Our big news this week is the opening of our brand new pike water! After a few weeks of exploratory angling, some specially invited guests and plenty of build up, we are now open for business for prime predator angling! As we mentioned last week, we have had a group of ten anglers down who bagged a number of new personal bests, well known angler Martin Bowler kindly made space in his busy schedule to come and see us, and Pike & Predator magazine have already sent down their venue investigator for a look around.
Martin Bowler was a very welcome visitor who caused a stir when he turned up as arranged last week. We have been aware of the impending visit for a number of weeks but thought we would surprise other anglers who were as pleased to see him as we were! We offered Martin no favours and left him to his own devices to try and pit his wits against our pristine pike; the pike however came out on top this time and Martin retired with a dry net. To be fair, Martin took a measured approach, and the awful weather only abated just long enough to result in appalling pike fishing conditions, so confidence wasn’t high….. We were also delighted with the donation of a signed copy of Martin’s latest book which will be added to the prizes for the annual ‘Noreen Ann’ memorial match at the end of the month. We are hoping to see Martin again later in the year though to sample our carp and cat fishing, so watch this space!
Our first ‘proper’ visitor to the pike lake was hardy soul Tyson Norton who did brave the elements and used mackerel, lamprey and sprats to land eight fish to 17lbs 14ozs, so we got off to a good start. Sunday 23rd December will see free pike handling tuition from three of our coaches for those who ask when buying a day ticket. Bait for the tutorial will be provided free of charge, all you need to do is book your ticket and turn up on the day.
Bailiff Jamie Parr had another good result on the Syndicate this week with a smashing 35lbs 2ozs common which fell to his Pallatrax Multiworm baits. Jamie is another angler who has really got to grips with this water and has produced a stream of quality fish throughout the year.
Paul Lingham is also in the ‘top rod’ bracket and followed up recent big fish with a stunning winter common of 33lbs which took a liking to his ACE Baits offering. The day lakes have also thrown up a number of pristine fish for anglers who are willing to tough it out during periods of heavy rain. The Syndicate Lake will offer full day ticket access from April 2013 and we are already taking bookings; contact number 07814060147.
The coarse lakes are also showing good sport with plenty of big roach; Paignton angler Dan Newman had a good mixed bag from Aimee’s Lake on his first Emperor Lakes visit, and other visiting rods report that maggots and other smaller baits are consistently catching decent nets.
Also on the coarse lakes, excavation of the newest waters got off to a flying start with much work getting done before the heavens opened and made things a little sticky. Early survey works suggest an additional five acres will be added which is already taking shape as the diggers start to carve numerous bays and other features into the landscape’ exciting times ahead!
Our Facebook and Twitter are doing very well with increasing numbers of ‘likes’ and ‘followers’, so if you would like to take advantage of free monthly competitions, see the latest news and catch pictures, or just join in the banter, then you can find all the details on our website www.emperorlakes.co.uk
Jamie Parr – 35lb 2oz common
Paul Lingham – 33lb 5oz Common
