Ian Heaps
BackIan Heaps at Holgan Farm offers a compelling destination for those seeking fishing lakes in Pembrokeshire, with three well-maintained coarse fish farms stocked abundantly with carp, tench, crucians, roach, bream, and rudd. Anglers appreciate the variety across the lakes: the Carp Lake delivers hefty mirrors, commons, and ghosts up to over 20 pounds, ideal for specimen hunters employing careful margin tactics. Tench and Crucian Lake focuses on pristine golden tench and plump crucians, where dense marginal vegetation rewards pole fishers with consistent catches during warmer periods.
Carp Lake Features
The largest water, known as Carp Lake, stands out for its stock of powerful carp that test even seasoned tackle. Visitors often report sessions yielding multiple double-figure fish, with margins proving particularly fruitful using pellets or sweetcorn. The lake's design, with islands and reed beds, encourages strategic casting, though some note the need for patience as larger specimens demand precise presentation. Fishing venues like this benefit from such features, providing challenges that elevate the sport beyond mere quantity.
Match Lake complements this with its diversity, hosting everything from skimmers to golden orfe averaging two to three pounds. Recent accounts highlight 50 to 60-pound hauls of orfe on light floats over maggots, making it suitable for pleasure sessions or competitive pegs. Depths vary, ensuring action even in colder months when deeper sections hold bream up to six pounds. However, the abundance of smaller silvers can frustrate those targeting bigger prizes exclusively.
Tench and Crucian Specialties
Tench and Crucian Lake earns praise for its quality tench, including rare goldens reaching four pounds, fished tight to the banks amid lush planting. Crucians here fight spiritedly, often topping three pounds, appealing to specialists who relish the subtlety required. The lake's contours support close-in approaches, with worm or caster baits shining, though overcrowding during peak times might limit peg choice for solitary anglers.
- Carp up to 22 pounds reported in single outings.
- Golden tench and rudd add visual appeal to catches.
- Margins densely planted for natural shelter.
Site owner Ian Heaps, a former world coarse champion, brings expertise directly to visitors, offering impromptu guidance on rigs, baits, and techniques. Novices recount hours of hands-on tuition, transforming blank sessions into triumphs with their first carp or tench. His son Scott assists similarly, fostering an inclusive atmosphere where families thrive. This personal touch sets Holgan Farm apart among coarse fishing lakes, ensuring even beginners leave with tales of success.
Facilities and Accessibility
An on-site tackle shop stocks essentials like bait, hooks, and pellets at reasonable rates, reducing pre-visit preparations. Hire gear, including keep nets and landing nets, proves invaluable for those travelling light, with mandates for venue nets emphasising fish welfare. Toilets serve the site adequately, and ample parking circles the lakes, easing access for all, including disabled visitors via gentle banks.
No advance bookings simplify day trips, allowing spontaneous visits year-round. Accommodation options, from B&B lodges to lakeside apartments, cater to extended stays, with guests enjoying views and convenience. Cooked breakfasts receive compliments for freshness, though some mention reliance on nearby pubs for dinners due to rural setting. Open matches occur weekly, drawing competitors who value the consistent sport across pegs.
Game Fishing Opportunities
Beyond coarse waters, a mile of private Eastern Cleddau river access targets salmon and sea trout, best post-spate with worms or flies. Sightings of otters, kingfishers, and leaping salmon enhance the experience, though game licences apply and maggots are banned. This blend of stillwater and running water appeals to versatile anglers, expanding Holgan Farm's draw as a comprehensive angling centre.
Rules and Conservation
Strict policies like single-rod limits, no barbed hooks, and mandatory venue nets underscore commitment to sustainability. These measures protect stocks, yielding healthy, vibrant fish, but may irk those preferring multi-rod carp rigs. Bankside upkeep remains impeccable, with pristine swims amid scenic trees and bushes, minimising litter issues common elsewhere.
Strengths for Anglers
Consistent catches define Holgan Farm, with reports of 30 carp weekends or 100-pound-plus match bags. Families flourish under guidance, kids netting first fish on poles near margins. Value shines through day tickets covering quality fishing without reservations. The serene rural backdrop amplifies relaxation, birdsong accompanying every cast.
Stocking efforts ensure variety: thousands of hand-sized skimmers alongside specimens, suiting feeder, waggler, or pole methods. Tuition elevates skills, with Ian demonstrating mastery that novices emulate successfully. Repeat visitors, some over 100 trips, laud the professional ethos and evolving facilities.
Areas for Consideration
Despite positives, limitations surface. Rural isolation means no on-site evening meals, necessitating drives to Templeton or closer inns, potentially inconvenient after long days. Limited rods per peg curbs aggressive carp angling, favouring methodical styles over bivvy encampments. Small silvers dominate at times, challenging trophy pursuits.
Accommodation, while practical, varies; some units overlook lakes for immersion, others suit short stays only. Peak weekends fill quickly despite no bookings, leading to competition for prime swims. Gear hire suffices basics but lacks specialised items, prompting some to bring own. River game fishing demands extra licences and weather dependency, less reliable than lakes.
Family and Novice Suitability
For families, the site's patience pays off, with safe swims and supervision yielding joyful hauls. Children hook carp or roach under watchful eyes, building lifelong passions. Yet, without nearby eateries, picnics become essential, and wet weather exposes banks' occasional slipperiness.
Match and Pleasure Balance
Weekly opens test skills on Match Lake, where diverse species yield hefty weights. Pleasure anglers coexist amicably, rotating pegs fairly. Champions' oversight ensures fair play, though competitive days might deter casuals seeking solitude.
Overall, Ian Heaps' vision manifests in a fishery balancing accessibility with challenge. Stocks thrive under vigilant management, delivering reliable sport amid Pembrokeshire charm. Whether chasing carp PB or tench margins, visitors find substance, tempered by rural realities. This premier fishery merits attention for discerning rods.
