We went to a lake for the first time and I had spoken to the owners prior to going about crays and chats. They said Crays were only a small problem some times. We couldn't keep a bait in the water for 10mins before it was gone. Fortunately, I had a tin of tigers left over from another trip and although they were banned the bailiff let us use them. I split the tin between the four of us as I said we might as well go home if we can't use them as hookers. The 'facilities' were a bare shed, no shower or toilet, no cooking facilities. Needless to say we never went back!

In reply to Post #48
Oh dear, I seem to have struck a nerve here. To clarify I was just reporting what the guys opinion was of what they considered to be an over the top inspection. I am sure if most of us had an experience like that we wouldn't be very happy. It didn't seem to be an issue before Brexit. Do you recall the lorry driver who had his cheese and ham sandwich confiscated in the early days of Brexit. Says it all really.

In reply to Post #45
Hi, The guy that told my mate was one of the anglers caught. I asked I thought you could take up to 2 kg of bait through customs, why didn't they argue. Apparently, they thought better of it as the guard was being a complete a***hole. I also know previously some guys were refused entry having found 150 kg of bait in the van and they lost their week at a venue I have being going to for 13 years and it was the owner (mate) who told the groups already booked on that year. it seems only St Malo is the problem. I have been through St Malo in car and not had a problem. I also marked my hookers as 'Ne conceit pas de products laities ni de viand' and 'Leurre de perche'. Might be worth a try if pulled over.

In reply to Post #38
I heard from reliable source last night that 3 lads in a van were stopped and asked to unload every piece of luggage last week. The French then went through the bags until they found a single pot of pop-ups which had the ingredients listed which said 'eggs' included. They then confiscated the bait and fined them 500 Euros. I said 'I bet this was at St Malo', which my mate said 'yes'. We went through the tunnel this year (2 cars) no problem. It seems St Malo is the only port interested in people going fishing, I wonder why? Is there a French Fisherman monitoring the port?

From what I can gather, not having been through St Malo this year, been going through there for 13 years. In previous years this seems to be the only port interested in anglers carrying bait. I know that last year a group had their bait confiscated and for one reason or another never made it to the venue. Not sure of they were turned back or just decided to go home on the next ferry. I would hazard a guess and say there is a French fisherman on guard at times and being very selective on who he stops. Went this year via chunnel and no-one interested in anything fish-like.

In reply to Post #1
Hi Daffy, If you know someone has a booked as a BF club member they can give you a guest code which will give you a discount. Our group for many years used the Portsmouth - St Malo route out and the Caen - Portsmouth on the way back as it suited our needs. Brittany seem to be increasing the cost year on year and a couple of years ago introduced height checks on cars with small roof boxes. I was advised I was 2 cm over and had to pay £40 extra each way. I still parked in the same area as normal so I became another 'cash cow'. Also, it you have to ring them for any reason, best of luck, it took me 3 days of constant ringing to get through to someone to book a cabin for 3 people travelling in two cars.Same thing every year so not just because they say they are busy, just not enough staff. Fortunately, we are using the Tunnel this year and for the next 2 trips. Best of luck.

In reply to Post #14
Nice, which swim did you fish?

In reply to Post #9
How did it go?

In reply to Post #9
Good luck, please let me
know how you get on.

In reply to Post #1
Went there in 2005. Best swim was 1 then 6 and 7. The fish get behind the little island beyond 6 & 7. 4 of us went didn't catch much I had a 39lb mirror and 10 bream for the week in swim 10. Best fish we had was 52lb from 6. It's a nice lake but we felt low stock. It may well have changed after all this time. Good luck.