Some “serene” thoughts from John Hunt after his second visit in June 2008

From the moment you drive through the gate of this 16 acre fishery, you start to sense its wonderful atmosphere and you know you’re in a very special place. A tingle of fishy anticipation starts and you can’t wait to get your baits out!

You’ll be met with big smiles and cold beer by the English owners, Mavis and John: A great welcome and a perfect start to your week. On the first show round, it’s obvious that these are people who love this place and care for its carp as if they were their own children. You’ll find that they are the most knowledgeable and helpful hosts you could ever wish for. Each time I’ve been, I’ve learnt more from talking to them about this madness called Carp Fishing and they gladly got up in the early hours several times on our trip to help weigh/verify a good fish.

The Lake is beautifully tree-lined so that all sights and thoughts of the outside world cease to exist. There are only 7 swims, 3 of them doubles, so that parties of a maximum of 6 anglers a week means there are plenty of undisturbed banks with tree cover to fish to. There is one small island, a plateau and many gravel bars to find, that hold fish.

John can supply you with all the bait you need – pre air-dried boilies and buckets of freshly prepared mixed particles. Unhooking mats are provided for each angler and there are bed chairs available on request.

Likewise, Mavis can supply you with all the “bait” you’ll need – with an excellent full English breakfast and a variety of good home cooked evening meals, all eaten with them up at the Lodge (see website for current prices ). There is even a full pick-up and transfer service available – again see the website for details and prices.

Last, but by no means least, there are the carp!! The lake is home to some wonderful mirrors, commons and grass carp. On our last trip we had nine 30lb+ fish, topped by a 38lb 12oz mirror plus many more mid-twenties and high doubles.

All the fish are in great condition and are growing fast! Every year we’ve been back, the fishing has got better and better. Lake records at time of writing are 42lb 8oz for both common and mirror and 33lb for grass (caught and matched with 2 different fish by yours truly!) A 50 can’t be far away!

So, to sum up – don’t come to this lake if your idea of fishing is to chuck out 3 rods and then have a party on the bank. At the other end of the scale, don’t come if you want to drag in pot-bellied fifties from somewhere on the horizon.

But do yourself a favour, do come if you want to spend an enjoyable week in a special, intimate, peaceful place, catching quality fin-perfect carp, that fight every inch of the way to the net – and then some! (See website gallery for photos of some absolute stunners!)

I guarantee that by the time you’ve started packing your gear and are sharing your last beer and laugh with Mavis and John, you’ll be wanting to come back again to the aptly named Lake Serene.

John Hunt – July 2008