Hi guys.

I'm currently living in Bournemouth and on the ringwood book. I'm looking for a syndicate or an open access water with a good stock of dark scaley mirrors. I'd really like to get my teeth in to chasing a specific target fish. Although the size is not particularly important to me at least an upper thirty or the chance of a 40 would be more than enough.

I'm happy to commuting up to 1 hours each way and in all honesty the less manicured the lake the better for me however I'd the right water is available I'd definitely consider somewhere further.

I know what I'm asking for is pretty much impossible now days, but any recommendations on waiting lists or ideally accessible lakes would be massively appreciated.

Thanks in advance

Stuart

In reply to Post #1
In Ringwood, probably Roach Pit and New Forest Water Park would be worth going onto lists or investigating.
But outside of the Ringwood and Christchurch club books, you haven't got much really within an hour, aside from one invite only syndicate that I won't name West of Poole. Going east you have the Chichester pits, tho I'm not sure of the situation there ref tickets

In reply to Post #2
Really appreciate your reply mate. I'll have more of a look in to them.

I'd definitely consider commuting up to 2 hours each way if there's a. I've target worth fishing for and you'd have any other recommendations?

In reply to Post #1
Yep there are a lot of very good waters within an hour of Bournemouth, lots and lots but you wont get on them without invite or a very very long wait.

That said you have two of the best club tickets in the UK on your doorstep, Ringwood and Christchurch have fantastic waters.

Have you thought about targeting the two rivers for a 30? Theyre in there and would be a catch of a lifetime.

In reply to Post #4
If you could recommend some that would be brilliant mate. If I don't at least get in the waiting lists I'll never have a chance.

I really have considered it but was never sure if it was rumours. Would you have any idea which areas to focus some of efforts? I've heard rumours that the lower stour and tidal section is a good start.

In reply to Post #5
I spent a season on the tidal Stour from Iford Wier down to Tuckton Bridge in 2014, and gave it a decent go, as its 5 mins from my house so I can speak from experience as opposed to guesswork. There are not as many carp as there used to be unfortunately. Chris Ball also fished that stretch and I've chatted to him over it. He used to average around 7 carp per year. The year I fished I had 6. Chris did have a scraper 30, and I also caught that fish but at a summer weight of 26.
Lots of bream. Lots. Otters, public etc etc.
Tbh, it doesn't fit the spec of what you originally asked.

BTW. If you are prepared to commute a couple of hours, the world is your oyster. Colne Valley, Reading area and the Cotswold Water Park then open up to you.

In reply to Post #6
I'll be honest the river really does appeal to me so any advice you'd have on that would be hugely appreciated.

I did initially speak to a guy called curly (the photographer from nash) through instagram about the water park as that would be ideal!

He's reply was super helpful but he basically said ‘it's pretty hard to come by now and there's only one open access club ticket now (south Cerney angling) that's has dabchick and wickwater which have a few lovely ones in or horseshoe lake

Which I'm currently trying to dig a little deeper in to

In reply to Post #7
I've fished the tidal on and off for about 20 years. The number of carp is definitely on the decline. I've found further down too be more productive. If you want peaceful fishing I would avoid it in the summer

In reply to Post #8
Thanks for your advice. How far down are you fishing in the tidal section?

You got a water on the ringwood ticket that ticks all them boxes