big fish.

Over 30 fish between them, topped off with, Cluster @ 58, The '43' @ 53, Roberts fish @ 57, Drop tail @67.12 and finally, Fudgeys at an all time high and a new PB for D.F. @ 74lb.

Part of the haul, the rest were mainly 30z, with 7 x 40z included.

Keith Fugill had a few chances as well fishing in the Stink, a 26 and the Koi at a new PB for Keith, 40+ unfortunately, Keith alsolost a couple.

I must mention, 'Smart' Lance for keeping the tidiest swim and set up this year. Good news on the Job as well Lance !

Jake Wildbore, only fishing the nights, also had 7 fish, the biggest being an upper 30, good angling for limited time.

Awesome weather, good angling really showing us all how too do it.

Keith with the Koi

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Ali with the '43' first time at 50+

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DF with Fudgeys @ 74

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Number of Anglers	10
Total Number of Carp	17
Biggest Fish	Gordon with a brace of 50z

An interesting week, good anglers fishing well but in different weather. Some great fish culminating in a brace of 50z for Gordon on Alcatraz. Gutbucket @ 56+ and amazingly, Ziggy Stardust which was out in the spring at 44, now its first time over 50 at 52 and looking really good for it.

Mark in Pole had a lovely mid 40 along with several others, Mark in Stink had several with the highlight being the snags linear at 43+ part of several fish landed.

Charlie in Big Southerly had a last grasp fish in the shape of the 'Bull nosed' common, The Patch fully also made an appearance and some other known, smaller weight fish on quite an impressive weeks fishing, just showing, when the guys fish well, anything is possible.

A great bunch of guys, good anglers, well deserving there captures.

Mark, Snags linear

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Mark, 44+

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Gordon with Ziggy Stardust

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Number of Anglers	9
Total Number of Carp	26
Biggest Fish	Frogger with Shoulders @ 44.12

WOW, hat a week. The frampton massive ( former ) arrived, a week Ive been looking forward to all year.

All but one caught unfortunely, weather didnt help but, an awesome week with close friends, lots. of laughs and good times.

Thanks to the guys, and girls who came, brilliant.

All the fish were highlights, but Clarky shaking off that dark shadow thats been following him around, his gay casting technique got em out there and he caught well with Starburst being the biggest. Frogger with Shoulders at 44+ and of course, Karen showing us all how too do it with her 6 fish haul.

Happy dayz

Gay caster, Clarky & Starburst

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Frogger & Shoulders.

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Karen, hauling.

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Number of Anglers	10
Total Number of Carp	8
Biggest Fish	Glen with a mid 30 from Big Southerly

Welcome back Gents,

Simply put, a tough week. Why ? Im a little unsure to be honest. Though the weather was changable, it was quite good for fishing. However, its played its part. A few chilly evenings put paid to night zigging and a few chances later by the end of the week on zigs wernt converted.

However, Gage managed another fish, this being the second session hes caught on. Only a mid 20, but a fish never the less on a tough week.

Rob & Liz in 'Alcatraz' suffered a blank, even though there were fish in front of the swim, just a little further out than Rob could manage.

Dave, well, less we say on that the better. Smile Dave, its a record ( private joke ). Ian agaian in 'Beach' managed another fish, this time he got a chance to see and remember it, unlike the brown thing last time.

Dutch John, broke his 100% record and failed to make the score sheet even though he is very privaliged.

Rob on 'Co's' called me mid week, with a fish having caught his other lines, he was now snagged and thinking the fish had slipped away. Once there, Rob gained a small amount of line and confirmed there actually was a fish tethered to his other lines. I slipped into the water with the net upto my shoulders and by using the net float, managed to net the fish for Rob, a beautiful 30.06 fish, his only of the week.

Glen, the shy little flower he is, managed to snare a few in Big Southerly, obviously he wouldnt have caught anything other than a cold if I hadnt given him much of my expertise. Ending the week with 4 fish, a couple of loses and the weeks biggest fish at 35+ Lucky for him Im as generous as I am or he would have surely blanked his ass off. Unfortunately, Ricky in Stink, did. he fished hard though and if he hadnt had to run down to Glens swim every night to chase away the 'wildlife' he might of had chance to catch one.

Adam, in Alamo, lost one, and a bream but unfortunately not the score sheet. Simon, the dog lover, in Oblivion did manage to though, with an absolutely stunning full scaled, taking his French virginity ! Well done Si.

So a tough week, but great company and had a hilarious week, thanks lads.

As usual, be safe, be lucky.

Danny

Number of Anglers	9
Total Number of Carp	7
Biggest Fish	Darren with 'the Galaxy'@ 60.10

Welcome back Gents,

Another week of highs and lows, blanks and PBs.

First of, Darren Oates drewq Pole position and duely got amongst em from day one, logging captures of 20,30,50 & 60lb fish. Nearly all fish were PBs for Darren including a stunning 38lb common but the highlight of the week for Darren must be when he banked the impressive 'Pips' last caught the previous year at low 40s. However, Darren shocked us all when the Reubens punched past the 50 mark all the way round too 56.04 lb !!

A huge increase but quite a regualr occurance here at Gigantica. A new PB for Darren but that didnt last long, as he went on too capture a simply stunning fish, known as 'the Galaxy' its last recorded capture 2 years previous at 38lb by DF.......now a hugely impressive 60.10lb !!! A very impressive weight gain, a new PB and another new 60 for us here at Gigantica. Very impressive.

Craig in 'Alcatraz' fished etremely well all week but failed to make the score sheet, Paul in 'the Beach' did though, with a nice mid 20, his only capture but im sure he'll be back and settle the score.

We had a fist this week, 3 anglers from Ireland ! a very long journey saw John, Billy & Derek draw Co's, Big Southerly and Stink. Unfortunately, John in Co's didnt make the score card and Billy, unlucky on the very last morning by losing one but Derek, in Stink saved the day after a early week lose by banking the 'gutbucket'@ an impressive 56.06lb, a new PB for the Emerald Isle angler.

Unfortunately, Steve, Debbie & Kevin failed to get amongst them on what proved a difficult week for them.

So, there you go, a week of highs and lows......but thats fishing eh !?

As usual, be safe, be lucky.

Danny

Derek with 'Gutbucket' @ 56.06

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Darren with 'Pips' @ 54.06

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Darren with 'The Galay' @ 60.10

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Number of Anglers	9
Total Number of Carp	21
Biggest Fish	Hermen with the Giant @ 80.05lb

Welcome back to a special weekly update.

Ive predicted the Giant would be landed next at over 80lb for some time now and was finally proven right on Thursday night when Herman, fishing in Big girls hooked and landed the Giant at an astronomical 80.05 lb

Giganticas first 80 +

A huge well done too Herman, who's previous best weighed less than 29lb ! I doubt he'll better this his new PB.

The fish looked very well, in very good condition and its mouth still in very good shape, thanks partly to our strict barbless rule that we enforce. Mainline New Grange toppedwith plastic corn scoring, with a size 8 Korda Kurv, 15" coated hooklink and a inline flat pear lead proving successful.

As well as the Giant, other anglers had a very productive week. Regulars, Rigger man, Bob the sock and his son Gary taking a steady stream of fish. Gary in Pole position taking 6 fish to mid 30z but losing a very decent fish unfortunately, Barry - riggerman, taking several from Alcatraz then moving into Stink and taking several more topped by @ 45.12. Bob the sock in Alamo also getting amongst them with 6 fish topped with 'White lines' at 44.12.

Unfortunately, Clivein Co's failed to connect with his only chance but Woody, after fishing really well allweek in Big southerly, moved in behind Rigger man and snared a last grasp 27 linear to save a blank.

Now the weathers back to a more settled front,the fishing has picked up as expected, hopefuly it'll continue and more fish will be captured. Pop back next week for the ltest up to date info.

As usual, be safe, be lucky.

Danny

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Number of Anglers	9
Total Number of Carp	3
Biggest Fish	Ade with 2,3,4 @ 45.12

Welcome back Gents,

Another painfully slow week, weather induced unfortunately. Ade had a quick result in the shape of 2,3,4, & a 27mirror early doors from Pole position and I expected more but it never materialized.

The weather was changable which hasnt helped at all, as very hot weather and blazing sunshine really does it here. Craig snared a small one from the Beach on a zig mid week but that was it captures wise.

One thing became clear on Friday though, after Ade had made a decision to pack up early and join Simon in Big southerly for a social. Having packed up and left his baited area, within hours, the fish turnt up in Pole 'on mass' and continued to eat all the free bait until it was gone, which took around 3-4 hours nuch to mine and my guests amusment watching fish after fish crash out on the baited spot......proving its not over til youve reeled in.

So, 3 fish for the week,a very tough week for sure. Hopefully the weather will settle down and the sun will shine, watch out carp if it does !

Stay safe, be lucky.

Danny

Ade with 2,3,4 @ 45+

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Number of Anglers	9
Total Number of Carp	5
Biggest Fish	Jurgen with Sparkys @ 53 &amp; Carl with Discus @ 52.08

Welcomeback Gentlemen,

With the weather looking amazing, I was expecting another high catch rate but was, for whatever reason, disappointed.

The weather was changable and with some heavy rain throughout the week, which has proven to be poor weather for here, so it was that it did fish quite poorly with only a few highlights.

In Alamo, Craig banked his only fish of the week, but what a fish. Discus at a new PB at 52.08. An awesome result, as it was Craigs first time in France.

Jurgen in Alcatraz fished well, testing his new bait taking a 20, and lovely 30 and another new 50 for us here at Gigantica in the form of the impressive Sparky at 53lb proving his new bait works fairly well !

A tough week for all other anglers, with the fish proving very nomadic and moving on the wind very quickly we all struggled. I had my close friend Liam Mason working with me but fishing through the night but Liam had had a difficult week after being plagued by bream, his Bait works Atlantic heat boilie proving very attractive. It all paid off on the last night when Liam moved onto the wind and caught a stunning 28+ mirror literally hours befor home time showing you should never give up, very good angling, well done mate !

So another week over with, not so many captures but a few decent ones, one of which is another new 50, it astonds me how many new big fish are coming through, this autumn is going to be amazing.

As usual guys, be safe, be lucky.

Craig &amp; Discus

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Liam with his last grasp mirror !

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Number of Anglers	9
Total Number of Carp	28
Biggest Fish	Craig with Drop Tail @ 68lb!!

Welcome back Gentlemen,

After last weeks very disappointing results and poor weather, this week did look far more promising due to huge change in the weather.

Low pressures, light rain and high temps bring thunder and lighting looking good for a bite and so it proved.

It was an exciting week with everyone catching, and some sensible hits of big fish. So I’ll start as usual, beginning in the first swim fished.

Gregg, in Pole Position, turnt up with a broken leg. A accident whilst riding miniature ponies led to him fishing with a broken leg in a cast but that didn’t stop him catching. Gregg had a lovely 40lb common, a known fish but its first time over 40, along with a fish we know as ‘White stripes’, again, its first time over 40 at an impressive 42+. This fish has not been caught for over 3 years so quite a capture. Gregg also caught the very beautiful ‘Cheese’ 38.12 with a few other fish for a total of 6 fish.

John, in Alcatraz, Greggs brother, looked after him well rubbing in plenty of sun cream all over his brother ( a bit odd ) but forgot to cream up himself and ended up looking like a peeling lizard, still managed to catch himself. An awesome brace of 40z being the highlight, Both fish, at 42+ coming almost immediately after one another, banking the ‘leather’ and the ‘nude’ fish.

Stevie G fished the ‘tree line’ and had a series of losses but overcame them to bank a lovely mid 30.

Bill, started well in Co’s point banking 4 fish earlier in the week but results tapered off as the fish moved away from his areas, frustratingly for Bill.

Not as frustrating as Keith was experiencing. Several loses, including what we all believe was a huge fish close too the net had Keith struggling but determination paid off and he bank 2 thirties.

Steve, who had moved from from doubling up in Alamo into Stink, lost a good fish but caught a stunning 43to save the week.

Craing however, in the Alamo, having caught a couple of smaller fish, blew the rest away when, as predicted, on ‘big fish Thursday’ and inline with the peak of the moon, banked the mightly impressive ‘Droptail’ at an even bigger weight that expected. All 68lb of her !! This fish hadn’t been caught for 17 months and I had predicted to all who would listen that when banked, she would be around the mid 60 mark, I was pleasantly surprised at 68 and even though she looked big now, Im expecting this fish to push on through and join the ranks of the real big fish here......the magical 70lber’s.

Not forgotten, Dave, in Oblivion caught several fish throughout the week, including a new PB low 30, one of several fish that week.

Lastly, Tom, who fished Oblivion, Stock pond and finally Tree line in a last grasp effort. He had caught earlier in the week from Big girls but perhaps should’ve stayed put as Stevie G moved into the now free Big girls swim and promptly caught 2 fish, a proper result after the weeks earlier struggle.

All fish falling to Mainline baits, and small Mainline Milky toffee pop ups as hookbaits proven that Mainline baits really do catch well here. A total of 28 fish throughout the week, in stark contrast too the week previous. Not only a great weeks fishing but a great bunch of lads who really enjoyed themselves, the fishing and the banter. Looking forward to seeing you all back here next week.

Be safe, be lucky.

For you John, The Nude @ 42

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The very impressive Drop Tail, Craig, in Alamo

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Number of Anglers	9
Total Number of Carp	1
Biggest Fish	Gary, Big Southerly - low 20.

Welcome back Gentlemen.

Not a lot too report this week due to some serious weather changes and very little caught.

From the previous weeks fantastic low pressures and brisk West – South Westerly winds which help in the previous weeks hit, a total change in the local weather bringing very high pressure and a Easterly wind......a reverse from the week before, playing havoc with this weeks captures.

A great bunch of guys, who fished really well but it was just not going to happen. Generally, when this type of front moves in, the fish show quickly on the surface and zigs can and regularly do, make a big impact on the weeks final tally. But not this week unfortunately.

Gary fishing in ‘Big girls’ ground out the only fish of the week in the shape of a small 20 but there were other chances which didn’t get banked, Andy in ‘Big Southerly’ ending up gutted when he lost a decent fish close too the net.

Unfortunately for the group, the weather began to change on the day they left. Disappointing for all.

A great bunch, hopefully I will see them all again in the future and they’ll have better weather.

As usual, stay safe, be lucky

Number of Anglers	9
Total Number of Carp	10
Biggest Fish	Norman with Shoulders @ 45.12

Welcome back,

A difficult week due to a huge turn around in the weather.From the previous weeks perfect text book weather to a high pressure front from the East which had an enormous effect on the fishing. Blisteringly hot, even throughout the nights, the first part of the week proved tobe very tough fishing, with no fish landed.

A break in the weather lead to chance, with Brad losing a fish in Alamo, he lost a couple more but went on too catch 3 in total, all at the back end of the week but he did score, persistence and careful baiting proving the successful winning method for Brad fishing Alamo.

Dan in Oblivion also fished hard, and again, persistence paying off with several PB's in the shape of a brace of 39lbmirrors within hours of each other.

Norman in Co'sfollowed suit, sticking to his baitin stratergy, continually fishing, well, to the same baited areas, paid dividens with a quick 3 fish haul banking a 20, a 30 and a 40 in the shape of the amazing 'shoulders' @ 45.12

Mainline Cell taking ALL of the fish caught on bottom baits.

Lastly, Dutch Marco, got too grips with'Zigs' and finally broke his Gigantica virginity with a lovely linear at mid 20z

A very tough week, hugely dominated by the change in weather but finally, fish feeding and getting caught with a few PB'swhich is the bestpart of my job.

As always, be safe, be lucky.

Norman with Shoulders @ 45+

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Number of Anglers	9
Total Number of Carp	29
Biggest Fish	Colin with a brace of 50z,

Welcome back guy's,

An amazing week, text book weather, great bunch of guys, friends and some real good fishing !

A fantastic wet SW based weather front helped and the lads, along with some very sensible fishing, put 29 fish on the bank.

Tony ( better than Trev ) after reading all the mags and watching all those DVDs finally worked out how to catch one, constant baiting and tight fishing, he managed a lovely 34 mirror, a major result for such a novice !

Big Mac lad Andy fished extremelt well and caught his fair share topped by a new PB in the shape of 'Discuss' at 53+ tight baiting, sensible rigs hitting the spot time and time again, helping Andy to a great weeks fishing. Consistantly hitting the spot sounds obvious but time and time again, I see people baiting up then missing the area on the cast, effectively fishing single hookbaits and the fish helping themselves to a free feed without any worrys of being hooked. Its so important too make sure your on the money, as Andy proved !

Nick fished 'Beach' and fished well, catching 2 new PBs topped ,with a new 40 for us, named Pea Wet, a beautiful fish as well, along with a 39as part of a 4 fish catch. James, in the 'Tree' lost his French Virginity and caught a new PB with a 36 common and amazed us all with his own version of the 'lawn mower' something Ill never forget !

Blenny drew 'Co's Point'and fished well, keeping it tight and persistent and caught well, 5 good fish topped with a new PB in the shape of 'the 43' at a new high of 48.12 well done Blenny.

Big Mac lad Colin, showed us all the way, in 'big southerly' with a 8 fish haul, topped by a brace of 50z in a night, Cut tail common and Mr.angry at 53.14 & 55.12. Good skillz from Colin, who, in his excited state, admitted he 'loved' me ?!?!?! Catching a brace of 50s though did go too Colins head, when he became all choosy over the menu. Tuna bake and liver next time Col !

Rowan & his Dad, George, back again on there third visit suffered the weather but as usual, Rowan fished well taking 4 fish from the Alamo topped by the beautiful 'Rene's linear' at a healthy, spawned out 44+

George, even with his dodgy hip still managed to catch one from Oblivion, though only a 20+, still a hard fished result as the fish rarely visited that corner of the lake for the week, something that changed after he went.

All in all, another great weeks angling, several PBs and some really good fish banked.

With extremely hot weather predicted, I hope the sensible fishing holds. As usual, be safe, be lucky.

Andy, new PB with Discus

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Blenny with his new PB, 'the 43' @ 48.12

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Nick with his new PB, 'Danish Bacon' @ 44+

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Number of Anglers	9
Total Number of Carp	15
Biggest Fish	Brad with Mr.Chow@ 42+

Welcome back Gentlemen.

Finally, back on the lake and into the routine of things. This report has been delayed due to my summer vacation and, unfortunately, a death in my family, so this report will cover last weeks fishing, and the previous 3 weeks prior to that.

The weeks I will was away from the lake, will unfortunately, be a brief overview of captures as I do not have all the names and details of the successful anglers and the goings on whilst I was away. Id like to say a quick thank you too Simon ( the chef ) Stobie, for doing such a brilliant job covering the lake whilst I was away, cheers mate, its much appreciated.

Talking of Simon, he had a fairly significant week whilst working throughout the week, using Nash Bait Monster Squid and soluballs, he manage to catch 14 fish, topped with 2 x 40lb+ fish. Good angling !

That first week I was away, was quite a hectic week. The fish had spawned a few weeks prior and as predicted, 2-3 weeks later, they really got on the feed and came out in numbers. Apart from Simons captures, Mark, who had visited with him, had a few, topped with a big 40 and a 51 from the new swim, named as Baxters hole. Jamie, caught a couple as well, but smaller fish, still a result thought.

There were several really big fish out that week as well. Im currently waiting on confirmed weights to match photos against but top of the list was ‘The Giant’ @ totally mind blowing 79.06 !!

Ron Peppin, fishing with his angling partner, also caught, ‘the Target’ @ mid 60, Fudgeys at a spawned out @ mid 60, along with ‘Cluster’ at mid 50z. I will confirm weights as and when I receive confirmation. Several 30z & 40z were also caught, all part of an amazing week, too the 2 South Western anglers, using Mike Wilmotts Essential B5 bait with alternate hook baits fished over the top.

There were several other good weeks angling for which I have received photos of, again, 40z & 50z but I have no details of names or rigs and bait. If your photo appears here without details, please email me and I can add your details to the report.

Prior to my holidays, the party of anglers fished hard, and though I did not leave until the Thursday, there were some significant fish caught. Tony Buzz light year, caught a fish ( a miracle for him ) but was out done by me with a 42 (private joke ) . Northen Scaly came out of Scotties corner, on a CC Moores boilie, XXX much to my surprise well up in weight @ upper 40z, Brum Paul had a very exciting morning in the ‘tree line’ with 3 x 20z and a new PB of 56lb+, very good angling. Mainlines, ever consistent Cell scoring for the big man, well done Paul.

Last weeks fishing continued the run of success with several PB’s all coming to Mainline baits. The Lesage group, chose to fish as doubles in and caught quite well. Unfortunately, Winnie & Buster failed to make the score sheet, but Brad beat his PB a couple of times, Dan also caught a coupl, both fishing the ‘Beach’ with Brad catching Mr.Chow @ 42+

Serge fished in Co’s, a return trip for Serge, after a blank first trip, Serge got amongst em with 3 fish, a 35 & a 37 topping the list. I nicked 3 out of Big Southerly but should have caught more. A prototype hook on trial snaring a em for me, once Id tweaked the rig to suit.

Group leader, Danny fishing Alamo with Reggy Reggy round head, caught a pb in the shape of a 42mirror, with Reg decimating whats left of our bream stocks.

Andy & Ross got of the mark early, with a brace of 20z and a mid 30 common, again, a new pb ! All falling to Mainlines dominating Cell boilies. A great bunch of guys with a few nice fish.

Im sure Ive missed some guys out, which I apologise too, but I hope too see again. Now Im back into the swing of things, the report will be updated weekly as before, with, hopefully, lots of big fish captures, rig info and whats catching, from what swims.

I will add, as Im asked over and over. There is NO, BEST swim. They all produce if fished well. Throughout this season, I have fished swims, time and again that have not produced the week before for whatever reason, and have caught straight away. Obviously, I am at an advantage living here and knowing where all the fish are caught from, week in week out but each swim is capable of producing if fished well.

Im also asked if Mainlines Cell bait has had its day here at Gigantica........judging by the captures week in week out, not at all. In fact, Cell is catching so many fish that we are now solely stocking it. It has dominated Gigantica for awhile now and shows no chance of that changing. The majority of captures each week falling to the Cell ! Simply put, a great bait.

I will try and add some of the recent weeks captures to the report and will confirm weights as and when I receive the scores on the doors.

Until next week. Stay safe and be lucky.

Danny

Dan with 'Ziggystardust' @ 42+

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

I have been away on holiday but will update this report shortly. Lots of BIG fish to report. Check back tomorrow for complete run down of the lake and capture over the last few weeks Ive been away.

Number of Anglers	8
Total Number of Carp	33
Biggest Fish	Split pec @ 59.10, Repunsal @ 53.08 Discus @ 52lb

Welcome back.

Ive been saying for weeks that if your coming, bring your zigging gear and this week proved what Ive been saying.

Dave, Dave & Dave, the scousers lit the place up with a real decent haul of fish, nearly all accounted for with zigs !

Discus @ 52, Rene's linear at a all time high of just under 45, the amazing 'Freak' @ mid 47lb and a shed load of 30z & 20z all falling to the mid water wonders.

The Stoke lads, Chris ,Ade & Chris got in on the action taking 'Split Pec' at an all time high of 59.10.....just missing the magical 60 by about 24hrs as the fish really got there sexual antics underway through the later end of the week.

I sneaked Bottom lobe ( 44.08 ) and the 'Smiling fish' ( 45.12 ) out of 'Stink' and DF got in the action, taking a mid 20& 30 on the zigars and then moving on the grouped fish, nicking a new 50. Repunsel @ 53.08. The grouped fish then started to spawn, so DF did the honourable thing and moved off them, at 3a.m.

A exciting week, lots of P.B.s and a new big fish. Zigs taking the lions share and Cell and New Grange catching well when bottom fishing was worth a go earlier in the week.

Zigs really can make a week shine if you can be bothered, ignore them at your peril. Stacked bottom baits in the ever realiable Cell and the New grange again,providing the goods.

The 'Solidz' PVA bags Ive been using really proving there worth, maximising the speed of pick ups per time used, really highlighting the hook baits over beds of bait, which is clearly what the fish want when not on the surface.

Ive restocked the shop with all the essential rig bits and other Korda 'toys'. We have the new 'Stow' bobbins and snag bars in stock along with a the 'Gigantica' camo matched lake leads. The new larger 30mm throwing sticks and we have a new stock of the popular Gigantica designed Century SP Advanced rods. Designed for the fishing here and other continental waters, heavy mainlines and big leads......they look pretty damn sexy as well !

The fish have, it would seem, now finished spawning for the time being. They are broken up into big shoals and now is the time to maximise your chances for the big hits. When the fish move in front of you, which will be clearly evident, you should be looking for the big hits now by keeping the baiting levels correct. Weve found that by applying bait immediately after a capture, you can keep the shoal in front of you for a time, giving you the chance of hooking others. Without baiting up, they will clear you out and simply move off. The additional baiting, gives you chance to hold the shoal, feeding, in front of you and if you fish well, and your rigs are sensible, you can catch several in a night.

These Gigantica fish are clearly boilie orientated, and clearly birdfood lovers. Fishmeals have caught here, and caught well but birdfood type baits have caught far far more fish. Mainline baits are very successful here,clearly but other birdfood types like N-Blend, Solar, JB seed mixes and ABS nut mixes have all scored well here. Make your choice wisely.

Now the spawning looks like its finished with, a few days recouperation and then the big feed will begin. I'll keep you updated how it all comes together.

Be safe, be lucky.

Danny

Split Pec at a all time high. 59.10lb

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Discus on a zig, all 52lb of her.

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Number of Anglers	8
Total Number of Carp	9
Biggest Fish	Brutus @ 55.14

Welcome back Gents,

The weather has forced the water temps to the critical point where spawning has now become inevitable.

Obviously, this has impacted on the fishing but there were still fish to be caught as the guys proved.

Ron struggled in Pole, mainly as the fish were on the other side of the lake looking to get involved in the sexual antics and unfortunately blanked, however, Keith in Alcatraz fished really well and did manage to nab a couple of fish on Baitcrafts Super K. Now generally, birdfoods are the way forward here so obviously I was keen to watch how Keith and Vic would get on through the week.

Keith did catch, a 20 and a 30 as did Vic, fishing opposite on his first French tirp, also taking a high 20 common and a 30 mirror, again on the Super K.

Peter was first to fish our new swim, Baxters Hole but as the fish were on the other side of the lake spawning chose too move into Stink mid week to try and save a blank, unfortunately even moving onto them didnt helpPeter who blanked. I followed H into Big Southerly ( I do not draw for swims, taking whatver is left over at the end of the day ) lost a fish through a school boy error of trying to play a fish on a long line whilst trying to prevent myself wetting myself, letting the fish, on a long deep line get amongst a zebra mussel infested area whichlead to me being cut off ! I did how ever bank Brutus at a new high of 55.14 on a stack of New Grange !

Rob & Andy, doubling up in Alamo, a mistake for the lads, too many lines but Rob did nick a nice 37lb fish but moved onto fish in Scotties on the last night, with fish in the swim, perhaps the commotion of moving preventing Rob from adding to his 37.

John in Oblivion had a herd of smaller males out in front of him lookingfor spawning and fished well taking a 19 & a 26, unfortunaelt, no more but there was a lot of fish ready for sex, not feeding in front of him.

Jack in Big girls did manage a 28 common but lost 4, a double take catching him off guard and losing them and others leading to a dissappointing week for Jack.

The camera crew arrived mid week and the cameras went into the water for what will, hopefully, end up being part 7 of the underwater sessions and maybe something that will make mainstream tv if all goes well.

I'll keep you informed, as usual, next week.

Be safe, be lucky.

Danny

Vic, losing his French virginity.

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Brutus @ 55.14

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Number of Anglers	8
Total Number of Carp	9
Biggest Fish	Gordon,Alcatraz @ 43+

Welcome back to the Gigantica weekly report,

Another great week weather wise but it was the weather that ultimately put paid to the fishing due too the bream's sexual antics that had the smaller male carp all excited and the other carp, feasting on that new, easy available seasonal food source.

I moved into Pole after Adam from the previous week, Gordon chose Alcatraz, Shaun opted for the Beach with Marek in Tree line.

Dutch Anthony went in Co's, H in Big Southerly, John in Stink, Danny in Alamo and finally, Drew followed me into Oblivion.

All good choices for each of the anglers. The week started well with Gordon and myself, hooking fish almost the same time, randomly in the day time, something which has been rare this year. Both fish mid 30z, a mirror for me, and a common for Gordon.

Gordon was using Mainline Fusion, a well received bait here having caught a few of the real big fish in the past. Gordon and I both caught another one each, mine a mid 20 and Gordon taking the weeks biggest, a 43 mirror !

Shaun toughed it out in Beach unsuccessfully unfortunately though Marek saved the day, literally, by snagging a trailer. A common, mid 30, attached to a huge branch and what can only be descibed as on of the worst rigs Ive seen for a long time.

Who's it was, Im not sure but it was a killer rig, the common lucky that the branches were hooked up by Marek.

A lead that simply couldnt discharge, leadcore which is banned here, a long shank series 5 which are banned here, a braided snag leader of around 100lb with a 1/2oz bullet running on it with a bead that trapped it totally. In this day and age, a very disappointing find. Im sure this rig was deployed whilst I was away on my annual holiday as I do checkes each week.

I will now be taking a stronger stance against poor rigs and rigs that are just not safe. theres no excuse nowdays. Sinkers on the line above the lead system, lead clips with rubbers on that simply will never discharge, leaders with unsafe fixtures, all will be checked, asked to be removed or you will be asked to leave. Our fish is what makes Gigantica, the destination of choice for our clients and anyone putting that at risk will be instructed to change for the better. Like I say, no excuses nowdays in this world of information.

Dutch Anthony lost his only fish at the end of the week. John missed a chance when the fished moved in front of him, beer and cheese drawing his attention.....no carbs before marbs hahahhaha righto !

Danny did well, taking an early 37lb fish and having a couple of other chances through the week, good angling. Drew managed to save a blank but was frustrated as the fish in front of him just wouldnt come off the surface and feed at depth.

A good early start, some what a little slow the back half unfortunately as they got ready to spawn. Still ridiculously hot for the time of year and the early show of spawning activity putting us a whole month in front of normal !?

Check back next week to see if they do spawn and what is or isnt caught.

Be safe, be lucky.

Danny

Gordon with the biggest of the week @ 43

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Gordon with a 33 common

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mid30 to New grange stacks.

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Number of Anglers	10
Total Number of Carp	9
Biggest Fish	Paul, fishing Alamo &amp; a 37lb Mirror

Welcome back to the Gigantica weekly report.

This week, has seen some amazing temperatures all throughout the week, in comparison to the same week last year, with snow on the ground. Almost into the 30s, this hot sunshine made the week enjoyable. The fishing could have been a little better but the sun and lack of wind, may have played its part.

Adam & Graham, in Pole & Alcatraz, Matt in Beach, Dave in Treeline. Kev the scouser in Co’s, Chris in Scotties, Carl in Big Southerly, Chris in Stink & Danny & Paul in Alamo.

I followed Dave from last week into Oblivion.

The usual slow start that I discussed with the lads at the meet & greet, telling them to get there heads down, very little gets caught Saturday night blah blah blah actually through up a fish. Proving, if youve got a bait in the water, youve got a chance ! Unfortunately for the guys, it was me who nabbed the bite, a stocky mid 20 mirror falling to the new stacked hook bait approach, fished from Oblivion across too the Euro tree line.

The sun shined continuously & Kev sorted out the right approach for Co’s, with a run of morning captures, all sexed up male fish ready for the spawning activities approaching. Throughout the mid week, Kev landed 3 fish, all males and all, unfortunately low 20z.

Paul, in Alamo, caught the weeks biggest at 37lb, a nice mirror, but yet again a male fish and I nicked another on the stacks and Solidz. These male fish are fighting so hard, full of strength at the moment, ready for the spawning assault, really giving good accounts of themselves but still, no bigger female fish.

A break in the weather, kicked of an intense, if yet brief feeding spell. Graham caught in Alcatraz, a low 20, Matt lost 2 and Dave lost one in tree line unfortunately.

New Grange and Cell accounting for most of the bite with Nash Monster squid taking the other fish.

Surprisingly, zigs didn’t catch this week. I say surprisingly as the weathers been perfect for this approach, and more and more fish showing on the surface recently.

Remember to bring your zigging gear with you, as it really can play a huge part in the final weeks captures. Also, please don’t think that Gigantica is easy. Chris in Scotties corner asked me to free one of his lines, so out I went, with my life jacket on to free what we thought was a snagged line. His hook had caught another old peice of line, but whilst out in the boat, directly above his baited area, I took a few minutes to check his areas. He was fishing good rigs, with sensible indication systems and yet, without a single bleep through the night, his entire area had been cleaned out. Not a single boilie or particle remained, and I could clearly see the bottom in over 10ft of gin clear water from the boat, proving you need to be on top of your game here to really make an impression. Standard rigs and fixed leads certainly work against you here. Keep checking this report as I will be highlighting the better rigs used that are fooling these riggy fish.

So, 8 fish landed ( 6 x 20z 2 x 30z ), 9 loses for the week and as yet, none of the bigger females have put in an appearance so there all waiting !

I look forward to meeting you all again, or for the first time in the near future. Until then.

Be safe, be lucky.

Danny

Paul with the weeks biggest, 37.4lb

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Graham with his hard earned fish.

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the devil !

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Number of Anglers	8
Total Number of Carp	8
Biggest Fish	Darren, 2 fish, biggest 37+

Welcome back Gentlemen,

Another amazing bunch of guys this week, by far the best part of my job meeting you all as so many different, decent anglers visit here, makes my job a pleasure. And if one of you catches a PB, its even better for me, to see how excited you all are.

We had the Carrot rustlers, Darren, Chris and Kirky from the land of the 6 toe’d carp angler, Norfolk.

John & Scottie, Mark & his Dad Jim and myself. Last but notleast, Dave choose Oblivion.

John & Scott fished amazingly well but, for whatever reason never got amongst em. John in Pole and Scott in Alcatraz. John had really thought about his approach and had brought Maples for me to prepare. I was certain that this different approach would have caught them of guard but it wasn’t to be unfortunately. Scott fished hard and stuck to his game plan but the fish never really came over there areas in any numbers to make a mistake. A tough week for the guys.

Marc & Jim opted for the Tree line. Im sure Marc wont mind me mentioning the fact that he is wheel chair bound after a road traffic accident in his younger years. Not that this has stopped him achieving all hes ever wanted to. Marc fished exceptionally hard, even missing joining us for breakfast and dinner on several occasions so he could really work his swim and it paid off. A beautiful 28lb + linear for Marc, a really well deserved fish as he did fish well all week ! Unfortunately Jim didn’t catch in the right hand of the tree line, not usually a swim which didn’t help.

I’ll be seeing more of Marc in the future as he is working hard, through his charity, to organise fishing trips for anglers who have, for whatever reason, suffered the lose of their limbs. Being in a wheel chair hasn’t stopped Marc, far from it, and he’s working hard to bring the chance, for anglers in similar circumstances, to get back out on the bank and enjoy there fishing, disability or not !

I fished, as I will be most of this year. Last year, I managed 2 weeks in total, so this year, Im working hard to get the rods out. I don’t draw for swims, taking what evers left within reason, so not to clash with anyone, but as we all have a lot of water in each and every swim, Im gonna dangle most weeks to develop new methods that may or may not help improve all of our time here.

The last few years has seen a huge percentage of the fish caught on snowman hookbaits. Whilst this is still a popular and effective rig to use here, Im sure we are missing out against some of the more riggy inhabitants so have totally changed my fishing, from snowmen on running rigs to stacked hookbaits and Solidz PVA all in bags.

The Solidz PVA bags have proven to be very suitable for the deep water here, a nice slow dissolve rate, letting the formed bag make it easily to the bottom without bursting and spoiling the presentation.

Running inline pear leads, within the bag offering what I believe to be a very sensitive lead arrangement that shows most of the movement to the indicators. My stacked hookbaits have ranged from 3 x 14mm Cell, to more recently, 3 x 20mm New Grange which are catching very well. Good hook holds are showing the rig is working as planned and Im catching consistently.

The stacked baits, just another edge for us all to use against these riggier fish, and slightly different from the standard snowman approach. Im very happy with the results so far and even happier with the presentation the Solidz PVA bags are bringing !. Im still using a bed of boiled baits, spread in a reasonably tight area, the Solidz offering an increased food signal within the area, highlighting the hook bait. I’ll continue with this approach for the foreseeable and keep you updated with its results against other anglers for comparison

Darren, who moved from the Beach into Big Southerly after seeing huge numbers of shows, really did fish well. The move paying of with Darren catching a few, steadily but unfortunately, he was cut short due to a incident with the groups vehicle.

They had a HUGE bubble appear in the tyre on the way here, and as it could not be replaced here in France, the group made a decision to leave early to safe guard the journey home. This cut Darren short just as he was really getting to grips with them in Big Southerly. Im certain Darren would of caught several more if he had stayed. But he did catch a new PB in the shape of the one eyed virgin at 37+ good skillz Darren.

The two others in the group, Chris & Kirky, did catch but suffered a frustrating week with the lose of a big fish, and several other enquiry’s that did not convert, with the added stress of the vehicle issue playing on there mind, there decision to leave early may have been for the best but also highlighted the need for effective break down cover ( someone else let these guys down ) whilst travelling abroad. Please make sure your covered, and have sufficient spares, as the law dictates, as being so rural, you cant just pop into Halfords and buy replacements.

Dave in Oblivion fished very well, but the fish just would not pick up his hook baits, very frustrating for Dave and me, watching andadvising but without the result he deserved.

A great bunch of lads, a tough week. I predicted 10 fish, we managed 8 with a few loses unfortunately but as the water temps are on the up, the fishing can only improve.

Be lucky, be safe.

Danny

DaRREN AND HIS NEW pb, THE ONE EYED VIRGIN LINEAR

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mid 30 to Cell

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Number of Anglers	8
Total Number of Carp	4
Biggest Fish	Darren with Chunky @ 53.04

Gents,

Welcome back too this weeks Gigantica report. A first for us here, a full blown Lady angler. As part of the Bury lake exclusive, Rosanna visited with her Dad and promptly out fished him. Having moved into the Beach, fishing with PVA bags and a white pop up, Rosanna landed a 28lb + mirror, a right result !

Phil, Rosanna’s Dad did catch, a low 20 on a zig and lost another of similar size, again on the zig proving the worth of banging zigs out in the day if the conditions look promising. They really can make a dull week great so don’t be afraid to tie up a size 10 mixa, on the Kruiser line and bang em towards the horizon. Those bigguns don’t care if its mid water or on the bottom. When there sub surface and feeding, in 25ft, it can really be the rig of the moment so make sure you have the rig bits to tie em up. We obviously have zig tackle on site should you come unprepared !

Nev winkled a 28 outta Stink but the star of the week was Darren. Fishing well and using Cell, Darren blew his PB outta the water when he banked ‘Chunky’ at 53.04, a new high for this lovely mirror and put a smile on Darrens face for sure.

There were several loses to bring the tally to 7 bites for the week, however.

A few of the lads reported there rigs coming back very short and twisted. Im certain that this is fish being hooked, then using the anglers fixed leads as an anchor point to turn and spin against. The fixed lead, obviously as it is fixed allowing the fish to spin continuously until the rig can not be spun anymore, then forces the lightly positioned hook out of its mouth. This is happening alot and generally accomplied with a single bleep and no indicator movement, just several light knocks on the rod tip. Its your decision whether to hit these very subtle movements or better still, to adapt your rigs to suit.

It was noticeable last week that the guys like fixed leads. Both myself and DF are great believers in running leads, DF using his proven running lead clip, myself, a running inline. Im sure this, along with slack fluro lines and ultra sensitive indicators really highlight these small, devious bites.

Your here for a week, maximise your time and your angling to increase your chances.

The fish last week falling to light spreads of bait as the water temps are still rising, Nash B2 and Mainline Cell, again, proving effective. With bait in mind, I receive alot of emails asking whether Cell has had its day and – or is it the only bait worth considering ? As a Mainline devotee, I will say I think, both Cell and the New Grange are great baits and proven catchers here, but obviously other baits do catch. Birdfood type baits seemingly the preference. Fishmeals have scored, and quite well in the height of summer but generally, birdfood based baits are a winner here. Id obviously put my faith in Mainline as it is a proven winner, as are all of there baits.

Ive also seem some utter rubbish on forums concerning quantities of bait ’needed’ here at Gigantica.

Claims of 5kg per rod per night is absolute crap ! I would never tell people such figures, its pure lunacy. What I will say, is this is a bait dominated water, as most holiday venues are, and to bring sufficient for yourself to be in with a chance of a big hit. Now, right now, Im advising anglers to bring 10kg for the week. Later in the year....mid August – September Id say you would want 50kg for the week but please do not think you will have to put ALL of that in. Just have it available should you be on em. No point having a swim full of fish and not having enough bait to keep em in the area so you can maximise your catch rate. Like wise, no point banging in 10kg a night if you aint catching.

I will say, through trial and error, when fish are in front of you and your really going for a big hit, getting through 10-20kg in a night is an easy thing to do, but if like I, youve had several 30z and several 40z that night, Im sure you wont be moaning, other than the lack of sleep ! We have found that when big shoals are in front of you and you catch, if you don’t put anymore bait in, the shoal clears you out and quickly moves on. If its obvious there’s a few in front, as soon as I get a fish in the net, I stick in 1/2kg of boilies whilst I weigh the fish and get the pics done. Once ready to recast, I again, stick out ¼ - 1/2kg of bait, just so they are seeing bait over them, not just a rig cast amongst them ( seems to keep them there ) this strategy has proven itself time and again and until such time is it works against me, its what I tell all our clients. This additional bait, in-between captures keeps em in the ‘zone’ far longer, and as we all know, this is were the really big hits come.

I update this site weekly, and part of the update will be what rigs and baiting scenarios were employed so you will see what is or isn’t catching. Unlike other lakes, we don’t BS. If no fish were caught, we put ‘ no fish caught’ and the same with what bait and baiting levels are used. So this report is a true indicator of what to expect on the run up to your own visit.

Alternately, you can email me with any other info requests and generally your have a reply within 12-24hrs. Feel free to contact me at any time, thats what Im here for.

Thanks for checking in, I hope theres some info that you can use on your trip here and help you get amongst em. As always, be safe, be lucky.

Danny

Rosanna showingthe lads how to do it !

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Darren with Chunky,a new PB@53.04

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Chunky

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Number of Anglers	9
Total Number of Carp	0
Biggest Fish	1 fish lost

Welcome back Gents to this weeks Gigantica weekly report.

Unfortunately, not a lot to report. With the nights freezing, the water temp dropped from mid 9 to high 7 degrees which impacted on the fish. 9 German anglers led by Helmut Schmelz fished hard but ultimately blanked.

Peter, fishing Co's did manage to hook, but lose a fish early Saturday morning before packing up, the fish rolling on the line bumping the hook.

Sensible baiting levels should have managed a few bites however, the dropping temps curtailed any action until the frosts stopped and the water temp rose. Once over 9 degrees, Bream and Carp started to show and Peter had the one and only run of the week.

With daytime temps rising too as much as 25 degrees from mid way next week, its starting to look quite promising. Only time will tell. Spring has defiantly arrived, with the trees now blossomed, frogs spawning and the ever incesant cookoo driving us mad.

Fish weights in the area are generally 'up' more than expected after the odd winter we suffered. So the coming seasons looking good, roll on the big girls !

Check out next weeks report to see if the rising water temps play as big a part as I expect, I may even get the rods out !

Be safe, be lucky,

Danny

Number of Anglers	6
Total Number of Carp	3
Biggest Fish	Fudgeys @ 73.09lb

Welcome back Gents to what will be, now we are open for the new season, to the weekly Gigantica catch report.

Having suffered a long, cold and boring winter, been on the Stag party of all stag parties and a dream start here at Gigantica, hopefully this will be an excellent year in both numbers of fish caught as well as huge new PB weights.

So, after a slow first week but with amazing weather so early in the year, last weeks lake exclusive of German anglers really raised the bar for all who follow this year.

Although the group only caught 3 fish for the week ( 6 anglers in the group ) they certainly made the ones they caught, the right ones !!

Having seen Fudgeys last year at spawning time, I had predicted that should someone be lucky enough to capture this huge framed fish during the winter, I was certain it would be Gigantica’s 3^rd 70lb+ fish. Having made it through the colder conditions without slipping up, and with fish in general in the area showing signs of having fed well through the winter, I wasn’t at all astonished when I was handed the pics of the awesome fish at an all time high, and as predicted, Giganticas 3^rd official 70lb+ fish at the massive 73.09lb !!

As amazig as Fudgeys is, with its tell tale crinkled bottom tail lobe and huge frame I was actually blown away by the other fish caught as part of the huge brace.

Literally the next day, Klaus caught a fish which I had begun to dismiss as still being here in the depths of Gigantica. This fish, as amazing as it looked in the pics we had of it, from 4 years ago I must add was simply a stunning fish. So much so that D.F. named it the ‘Target’ because it was the ‘one’ we all wanted.

Ive managed Gigantica from day one when Dan purchased the lake and have seen literally every known fish either on the bank or doing its thing whilst Ive watched, hidden in the bankside foliage, admiringly. Ive seen the regulars and the not so regulars to visit the bank, Ive even seen a few that have yet to be caught which are truly amazing looking big fish but the ‘Target’ has eluded me throughout this whole time.

I had decided that if I didn’t see it this year, either banked or in the water whilst spawning Id finally write it off as having sadly died.........until Klaus showed me the pics of the other fish in his brace !

As soon as I saw the pics, with its evil looking dark grey flanks, its shark like underslung mouth, the pointy tail lobes and its unbeleiveable bulging shoulders, I knew straight away it was the ‘Target’

The only picture we have on file was over 4 years ago at 51+ and Im certain that was its last capture. A cunning fish, obviously, as at 69.03lb its obvious this fish has been troughing inbetween captures.

We have a huge variety of carp here at Gigantica from those long linears and fully scaled which are now so close to breaking the 50lb barrier through to our huge round heavy weights, something for everyone but, personally, the ‘Target’ is just that, the number one target here at Gigantica. Surely our next official 70lb+ fish its the fish Im hoping to snare sometime in the not so distance future.

Successful baits White Halibut boilies fished with Korda size 4 Wide Gapes fished snowman style from Co’s Point at 100m being the right choice for Klaus.

The party also had a 28lb mirror to finish the week. Im sure if the good weather had continued, they would have continued to catch but the high pressure and frosty nights later in the week stopped the fish in there tracks. The weather this week is looking very good to continue the spring with and another group of German anglers are now installed.

With the Giant, Single Scale and Fudgeys now officially over 70lb and with the German, The Unit right up there Im sure both of these fish break the 70lb barrier in the coming months ! 2011 is already shaping up to be a very interesting year.

I hope I get to meet you all in the future and enjoy doing your pics of your next PB.

Check the site each and every week for the run down on what is or isn’t happening here at Gigantica.

Be safe, be lucky.

Danny

Fudgeys @ 73.09. Giganticas 3rd 70lb+ fish

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The awe inspiring 'Target' @ 69.03 Simply stunning

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

Welcome to the first Gigantica report of 2011.

Though we have had no anglers on this year, I wanted to give you all a quick update on the lake. Throughout this wet winter, we have seen a huge influx of water. The lake rose signifcantly and flooded most of all the swims.....though it has slowly receded and within the next couple of weeks we will full but fishable.

The good news regarding this increased water level, for the first time in nearly two years we are at maximum level and this is certainly a good thing. The fish, in past years have struggled to get into the margins through lack of water, not now ! As the sun gets higher into the sky, and the water temps rise the fish will begin to investigate the margins they love so much, Im sure itll be a great start to the year.......

and with that in mind, for the anglers who are booked in for the first month or so please bear in mind that you will not need to bring huge amounts of bait. Anglers in seasons past have made some shocking decisions so early in the season and hoping for a big hit, theyve bundled big beds of bait in and then sat and twiddled their thumbs as either the fish have shown there attraction to such a big bed of bait by rolling and showing in the general vicinity or worse, blanked !

Bags, stringers and singles with perhaps the addition of sticks to heighten the hook bait attraction is the order of the day, fishing for bites is a must.......fish for a hit and everyone will suffer. Caution is the name of the game and sneaky well honed traps will see the indicators dance there merry dance......hopefully.

We always tell our clients, one of the major advantages here at Gigantica is too get your lines down. Flurocarbon mainlines, flying back leads and standard back leads all have there place here. Use this info too your advantage. We started to use flurocarbon hooklenghts later in the year and now that the water is clearing, again, using such a hooklenght can only be an edge. Make sure those hooks are razor sharp ( and barbless ) with the best indication you have and Im sure your have a chance !

I look forward to meeting our new clients and some friends from seasons past, another great year ahead !

Danny

Number of Anglers	9
Total Number of Carp	21
Biggest Fish	Hermen with the Giant @ 80.05lb

Welcome back to a special weekly update.

Ive predicted the Giant would be landed next at over 80lb for some time now and was finally proven right on Thursday night when Herman, fishing in Big girls hooked and landed the Giant at an astronomical 80.05 lb

Giganticas first 80 +

A huge well done too Herman, who's previous best weighed less than 29lb ! I doubt he'll better this his new PB.

The fish looked very well, in very good condition and its mouth still in very good shape, thanks partly to our strict barbless rule that we enforce. Mainline New Grange toppedwith plastic corn scoring, with a size 8 Korda Kurv, 15" coated hooklink and a inline flat pear lead proving successful.

As well as the Giant, other anglers had a very productive week. Regulars, Rigger man, Bob the sock and his son Gary taking a steady stream of fish. Gary in Pole position taking 6 fish to mid 30z but losing a very decent fish unfortunately, Barry - riggerman, taking several from Alcatraz then moving into Stink and taking several more topped by @ 45.12. Bob the sock in Alamo also getting amongst them with 6 fish topped with 'White lines' at 44.12.

Unfortunately, Clivein Co's failed to connect with his only chance but Woody, after fishing really well allweek in Big southerly, moved in behind Rigger man and snared a last grasp 27 linear to save a blank.

Now the weathers back to a more settled front,the fishing has picked up as expected, hopefuly it'll continue and more fish will be captured. Pop back next week for the ltest up to date info.

As usual, be safe, be lucky.

Danny

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

Gentlemen,

Its now reached the part of the year when very few, if any anglers grace our banks. I will be fishing each night in the hope of a cold watwer beast but unless anything is caught or anything substantial occurs, then there will be no Gigantica weekly report until Christmas week when we have a full week booked.

Im hoping, me or one of my guests manage something to report in the mean time and should this happen, I'll make a report immediately.

So, with the above in mind, I wish all our clients the best for the Christmas period and look forward to meeting you here on the banks of Gigantica in the new year.

Be safe, be lucky.

Danny

Number of Anglers	7
Total Number of Carp	2
Biggest Fish	Mr.Littlecock with the Patched linear @ 42

Still the work continues on site, a new roof on the dining area and a new ceiling improving the area massively. This work part of the dining room revamp. Whilst lovely to eat there in the summer when the suns shining, its a little chilly later at the end of the year so this new roof and ceiling, along with the planned consatina door system to enclose the area should it become cold.

The tracks been revamped, to fill in the ruts where anglers have driven on the grass. New security fence around the entire perimeter is now very close too completion as well.

Fishing wise, a huge warm front made itself known with massive SW winds and very heavy winds. The low pressures obviously made some fish feed as Tony Littlecock managed the Patch Linear, at a new high of 42lb, a new PB for the chocolate loving pie eater !

One of our Sparsholt placements managed to sneak a mikd double out of the Tree swim, whilst he wasnt working hard on the new swim and other various jobs. Well done Nick.

Still amazing temps here at Gigantica. High double figures in the day, and almost as warm at night, fish are very active at night so they will soon have to replace the energy lost with this activety.Still a few of our larger residents due out. Im sure Fudgeys is waiting for me, lets hope the weather holds and I get a chance at em.

Mr.Littlecock and the Patched Linear.

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Number of Anglers	12
Total Number of Carp	4
Biggest Fish	Tom, 2 fish from Co's Point

Another week of heavy work on site, and a few fish to show for the hard effort the anglers put in.

The Belguim lads, Tom & Jeroen managed 3 fish between them, Tom taking 2 x 20z from Co's and Jeroen catching a 26lb common from 'Stink'.

Fish still very active throughout the nights but cold frosty nights again playing there part in slowing the feeding slightly, tough fishing for sure.

A new swim has been completed, Im sure Baxters Hole will fulfill its expectations. It allows access to the magins between Alcatraz and the Beach. We see a hell of a lot of fish in this area on a asterly which is quite prevalent here throughout the year, there are several open water marks than need to be explored as Im certain they will become successful areas to catch from.

Jeroen, 26lb beautiful common

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Number of Anglers	12
Total Number of Carp	4
Biggest Fish	Brutus @ 60.04

Welcome to the Giagntica catch report.

Im going to keep this breif as we have been revamping the lake, the swims and and any other major jobs that have been needed after another long successful year.

4 fish caught, the best "shoulders' to Craig fishing 'Big girls'.

Brutus did come out on Friday night to a German angler, but as we found out he had broken several of the rules here at Gigantica, it has put a black mark against the capture. Other than another new 60+ fish for the venue, would he have caught the fish had he stuck too the rules.....I doubt it.

The colder, frosty mornings really playing a part in the slow down of fish now.

Shoulders at 45+

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Number of Anglers	6
Total Number of Carp	0
Biggest Fish	0

Unfortunately, the first real cold weather of the year, along with probably the wrong choice of bait and only six anglers, giving the fish plenty of room too move away from the anglers lead to no fish banked.

As its now very close too the end of the busier part of the year, we have begun our annual tidy up - refurbishment.

All the landing nets have been refurbished, new net cords, new net meshes. The boats have had all new metal work replaced, row locks, plugs. New bikes on site and the old ones given a service to bring them up to scratch. The new perimeter fencing is now almost finished and we begin installation of the new swim 'Baxter's hole' next week. The track has been refurbished, so no pot hles or puddles, the car park has been re-laid and a new planting programme begins next week. Lots of work to be continued throughout the colder months to bring us back to the very high standards we expect to provide for you time here at Gigantica.

We stay open all year should you find the time to visit, Though cold, I expect fish right upto Christmas, I myself am fishing right through the cold months until it freezes .............hoping for some of our larger inhabitants in all their winter colours.

Fudgey's is due and Im hoping she'll be our 3rd 70lb fish this year. Lots of new 50lb fish have been caught this year and several new 60lb fish, all heavier, and looking in peak condition now the colder wewather is upon us.

Ive also taken delvery of the new Century rods designed for fishing here at Gigantica. The SP+ Advanced, exclusively available, built to meet the demands of fishing lake such as Gigantica.......heavy lines, no shock leaders with big leads...... the perfect tool for the job. Contact Giagntica for details.

So far, the weather is holding, and its unseasonably warm, lets hope it holds so you can bank a huge winter fish !? I look forward to seeing you on the bank.

Be safe, be lucky.

Danny

Number of Anglers	12
Total Number of Carp	4
Biggest Fish	Matt, Roberts fish 54.10

Welcome back Gentlemen, to this week’s Gigantica report.

Well. A tough week, due solely to the turn in weather. A consistent North Easterly which brought the years first real cold front and almost, the first real frost of the year.

Winter has begun and Im sure, if the weather continues like it is a present then the catch rates will stay low in terms of numbers but a better average weight.

With three of the guys struggling to get here on time due to the nightmare of having there vehicle breakdown. Struggling to arrange hire vehicles and suffering first hand the problems of Insurance regulations.

It highlights some of the issues that the Insurance may fall short of your requirements. Id advise you to detail exactly what you expect when taking out your European Insurance…..a lesson learnt.

So, to the fishing. As it was such a slow cold week, I’ll break from tradition and just highlight the captures, as the rest of the lads fished well but fell foul to the weather.

First of the mark, Matt in the tree line on the Sunday, during the only nice sunny period before the cold winds rolled in. Matt lost one and banked Sashsquash at 41+ A low 20 from Alcatraz made up the rest of the week until a change in the weather Id been tracking online rolled in on Friday night.

Throughout the week, we’d suffered a harsh North Easterly with daytime temps in or around 8-9Degrees dropping down to 1-2 degrees at night. Friday night, the wind changed direction too a Westerly, clouded over and the temperature rose significantly to 9-10degrees that night. And with the new weather, the bites started. 3 bites within an hour.

Unfortunately, Steve In Stink lost his fish, which was a shame as he fished hard all week. Rich in Co’s had a low 30 but the star of the week, Matt in Big Southerly banked Roberts fish at an amazing 54.10. A stunning looking fish, dark and deep and even more amazingly, its last capture, roughly 10 months ago, it had gained 9lb ! Another new 50 for us here, one of several in the last few months to add to our original stock of 50+ fish. The list of 50+ fish is growing at an alarming pace now and can only improve. Still a few missing though…….Fudgeys hasn’t been out this year, Ive seen her though whilst spawning and she was looking huge and Im hoping, whilst Im fishing this winter, that I’ll get a chance and bank her, possibly a new 70………….watch this space.

So, there you go, a long slow week but with the right conditions, it can still happen. Im sure weve got a couple of bit hits still too come. Next weeks Full moon…..Im expecting out bigger commons too make an appearance as they’ve yet to grace the bank as yet and then, Im hoping one final scoff before it slows for the winter.

Im fishing from early November right though til at least January and am hoping to get amongst a few of the bigguns in there winter glory. As always, I will be keeping the weeks news up to date on here for you all to see…….roll on Fudgeys !

Be safe, Be lucky,

Danny

Matt & Sashsquash 41+

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Matt & Roberts fish 54.10

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Matt, new PB

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Number of Anglers	10
Total Number of Carp	0
Biggest Fish	0

Welcome back,

The Dragon Bait guys travelled from Austria but unfortunately, all failed to make the score sheet. A huge change in the weather making itself felt and ultimately, effecting the fish so no bites occurred.

Number of Anglers	9
Total Number of Carp	38
Biggest Fish	Barry with The Giant @ 75lb !!

Welcome back Gentlemen, to this week’s Gigantica report.

WOW, what a week. By far the funniest and amusing weeks fishing and socializing we’ve had all year.

We had the first part of a 2 weeks filming here at Gigantica so only 6 clients but what a bunch of reprobates ! All from South London, and weirdly, a few of them supported Millwall ?

With the filming underway, we had several swims closed as well, but only 3 anglers to be filmed, so with a total of nine anglers on site, the fishing was fantastic, for nearly all the anglers.

First up, and as usual, we’ll work clockwise round the lake so we will start with ‘Bud’ in ‘Pole’. With fish showing over him for a significant part of the week, no matter what he tried, he just couldn’t connect with the fish ?

The ‘Dove from above’ elected to fish ‘Alcatraz’ and he obviously caught, as he always does……though this time he fished outside his comfort zone and went longer than he was comfortable with. This didn’t stop him as he adjusted quickly and managed 8 fish but unfortunately, lost 5 more.6 x 20z & 2 x 30z to 34.08 the biggest. Mainline New Grange mixed with Cell doing the damage.

Bob in the ‘Beach’. With the fish just beyond him for most of the week, it proved to be a frustrating week for Bob, who did manage to work his way through several pairs of socks, entertaining himself at night !??!

Next up, Bobby in ‘Tree line’. Not his first choice of swim, but when he wasn’t up in the social area trying to chat me up, he angled well, and was rewarded with a couple of nice 30+ fish and a few loses, from a difficult weeks fishing in that swim, good skills.

DF in ‘Co’s Point’ managed a dry week, in terms of the bed wetting scenario of the last session, but clubbed em on the fishing front. A double, 7 x 20z, 5 x 30x to 39.08 common, topped by ‘bottom lobe’ @ 46.06. Weirdly, Dan was the last person to catch ‘Bottom lobe’ almost 3 years ago !

Gary in ‘Stink’ didn’t do too badly……4 fish topped with the might ‘Galactica’ at a new high weight and another new 50+ for us. At 50.08, a PB for Gary.

All through this year, Alamo has had a residence of fish, just sitting out beyond the main feeding area. A few have managed to get in amongst them and nab a few but the swim just hasn’t delivered as Id of expected……………until now !

Barry & Deano doubled up in there and they gave it too them from the very first night. A double and a couple of 20z filled in the gaps when they wernt hauling big fish. Two time @ 46, The Freak @ 43.08, Snags linear @ 42, Smiling fish @ 43.10 with the impressive Gut bucket at a new high @ 56 topped by The Giant @ 75 for Barry. What a week !

Not forgetting Penning, Adam fished every other swim on the lake at some time, lol, seriously, it came right for Adam near the end of the week when he banked, what we believe to be a new 40+ common at 42lb.

So a great weeks filming, and even better fishing. But I have to say, the social and the banter was even better than the fishing, one of the best weeks we’ve had all year, very very funny guys with a great sense of humour, and all, apart from Bobby, good anglers ;0)

Cant wait to see these guys back again, as its weeks like this that make my job such a pleasure.

Well done lads, hope to see you again sometime soon.

As usual, be safe, be lucky.

Danny

Barry with the Giant

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Deano with the Smiling fish

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Gary with Galactica

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Number of Anglers	11
Total Number of Carp	11
Biggest Fish	Mark with Big Bollox

Welcome back Gentlemen, to this week’s Gigantica report.

Sorry for the disruption to service, I know a few of you follow the updates for your future up-coming trips. I’ll get under way with the last couple of weeks fishing, here at Gigantica.

We had a good week, a few PB’s for the lucky few and and usual when some of our more regular ‘friends’ turn up, another cracking week socially.

So, straight too it. Having picked the ‘Alamo’ for their weeks fishing, Colin & Andy, the Macclesfeild duo quickly changed there minds on seeing a few opposite their choice of swim and quickly shifted into ‘Pole & Alcatraz’. Colin, let a few go but saved the week in the dying hours with 2 nice fish, a scaly big 20 and a lovely 30 common. Andy though showed him the way with a few smaller fish topped with a stonking mid-30 and, ‘the freak’ @ 42+ an amazing looking fish with absolutely huge shoulders, and a new fish for us so a right result for Andy……….and not the first time he’s given em a bit of a bashing ere……guy knows how to catch em…….shame he drinks like an ol’woman.

We had two Belguim anglers in ‘the beach’ on their first visit. Fredrick and his nephew Andy. They brought their own homemade boilies and ended up with a PB each, 4 fish, 2 x mid 20z and a 42 a piece. A proper result for the guys, well done.

Unfortunately, the Solop boys, Martin, Ed & Dave didn’t get amongst them despite angler well for the entire week. Martin fished ‘tree line’ ,Ed in ‘big southerly’ and Dave in ‘Stink’…….weirdly, I called Dave – Andy all week without realizing it until now, whilst Im writing this report……sorry Dave.

Inbetween the Solop boyz was the amiable, Gupta the carp tickler…….though he failed to tickle any this week, deciding rather too hook and release….several seconds after hooking em……Tony, you are officially a well tanned nod ! ( private joke ).

With a booking issue, that was all that fished so…………….on to the next week.

So, last week. Well, actually, there isn’t a lot to tell unfortunately as not a lot happened. There were obviously fish out but it was tough. And, as usual, I’ll start with, and then continue clockwork through the swims.

Paul, in the ‘stock pond’ had a 25+ after trying very hard, so a deserved result. Then Frank in ‘Pole’ struggled and no matter what he tried…….and he tried everything……he just couldn’t get amongst em?

Paul, in ‘Alcatraz’ fished hard and fished his area really well but unfortunately, the fish just never got in front of him……and as they say, if they aint in front of you, you cant catch em eh!?

Another Paul, in ‘Beach’ angled all week, never gave up hope and tried all week and was rewarded on the very final morning, just before packing up, banked a mid-20. Proving that determination pays off……eventually.

Tony drew the short straw outta his group and ended up in ‘tree line’ all alone. He did however manage what Frank didn’t, and put a lovely 28lb common on the bank. A great result through what was a tough week.

Die and Craig doubled up in Co’s and Craig banked a couple of nice mid-upper 20 commons. A result but Die unfortunately didn’t manage any……proving what we always have believed, doubling up in the single swims actively reduces your chances. Food for thought.

Mark in ‘Stink’ ( Pink is currently closed for snag removal. Better to close a swim and work on it than let fish get tethered and die ) Mark struggled with the conditions throughout the first half of the week but carried on fishing hard……….and once the conditions turnt in his favour, he got amongst em. He lost a couple but banked the right ones, topped with the awesome ‘ big bollox’ at 43+

Yob & Owen, our Dutch friends, fished ‘Alamo’ and banked a few, Yob catching a couple of PB’s , a nice 30+ mirror and an amazing 42 linear. Owen managed a small one late on in the week too save a blank. Well done lads, good too see ya both again.

Corr & Patrick fished in ‘Oblivion’ but struggled, Patrick losing a good fish to a hook pull and Cor managing a low 20 late doors to save the week.

So, another week comes to its end, a tough week with only eleven fish bank, more than half at the very end of the week.

We have DF, the Dove from above and the ever reliable ‘Penwah’ next week shooting the next free DVD, so hopefully, I’ll have a few more to report should it all go too plan.

Until then, as usual, be safe, be lucky.

Danny

Andy with 'The Freak'

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Mark &amp; 'Big bollox'

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Fredrick with 'the Leather'

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Number of Anglers	10
Total Number of Carp	36
Biggest Fish	Damo with the utterly amazing 'Cluster' @ 57

Welcome back Gentlemen, to this weeks Gigantica report.

We’ve had the Korda social last week, and apart from being hectic, its been a great week.

Due to having too many anglers to all fit on Gigantica, some of the lads fished down the road at Bluewater, a friends venue. I’ll report on there week briefly at the end of this report but more of that later…..

So, before we started the weeks fishing, both Dan F & I donned the rubber suits…..and under the surface we ventured.

It is truly amazing what you actually see compared against what your minds eye has pictured. We had great visability and straight away, we fopund some of the main issues that had been causing so much trouble too the anglers fishing ‘Pink’.

How anyone has ever landed a fish in this swim is, really, an amazing feat ! several huge sunken trees, which were obviously festooned with end tackle. Leads, leaders and some truly terrible rigs, so poorly constructed its unbelievable. However, we managed to remove some of the major problems. With the fishing in mind, we stopped and got the week underway.

So, as usual, I’ll report on the captures whilst moving clockwork through the swims starting with Dan F in ‘Stockpond’ .

The big news for Dan this week was the bed wetting scenario. Having consumed his own body weight in Vodka, round in Clive Gibbins swim, a dream of relieving himself converted into a gushing reality and a very wet Dan, sleeping bag and even his bedchair being totally consumed in the warm, wet piss.O’dear Daniel hahahahahahhahaha. Other than that, his very first blank capping a ‘odd’ week for the boss lol !

Bell, in Alcatraz, got it right and most days managed a breakfast time take or two. Banking several good fish, Bell managed ‘Pips’ at a huge 47lb+ to top a very good weeks fishing.

Keith in ‘Beach’ ground out two fish, but what fish. Both huge framed fish and at 43 & 45, a major result for the giggler !

John Mann down in the ‘tree line’ caught a couple. The ‘tree line’ has been a very odd swim this year due to the weather. For the big hits, hot sunny conditions being the best but as we have not seen too much of the sunny stuff, its been a slow year in the ‘tree line’.

Star of the week, Damo round in ‘Co’s which has been on fire of late. Damo began applying the ever consistent Mainline Cell and the results prove, good skillz with a well applied good bait equals a great result. Into the double figures, topped of with ‘Spring scaly’ and the truly awesome ‘Cluster’ making her first appearance for two years at an all time high of just under 57lb, what a fish !!!

Al in ‘big southerly’ got off to an early start with a chunky 37lb fish but struggled for the rest of the week but did manage a couple of smaller fish.

Andy, drew the short straw and ended up in ‘Stink’. Obviously with the diving and snag removal on Saturday, it may or may not have ruined the fishing but as Andy had drew it, he made the most of the situation, fished hard and found the right choice whilst banking 6 fish to mid 30z. A right result really as it could’ve been so much tougher considering.

Now Clive Gibbins…….what a star this man is. Being a shy retiring type ( lol ) he being Norven and loyal, always brings his Nutrabaits and goes head to head with the dominating Mainline Cell, and obviously struggles as most do when they try and compete with such a strongly established bait.

Nutrabaits Trigga with a new flavour combo ( sounds ridiculous and is catching big style back home ).

Clive always fishes well and though he knows hes up against it, keeps on….and was rewarded, finally, on the very last night with a low 20, but it’s a result and saved a blank, well done mate.

Finally, Ian in Oblivion. Fishing too the main bar at range and heavy baiting, Ian was amongst them straight away and steadily caught throughout the week with several 30z being the biggest.

This all ended up too a total 36 fish banked so a good week as expected. It was a great week, lots of fun, some wet moments, and some awesome fish caught.

I have to mention the other lads on Bluewater. The previous week, 8 anglers had broken the lake record with 111 fish, which included 105 carp banked.

With only 4 fishing too start with, it was obvious the numbers were gonna be big and when, on Monday Tom & Harris arrived and started catching straight away, the numbers were looking impressive.

With Pete Castle moving on them, and the others now catching very well, as the week progressed well until Pete moved with the weather into the shallows and it all started to go silly. By Thursday they had already broken the record and went on to smash it with 155 carp in total, not including the big Sturgeon and a hideous 104lb Cat adding too the total, a new Bluewater record. Just silly fishing.

I even managed to get in on the action but suffered a week of the mutants which made me sick lol but what a great week in total, both here at Gigantica and Bluewater, I have to say thanks lads for a great week and helping me have the time too fish myself, a rare event.Brilliant !

I’ll be back next week with the report, hopefully there be as much to discuss as this report.

I have to briefly add that we resumed the snag removal operation, and with some hard work, some heavy haulage utilizing, 10ton wire and my truck, we managed to remove several huge, whole trees from Pink and Stink, some nearly 10ft in length. We resume diving in two weeks and this should see the whole area being totally free of natural & man made issues from Big Southerly right round too Alamo. Continuing our work to improve Gigantica into the Premier lake we know it is.

Until next week, stay safe, be lucky.

Danny

Keith, 'The Beach'....45.08

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just look at this fish, amazing. 46+

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Cant get much better than this ? Cluster 56.14

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Number of Anglers	12
Total Number of Carp	16
Biggest Fish	John Keirle fishing 'Co's 11 fishing 42lb.

Welcome back Gentlemen, to this weeks Gigantica report.

Its been a tough, wet and windy week with a few blanks, a few who struggled and a for one angler, a really good week.

After a bit of swim juggling after the draw, Darren swapped Co’s Point for Pole position – perhaps a move he’d later regret ? John ‘rubbish set up’ Keirle perhaps making a great swap – only the end of the week would prove either way.

Darren’s South African cousin had joined him, and this played a huge part in Darrens decision to swap swims. A late arrival, James fitted into ‘Stockpond’ so that’s where we’ll start, and as usual work our way round the lake.

James, and his lovely Wife Jenny, arrived quite late after the draw, in fact everyone was already set up and fishing so James had little choice but ended up in the swim he wanted. Conditions were tough and the fish only ventured into his area twice all week. A mis understanding on bait placement saw James fishing the wrong area of the bar and miss them the first time, but on discussion, James got it right and nicked a big double to save the blank.

Unfortunately, James & Jenny had too leave early due to unforeseen circumstances but I hope too see them again in the future.

Darren, having swapped Co’s for Pole fished hard all week, Mainline Cell and Cell based ground baits failed to draw the fish in front of Darren until it was too late when, on reeling in, Darren saw fish showing over his area………very frustrating !

Darren’s cousin, Dun, over from SA for a holiday employed the same style technique but unfortunately, lost the only fish he hooked.

Dave in ‘Beach’ fished hard all week, and along with Darren and John, was using the impressive Baitcraft T1. It certainly worked for Dave, though only a small fish, he had saved a blank.

Darren, in ‘Tree line’ failed to bank one due to the weather restricting themovement of carp in and out of the trees.

John though, fishing on the ever consistent ‘Co’s really got amngst them with the T1. By heavily baiting, John managed double figures but also lost nearly as many for what ever reason ( poor set up being the main contribution ) but he did manage 2 x 40+ fish, the most impressive being ‘Big bollox’ at an impressive 40.12oz. Not a ‘massive’ fish but as this fish hasn’t been banked for over two years, Im happy to have a recent photo of her to put in the files. Having been heavily spawn bound on her last capture, and two years between, I had feared this fish may have died but obviously not !

A tough week, for the rest of the lads and with ‘Pink’ closed because of the rising snag issues, making it even harder to get amongst them, but the did bank a few low 20lb fish but it was a tough and demanding week…..thats fishing unfortunately.

The snag issue in ‘Pink’ has become an issue. From a small snag, the build up of line making a spiders web that is now just impossible to fish. Im waiting on tanks from the UK so we can dive and address the issue immediately. I will update you as and when this happens.

As usual Gents, stay safe, be lucky.

Danny

John in Co's with Big Bollox @ 40.12

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Number of Anglers	11
Total Number of Carp	29
Biggest Fish	Rob with the Giant, all 76lb.

Welcome back Gentlemen, to this week’s Gigantica weekly report.

Well, a mixed group but all generally had a good idea of what they were trying to achieve.

A few of the lads were Foreign regulars having fished abroad for years, a few had only been fishing for a several seasons worth but, given their limited bank time, they knew what it was they were trying to achieve from the very beginning.

All the lads had enough bait to see them through the week, which, unfortunately, not having enough is a very common mistake when travelling to these big fish, weekly fished holiday venues.

Here at Gigantica, as well as all the better holiday venues I know in the area respond very well to heavy baiting. Turning up with a 5kilo bag of bait and expecting to catch huge numbers of big fish, is, unfeasible.

These holiday venues are very pressured. Generally, all the swims are fished week in week out with varying degrees of skill, the main leveler throughout is the bait used through the week.

Now I’m not saying you have to mass bait all the time, certainly, when the fish aren’t in front of you, baiting for baiting sake is obviously counterproductive. But, when the shoals move in front of you, having enough bait available to hold them while you pick em off, is what it’s all about!

When the fish move in front of you but you don’t bait, either because your limited in what you have or you have a poor quality – a bait they don’t generally like – you may nick a couple and then they move off to the next baited area. On the other hand, should you have sufficient, good quality bait, and after each and every fish, you bait up with enough bait too keep the shoal feeding, that’s when your red letter days happen.

And its them red letter days were all coming to France for……..as did a few of the lads last week.

I’ll report on the swims as I always do so first up was Julian. He picked the ‘Stock pond’ swim in the draw, with the weather very heavy with rain and a blustery NW wind, Julian was in perfect place to make the most of some of the best weather here at Gigantica weve experienced in quite a while.

Julien managed to bank 4 fish early in the week, all 20z with 2 x 28b fish topping his week. Mainline Cell doing the damage as ever.

Mark in ‘Pole position’ next too Julien, didn’t do too badly either. Again, Mainline Cell fished double bait snowman style catching a few for Mark…..including a double, 2 x twenties a 30 and the elusive German fish at a new high, and another new 60 for Gigantica at 62.04lb !! Awesome being the only word for such an impressive fish. The German, having last been put on the bank, early on when Gigantica first took over the venue. A full 22 months she’s managed to avoid capture…..just how they manage it, is almost unbelievable but, as part of my job, I see various fish throughout the year that have not been caught for the same periods of time, and even more unbelievably I see fish each year, which I recognize throughout the year – especially during spawning – which I’ve seen regularly but we have no photos of those fish at all ! I get asked if there are uncaught monsters here at Gigantica………..Monsters, no, of that I’m sure but big fish – 50lb+ that haven’t been caught during our time, yeah, for sure but, until such time their banked and their mug shots in the album……there just ghosts…….unfortunately.

Next up was ‘Split’ in ‘Alcatraz”. Unfortunately, for whatever reason, Andy was unlucky in that swim the whole week, proving that, holiday venues aint a push over.

Next up, well, what can I say about the next two anglers…..When they first visited, Dave & Ian didn’t catch and due to a freak occurrence, were invited back as our guests. Dave, using can what can only be described as, honestly, the longest deepest darkest ‘bivvy’ known to the human race !

This time though, Dave left his mobile tunnel at home but brought with him, his new improved pike angling set up ! ( private joke )

Dave and Ian ended up doubling up in the ‘beach’ and even though thay had fish over their areas on more than one occasion, Ian did break his duck and bank his very first Gigantica fish, all 26lb of it !

Round on Co’s, Nigel got straight in amongst them from the very start. Being an ol’hand at European angling, steady well applied Mainline Cell and decent but sensible rigs caught Nige a succession of fish. 2 x 20z, 2 x 30z and 2 forties at 43 with ‘Spencer’ at 46 !

Our first French angler, Manu, suffered a blank week in ‘Big southerly’ unfortunately ?

However, Derek in ‘Stink’ didn’t follow in Manu’s foot steps. Steadily appling Cell, Derek managed a 28 and a 32+. Derek also lost a fish unfortunately.

In ‘Alamo’ Nick & Stuart just couldn’t get on em for whatever reason but hard work and shear determination saved the blank, with Nick losing one but banking a 31 mirror, with unfortunately for Stuart, losing the only fish he hooked.

Now too the star of the week. With the brisk NW that brought Julien his fish, Rob was on the end of the weather and he really made the most of the situation. Again, a heavy, steady application of the ever consistent Mainline baits, Rob went on to bank an amazing 9 fish. With 2 x 20z, 5 x 30z to 37lb, a 41mirror and too top it all, the Giant at an amazing 76LB…..a new lake record! On the mat, the big fish was passing, what was clearly Dave & Ians bait ! The yellow seed mix, clearly the dirty duos bait. Proving the fish had been feeding hard in there area without giving them any indication at all, proving just how adept these fish are !

This fish, a male has been slowly gaining weight since we took over the venue and we have photos from about high 30z – low 40z so its consistently growing, which is a great thing for us. Just how big will he get ? only time will tell but on his current weight gains, Im hoping, should nothing drastic happen between now and next winter, He may even make the heady heights and move into what, globablly is the measure of a BIG carp – the 80lb bracket ? Lets keep our fingers crossed.

With such thoughts, I’ll be back next week to supply you all the information of this weeks occurrences.

As usual, be safe, be lucky.

Danny

Nigel with his 43

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Nige again with 'Spencers' @ 46

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Rob struggling with the Giant

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Number of Anglers	11
Total Number of Carp	26
Biggest Fish	Mark C in Alamo with Discus at a new high of 50.08

Good morning Gentlemen,

And welcome back to the Gigantica weekly update.

Well, quite a week as we had the British Farting team here for the week !

After the European match, and with the weather looking far better in a fishing sense, the week looked promising. With the draw out of the way, the freezer full of the ever consistent Mainline Cell the lads drew, set up and got underway.

Last year, we had very few Saturday night captures but this year has been a contrast in as much, Saturday night has now become quite a prolific night. With that in mind, Tim, who had drawn Pole position, took an early lead and as the week rolled on, he caught steadily ending up with 5 fish, including ‘Singles mate’ at just under 43lb.

James, in Alcatraz managed 4 outta 5 bite, for a sensible weeks result. Round in the Beach, Gary had a late start but still managed to squeeze out 2 fish……not the only thing he was squeezing all week, especially when his team member, John in the tree line was in close proximity. Now, weve all heard the average fart but this week, farting has be taken to a new level !!

The constant barrage of heavy methane was beyond natural levels ! Ive suffered permanent ear damage as the noise level rose to barbaric levels !

Now John, obviously the team leader, fulfilled the week with his constant anal symphony , the man is a living leg end in Reading……

The jokes and ‘man noises’ didn’t stop all week in what I can only describe as one of the funniest weeks Ive had here.

John even managed to stink one out of the snags and it surrendered by snaffling his hookbait, all 28lb of it. Unfortunately, the almost earthquake like bottom burps kept the majority of fish out of Johns swim but next door, in Co’s, Jamie and Mark snared one each……and the ones that count. Jamie with Sashsquash at a healthy spawned out 38lb with Mark slipping the net under a new 40 for us here at Gigantica. As per our rules, Mark had the privalige to name the new beast and as he and Jamie had endured a heavy night on the Merlot, so she was named. A huge framed fish at 44lb !

Steve round in big southerly, managed 2 fish to 42lb but suffered the indignity of having the 42 getting free from the sling before we could manage the photos ! whoops !

Julian and Martin in Pink N Stink had a difficult week. I had spent a day cleaning out the snags in Stink, which was basically loads of old line spider webbed to form a huge snare. Well, all was removed and I couldn’t drag any other material from the bottom and casting a bare lead around, showed no issues, however, Carp being the master of thei on environment that they are, found something. Something that I hadn’t found ! Unfortunately, Julien lost several hook lengths to this snag, so its obviously covered in Zebra mussels, and even worse, lost fish to the snag mid fight when he was cut off. Nothing he could do. He did manage a few though, topped of with a scaly 33 mirror. Martin, was less unlucky. Losing one right at the net a good fish as well – when the hook pulled, then on the penultimate night, a decent fish cut across and found Juliens snag.

Top angler of the week, Mark C in Alamo, started the week with Discus, a known mid forty, at a new high and a PB for Mark at 50.08 An amazing gain, seeing our fish have now all spawned well so a new 50 to the growing number of 50+ on the list. Mark wen on too catch several other fish throughout the week, all on bottom baits scattered in the general 70yd known feeding area.

We’ve seen a few totally new fish these past week, several new 40z and a couple of fish growing on into the 50z bracket, a brief snap shot of what is possible and hopefully, of whats too come.

Our concerted effort in the Bream and roach removal is now showing results. Obviously, the increasing weight gains were seeing recently being a plus side to the dwindling silver fish stocks and the reduction of night time disturbances from Bream continually attacking your hookbaits.

We use to have several bream caught throughout the week, disturbing the anglers sleep and causing a general disturbance on your baited area. Now though, this has reduced greatly. In fact, were finding it hard to catch Bream with dedicated tackle. The roach are still evident in numbers but Im planning on an introduction of pike fry in early spring, these ravenous juveniles’ will devour the spawned on silver fish fry, then in time, begin to make a dent in the silver fish that are such an issue if you were too spod. We will get on top of these, and in the near future, you will be able to fish with solidz PVA bags, spod particle and pellet and even smaller sized boilies.

All this fish manipulation will only improve both the fishing, as well as seeing huge gains in the biomass’ overall weight. The last 18 months has seen some huge changes here at Gigantica, but we are striving to be better.

A great week, with some seriously hilarious moments. Some decent fish, on a few varying methods….Zigs showing through to be a devastating method when employed properly.

So, with roughly 35 bites, a few loses and 26 fish banked, not a bad week but with an amazing weather front moving in, next week promises to be even better. Until then, as usual….

Be safe, be lucky.

Danny

Mark and the amazing Merlot @ 44

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Jamie with Sashsquash @ 38

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Number of Anglers	9
Total Number of Carp	35
Biggest Fish	Chunky @ 51.08 too Jens Bernsten of the German team.

Welcome back Gentlemen.

As you are aware, we had the Gigantica European Match here last week.

Unlike last years English ‘annihilation’, this year was a somewhat more taught affair.

With the swims being a rotation from the previous match, all teams knew exactly where they would be fishing throughout week and so could make appropriate plans too suit. I had high hopes for all teams, knowing that each member was well suited to the swims they would be fishing and it would suit their styles in angling.

So, the awesome Darryl Peck was in Pole Position. Ed ‘the mad professor’ Cramer was in Alcatraz for the Dutch team. Next was ‘the dove from above’ Tom in the Beach along with Etienne Gebel in the Tree line for the Germany team.

On the North bank, we had Germany’s Jens Berntsen in Co’s point with Ernesto Kamminga for team Netherlands.

On the East bank, firstly we had Micheal Koster in the Pink for team Germany with Englands team leader, Danny Fairbrass fishing in the Alamo. With, finally, Chris Ferenschild fishing for the Dutch in Oblivion.

With the teams installed and ready, the match began, and what a battle it was was right from the off !

With fish being caught from the very first night, the leader board changed on a daily basis. Quickly, it became a two team race, with team Netherlands struggling to hold the pace of both England & Germany.

The sleeping giants, Germany, really got into a powerful swing, banking fish on a regular basis with some very impressive fish too boot.

Even after consuming his own body weight in food then in Beer, Jens ruled for the German team banking a huge 51lb mirror ( Chunky – well spawned out ) and then, later an awesome 49lb common ( Nude patch – looking well after a huge spawning ) to top an awesome week for Jens.

Etienne caught the well known, but still, beautiful Black eye from the Tree line. Danny caught the amazing ‘thick wrist fish’ at an unbelievable 43+.

I wont list all the fish, as it has all been filmed, as usual, for British TV and the Thinking Tackle series.

What I will write is the amazing run of fish that Darryl caught…..on zigs ! Now, we advise our clients that zigging can be a very successful alternative to bottom fishing in the right circumstances. However, very rarely, do client either actually fish zigs, or fish them correctly.

Darryl however got it very right. Fishing size 10 Wide gape B hooks with light Guru N-gauge hooklenghts. Fishing with 21ft hooklenghts and extreme range Darryl caught several fish with, at one point having a 38lb leather and an absolutely stunning 29lb linear on at the same time. Danny helped him with the smaller of the fish, ending up with both on the mat at the same time – simply awesome angling, and it shows just how well Zigs can be when fished well…….there has been some many times in the past when clients have struggled when, in reality, if they had had the faith in Zigs or simply just asked on how to fish them correctly, a meager week could have turnt into an amazing week. “never look a gift horse in the mouth” so the saying goes……there in endth the lesson !

Im waiting for the digital images to come in from the anglers and will update this report as and when the images arrive. I do have Germany’s team leader, the very capable Etienne Gebel with ‘Black eye’ at 42lb from the tree line for you. An amazing fish that is very well known, being a PB for several of our clients.

Eventually, the final whilst was blown and England rose victorious ! But only just…..

Had Germany continued their run of 2 fish per night and not blanked the final night, the result could’ve been so different. However, England did what was necessary and won with over 60lb too spare.

Like Ive wrote, the whole match will be aired on terrestrial TV, as part of the Thinking Angler series for future viewing and be available, Im sure, on DVD when released.

The late spawning here this year, came back to haunt me when we found a beautiful unknown 41lb mirror dead, full of spawn. Its such a shame when any of our fish die, and in such a wasteful circumstance such as the weather had held them back from naturally spawning the first time.

Now, we wont hide the fact that one of our larger inhabitants has died – unlike other lakes- it happens. Nature has a way to replace that fish with a smaller, more naturally installed grower in the place of the fish that has died, so Im certain a new big fish will join our library of fish that we keep here at Gigantica.

Its unrealistic to file all the 20lb fish as there is just so many, but all fish over 30lb get there own individual file so we can track their ( Hopefully ) growth through their lives. We use these files to manage our stocks for the future and happily, the last few weeks has seen several of our known fish move from the 30lb file into the 40lb file……..such as the ‘Thick wrist’ fish. 38lb+ last year in Sept, it has been caught this year, over a month earlier than last year at 43.08lb A clear ‘natural’ growth of over 5lb ( since this fish has already spawned ) a solid 5lb growth for the year past which is proving throughout our stock this year.

So with the growers, we have had 2 totally new 40lbs. Seeing fish that have no file at all, amazes me. I see ‘new’ fish throughout the spawning times but until they are landed ,weighed and recorded by photo, they are just ‘ghosts’. But when they are banked, it’s a great feeling that, after almost 2 years of ownership, we are seeing new fish. Long may it continue. With that in mind, weve had 2 fish push through from the 40lb bracket into the 50lb folder. Chunky and Discus now moving into a bigger weight folder. Just how many more will make the move this year into the 50lb folder, only time will tell but Im excited by the thought, and will report all ‘big movers’ as and when they happen here on the weekly report.

So, another great week over and done with, great times, great fish and great friends. I look forward to meeting you all in the near future and as usual…..

Be safe, be lucky.

Danny.

Etienne Gebel from the German team with the awesome 'Black eye' @ 42lb.

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Jens &amp; Gigantica's latest 50+, Chunky at 50.08

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Number of Anglers	11
Total Number of Carp	36
Biggest Fish	39.10

Welcome back Gents,

Well, another great week, in terms of captures and socialising. What great bunch of guys.

Neil, from Korda had arranged a week of friends, we had Cash & Matt from Aqua & Trakker and Paul, all on his lonesome.

Straight from the off the guys got on well and the fishing got underway straight from the off.

Brad in 'Stockpond' did struggle a little, you cant catch what isnt there but did grind out a result nearer the end of the week with a low 20. Dan in 'Pole' did better though banking 4 fish from 6 bites. Dan using small snowmwn tyle baits over beds of boilie to do the damage.

Next up was Richard 'Cash' Farnan plotted up in 'Alcatraz'. Cash had spoken to me re: the bait situation prior to his arrival but still insisted on bring his trusted formula.......Bait Works Atlantic Red. I did air my concerns that our fish, in the past have not been avid fans of the heavy fishmeal type of baits but Cash obviously has great faith in the bait. Heavily glugging his freebaits before baiting up really drew the fish in. Catching several good fish before losing an absolute lump......having played it for more than 20 mintes, the hook, for no apparent reason just came loose, gutted for ya Cash......no one likes to see that !

Richy next, in the 'Beach' where the fish had holed up the weeks prior. Fishing the ever consistant Mainline Cell, Rich had a troubked start, landing a few - losing a few before he found his stride and banked a few decent ones, including the weeks biggest landed fish at 39lb+ Im sure your agree, the=at the fish caught are just simply stunning.

We are quite lucky here, in so much we have a high percentage of heavily plated warriors. Including alot of fully scaled and linear carp. These fish, especially the 'bigger' linears, show clear terratorial tendancies, generally only coming from the 'tree line' swim area.

Fish like 'Fred' the amazingly beautiful carp, has only been recorded of being caught from the tree line, along with 3-4 of the blind linears. I didnt expect these fish to grow more than their original size but have been surprised that they are showing a marked growth, year on year. 'Fred is now just short of the magical 50lb barrier, having gained 8lb+ this year alone Im now certain that the linears will continue to grow bigger than I first imagined they would, which is great because they are tuly stunning fish too catch.

Now that the spawning is out of the way, the fishing is now back to its great self again. Although we had 36 fish landed, we had and additional 18 fish lost....mainly due to hook pulls. Quite why this should happen here so often, is up for discussion but I beleive that slightly longer than average hooklenghts of between 8" - 12" being more consistent coupled with a bigger, size 4 hook.

The Mainline Cell is still catching, however, the Mean greens have shown a marked slow down in returns. Small Hi Viz heavily flavoured - fruity type pop ups now scoring well. Straight bottom baits are also catching well. Im due too receive my next batch of bait this week and we will have New Grange in stock and, as we have caught well in the past on it, I can see the New Grange following in the Cell's almost legendary footsteps.

We will have large stocks of both but Im sure, next years bait of choice will be New Grange. We are currently working on a Gigantica special as well, again produced by Mainline baits. Their track record is second too none and Im sure, when we do get it finalised, it will dominate the place.

So, back too the fishing, Neil Spooner a.k.a. Steve Darwin, fished the 'tree line' and snared a few in the difficult conditions, however, the ones he caught were nice and scaly upto high 20s.

Rob fished the hot 'Co's Point' and did as well as I expected, several 30z and some awesome mirrors kept Rob top rod throughout the week, check out the pic of Rob in the report, a stunning scaly fish !

Terry down in 'Big southerly' lost a decent fish but banked 2 high 20z. Matt unfortunately blanked in 'the Stink" but tried hard and moved several times trying his hardest to get on em but too no avail.

Mark & Dave doubled up in the 'Alamo' and choose to fish LONG.......with Mark spodding at around 130yds. Mark caught few decent fish, including a couple of 30s. Amazingly, whilst spodding pellet and boilie, neither of them suffered too terribly throughout the night by the Bream !? We have actively been removing the silver fish and although we have now removed a couple of ton of the blighters. I am hoping too introduce several thousand immature Pike in Feb 2011, these small ravernous Pike will devour the silver fish hatchlings immediately from there introductions and help me managed the silver fish population a little more proactively.

Once we can fish safe, without any Bream muscling in, we can then begin to fish so many more styles of angling which Im certain will help bank some of the larger, more reclusive fish. Watch this space ?

Paul, down in Oblivion, fished very well and caught several fish throughout the week, including some very large framed big 20z with a last morning 30 to finish off what was a great week.

So, it looks like were back at the normal fishing again, plenty of runs and if history is too repeat itself, we will start too see the larger fish, begin to make more and more visits throughout the coming weeks.

This coming week see's the 'Gigantica European Cup' back again, will England be able to continue and show the European anglers how to catch em ? I'll obviously goive you all the low down on the results long before your be able to watch it on Sky TV.

Check in next week for all the details.

As usual, be safe, be lucky.

Danny

check it out, how nice ! One or Robs from his week in Co's

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Richy, doing it in style.

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Paul in Oblivion, what a fish.

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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