Interview with an Owner – Cyril at Vasseur Lakes

We have a fantastic group of lakes on our website, which are a credit to our brilliant owners and all their hard work. Today we are introducing Cyril, who along with brother Sebastian, runs four excellent carp lakes in France – Lepinet, Blue Lake, Cailleaux and Autels.

As well as running these stunning lakes, the Vasseur family own a fish farm that was created in 1950 at Beaumont les Autels, more specifically ”les Cailleaux”. It is currently managed by the third generation of Vasseur’s.

The Vasseur family business strives to provide customers with the fish they desire, while taking into account the preservation of nature. They also offer traditional fishing, carp fishing, trout fishing, and various services (liming, waterweed maintenance…).

fish farming for carp
From the Vasseur Family archives

1. When did you discover carp fishing and how did you come to be here at the lakes?

I have always loved fish and nature in general, and started carp fishing in 1995. I’ve been managing the lakes since 2010. I chose this job in order to continue the family business and follow in the footsteps of my parents and grandparents, who owned the lakes for 50 years.

2. What do you think is the best feature of your lake?

Quick catches and plenty of them.

3. When people arrive, is there anything that surprises them?

The quality of the site.

Blue Lake French carp fishing
Aerial shot of Blue Lake, a 15 acre runs water 4h from Calais

4. What’s the worst part of being the owner?

The worst part for me is when the customer leaves without a smile on their face, caused by the lack of carp activity, which happens very rarely fortunately.

5. What time of year is the most underrated on your lakes ?

The March period, as it’s when the fish come out of a rest period so they’re very active. We close the lakes from November to the beginning of March.

Big carp fishing at Lepinet
A 52.8lb mirror from Lepinet in June, a mature 29 acre lake lake split into two venues, just 4h40 from Calais.

6. What are the most common mistakes you see anglers make when they come to your lakes?

Line size too thin and wrong hook size, between 6 and 8 for carp.

7. Which angler, other than yourself, do you respect the most?

The one who respects the rules, the fish and the lake.

8. What is your favourite rig?

Monster crab boilie with pellet and corn mix for carp.

Autels carp lake in France
Aerial shot of Autels, a mature 4 acre lake in the Loire Valley, only 4h from Calais.

9. What is your best fishing memory? Or the carp fishing moment you are most proud of?

My best memory was when I was a child fishing with the English anglers because they taught me a lot.
As a father, my proudest moments are when I’m fishing with my children, because I get to pass on my passion to them.

10. Finally, what is your greatest motivation?

That as many English anglers as possible discover our lakes and that they are satisfied with them. We try to make them as attractive as possible.

A large common carp from Cailleaux lake
A 51lb 10oz common from Cailleaux, a true runs water 4h from Calais, with a huge number of carp to over 55lb.

Find out more about the Vasseur Lakes over on our websiteLepinet North & Lepinet South, Blue Lake, Cailleaux and Autels.

Read more of our interviews with owners here  Interview with a Lake Owner Series

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