MY PROFILE
A 50lb+ carp from Lac de Madine
My name is Jake Langley-Hobbs. After being fed up with the UK for several years I decided I needed a life change. I wanted to undertake a challenge of mammoth proportions. I wanted to do what no man had done before. I decided I would go carp fishing….for five years!
I am now slowly travelling around Europe in search of huge carp. I have my two Dobermans; Charley and Flash, to keep me company along the way. So far I have visited France, Italy and Germany. I actually started my trip in February of last year, 2008, and I spent four memorable months at Lac de St. Cassien; where I managed to catch 69 wonderful carp, 17 of which were over 20kg. The biggest was a 27.5kg mirror.
In July of last year, I broke my common carp PB in Italy at Lago di Pusiano, with a superb 23kg Regine. I have also fished at the German Mosel, the French Moselle, Lac de la Liez, Lac de Charmes, Blue Water and Lac de Carces. I then decided to go back to one of my favourite locations at the end of 2008: Lac de St.Cassien, continuing my quest for my first carp over 30kg! I managed to bank another 38 Cassien carp with ten more over 20kg+ carp with a 26.8kg mirror being the largest, which I caught on New Years Day 2009.
I then travelled West fishing a few secret waters, before tackling Salagou for a fortnight. A few days were spent on the River Lot, after which I drove 700km to Gigantica, which has now been my base for the last few weeks. I recently just broke my PB at Gigantica with a massive mirror carp called Staples, which weighed 29.3kg. I then fished at Madine, after working at the 2009 WCC as an official, where I managed to sneak out a 24kg mirror. I finished my ten month ‘French’ tour at the Orient and managed three prizes including a 25.2kg mirror which was my first ever Orient carp!!
Two great companions; Charley and Flash!
I am now in Italy where I plan to fish for eight months visiting a number of lakes and a few rivers. Hungary could be my next destination and then Austria possibly. I will then arrive back in France, where I will spend more time fishing the ‘Great Lakes’ . Spain will be my destination for Christmas 2010 and I will be living down in the Extremedura region, hunting down big Spanish carp from the massive lakes that seem to be hitting the headlines these days. I will probably be finishing off my big fishing trip in Belgium, Holland and Germany…and then who knows what will happen afterwards!
Come and join me and the dogs on our adventures by reading my blog.
Jake Langley-Hobbs & his two dogs.
A 50lb common from Pusiano in Italy.
A little more about me:
Name: Jake Langley-Hobbs
Nickname: ‘ Lang’ , “Crazy Jake”, or “The Vermin Slayer”!!
Commenced Fishing: 1978
Personal Best: 29.3kg mirror from Gigantica in France, 23kg common from Pusiano in Italy.
Best Moment in Fishing: Catching a 26.8kg mirror on New Year’s Day 2009 from Cassien.
Worst Moment: Dropping my Century Rod butt and Baitrunner reel into 5m deep water with the bailarm open.
Favourite Fishing Style: Stalking
Longest Session: 125 nights
Favourite Rig: Blow-back rig and 360 using Korda Curves size 2
Favourite Fishing Companion: My dogs, Charley and Flash.
Favourite Bait: Dynamite Boilies – Mussel and Oyster and Frenzied Tiger Nuts.
Favourite Lakes: Definately Cassien/Pusiano and also the Vale of Health in London.
Favourite Fishing Magazines: Carpworld/International Carper.
Best thing about Carp Fishing: Meeting new people, fishing new waters and catching a carp from a new country. Oh and watching the sunrise with a cup of tea.
© 2010 www.thebigcarphunter.com
All rights reserved. No part of this website may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without prior written permission from Jake Langley-Hobbs.
January 24, 2009 at 12:35 pm |
Hey Jake,
I am a constant visitor of your great blog! It is a great variety from my boring daily grind.
Please tell me, what is the idea behind fishing with the rock salt?
I´m looking forward to hearing from you!
Best regards from freezing germany.
Dominik
January 24, 2009 at 2:34 pm |
Rock salt was one of the best kept secrets in the carp scene for a long time. Then like all good secrets…it leaked out. The idea behind it, is to create a small cloud of saline (salt water), around and near your hookbait. Salt or sodium chloride is an essential mineral component. By creating this saline cloud it can sometimes induce or encourage a carp to eat, as the salt in the water may trigger their feeding receptors. In the winter when the water temp is very cold, and the water is fairly lifeless and lacking in nutrients, the salt technique can sometimes make a difference. Especially when Mr Carp is not doing a great deal, apart from sitting around somewhere!
I have read about this technique being used, but quite honestly had never tried it! Another reader, Glen, prompted me to give it a try, as it may give me an extra edge. He has used it with success. So far, for me, it has not worked, but I will keep trying it on a couple of rods. You never know!
Cheers Jake.
February 20, 2009 at 7:39 am |
Hey Jake,
I am an interested reader of your daily blog. So your select solar system caches my eye. I would really like to use my notebook while fishing, so can you please explain which different parts I will need to power my notebook?
Enjoy your time and your fishing.
Sebastian
February 20, 2009 at 8:35 am |
Hi Sebastian.
You will need an additional big leisure battery-110A, a small invertor 12-110/240V (150W is enough to power a laptop) and of course a good solar panel with a charge controller. I would recommend the Selectsolar 32W Flexi Panel. This is a special panel they have just started selling. The one I have is the prototype.
It will put enough charge back into your leisue battery each day, to enable you to use your laptop for a couple of hours every day. They will be able to sort you out with a whole package for a good price. They can dispatch to Germany in 48 hours.The solar panel is the most important piece of equipment. Please email them using the link on the right hand side of the site.
Many thanks
Jake
February 20, 2009 at 5:16 pm |
Hi Jake,
sorry for my bad english. I got some pics from Wolf with carp (26.5 Kg) from the Cassientrip last year.
I wish you good luck, good times and some more cassien-whackers …!
Greetings, Tom
February 20, 2009 at 6:12 pm |
I was here when Wolf caught that fish, and actually took photos of it myself! So I have them on my PC but thanks anyway!
Jake
February 25, 2009 at 2:14 pm |
hello jake,
), i am writing to you. i´d be glad if you could say hello to him from me if you meet him. two minutes of telephoning time per day isn´t that much….carphunters!!!!!
I have only recently become a bit interested in carp hunting, but it has been forced upon me as my boyfriend is a dedicated carphunter…he arrived at the lake today, so probably you have already met, or you will soon…
i miss him terribly and since he is not so well-equipped as you are (with a computer ready at hand
i will read your blog again since you provide much more information on the lake,its surroundings and the weather there than any two-minute-phone-call can….
thanks a lot, i hope your dogs are fine,
greetings from austria,
rebekka
February 25, 2009 at 5:05 pm |
Hi rebekka.
Thanks for your email. The lake is very big, and I have not seen him yet. If I do I will pass on your message! Maybe you should have gone with him!!
Keep reading the blog, and I will try and keep your mind at rest whilst he is here!!
Take care.
Jake
February 27, 2009 at 2:54 pm |
Hi Jake. Me and sebastian was the last 2 weeks by you on the Cassien. We have talk with you.(and your dogs) we talk alot about what for a wonderful live you have. I hope you have a good time and in the night is not so cold anymore. In Germany the weather is very bad and in the water is ice!! Sorry for my very beautiful english. Have a very good time, always the best. And thank you for the Coffee. Markus
February 27, 2009 at 5:22 pm |
It was a pleasure to meet you guys. My kettle is always on, and I hope to see you again in the future. Glad you had a safe journey home. Maybe buy an icepick and fish through a hole in the ice, like the Eskimo’s!!
Jake and the dogs!
March 11, 2009 at 2:04 pm |
Hi Jack,
Greetings from sunny California to you at St. Cassien. Currently being on a business trip here makes it even more enjoyable to read your daily story about one of my favourite waters. I am living in Germany and will probably be fishing Cassien again in summer and in late september again. I just wanted to leave this short comment, to state that the site is great and hope your stay will continue to be as successful as it is right now. How long do you stay out there this time?
Keep on rockin’
Best regards
March 11, 2009 at 6:12 pm |
Hey Frank!
Thanks for your comments. Greatly appreciated. It is hard work, but I love writing the blog with Imperial Fishing, and it has become part of my daily routine. I am staying here till the beginning of April, then it’s off to another water near by. I know the month of April and May will be very good here, but someone else can fish in my swim, and I hope they have great success. I hope to catch a very big fish before I leave here, and if I do, my Cassien goal will be fullfilled! I do not plan to return to Cassien for probably three years, as I have so many plans to fish in other countries. I may finish my five year fishing trip at Cassien. That would be a nice thing to do!
Good luck when you fish.
Jake
March 29, 2009 at 9:14 am |
Hey Jake !
Time to say hello to you.
I visit your blog every day sinds day 1.
Hope you will catch that “really big one” you came for.
Not so much time anymore…. so go for it Jake !
Best regards from Holland.
René.
March 29, 2009 at 3:48 pm |
Thanks Rene.
My girlfirend joins me for a week next Wednesday. I will get her to kiss my hookbaits for luck…you never know..female pheremones and all that stuff!
Cheers Jake
April 15, 2009 at 11:06 am |
Happy birthday! Hope you get the present you wish for!!!
May 20, 2009 at 6:14 pm |
Hi Jake,
Only just found you care of Carpworld, have read the last 2 issues and the first one when you set off on your adventure- absolutely great read mate.
Keep up the blog, cant wait to get home from work and read it each evening.
Keep living the dream and tight lines.
Jez
May 20, 2009 at 7:34 pm |
Thanks very much Jez.
The blog is a really enjoyable part of my life when fishing these days. It has been tricky the past couple of weeks as we have been fishing at an awkward place with limited equipment, but I am looking forward to the next few weeks as some good old long sessions are planned, and more time can be spent on the blog. Salagou is coming up, plus a few other hush hush waters, so keep reading mate.
Cheers Jake and the Dogs!
May 21, 2009 at 7:31 pm |
You keep writing it i will keep reading it!
if you are ever in need of help in the Lyon area my sister lives there.
Toght lines
June 12, 2009 at 8:58 am |
HI JAKE,
MANY THANKS FOR MAKING THIS BLOG IT IS A TOTAL BREATH OF FRESH AIR AND ONE ADVENTURE THAT I WOULD LOVE TO UNDERTAKE. KEEP ON THE GOOD WORK AND IM SURE THAT THE DREAM OF THAT 30KG CARP WILL ARRIVE IN YOUR NET PRETTY SOON. AM ALSO RIVER FISHING IN THE UK AND WOULD LOVE TO TRY SOME OF THOSE IMPERIAL BOILIES THAT ARE DOING THE BUSINESS FOR YOU ON THE RIVERS ACROSS EUROPE, COULD YOU PLEASE LET ME KNOW WHERE I CAN PICK UP SOME IN THE UK OR ARE THEY NOT DISTRIBUTED OVER HERE. KIND REGARDS AND ALL THE BEST FOR THE FUTURE.
KEEP HAULING
ASHLEY GRAY
June 12, 2009 at 10:13 am |
That’s very kind of you Ashley. I am on the adventure of an ‘angler’s’ lifetime, and fortunately I have to say it does have more highs than lows. It isn’t always plain sailing and believe it or not fishing every day can be hard work, but when you get that fish in the bottom of the net, and realise it’s one of the big ones….all those hours of sweat and tears are replaced by the ultimate high in my opinion!!
Imperial Bait’s boilies can be purchased through my sponsor at http://www.carp-gps.com however I suggest you email Max with your requirements max.nollert@imperial-fishing.de as the website is German. He speaks very good English and will be happy to help you.
All the best on those rivers.
Cheers.
June 18, 2009 at 3:39 pm |
Jake, All these years I thought you had given it all up, how wrong I was, your doing well, you certainley know how to catch fish. Any way, when you get back to blighty, or wherever you live now days, get in touch it would be good to catch up, Peter has also asked after you. Take care Jake.
Ian
June 20, 2009 at 8:46 am |
Ian my old mate!!
I was wondering two things; if you were still carp fishing, and also if you were, would I hear from you? I guess that answers those thoughts! I have your private email address now so I will email you properly when I get a chance. Do you remember the ‘Three Amigo’s'!! We had some great times, you, Pete and myself and we all caught the VOH common too which was really nice. I still remember those days fondly. Pete fishing the hole in the willow, you on the tip of the pads, and me on the side and in the margin snags. They really were the days. And Connaught water, Walthamstow etc…
As you can see I am really back into it, in a big way, and I won’t be back to the UK for a very long time, if ever!! I just love fishing in Europe and so do the dogs!!
Say hi to Pete for me and stay in touch, now we are back in touch, so to speak!!
Jake
June 20, 2009 at 1:05 pm |
Hi Jake,
Dont leave it to long, might get a chance and meet you out there for a week.
Regards
Ian
June 24, 2009 at 1:28 pm |
hi jake
i have a question about your spezial budgrips.
What s the name of it?
jonas
June 24, 2009 at 2:16 pm |
Hey Jonas.
I hope you have got over losing that big common at Salagou mate!! I use the Osprey rodsavers….They do have a website..It is http://www.ospreyangling.com
Hope your well and your enjoying feeding the fishes in your aquarium shop!!
Jake
July 8, 2009 at 10:27 am |
Hi Jake,
I’ve been following your adventures in International Carper every month and they’ve been a great read. I admire your dedication and I’m also quite envious that you’re spending all that time fishing! One question for you – how do you manage to finance such a long trip?
Regards
Mike
July 8, 2009 at 1:38 pm |
Hi Mike.
Glad your enjoying my series. It has been great to write although difficult from time to time. I always have too much content and breaking it all down into 6000 words can be a challenge in itself! There is plenty more to come and I have some great fishing lined up over the next couple of years.
I have been asked this question a few times and the answer is very simple! I don’t spend very much at all. I try and budget myself to 500 Euros a month maximum. This includes food, dogs too, fuel, and the odd license stamp etc… I am now in a very fortunate position and I have about 8 sponsors behind the Langley-Hobbs team (the team being Jake & two Dobermans!) I am trying to find them a couple of sponsors now so they don’t feel left out!!
Thanks for your interest and keep enjoying my journey!
Jake
July 9, 2009 at 10:08 am |
I’m sure pedigree chum would be interested what with the dogs and carp loving them!
July 9, 2009 at 1:11 pm |
Cheers 4 the reply Jake & enjoy the rest of the journey – I shall keep reading about your adventures with great interest!
Mike
July 9, 2009 at 6:04 pm |
hi jake just like to say how envious of you i am and how me and matt (reelcarp) my fishing partner think of you as a living legend. weather and finances are limiting me to local waters at the moment which is a bit repetative due to targeting fish ive already bagged. any way enough about me just want to say “keep on carpin” dude and perhaps come and have a go at some northern commons (best english carp) with me and matt in the future.
pete
July 11, 2009 at 9:26 am |
Thanks Pete!! Not sure about the ‘living legend’ bit mate, but cheers for your kind words!! Hopefully I will see you in Matt’s shop on the 22nd if you are around!! Keep at those northern commons mate.
Catch you soon!
July 23, 2009 at 12:38 am |
hi jake sorry i missed you today. i got delayed by 24 hrs returning from my summer retreat. not good news out there, last carp out was a load of dead ones early season . anyway i hope our paths might cross in the future as im sure we have some interesting stories to trade . bye for now mate hope your catching your targets
pete
July 24, 2009 at 10:14 am |
Hi Jake, a most entertaining read!! I am off to “the long lake” in a few weeks. I will just be doing day sessions at the venue, do you have any advice on how to approach this water and what areas to try?
Any advice gratefully received!
Cheers
Rob
July 28, 2009 at 6:13 pm |
Hi Rob.
Thanks for your comments. So, you’re off to the ‘Long Lake’!! Good Luck! I think if you are just fishing days, then you won’t have many problems with the Brutus guy. However, I am sure you will see him at some point! I think the weed will have probably grown considerably since we were there. There is a bay on the river side of the lake that is choked with weed. It looks a great area, but unfortunately we never got to try there. In the hot weather I am sure they will frequent this area. There are plenty of nice margins to fish, and if you are just fishing days, then I would probably pre-bait a few of these areas and fish them the following morning. There are plenty of reeds along the edges and these provided a couple of our fish. There are no boats allowed with electric motors at the moment because the lake is used for water skiing and wakeboarding. At the top of the lake it seems quieter. It also looked deeper at this end. If the weather is very hot, this may be worth a look. As for bait, we had takes on Fishy baits, and I think Lee also used the Monster Tiger Nut boilies from Dynamite!
Hope this is useful to you. Catch a big un’ Rob!
Jake
August 4, 2009 at 9:24 am |
Hey Jack,
I wish you and Flash all the best for the upcoming surgery. I feel with you having a 13year old Bearded Collie with two strokes ;-(
I am following your blog since Silvester and want two ask you about spending Silvester at Cassien. Are there lots of angler between the secon Christmasday and the January 6th?
All the best wishes for you and the dogs,
Daniel
August 4, 2009 at 10:41 am |
Thanks for that Daniel.
With regards to Cassien, it does tend to get very busy between the two holidays. It suddenly goes very quiet after January the 1st as most people’s licenses have expired and the Guarde de Peche do tend to do a New Year’s Day visit to see if people have new licenses for the coming year!! Many people go home as a result, as nothing is open to buy a new one! The North arm traditionally always seems to be very busy at Christmas, You can normally find a swim somewhere though. Last year fished very well leading up to this period after the big rain fall, the lake really switched on and the carp seemed to have a good feed. Then the cold snap arrived and the place did seem to shut up shop. I know, I was there!!
All the best mate.
Jake
August 13, 2009 at 9:17 pm |
Hi Jake,
Keep up the good angling, and carry on living the dream. Enjoying your series in Carpworld. Best wishes to Flash and Charley.
Steve
August 14, 2009 at 9:36 am |
Cheers Steve.
September 3, 2009 at 11:55 am |
Jake,
Just wanted to say it was great to meet you at Gigantica, and a big thankyou once again, hope you are having a good time at Madine and hopefully catch a monster.
Take care Peter and family
September 8, 2009 at 2:20 pm |
Sorry for the delayed response! I have been so busy at the WCC. It was good to meet you all at Gigantica. I hope your son enjoys using the rods etc…and tight lines Peter.
September 7, 2009 at 8:55 pm |
Hi jake hope you and the dogs are good. Thanks for an awesome week at the wcc09 and thanks again for the net. just dropping you my email in the hope youll have me back on the island next year if i am worthy of joining the exclusive club once more, either way let us know what i need to do. Good luck for your future fishing sessions of which you talked about during the week. Tight lines, Tom
September 8, 2009 at 2:29 pm |
No worries Tom. Good to have you as part of the team. Keep in touch and hopefully see you next year.
September 9, 2009 at 11:31 am |
Jake, Ill be honest this is very unlike me to get in touch, read blogs etc etc but after reading your article in Carpworld this month I though I’d say hello! Mate you are living the dream, my god I would kill to be doing what you are doing! lol My Wiermeraner (Braque Wiemer) and my Chok Lab spent a few years working in Ski resorts and then did 3 weeks at Cassien, fished the American Beach as they were all moving back and forward towards the spawning bay, awesome few weeks!
Anyway mate, I know it’s a long time away, but, a few of us are going to venture back this time next year, what do you think will change between now and then, whats the gossip on the bank, 100% ban on night fishing, no weekends, all you seem to hear is doom and gloom, but if you cant get down there you dont know what has changed?
If you want to drop me an email mate and are planning on visiting the Alps at all on your travels I can point you in the direction of some cracking Carp, but maybe you already know about those!
Bonne Chance!
September 10, 2009 at 7:46 am |
Currently night fishing is allowed from Oct-June inclusive. The reserve in the west arm from Ellis point to Aviron is in place from Jan 1st till July.
It is probably a much busier place than you may remember, although there are peaks and troughs. Sometimes it can be quiet!! I don’t think the night fishing will ever be banned completely as the Guard don’t control the lake properly at the best of times…….However if you are not going till next year….much may change by then!! It is still an amazing place, one day I will return, and the doom and gloom only comes from the fools who don’t appreciate they have the best carp lake in the world.
Cheers Jake
September 10, 2009 at 9:08 am
I appreciate the info and thoughts Jake, about from maybe Sonning and the Mere over here I dont think there is anothe bloody Lake the commands the ammount of gossip Cassien does! lol Even Brigsy writing the very doom and gloom article a few months back.
Maybe you may even be back by the time we arrive, Ill happily buy you a Pastis!
September 11, 2009 at 2:30 pm |
Hi jake
Just to say a great thanks to you, for the great time spent marshalling on the main island. Hope your quest for the big linear is going well and you have settled into your session. I am planning to get a few nights in before starting collage again. How is flash doing now he has your full attention? Am very impressed with the blog its a very good read…
Ill no doubt see you next year, back on the main island if the offer still stands.
Tight lines and will keep in touch
Cheers wayne
wayne7557@hotmail.com
September 11, 2009 at 6:55 pm |
Cheers Wayne,
I have to say, I was very impressed with your hard work and committment on the island. Despite your moods in the morning(!!!), you never stopped grafting and that is why you are more than welcoime to return next year. Consider yourselve part of the team mate. Glad you enjoy reading the blog and hopefully a carp will be putting in an appearance very soon.
Take care Jake & the Dogs.
Flash is improving by the way.
September 12, 2009 at 6:11 pm |
hey rememebr me? its beth
hope your doing well
love you x
September 12, 2009 at 9:18 pm |
Hi girlies…hope your both really well and you both had a great time in France at Gigantica. Great to meet you both and that even means you Fran!!
Jake x
September 13, 2009 at 1:01 pm |
Hey Jake, i can still see you are living the dream… I hope that our paths cross again when you return back down south to Cassien…Ava is now 13 months and a wonder each day. After daddy and the other words she has just picked up saying fissssshhhhh, which i am very impressed over….
I am off for a short 20 day session on the Ebro to try and raise the 44lb common record.. Watch this space.. i shall forward you some shots of my new bivvy Palace…
Regards to the dogs and catch you soon..
Hamish & Alex Ava..
September 13, 2009 at 1:54 pm |
Hey there Captain!!
Sorry mate, I meant to reply to your email a few weeks ago!! All been rather hectic of late, what with thw WCC, the dogs and trying to do a bit of fishing myself lol!! Good luck on the Ebro mate. I will be trekking down to Spain next xmas to the South in search of some spanish beauties…and carp too! Give Ava a peck and a big HI to Alex.
Tight Lines Jake
September 15, 2009 at 1:39 pm |
First Madeen carp and its a lump, top result!!
September 15, 2009 at 4:08 pm |
Cheers Wayne!! It was certainly the best way to start!
September 22, 2009 at 11:53 pm |
Hi jake
Just a message to wish you luck with the new session at Orient on Thursday. I start collage tomoz which will no doubt limit my midweek bank time a little with the nights drawing in. However i have Mondays off so will still be able to do fridays till mondays. I have planned to go to spain for my summer workplacement on the Ebro which will be 6 weeks long. While there i hope to get some carp fishing in! I had another brain wave, that before Madine next year i will drive over to france and fish a few weeks before the comp starts where is a mystery to me at the moment….Sounds like a cool European adventure for my next summer already.
After reading the blog, i never realised that the water levels changed as much as they do at the Orient, some crazy mud!!!
A nice little present from dynamite ready for the session too
For now…have fun sorting the gear
wayne
September 23, 2009 at 9:13 pm |
Cheers Wayne. Will try and get an Orient Lump for the Sparsholt lads!!
September 29, 2009 at 1:52 am |
Hi Jake,
Glad to hear things are going well and congratulations on your first Madine carp. Ross Honey got in touch and has invited me and lloyd to work for the WCC on our days off college and to be back at the WCC next year, so will be seeing you and the dogs out there again.
Absolutely loving your blog its good to be able to keep up to date with all your adventures and of course fish.
Best of luck at the Orient hope you catch a few monsters, and have a few storys for next year!
All the best for you and the dogs,
Mike (mark)
September 29, 2009 at 11:54 pm |
Cheers Mark!!
See you next year at the WCC with Ross’s little soldier…Lloyd!!
October 7, 2009 at 7:36 pm |
hi Jake, been following your blog for sometime now and im making my first trip to cassien on the 17th of this month for a 2 week stay. Any advice on all aspects i.e pegs, baiting etc for this time of the year would be much appreciated. Also how much is the ticket ?
Tight lines
Adam
October 11, 2009 at 6:30 am |
Hi Adam.
Congratulations about your first trip to Cassien. Firstly enjoy the experience whatever the outcome. Cassien is a magical place and I am hope you have a great time. I have never fished at this time of year and the first thing I would do is see what the water levels are looking like. At this time of year it is possible to night fish and the whole lake is open. (The reserves in the west arm come into play from the beginning of Jan.) Personally I love the west arm and it always throws up a big fish. Lots of people tend to concentrate their efforts in the North arm at this time of year as there always seem to be plenty of fish down there. Talk to a few people once you arrive and see if you can find out where fish have been getting caught. If your stuck maybe find a swim near to the bridge as this seems to be a good moving place for the carp. They have three arms to swim into from this part of the lake, so you can guarantee some fish swimming past you. Bait wise, I would start off slowly and build it up if you start catching. If your taking 4 rods which you’re allowed, then use half a kilo scattered loosely around ‘each’ rod. Maybe fish with a two bait stringer and fish using a snowman set up. 2 x 20mm always did it for me, or a large single bottom bait. Use a large strong hook, size 2 Curvs are great combined with 25lb coated hooklink and don’t be put off by the hook size. You are fishing for a big carp and thin gauged hooks will let you down. These carp fight very hard and a shock leader is also advisable. I would fish with braid mainline and use a very strong mono shockleader or Korda’s 50lb Arma-Cord.
There are plenty of nuisance species, and if you’re catching bream then the carp won’t be far away. Let me know how you get on mate and have a fantastic time. The cost for a vacational permit available from Le Lac restaurant near the bridge is about 35 Euros and if you are worried about leaving your car, look at the link on my blog for Amboise. They provide a great and convenient parking service.
Cheers Adam
October 12, 2009 at 4:37 am
Thanks for the advice mate, just getting all the last bits of tackle together as i speak! having seen the pictures of the place i should imagine whatever the outcome i will enjoy the trip, hopefully not just coming back with scenic pictures on the camera tho!
thanks again for your time mate and i shall let you know how i get on! if i survive our last nights fishing that is! (halloween)!
tight lines
adam!!!!
October 9, 2009 at 7:24 am |
hi ,
i have just read your article on the moselle river , we fished the st lawrence this year and now love river carping !,
have you fished this river in belgium we are thinking of trying it next year
or do you think its better in france ? your help would be greatly appriciated
thanks . andy
October 11, 2009 at 10:17 am |
Firstly hello!
I have not fished in Belgium yet although I do have plans!!!! The Moselle is a fantastic river and it does hold some whackers. Earlier this year I know someone who caught a 26kg common. I am actually returning there very soon infact and am planning on exploring some new areas, or even some new rivers in the area. I will keep you informed how I get on. You’re right though, river carping is fantastic and every time you get a run…..!?
Cheers Jake.
October 12, 2009 at 5:40 pm |
Hello Keep Up The Good Work And Tell Lee His Family Are Proud Of Him
Both Of You Take Care And Keep Cathching Them Fish
Karen x
October 19, 2009 at 7:28 pm |
Hi Jake.Follow your blog from South Africa and it is the highlight of my day.Have you ever thought of doing some carp fishing in South Africa.There are several lakes with unknown potential and I live close to some of the biggest.Would gladly assist you in any way.
Take care
Antony
October 23, 2009 at 12:40 pm |
Hi Jake,
Great blog, i must say you have put a lot of effort into it and i am impressed. There is a lot to read so i will be back to read some more. I have bookmarked your blog also. Anyway i would like to recommend a lake to you, i have fished it a couple of times and it has always produced well. The guy who runs it is really down to earth too. im sure he would love to hear from you and your mission. Its called Cretelakes, there are 4 lakes and plenty of big fish to catch. I look forward to reading about your visit to Cretelakes.
Wayne
October 23, 2009 at 7:03 pm |
Thanks for that. I will check out Cretelakes website.
November 10, 2009 at 9:31 pm |
i have to say that your articles are the first i read in carpworld and having been an avid reader since issue 37, that says alot. only Jim Gibbinson and a few others come close to the ‘as it is stuff’. love it, keeping it real and as it is,
the saint
November 11, 2009 at 4:28 pm |
What a lovely compliment! My aim is to keep it real for the whole of my trip and as it is!! If and when the writing becomes boring…please let me know!!
All the best saint.
November 13, 2009 at 4:14 pm |
Hi Jake,
Nice one for checking out the blog. Followed your blog for a while when not fishing, good carping fella, good carping. Hopefully have a few at Cassien, glad the bpo has had a few in the past
Bon peche
Joe
November 17, 2009 at 11:48 pm |
Jake,
I’ve only just come across this blog and I’m absolutely blown away with what you are doing – great stuff. I’ve been running my own carp blog for the last three years and didn’t realise you were out there doing what we’ve all dreamed of!
I lived and fished in France for a couple of years and thought about doing something similar to you. When it came down to it I was nowhere near ready as an angler, but maybe one day.
I’ve added a link to my site, would you be able to do the same? Inbetween the fishing, of course
Keep up the good work, and I hope you see some fish on the bank soon.
Will
(http://www.carpcast.com)
November 18, 2009 at 4:36 am |
Hi.
Thanks for your comment and I am glad you like the blog. I am sure you will understand, but I get asked to place links on my site all of the time and I am limited for space unfortunately. You have your blog address posted on your comment so I am sure a few people will pick it up.
All the best
Jake and the dogs.
November 29, 2009 at 12:42 pm |
Dear Jake,
Fist of all I apologize for writing this on your blog. Please delete it straight away if you consider it inappropriate. I wanted to send you an email, however, I couldnt find your email address.
We are a group of students from Newcastle University doing a marketing consultancy project regarding Carp and Coarse fishing. We have created a quick and straightforward survey to aid us in our research. It will not take more than 5 minutes.
We would be grateful if you could help us and fill out the survey for us. We have been following your blog for good couple of week and we can say that you are a professional angler, therefore, we believe that you may have some friends that you could forward this survey to?
All information provided will be used for academic purposes only.
Please find the link to the survey below:
http://www.eSurveysPro.com/Survey.aspx?id=b534542a-cb36-4054-b6c3-e27f66907cfb
Thank you very much again and I apologize again for writing this on your blog. I hope that you will be able to help us out.
Pete
December 4, 2009 at 10:17 am |
Pete.
I have placed a link to your University survey on my blog and I am sure it will get filled in by a few of my readers. I have filled it in myself and am happy to help you out where I can in the future.
Good luck.
Jake Langley-Hobbs
December 5, 2009 at 8:14 pm |
Hi Jake,
Best of luck in Italy fella, I’m sure you’ll have a few. Things are a little slow for us at Cassien at the moment, we’ve had a few up to 43lb but only 3 fish so far. We’ve had some rain the last week so the levels are rising which is good.
Bon peche
Joe + Paul
December 12, 2009 at 10:59 am |
Well done getting off the mark mate…I should be making my way to Italy soon…just waiting on the last part of my equipment to arrive!! Hope you have a great xmas at my favourite lake…must admit it is tempting to come and join you for a few months…but I will leave you guys to it!!
Cheers Jake
December 22, 2009 at 11:31 am |
Hello Jake,
Having just taken up carp fishing which to be honest at 50 years of age is like opening the door to the secret garden, I am truly in awe of the venture you have undertaken and aim to follow it throughout its duration.
Take care Jake, thanks for the riveting read. Happy Christmas
Regards Tony.
December 29, 2009 at 5:17 pm |
Cheers Tony.
Really glad you like the blog and good luck with the new sport. They do say life begins at 50!!!
ATB
Jake and the dogs
December 31, 2009 at 5:39 pm |
Hi Jake,
Hope the angling is gong well in Italy? I’m envious of new years eve on the bank!!!!. I looked in to fishing In Italy whilst staying in Greece. Unfortunately i left the warmer climates and returned to blighty for my sins ( she is very pretty though) lol. I’m being pestered by my father for some info on lakes around the Venice area of Italy. it would be great if you could provide me with some information if you know of any???
I admire you for your adventure and look forward for some riveting reads!!! Happy new year and tight lines for 2010!!!!
December 31, 2009 at 5:48 pm |
To be honest Lee Italy is a big place with many lakes that hold big carp. A map is what I bought and I suppose you do need a little inside info for the right lakes to choose. I don’t know the Venice area at all, and my trip will be based around northern and central Italy. I will ask someone I know but you really have to do the homewrok yourself sometimes as it will be more rewarding in the long run!!! Keep reading and thanks for the support!
January 4, 2010 at 3:26 pm |
Hi jake,
Happy new year 2010!!!
It’s another year in the water for together
i hope you find your gold in Pusiano.
Good fish, kiss Danielo to my part,
bye,
tom”el pechka”bastien
January 5, 2010 at 8:04 pm |
Tom.
All the best to you and your four legged friend. Hopefully see you at some point in 2010 by which time I am sure you will have caught many more big carp (as usual!).
Cheers
February 19, 2010 at 10:23 pm |
hi jake!
first of all…
and fishing all these lovely lakes and spots across europe.
i am really enjoing ur block nearly every day since more than a year and its so nice to see u living the dream
But there is one thing i dont get…u got the whole time on earth, but u fishing nearly always on wellknown lakes/spots with known fishes…DISCOVER, thats what i would do!
But guess thats the english way =)
anyway…keep on doing ur things like u do, and i will follow ur block till the end, if there will be one…hehe.
best wishes from frozen germany
holger
February 19, 2010 at 10:31 pm |
I will ‘discover’ during the ‘second’ five year mission I undertake….For now I am happy doing it my way!!
Cheers
Jake and the dogs!!
March 7, 2010 at 5:37 pm |
Hello,
I’m discovering your blog. That’s awesome. I’m going to check it every day.
Best regards
Romeo
March 12, 2010 at 1:34 pm |
Hello,
I think you’re in Italy right now.
I’m planning to go to Italy for a 12 days session in may.
It seems that it’s forbidden to fish in may in Italy. Do you know if it’s true ?
Which lakes could you advice me ? I checked on Internet but it’s hard to find great information.
I wait your answer.
Good luck
Romeo
ps: if you wanna fish near Geneva, I’m your guy
March 13, 2010 at 12:49 pm |
That is correct! Italy does seem to have a close season in some areas for carp fishing for the reproduction/spawning period. For example at Pusiano it is supposed to forbidden to fish for carp from May the 15th till the end of June. Unfortunately though it seems some people choose to ignore this rule and carry on fishing. I don’t know the rules regarding all the waters in Italy and I am afraid you will have to ask first. It is possible at waters such as Bolsena that there isn’t a close season.
All the best and good luck.
Jake
April 14, 2010 at 1:59 pm |
Bonjour Lang Hey,
Je suis un lecteur français qui suit votre parcours de peche tous les jours. je vous souhaite bon courage et de poisson
Profitez de votre temps et votre pêche.
Mikaël
April 15, 2010 at 10:19 pm |
I understand your words as I speak a little French. I am pleased you enjoy reading my blog and are following my journey and I thank you for your kind words of encouragement. Merci beaucoup mon amis!!
June 18, 2010 at 2:34 am |
Hello Jake
Glad to see your still on your epic journey. I see you came back to Cassien New years. Should have given me a call I’d have brought you up some goodies. Any signs of the french dude that was sat on the opposite bank without catching for 3 months?. I haven’t been back down there for ages now but mean to get there after the yachting season finishes in September. I did a trip down to Extremadura last year with Fat angling tours and loved the place. Although we nearly got blown off the bank at one point. I think your going to like Spain. The fish are in great condition and often never been caught. Well stay lucky bro
Arran
June 18, 2010 at 8:17 am |
I was back New Years 2008/9….not last year…seems a while ago now. Alex was rumoured to be sniffing around on the lake somewhere, looking for a ‘very very good’ place although he was too shy to come and say hello!!! I am looking forward to Spain, but my fishing style will be changing somewhat, as will lots of things to be honest.
Take care amigo.
July 5, 2010 at 12:11 am |
hello jake First of all I congratulate you for what you are completing, you’re realizing what we fishermen will remain the dream of a lifetime, I’m Italian and a fisherman since I discovered your blog has become my home, I’d be honored if I could visit you in person, so if you want to tell me in private or publicly tell me where you are currently in Italy, I would be honored to bring you a good cold beer for you and something as good for your wonderful dogs, continues to constantly update your blog .. we are with you ..
July 6, 2010 at 6:29 pm |
Re Internet.
I’m now in France every month for 5/6days fishing Seine/Yonne and trying to sort out using my laptop.Got all the power stuff but getting a dongle seems to be nightmare.Would like PAYG.Any thoughts?Hope you continue to have a good summer. Tony
July 6, 2010 at 6:40 pm |
I suggest you go to one of the many telecommunication shops in France, such as Orange, Bouygues Telecom, or SFR, and ask. They have many available on pay as you go these days and I am positive there will be one to suit your needs. Most of the pay as you go sticks at the moment are per month .i.e you get 100 hours a month for 10 Euros for example. If you are only in France for five/six days each month, it may be worth asking if they have something that does not expire at the end of each month, but keeps your credit till it runs out from your usage.
Good luck with the fishing and the internet stick.
Jake
August 17, 2010 at 11:37 am |
Hi Jake
I hope that you are still enjoying your adventure. Just a note to say that you will sadly not have the pleasure of my company in WCC on the island, as i am in the BCAC final. Hope you are well and still having a great time with everything that you are doing! Its a shame i will not be at Madine as a great time was had last year.
Cheers Wayne Rees (One of your island Marshalls, Madine 2009)
August 17, 2010 at 11:46 am |
That is a shame Wayne…good luck in the finals however.
Jake