Redhill fishery
BackRedhill Fishery stands as a prominent coarse fishing venue with five distinct lakes, each offering unique challenges and rewards for anglers of varying skill levels. Visitors frequently praise the well-maintained banks and gravelled tracks that provide easy access to all 118 pegs, making it particularly accommodating for those with mobility concerns. The site's commitment to fish welfare is evident through comprehensive otter fencing, ensuring stocks remain healthy and abundant.
Lake Profiles
Penny’s Lake, established over a decade ago, accommodates up to 40 pegs with depths ranging from shallow margins to over 14 feet in the centre. It teems with a diverse selection of species including common carp, F1s, tench, roach, rudd, barbel, chub, bream, and golden tench, appealing to match anglers seeking substantial weights. Sophie’s, one of the original pools with 20 pegs, draws repeat visitors for its double-figure mirror and common carp alongside sizable tench, roach, and rudd.<>
Molly’s mirrors Sophie’s with 21 pegs, adding ghost carp up to 12 pounds and skimmer bream to the mix, fostering consistent catches across sessions. Tilly’s, the inaugural lake boasting over 24 pegs, challenges specimen hunters with carp exceeding 20 pounds, complemented by quality tench, roach, rudd, bream, and chub. The newer Micky’s Lake, smaller at 13 pegs, focuses on prime carp to 7 pounds and fine tench, ideal for quieter, targeted fishing.<>
Facilities and Operations
On-site amenities include a substantial agricultural building housing storage, a club house kitchen area, and a welfare unit with refreshments, supporting busy match days where weights often surpass 350 pounds. Ample parking and clean, tidy swims contribute to a professional setup that caters effectively to both pleasure anglers and competitive groups from across the region. The owner’s hands-on approach receives commendations for prioritising successful outings over mere transactions, fostering loyalty among patrons.<>
Supporting infrastructure features private borehole water, three-phase mains electricity, and septic drainage, underscoring reliable operations. Recent enhancements have elevated standards, with improved access paths benefiting families introducing children to angling and seasoned participants alike. This fishery hosts regular open matches and club bookings, solidifying its status as a go-to coarse fishery in the area.<>
Strengths in Fishing Quality
Anglers consistently report impressive hauls, attributing success to generous stocking levels across all lakes. Beginners appreciate the forgiving nature of the ponds, where fish respond well to standard tactics, while experts relish the potential for high weights in competitions. The variety of species ensures versatility, from silvers like roach and skimmers to specimen carp, keeping sessions engaging regardless of conditions.<>
- High catch rates support enjoyable days out for all ages.
- Match-friendly layouts with proven performance in organised events.
- Well-kept environment enhances focus on the sport.
Families highlight its suitability for novices, with safe, accessible pegs allowing young ones to learn without pressure. The peaceful setting amplifies the satisfaction of reeling in quality fish, often leading to repeat visits.<>
Areas for Improvement
Despite its acclaim, some visitors note occasional overcrowding during peak match periods, which can limit peg availability for casual fishers. While banks are generally pristine, a few reports mention minor weed growth in shallower margins during warmer months, potentially hindering bait presentation in certain swims. The remote positioning, though scenic, may deter those seeking urban conveniences nearby.<>
Feedback occasionally points to variability in fish activity on specific lakes post-stocking adjustments, requiring adaptability from anglers. Facilities, while functional, lack advanced tackle sales on-site, prompting some to arrive prepared. These aspects reflect typical challenges in managing a popular day ticket fishery rather than fundamental flaws.<>
Match Fishing Excellence
Redhill excels in competitive coarse angling, drawing clubs nationwide for its reliable pegs and hefty match weights. Daily sessions frequently yield over 350 pounds, testament to robust stocking and lake design favouring pellet and feeder tactics. Organisers value the straightforward booking process and supportive infrastructure, including the canteen for breaks between pegs.<>
Participants appreciate the gravel paths enabling wheelchair access to most areas, broadening participation. However, high demand means advance planning is essential to secure prime spots during festivals.<>
Pleasure Angling Appeal
For relaxed outings, the smaller lakes like Micky’s offer solitude amid plentiful bites, perfect for building confidence. Larger waters challenge with deeper channels and specimen potential, rewarding persistence. Themed sessions or family days benefit from the owner’s guidance on effective rigs and baits suited to local conditions.<>
- Diverse depths cater to float, ledger, and pole fishing.
- Consistent stocks minimise blank sessions.
- Scenic backdrop elevates the experience.
Community and Reputation
Local angling circles regard Redhill as a benchmark for Wales fishing venues, with praise for ongoing developments like expanded swims and security measures. Social media buzz from recent visits underscores productive trips, with images of hefty nets reinforcing its allure. Yet, a balanced view acknowledges that, like any fishery, performance fluctuates seasonally, demanding realistic expectations.<>
Long-term patrons value the personal touch, where advice flows freely to maximise enjoyment. This builds a welcoming community atmosphere, though newcomers might find match-heavy weekends busier than anticipated. Overall, the venue’s evolution from modest pools to a 118-peg complex highlights dedicated stewardship.<>
Species Breakdown
Common carp dominate larger lakes, thriving in depths that suit margin and island feeding. Tench provide spirited fights in weedy margins, while roach and rudd shoals deliver numbers for silverfish enthusiasts. Bream and skimmers add weight to feeder lines, with barbel and chub occasional bonuses in flowing sections.<>
Specimen hunters target Tilly’s for its 20-pound-plus carp, necessitating strong gear and patience. Healthier stocks reflect vigilant management, minimising disease risks common in overfished sites.<>
Practical Considerations
Access via major roads facilitates straightforward arrivals, with on-site parking easing logistics. Bait and essentials availability streamlines preparations, though stocking up beforehand covers all bases. Weather-resilient paths ensure year-round usability, barring extreme conditions.<>
Potential clients should note the emphasis on catch-and-release practices to sustain stocks, aligning with modern angling ethics. While overwhelmingly positive, isolated comments on peg spacing suggest larger groups coordinate to avoid crowding. This coarse fishery merits consideration for its blend of accessibility, variety, and proven results.
In essence, Redhill Fishery delivers a solid platform for fishing lakes enthusiasts, balancing high rewards with manageable drawbacks inherent to busy venues. Its five pools, from expansive Penny’s to intimate Micky’s, host carp, tench, roach, and more, supporting everything from casual casts to intense matches. Well-equipped facilities and thoughtful maintenance elevate standard outings, though booking ahead mitigates peak-time pressures. Anglers seeking reliable action in a maintained setting find strong value here.<>