Date:
May
2008
Details: Mega Catch of 51 fish totaling 1,229lbs.
The Wood and Pollard parties totalled a staggering 51 fish which totalled 1,229lb using Lac du Val Specials and D-rigs.
The party consisted of three adults and two teenagers... Joe and Dane landed fish of upto 43lb and Joe with a 11lb 8oz tench
Well done lads!
Date:
February
2008
Details: First 60lb'er comes out of Lac du Val !!!!
Date was February 11th and it was a very cold winters afternoon. I was fishing the chalet swim and at about 5.30pm my right hand swinger dropped by 2".
I stood by my rods and to my suprise what I normally would have thought to be a line bite slowly trickled off and I hit into a soild lump.
After quite a fight I landed the biggest fish I have ever caught (or seen for that matter!)... weighing in at 61.04 of immaculate common carp.
I called for Dave & we both stood and looked at each other speechless. What a truly magnificent fish - it was an honour to see it.
The bait was a single Lac du Val Special pop-up, new for 2008 & made by Shaun Harrison of Quest Baits.
All I can say is thank you Dave and thank you Shaun. My head is still spinning a day later.
....what a day!!!
Terry Walker.
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Terry Walker's massive 61.04 common. |
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Date:
January
2008
Details: New fish stocked and a 54lb'er for David!!
Another delivery of 21 fish brought our total of new fish to 47 this year.
The last lot went from 22lb to 34lb - really nicely marked fish and never been caught before... so good luck lads and lasses!
January 2008 found us working hard on the lake with the purchase of a new wood chipper to chip the swims.
Regular visitors will also be pleased to know that I have decided this year to open the back water to stalking as some big fish have been spotted there. This couyld be run on a rota basis between the lads and take it in turn to fish.
I managed 2 daylight sessions on the lawn swim and ended up with 2 x 20s, a 34lber, a 43lb 2oz and wait for it a 54lb 6oz!!!
So I will close now and look forward to seeing everyone this year.
Ps. more photos on the website.
Regards David & Sammy
Date:
November
2007
Details: 2007 season round - up AND new stock arrives!
Hi everybody. Well it’s that time of year again when Sammy & I write our annual report on what has happened at Lac du Val over the past year.
Firstly thank you to all of you for the pork pies and chocolate! It’s raining as I write and the big fire and the chocolate make it all worthwhile! It’s good to see we’re booked up for virtually all of 2008 and even taking bookings for 2009... but I am sure all this comes down to never resting on your laurels, treating all our customers well and remembering that all these people have saved up all year to come. So it’s up to Sammy and me to make it a week to remember by making them feel at home as much as possible with good home cooking, good fishing, lots of pb’s and most of all a heartfelt welcome.
So looking back over some of the memorable catches... there’s been so many where do we start?
Zac Hogsden smashed one of the lake record catches this year with 3 x 40s and 1 x 39lb in 24 hrs... well done zac!!
What about Nigel (Midge) Costen with his mates who smashed the biggest fish record with an unknown mirror at 57lb 2oz, following up with 2 other 30’s plus 10 x 20s. For his biggest fish Midge is the winner of this year’s free holiday prize. Brother Shaun also last year topped the 40’s limit... well done lads!
A massive haul of 70+ carp went to Phil Phol, Steve Barrows and Norman Crabtree... these lads really knew how to fish.
Which brings me last but not least to this week’s new stocking of a further 24 big fish , including;
• 7 more 40’s up to 48lb 4oz
• 10 more 30’s
• 6 big 20’s ... and last but not least
• one more 50 at 51lb 8oz
giving Lac du Val now a total 4 x 50s. Good luck next year lads with all these new fish. You can see a few of the new residents below.
May I also say a big thank you to Danny Mosley, Doug and Sue Cameron who helped us with the new stocking of these latest 24 big fish, after the latest 51lb’er smacked myself in the ribs and put me out of action.
And last but far from least a big thank you to Angling Lines for taking care of everyone with tickets and ferries and all their inquiries and also to Shaun Harrison who makes our fantastic bait.
So good luck and all our love for Christmas and the coming year ahead!
Dave & Sammy Harding
Lac du Val
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51.09 |
29.06 |
47.04 |
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46.08 |
32.04 |
38.03 |
Date:
September
2007
Details: 3 x 40's in 24 hours!!!
From: Ricky Hogsden
To: lacduval@com
Sent: Sun, 16 Sep 2007 6.58pm
Subject: Catch Report- Zac Hogsden
As this was my first visit to Lac Du Val, I was excited about the trip and full of expectations after seeing all the customer feedback on the website. When we arrived we had a walk around the lake with Dave and he showed us all the hotspots and where to fish. I drew third choice swim after my mates Adam and Matt but was very happy with this. Dave explained the baited areas I should fish and his advice was to the far bank underneath the oak tree on the middle rod. My far right hand rod was halfway out to a clear patch, and thanks to Dave's advice, what a great spot it was!! My left hand rod was to the left hand side of the island.
As far as rigs are concerned, take Dave's advice- he swears by running rigs and the Lac Du Val specials, and they didn't disappoint. The baiting was quite simple, beds of pellet with crushed boile with single and double dipped bottom baits.
3 x 40's in 24 hours....
At this point on the fourth night, I had already had about ten fish, the biggest being 39lb 4oz (a new PB) on Dave's spot and I was over the moon- but things were about to get even better.
At 15.39pm the following afternoon, I had a screaming run from the oak tree on double dipped boiles. After a 20 minuite fight and the fish finally in the net, it weighted up at 48lb 3oz,a lovely looking Common- I had broken my PB again! Later the same night, I had a timid run from my right hadn rod on a single hook bait. This was a 41lb 4oz Mirror and was very much welcomed at 01.46am.
When I woke up the following morning, and started to realise what a session I was having, as I dont get as much time to fish as I would like to. Just as I was having a midday sleep, my right hand rod screamed off again and when the fish was finally on the bank, Lac Du Val had produced a lovely 47lb 2oz Common. Three 40's in less than 24 hours! This was a dream, and a week I would always remember! I had 23 fish including three 40's, a 39lb 4oz, a 36lb, and six 20lbs- the rest were all upper teens.
Dave's advice is definately worth taking and don't be too proud to ask him questions as after all, this is his back garden and he knows his fish. Sammy's cooking definately keeps you going all day- it is lovely. They have produced a dream lake where dream fish come out and I cannot wait to come back for the 50's, as there are plenty of them in there!
Date:
August
2007
Details: A big thank you from a delighted customer!
I am writing this report now I am back from Lac du Val and the fishing and facilities were excellent. On arrival one can sense the love and affection Dave and Sam have for one another and for their fishery. Sam is always happy and smiling and more than willing to oblige. Her cooking is excellent, the meals are all well presented and the portions are ample and the two meals a day are more than enough without the need for anything in between. The menus are varied and cater for all tastes.
The fishery is in beautiful countryside in Normandy, the lake of approximately 4 acres has a head of over 400 carp and is kept in excellent condition with well presented swims. I found the water to be a "baits water" and with approximately 100 carp to the acre, through the course of the week I used 30 kilos of boilies fished "snowman style" semi-popped up, I used an 8inch link, size 6 hook on a running lead.
For information on fishing the lake put yourself completely in David's hands, as he knows every inch of his lake. David has not only fished with the greats, such as Rod Hutchinson and Richie McDonald etc, etc, he is one of the greats. He perfected a way of fishing with a motorized duck before the introduction of bait boats. This man has so much knowledge of carp fishing he should have written a book (and if you read this report David, you have so much knowledge in your head you should start on that book now!).
During the week I caught approximately 30 fish weighing between 17 pounds and just over 36 pounds. All the fish were in excellent condition and my biggest thrill was a 17 pound fully scaled mirror.
The other anglers I fished with were all good company and one week was not long enough!!
Very best wishes to Sam and Dave and I know I shouldn't wish my life away but - I can't wait for next year!!
Another thank you to Angling Lines and all the staff for making the trip so easy
Love and best wishes
Dave Hutton
Date:
July
2007
Details: RECORD CATCH OF 3 BIG 40'S IN 24HR @ LAC DU VAL GOES TO ZAC HOGSDEN
ZAC MANAGED 3 BIG 40'S.... 48LB 3OZ COMMON.... 47LB 2OZ COMMON ..... 41LB 4OZ MIRROR AND A FURTHER MIRROR AT 39LB 4OZ ALL WITHIN 24hrs ALL CAUGHT ON LAC DU VAL SPECIALS, ON SINGLE HOOK BAITS WITH THE BIG COMMON CAUGHT ON 2 x 20MM BOILIES.
Date:
June
2007
Details: MASSIF HAUL OF 70+ CARP AT LAC du VAL
...... WENT TO PHIL POHL, STEVE BARROW AND NORMAN CRABTREE, INCLUDING 20S, 30S AND 40S. NORMAN LOOSING A 50 AT THE NET!! THESE BOYS REALLY KNOW HOW TO FISH, WELL DONE LADS
Date:
June
2007
Details: NEW LAKE RECORD RE NIGEL COSTEN (MIDGE)
AS THIS WAS MY FIRST VISIT TO LAC DU VAL I WAS LUCKY TO DRAW SECOND CHOICE SWIM AND DAVE WAS THERE TO HELP ME PICK AS HE KNOW THE LAKE VERY WELL AND I WAS TOLD BY DAVE TO BAIT AN AREA UNDER THE OVERHANGING BRANCHES OF THE OLD OAK TREE, AS HE TOLD ME THIS HOLDS BIG FISH. HE ALSO HELPED ME WITH MY RIGS AND PURSUADED TO TRY A LONG D RIG I FISHED THIS WITH LAC DU VAL SPECIALS AND SINGLE BOILIES POPPED UP 2" OFF THE BOTTOM, FISHED OVER MASHED UP SOAKED CARP PELLETS AND SPECIAL PARTYBLEND. DAVE IS VERY KNOWLEGABLE AND GAVE ME SOME GREAT HELP AND TIPS. I BAITED THIS AREA FOR 4 DAYS AND IT PAID OFF. IT WAS LUCKY THAT DAVE & SAMMY WAS THERE TO WITNESS THE CAPTURE AND DAVE RECONISED THE FISH AS A FISH HE STOCKED YEARS AGO AT 38LB AND IT HAD EVADED CAPTURE ALL THIS TIME. I AM STILL BUZZING A WEEK LATER. I ALSO CAUGHT OTHER FISH INCLUDING A 34LB MIRROR, 38LB COMMON AND 10 OTHER FISH ALL IN THEIR 20S ALL I CAN SAY IS THANKS DAVE FOR HELPING ME CATCH A FISH OF A LIFETIME AND I FEEL IF DAVE WAS TO WRITE A BOOK ON CARP FISHING I WOULD BE THE FIRST IN THE QUEUE. LAC DU VAL IS THE PLACE WERE DREAMS OF CATCHING BIG FISH COME TRUE.
THANKS TO DAVE AND SAMMY
Date:
May
2007
Details: Lac du Val News Flash....... LAKE RECORD SMASHED WITH A MASSIVE 57lb 2oz MIRROR (& IT'S NOT THE GOVENOR!!)
NIGEL COSTEN (MIDGE), WHO`S BROTHER SHAWN HAD THE 46lb 8oz MIRROR FEATURED ON THE ANGLING LINES DVD LAST YEAR, HAS BANKED A MASSIVE 57lb 2oz MIRROR WITH THE HELP OF DAVE'S TACTICS.
THIS IS NOT THE GOVENOR WHO REMAINS STILL AT LARGE TOGETHER WITH THE 58lb COMMON.
WELL DONE MIDGE .... FANTASTIC WEEK FOR YOU!!
GOOD LUCK
DAVE AND SAMMY
Date:
January
2007
Details: NEWSFLASH - NEW STOCKS FOR LAC DU VAL
Owing to wind rain and floods our nettings have been a little behind, but we are happy to report we are catching up daily and have now stocked a further 69 x fish ranging from 22lb upto 39lbs. this together with the 14 x fish socked in the beginning of this month brings the total to 83 x carp for this year, the largest fish being 58lb.
Date:
January
2007
Details: NEW STOCKING FOR 2007
A Great influx of carp for us arrives 4th January which will include the new 58lb common, 5 more big commons including 2 x 38lb commons and 5 x big 30s mirrors, and 3 more good forties which will bring our stock upto 2 x 50s, 14 x forties and 37 thirties, this will not include fish that have grown over winter with our winter feeding program.
All the new photographs will appear when we introduce the new fish into the main lake approx a week later. So a keep a look out!!
TO ALL OUR CUSTOMERS WE WISH A FANTASTIC NEW YEAR
Best Regards Dave & Sammy
Date:
October
2006
Details: End of Term Report!
THE YEAR 2006 AT LAC du VAL
2006 has proved to be our best year so far with 2007 promising to be even better with many repeat bookings from people who have been with us from the start in 2004.
Our fish stocks have grown and new stock will arrive next month which will include the star purchase - a 58lb 6oz common!! He'll join the existing 52lb mirror.
Also purchased for 2007 stocking are a further 5 x 40's and 7 x 30's making the big fish stocking even more attractive. All these fish have been hand picked by myself with great care. With this density of big fish we've had around 85% of our customers achieve their personal best at Lac du Val.
As I write this Bob Taylor from Kent is fishing at the side of me & has just landed his Pb commom of 38lb 6oz .... much to his satisfaction... he's grinning from ear to ear.
The month of March started cold and our first anglers, the Baber party, got off to a great start with the youngest member, 14 year old Aaron Baber, landing a 36lb 12oz - his Pb carp. His dad followed with his Pb at 38lb 4oz.
April came and saw the battle of the 40's between John and Sue McArthey - 3 x 40s being caught by man & wife, John just pipping Sue with a 43lb 2oz.
The beginning of May saw Shaun Costen, Steve and Jamie land a further 3 big forties. All up to their armpits in mud - the carp are shown on the new ALines DVD out now. Nice one lads!
Everybody felt sorry when Jeremy Benson lost the Governor at the net, better luck next year Jeremy.
It's now October and the leaves are starting to fall and excitement begins are we get ready to receive our new fish stocks. All that remains is to say a big thank you to all our customers and not forgetting Gareth for making a great DVD and Bridget, Linda, Julie & David at Angling Lines who work so hard making all this possible for us all.
Look forward to seeing you all next year.
David, Sammy & Charlie the dog
Date:
October
2006
Details: 58lb COMMON FOR LAC du VAL
NEWS JUST IN!!
Lac du Val are stocking a massive 58lb common in November! News & pictures will be here when we get them.
Date:
July
2006
Details: Lac du Val`s "The Governor" lost at the net
Jerry Benson, 25th July at 2am, lost the Governor at the net.
He was fishing the far bank snag swim on his own. He was fishing a snowman rig at the time on Lac du Val Specials. After a really good fight on trying to net the fish alone the hook pulled and she rolled over the net and disapeared.
HARD LUCK JERRY... But he did go on to catch another 44lb 15oz mirror.
NICE ON JERRY!
Pic`s below
Date:
June
2006
Details: A Letter of Appreciation!
Here's a letter we've just received from Kevin Gorman. He fished with us in May & had his personal best mirror at 46lb 8oz. Click on the graphic of the letter to enlarge it. It's still a bit small - hope you can read it OK
Regards, David & Sammy
Date:
May
2006
Details: LAC du VAL RECORD SMASHED FOR THE SECOND TIME THIS MONTH OF MAY
Neil Hutchins landed the lake record for this year with a staggering 49lb mirror, beating his own personal record by 30lbs!!!
The fish was landed using a Lac du Val Special over the same pellets, using snow man rig and running lead.
WELL DONE NEIL!
Date:
May
2006
Details: Lac du Val record smashed!
This week the lake record so far was smashed with a 46lb 8oz Leather by Shawn Costen.
Thats a total in 8 days of:
5 x 40's, 11 x 30's and 9x 20's.
THE GOVERNOR STILL EVADES CAPTURE!!!!
All fish caught on Lac du Val Specials made for us by Quest Baits.
Date:
April
2006
Details: Brace of 40's to husband and wife!
Already only 2 Days into their holiday session. A Happy John McAthey landed a lovely big mirror of 41lb 12oz. Only then for him to be beaten as Sue his wife landed an even bigger 43lb 5oz both beating their PBs. The fish were caught on Lac du Val Specials made for us by Quest Baits. We are now watching this space to see who outdoes the other by the end of the week!
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John McAthey 41lb 12oz |
Sue McAthey 43lb 5oz |
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Date:
October
2005
Details: New Stock
Please find attached picture of the new stock fish, including 1 x 52lb 4oz mirror, 7 x 40s and 5 x 30s although 11 x 30s were stocked.
Best Regards, David & Sammy
Date:
October
2005
Details: The “Governor” Checks in at Lac Du Val!
Angling Lines venue Lac du Val has recently stocked this massive 52lb 4oz mirror along with 7 x 40's, 11 x 30's and numerous 20's. The big mirror, christened “The Governor” by owner Dave Harding, could make one lucky angler very happy – because the first person to catch it will win a weeks free fishing.
Lac du Val is a 4½ acre lake set in northern Normandy , less than an hour's drive from the ferry port of Caen . The site is very private giving you peaceful carp fishing in lush rural surroundings. It takes a maximum of five anglers and it's possible to book the lake exclusively - and it has the added advantage of 2 lakeside chalets if you want a bit more comfort. The current stocking adds to an already impressive head of big carp – check out the catch reports on the Angling Lines Website & you'll see for yourself.
Best Regards, David & Sammy
Date:
January
2005
Details: New for 2005
New Chalet
Another new Chalet has been installed at Lac du Val. It's fitted with ensuite shower and toilet, separate kitchen, Sky TV and private parking.
New Shower
Responding to feedback from last years customers a new shower has been fitted in the communal anglers room adjacent to the main farm house.
Hire of tackle
In 2005 Lac du Val will be hiring Microcat bait boats, rods, bivvies & sleeping bags. Enquire for prices.
Note: All battery charging services are free.
New Fish Stocks
After a long, cold and wet trip down south to Limoges, Dave & Sammy returned to Lac du Val with 37 more beautiful carp ranging from 24lb to 39lb 2oz, the larger fish being a copper coloured common of 39lb 2oz. All these fish were netted by themselves so every care was taken of them in every respect. We are pleased to say they are all doing extremely well in the 1/2 acre stock pond where they will be fed and observed before stocking into the main lake ready for spring.
