Pickings were slim for Dale Crowson, fishing peg 1 on Old Pepper. He only saw one fish during his whole session. But one fish is better than no fish. So how to tease it out? Initial attempts using dog biscuit proved unsuccessful.
The following day it was back but this time much higher in the water. And this time Dale was successful:
Dale weighed her at 53lbs and had the weight verified at a second weighing. This lovely Mirror has been seen regularly in the past at over 40lbs but has clearly had a growth spurt, to reach her current weight.
As Dale said, "this is what dreams are made of."
This makes Dale the latest member of Cottington's "50" Club.
Congratulations Dale.
Plastic Free Deal
Cottington Lakes is proud to support the Plastic Free Deal initiative, aimed at reducing the single use plastics that are contaminating our waters and our countryside:
For more information about this great initiative have a look at their website:
http://plasticfreedeal.org.uk/
and/or their facebook page;
https://www.facebook.com/PlasticFreeDeal/
New Lake Record - Joshua Handley on Lake Alder
This monster would grace most specimen waters. But Joshua Handley, fishing with a friend at the weekend (2nd June), landed it out of Lake Alder.
This is the second time in recent weeks this stunning Mirror has been out, this time at 32lbs 2oz, topping her previous weight by a slender ounce.
Congratulations Joshua on the new Lake record.
Bait Boats
Bait boats are permitted on Lakes Pepper and Christine.
However, there has been a significant increase in the numbers of anglers who have got them stuck and had to ask for them to be recovered. We are a small family run business and doing this takes valuable time away from us to carry out important maintenance and/or improvements around the rest of the lakes.
We have no wish to ban them, used correctly they are a useful tool in the anglers tool box, and this would be unfair on the vast majority who use them without issue. Instead we recommend that if you want to use them, then tie a line to them so that in the event that they become stuck, they can be recovered.
If you choose not to, then please don't be surprised if you are charged (£20) to recover it.
Fishing With Finn - Easter Weekend
Graham Finn is a field tester for Next Generation Tackle (NGT) and has been bringing anglers young and old down to Cottington to fish the coarse lakes for a couple of years now. A busy early part of the year meant that the Easter weekend was the first opportunity to get out this year. And .... well, I'll let Graham tell you the rest;
Alder Gives Up a 30lbs+ Mirror - Ben McDonnell
A recent overnight session on Alder left Ben McDonnell with a haul of 5 fish, including one 30lbs + Mirror.
But first out of the bag was this 17lb 9oz common, which Ben landed using Casual Carpers Salted Caramel:
An overnight alarm call left Ben with a lovely Koi, also landed using Salted Caramel. Weighing in at 16lbs 7oz this is a new pb for Ben:
Next up came a smaller Common weighing about 13lbs and landed using Casual Carpers Spiced Krill. A quick catch and release, so no photo.
Saving the best to last (well nearly last), Ben brought this stunning Mirror, weighing 32lbs 1oz, onto the bank, another victim of the Salted Caramel:
And just when he thought it was all over this lovely Mirror made an appearance:
On the bank at 27lbs 4oz.
Ben was fishing from peg 12.
She's Out!! First Showing of the Year by the Big Girl Courtesy of David Harden
David Harden joins the limited few who have been fortunate enough to land Cottington's Big Girl at over 50lbs.
David landed her at 9pm on the 4th March from peg 10, weighing in at 51lbs 6oz.
For those wondering where best to try and land the Big Girl, pick a spot... any spot!! She's now come out from all around the Lake making appearances from pegs 1, 6, 7, 10, 13 and 16.
2019 Bookings for Pepper & Christine
We know that lots of anglers are waiting anxiously to be able to book spaces on Lakes Pepper & Christine for 2019. Well, we're almost there and we are working very hard to make the new diary and booking system available from the 1st November.
But before releasing the diary, we need to make everyone aware of some important changes.
Reservations can only be made through the on-line booking system and can only be made with payment of a 50% deposit (no change to the deposit). Upon completion of a booking, the system will generate an e-mail confirmation. If you do not receive an e-mail please check your junk/spam filter. If you still haven't received an e-mail, please contact us via cottingtonlakes@outlook.com and we will confirm your booking has been accepted.
Anglers are responsible for checking that the details within the confirmation e-mail are correct i.e. lake, dates and times etc.
Payment of the outstanding balance is due not less than 28 days prior to the booking and anglers are responsible for ensuring that this balance is paid in time. In the event that payment isn't received, the system will cancel your booking and make the space available for other anglers (please see our Cancellation Policy at the foot of the Bookings/Diary page.)
Lake Pepper has been separated into 2 lakes to enable half lake bookings. Old Pepper comprises of swims 1-8 and New Pepper comprises of swims 9-16. If you wish to book the whole of Lake Pepper you must book both lakes separately. Please note, you are booking a space on the lake of your choice, not a specific swim.
To enable the diary to run at an acceptable speed, it has been necessary to limit the start times. Bookings in 2019 will be limited to the following start times: 8am, 1pm and 5pm. However, you must book in with AKC one hour before your start time (see below.)
All ticket prices remain the same as for 2018. However, in order to enable the diary to function, start and end times must be different. Therefore the following changes apply:
1 Day Ticket = 23hrs fishing, 2 Day Ticket = 47hrs fishing, 3 Day ticket = 71hrs fishing ... etc. You can of course still book extra hours over and above a day ticket with additional hours charged at the hourly rate.
Upon arrival you must still check in with AKC (on-site tackle shop), present your booking confirmation e-mail and you will be issued with a ticket. We ask everyone to check-in one hour before your start time. This is especially important if you have booked a 5pm start time as AKC close at 5pm and you must have checked in and collected your ticket before they close. This will also assist the fishery to manage the issue of bank equipment (mats, nets & weigh slings) which we will be doing in the future.
We look forward to seeing you in 2019.
Success for the McDonnells on Lake Christine
Ben McDonnell joined his dad, Mac McDonnell, for 5 days on Lake Christine courtesy of Royal Cinque Ports Golf Club as part of a long service award for Mac who has worked at the club for 40 years.
Mac, fishing from peg 4, and using Maple Nut, got off to a great start when he landed this 24lbs 10oz leathery Mirror, a new personal best;
It was then Ben's turn landing 3 of the Commons, which are a trademark of the lake, in succession. First up was this lovely 22lbs 11oz Common;
Next up, a night time wake up call with this 20lbs 5oz Common;
And finally, completing Ben's trilogy yet another Common, this time weighing in at 23lbs 1oz;
Ben, fishing from peg 3 was using Sticky Baits Krill and Sticky Baits 12mm Signature Squid.
Not to be outshone by his son, it was Mac's turn to get back into the action, and what a way to do so, landing one of the lakes big Commons at 35lbs 6oz and breaking his pb for a second time during the trip.
To finish off Mac landed another Common about 40 minutes later, this time weighing in at 29lbs 6oz, this time caught using a Crab boilie.
Congratulations to both of you and especially Mac for 40 years service, which is an outstanding achievement.
Fishing with (Graham) Finn
38lbs 8oz Common - Olly Swift
Olly Swift with his 38lbs 8oz Common, landed from peg 4 on Lake Pepper.
Congratulations Olly. An absolute stunner!!
A Session on Pepper - Angie Northcott & Mark Forrister
Angie Northcott and Mark Forrister spent 4 days on Lake Pepper, back towards the end of August.
Mark was clearly still buzzing from the session as he sent the photos but with no other details. He just said "Great trip." So without further ado, here's a sample of their catches;
Congratulations to both of you.
A New PB for Gareth Worsfold - 41lbs 12oz Linnear
A session on Lake Pepper to celebrate his sons 18th birthday, left Gareth Worsfold holding the prize rather than his son, and with a new pb in the process!!
Gareth arrived at the lake at 4pm on the 29th July and landed this gem a little over 12 hours later early on the 30th.
Gareth was over the moon. His previous pb stood in the "20s", but this gem leap frogged him past the "30s" and straight into the 40s. Gareth landed this lovely Linnear Mirror using Sticky Baits Manilla on a basic bottom bait hair rig.
And the weight... Gareth's new pb stands him at a very handsome 41lbs 12oz.
Congratulations Gareth.
Scott Gentry - 39lbs 3oz Mirror
Scott Gentry, fishing from peg 13 on Lake Pepper on the 5th August, had a pleasant surprise when he landed this stunning Mirror;
Weighing in at 39lbs 3oz, Scott landed this gem at 8 am using Mainline cell boilies.
Congratulations Scott.
Fin Potter On Lake Elliot - 15lbs 7oz Mirror
Fin Potter spent a day on Lake Elliot on the 15th July and came away with a lovely 15lbs 7oz Mirror. And here he is, presenting his catch ...
Congratulations Fin. Great to see the next generation of anglers enjoying time on the bankside.
Introducing Chris Wiles
The face may be familiar to some as Chris Wiles is a regular on the banks on Cottington's lakes. But now you are likely to see a lot more of Chris as he is the newest member of the AKC team, the on-site tackle shop. Chris is an experienced angler, as the photos below testify.
The resemblance is uncanny!!
Keeping it real on Alder, with his daughter.
A stunning Mirror caught off the top on peg 4 of Lake Christine, weighing 34lbs.
Another Lake Christine fish, this time weighing in at 28lbs.
You can find Chris in the shop on Wednesdays and Thursdays.
Welcome Chris.
Making Use of a Christmas Gift Voucher - Dave Meredith
Dave Meredith spent the recent Bank Holiday weekend making great use of the Christmas gift voucher bought by his wife, relaxing on the banks of Lake Pepper on peg 8.
All the action came at night, but you don't mind being disturbed if there's the chance of a great fish on the end of your line. Dave certainly didn't - just look at that smile!!
First up was this lovely 32lbs 8oz Mirror. 
Dave completed his brace with this rather nice 23lbs 12oz Common.
Congratulations Dave.
A New PB for Lee Franklin - 28lbs 6oz Mirror
A 48 hour session on Lake Christine resulted in Lee Franklin landing a new pb;
Lee landed this stunning Mirror fishing from peg 4 and weighed it at 28lbs 6oz.
Congratulations on your new pb Lee.
Not To Be Outdone - Mark Forrister & 39lbs 2oz Mirror
Having seen partner Ange land a lovely 33lbs 1oz Mirror , not to be outdone Mark Forrister landed this imposing fish on the 22nd May, ten days later;
Landed from peg 6 on Lake Pepper, this lovely Mirror weighed in at 39lbs 2oz.
Congratulations Mark.
33lbs 1oz Mirror For Angela Northcott
Ange Northcott was woken at 1.50am on the 12th May to the sound of alarms screaming. A short while later and she had landed this cracking Mirror;
Landed from peg 9 on Lake Pepper, this stunner weighed in at 33lbs 1oz.
Congratulations Ange, and great to see you out on the bank.
A New Lake Record for Alder - Chris Duncombe
Chris Duncombe never imagined that he would come away with a Lake record during his session on Alder on the 5th May, but that's exactly what he did...
Chris landed this beautiful Mirror using Strawberry Crush boilies. And the weight... 29lbs 12oz. Congratulations Chris!!
A "30" surely can't be too far away!!
Ben McDonnell on Pepper - 32lbs 14oz Mirror
Ben McDonnell recently spent 48 hours on Lake Pepper and was rewarded with this brute of a Mirror;
Ben landed his prize, which weighed in at 32lbs 14oz, using Sticky Baits i there I recently done 48 hours on pepper and was rewarded with this brute of a mirror at 32lb 14oz caught using sticky baits Manilla
Proud to Support Fishing For Schools
Cottington Lakes is proud to support Fishing for Schools, playing host to an event on Windsor for five students on Wednesday 2nd May.
The programme consists of six four hour sessions during which the participants can achieve certification at various levels of a formally recognised ASDAN qualification, based on the Angling Trusts Cast Awards.
On the day all of the students caught fish with carp to 8lbs, bream to 3lbs and roach. All of the students got something from the experience and fullfilled the criteria for the Angling Trusts CAST awards Starter Level.
We look forward to welcoming them back on the 9th May for their next event.
"What is fishing for Schools?
Fishing for Schools was started in 2008 and offers young people the opportunity to discover the joy of fishing, whilst learning new skills in a fun and proactive way.
It is delivered by the Countryside Alliance Foundation and world famous angler Charles Jardine, and to date over 2,000 students have benefited from Fishing 4 Schools.
The charity helps pupils re-engage with education, building their confidence and self-esteem, while at the same time assisting with new qualifications and skills."
If you want to know more about Fishing for Schools, check out their website;
http://www.countryside-alliance.org/the-foundation/fishingforschools/
The One That Almost Never Was - 32lbs Common for Jim Malyn
A story that is common to many anglers, but Jim Malyn found it hard going a couple of weeks ago on Lake Christine. He had fished the lake from Wednesday (18th April) night into Thursday and only had a 17lbs common in the morning, then nothing all day so he decided to pack up and head home early as he didn't fancy packing away at 6 o'clock on Friday morning. As he was packing away he had a screamer on his right hand rod and ended up landing this stunning 32lbs mirror:
What a cracking fish and a great way to end a session, on a high!!
A Brace for Jamie Cox
Jamie Cox spent a few days on Lake Christine last month and came away with a brace of fish:
The pick of the pair was this stunning Mirror which weighed 31lbs 10oz;
But this Common is none to shabby either...
Jamie landed this lovely pair using maggot bombs.
30lbs 2oz Mirror - Gary Lock on Lake Pepper
Gary Lock landed this stunning lump on Friday 9th March. It was the only fish he saw, but what a fish...
Gary was fishing from peg 7 on "Old Pepper" when he landed it, tipping the scales at 30lbs 2oz.
Congratulations Gary
Jason White on Lake Christine
Jason White braved the weather conditions to travel down and fish Lake Christine and was rewarded with this lovely little leathery mirror:
Well done Jason.
Half Day on Heron - Alan & Denise Lee
32lbs 8oz Common - Ross Minter on Pepper
After a slow start, Ross Minter landed this stunning Common, from peg 13 on Lake Pepper:
Weighed on the bank at 32lbs 8oz.
She may be on the bank, but she still has plenty of fight. But Ross has a safe pair of hands.
And back she goes.
Well done Ross. A lovely fish and some cracking photos to capture the memory.
Peg 14 on Pepper - John Horton
No details on weight, but here are a couple of images sent in by John Horton of a lovely Mirror he landed from peg 14 on Lake Pepper;
John landed his prize from just off the left hand side of the island in front of the swim.
Congratulations John.
27lbs Mirror for Ryan - Lake Alder
Taking advantage of clear skies and warmer weather paid off for Ryan who landed this lovely 27lbs Mirror out of Alder;
Well done Ryan!!
A 37lbs 5oz Common for Stefan Redfern - Lake Pepper
Stefan Redfern has just sent in these pics in from a session back on the 15th January, and what an absolute gem;
Stefan was fishing from peg 12 on Lake Pepper when he landed this stunning fish, which tipped the scales at 37lbs 5oz.
Congratulations Stefan!!
35lbs 6oz Mirror for Luke - Lake Pepper
Luke sent in this photo of a cracking Mirror that tipped the scales at 35lbs 6oz;
Luke landed his prize from peg 6 on "Old" Pepper using Urban Baits Nutcracker boilies.
Congratulations Luke!!
Eddie Lucia Wets the Appetite for the Year Ahead - 42lbs 0oz Mirror
A great session at the beginning of the week, saw Eddie Lucia land this stunning Mirror from the banks of Lake Pepper.
Weighing 42lbs 0oz on the bank, this stunner was last reported to us in 2016 and she's put a bit of weight on since.
This was Eddie's second visit and over the course of his two trips he's had 10 fish out. Here's a selection of the best of the rest;
What a great way to start the year!!
Steve Harris Opens His 2018 Account - 38lbs 2oz Mirror
Steve Harris opened his account for 2018 with this lovely 38lbs 2oz Mirror:
Landed from mid-water on peg 16 of Lake Pepper, a great way to kick off the New Year!!
Anthony Tuttle Joins "50" Club
Anthony Tuttle is the latest angler to join Cottington's "50" club having landed the "Big Girl" on the 4th October, from peg 13.
She had dropped a bit of weight, to sub 50lbs earlier in the year, but looks as though she's been packing it on with a vengeance through the autumn and now weighs a whopping 53lbs 4oz (a new lake and fishery record).
And if that wasn't enough, during the same session Anthony landed one of the big Commons too, this little stunner weighing 40lbs on the nose!!
And the magic that Anthony used to land these 2 beauties... a bed of bonoffe twist with a cell hook bait and a yellow pot shot tipper.
A Hat-Trick for Pete Lingham
Sometimes 12 hours is enough. And so it proved a couple of weeks ago when Pete and Craig Lingham spent a few hours on Lake Christine. In just 12 short hours Pete managed to land a hat-trick of fish. And without further ado, here is Pete with his prizes;
19lbs Mirror
26lbs 8oz Mirror
27lbs Mirror
Craig said "All 3 are lovely carp".
"Last Knockings" Pays Dividends for Andy Collins
"Last knockings" paid dividends for Andy Collins on Lake Alder. As the session was drawing to a close Andy landed this stunning 26lbs Mirror using bait supplied by Camo's Carp Cabin.
An absolute stunner. Congratulations Andy.
Lakes Pepper & Christine Diary Bookings - Postponed
We've been working hard to introduce an on-line diary so that anglers can check availability in advance of booking. The diary is now live and can be viewed by selecting the "Diary & Bookings" tab in the right hand column.
However, We apologise to everyone who was hoping to place their bookings, on Lakes Pepper & Christine for 2018, today. Although the diary is live, we have had to delay accepting bookings for 48 hours to enable management tasks, competitions etc to be added to it in advance of accepting bookings. We will now start accepting bookings for 2018 on Wednesday 20th September.
Lakes Pepper & Christine 2018 Bookings
We are pleased to announce that we will start accepting bookings on Lakes Pepper and Christine from 18th September 2017.
