Big Respect - "Single Most Impressive fight of my life"
Telephone and/or email communication prior to arrival - this is really important as this is how we make the decision on what stretch of what river will suit you most.
Travel advice - As we can offer different swims on our rivers covering 40 minutes travelling time we will give you precise directions to arrive for reception at our Riversite.
Regional Licences can be arranged prior to your arrival, there is an additional charge for this service (cost of license only), but it ensures you are fishing immediately.
Welcome reception - On your arrival whilst partaking in a cold beer or wine / fruit-based drink for the ladies (thank you Al Murray), Martin will inform you of the do's and the don'ts, tell you how it's been fishing and answer all your questions. This is a great time to wind down and is often better if you can come over on the Friday to give you a chill out evening to be fresh for the off early the following evening.
Swim location - “In swim” Tactical advice- We'll show you the going swims and any known structure and snags. Remember that river structure is an ever evolving situation so it is always worth your while exploring your swim in detail, it could save you gear and more importantly any fish losses. Martin will give you an idea of how he fishes these swims but always keep an open mind. He does!! It is important that you fish confidently.
Daily visits to monitor progress and help with any problems, delivery of supplies and food etc. If you want to spend your holiday without interruption from us that no problem just tell us at the beginning of your visit.
Location changes - We have researched over 50km of prime river. If your original areas are not producing or you want to try another area for any number of reasons we are there to offer help and advice. Bear in mind it can be worth while sitting tight on the baited areas you have created rather than chasing around creating more and abandoning them just before they produce.
Bait - Martin can supply his subtly flavoured (not) 22mm specials, pellet, maize, tigers and his own multi-mix. The particles are prepared so that you don't have to transport bulk quantities of feed, saving you space in your vehicle and fuel charges. Maggots also available at a much more reasonable price than in the shops, must be pre-ordered).
Boat - You can catch without a boat; if you don't feel confident afloat then we will suggest areas best suited to this method. The boat does give you more options and in many swims you will catch and especially land more fish. Prior to their delivery Martin lost 2 fish in a session that would have smashed his river pb. with a boat he would have at least had a chance. We now have 2 boats with electric motors, echo’s and life jackets available to you. One boat comes with the price with a further rental if you require the second. Please ensure your holiday insurance covers you for using a boat. See details on booking page. All equipment new and available from mid April 2008. Martin will help you with charging the heavy duty marine batteries if they run low.
Pre-baiting service also possible - additional charge
Assistance with location of supermarkets, cafes, restaurants, tackle shops, medical centres, etc.
24 hours mobile phone assistance - We are always available for a problem or a notable capture
Access to toilets, washing facilities, showers - these will not be adjacent to you as they are on a day-only stretch. But we give you a key so you can go over whenever it suits you.
Total Guided Package
Martin is now in a position to devote a full week of his time to individual (2 anglers maximum) trips. This service is of particular use to the less-experienced Carp anglers and especially those daunted by the French Carping scene. He will be with you for as much time as you want and can be used to answer all those questions no matter how small. He can even supply most of the gear you will need but will also recommend what you may need to get prior to your trip, which will of course be of use in your future fishing too. By using bulk tackle supplied by us you can therefore fly into either Tours or Poitiers Airports if you so wish.
Please contact Martin personally as this service can only be offered if we do not already have a standard booking that week. Boats, food, licences etc. are included in the package. Each holiday is priced individually. This is not a cheap service as it takes up a whole week of his time and most of your expenses (barring travel) will be covered. As mentioned above it is very useful for relative newcomers to the carp scene as you will be benefiting from his 30 years experience, which you can take back to use on your waters at home.
"I've had several high forties and a mid fifty, she had the frame and the breadth across the back, I was sure I had another. On lifting the net I was shocked at her spawned-out 38lb. She looks a little dishevelled here, (didn't stop her fighting like a maniac though), but I would love to see her in her prime from late summer to early spring."