That very first French carp fishing trip can be daunting, especially if you are in a party of anglers that are all virgins to the French carp scene. The possibility is that you will be fishing for very wise big old carp that have seen plenty of tactics. Here is a short success guide for carp fishing in France…
I think that there are a few things to bear in mind prior to your arrival. French carp are no different to the ones that you fish for on your local syndicate or day ticket back in old Blimey. They may be a bit bigger but the same baiting tactics will catch in a French carp lake, as well at home.
Here are some of the key things to think about…
Guide for Carp Fishing in France – what bait to take ?
Confidence is the key! Never take a bait that you have not tested, tried and caught successfully on your own carp lakes. The only difference is that you will be spending a week on a single venue so more is required. You can get away with a couple of kilo for a 48 hour session in England, but not for those greedy French carp.
I generally take anything from 20 to 35 kilo of boilies for a week’s fishing, so it is important to get a good source for reasonably priced quality bait. Generally the more you buy the better the price so be prepared to haggle with your bait company.
Most lakes now ask that any particles used are purchased on site, so take extra cash if you think particles are the answer. The same goes with pellets. Most lakes supply on site.
It is important to plan ahead with how you will be presenting any loose feed, whether it be boilies, particle or pellet. The easiest way to present feed is by a baitboat, but there can be problems. Baitboats breakdown or there can be insufficient charging points due to the amount of boats being used.
Equipment to take
Depending on what facilities are available at the venue depends on if you need to take a kitchen. A kitchen set up includes a couple of saucepans, kettle, cooker with spare gas and cutlery. Maybe a barbecue, charcoal and fire lighters, cool box or gas fridge. I take a brolly with sides for my kitchen, a fold down table and a plastic fold down crate to keep my food, tins etc together.
Swims can vary on each lake, from huge double swims to small tight swims, so it is no good taking a bivvy the size of a garage if you have the latter. Not all swims have soft ground for rod rests so you may have to consider rod pods. Check out the articles, they are normally informative and give you some indication to what is needed.
I always carry a rubber mallet as I have on occasions had to bivvy up on hardcore. Unhooking mats, weigh sling and landing nets are sometimes supplied at the venues. Check out the venue information page to if this is the case. You obviously need a comfortable bivvy, bed chair, sitting out chair and a top quality sleeping bag.
I hope this has given those travelling to France for the first time an insight to what is needed. My only tip is keep everything to a minimum as it can be a pain if you decide on a move halfway through the week and there is a mountain of gear.
Paul Cooper
See more articles and advice on how to make your first trip great here – First Trip to France Carp Fishing
Want to take a look at venues we think suit a first carp fishing trip to France? Look at our Runs Water Lakes
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