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In reply to Post #8
Bloody well said Nicky, & you too Nexus.
There are so many scared anglers, who always try to impart their own personal fears onto everyone else. I spent my life fishing public venues. Never had any real problems. Had far more problems fishing locked in syndicates with 50 rabid carpers. 
All I ever heard while fishing the Thames was "are you crazy"? Why? What is there to be scared of exactly? Travellers? Drunks? Druggies? So what, that's life. I became friends with a few of the travellers from the Chertsey site. One of whom was so desperate to purchase my old dog. Even people like TH will only fish it from the safety of a boat.
There's a massive world out there outside of the UK syndicate/club lake scene on public venues. France and Europe even more so. You just have to be brave enough to go out there and get it.
Living your life in fear, not doing the things you really want to, is a waste of life.
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In reply to Post #8
“I must be doing something right”
From what you say and how the locals react to you, it’s obvious that you are doing things 100% right!
Keep making friends and enjoying the journey. A man after my own heart.
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In reply to Post #7
I've fished on the public scene for the last 10 years and never once experienced any hostile behavior from the locals. In fact I've had quite the opposite experience, becoming friends with many French anglers, as well as those from other countries too.
Its all about respect and accepting this isn't your local water. It isn't the same as the UK pay lake scene which is a complete **** show and free for all at the best of times. If you turn up with that mentality don't be surprised when it attracts attention for the wrong reasons.
In my experience I've found that trying to speak the local language, not fishing at extreme ranges, being respectful to the predator anglers, and fishing legally are the key to avoiding drama on these trips.
I'm sure there's always going to be the odd occasion where someone is randomly targeted, but I'd say the chances are extremely low.
Unfortunately with the increased media attention being given to this style of fishing, and the constant stream of YouTube videos being pumped out, its led to a large rise in UK anglers trying this type of angling for the first time. Unfortunately most don't have a clue and this is where the problems occur. The increased use of drone footage in these videos, and the lack of effort that goes into protecting the lakes identity have also played a part in shifting the attitudes of the locals. You can't blame them.
Now i'm not saying the locals don't take the piss sometimes as well, but its their lake at the end of the day, and we're merely just guests.
You have to put yourself in the mindset of the locals who are getting hacked off at turning up to their water to find it full of "foreigners". If the shoe was on the other foot then you'd see the same things happening in the UK too.
Like I said, I must be doing something right. Ten years without a single issue and nothing but good memories, new friends and some amazing pins saved on my phone maps
In my humble opinion.
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In reply to Post #6
Maybe I’ve been lucky or your friend was unlucky?
I’m not naive. Public water fishing anywhere has its risks. One of the big problems is ‘name’ anglers posting everything. I always throw into the conversation that I’m total non publicity.
There was a post on a FB group regarding a big Lyon park lake. People saying it was v iffy. Having fished the lake in question I posted that it was no worse than any London park lake and that common sense ruled.
Crime in rural France is much lower than in the UK Home Counties, but as we all know there are undesirables everywhere.
Most of the French carpers are young (like the UK ‘Korda Generation’). I find when I meet them they love to ask about tackle and the UK bait scene.
Unfortunately as the older predator focused anglers die out Carp fishing will take over, just as it has in the UK. Which long term means busier lakes that the French will want to keep for themselves and who can blame them for that?
It’s already noticeable that in some Departments night fishing has to be prebooked, or lakes where it’s weekends only or no boats allowed. The Wild West free for all in France is well and truly over.
If I was French I’d look at Brit anglers with suspicion. Too many pay lakes are full of stolen big carp from public waters. ’
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In reply to Post #5
But it does happen.
I used to go to France with a 50+ year old accountant, a nice bloke and like me not the sort to advertise he's a angler by what he wears. I started a business and had to stop fishing for a few years so he started fishing French public waters. He went twice a year for 3 years and had his car tyres slashed on one trip and his windows put through on another (different venues). He decided to stop PW fishing from then on, I don't blame him tbh. This was in the mid 0's so hopefully things have changed, though it'll only ever be in the minority, especially given the explosion in Carp angling, here and abroad.
Mind you I’ve still had pretty much all my markers pinched by some of the old boy ****s!
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In reply to Post #4
In 30yrs of French fishing I’ve never had any problems. In my experience when I meet French, Dutch, Belgian or German anglers they are almost always friendly and willing to share info. It’s a major edge if you have/try a few words in French and approach people in a friendly way.
Same goes for the Guard de Peche. Be polite & respectful and then no problems. I’ve been caught breaking rules many times over the years, but an apology and feigned ignorance have always seen me proud. Never been fined.
I’ve even noticed a change in the French predator anglers this year in some Departments - winding in their lines and going slowly past my spots with a friendly wave. Something unheard of a few years ago. Mind you I’ve still had pretty much all my markers pinched by some of the old boy ****s!
Other British anglers however are a different kettle of fish. At least half of those I meet are ignorant morons……….mind you in the last month I have only met one other Brit.
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Also worth menioning that you need to be a bit savvy and not tread on the locals toes otherwise there may be repercussions 
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In reply to Post #1
+1
It’s a whole new world, can’t recommend it highly enough
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I’m currently on the last few nights of a near month long trip to France.
For those that have yet to try public water fishing - get on it! Buy a Carte de Peche online or in most French tackle shops or all Decathlons and off you go.
Pretty much every bit of blue on the map in France holds Carp and most with fish to 50lbs and many others with 60s or 70s.
On this trip I have fished 6 different lakes in 6 Departments and caught on every lake. I’m not saying it’s easy and sometimes you def have to work to catch and be willing to move until you find the fish, but boy is it rewarding. The wildlife and spectacular scenery alone is worth the hassle.
A bit of research before you go on Google Earth and the French Departmental websites will stand you in good stead.
If you have only fished pay lakes you don’t know what you are missing. A real fishing adventure awaits you……..
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Venues (Foreign)