Graham Cuerden
What he said...

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After a very steady drive down from the north west of England to Stansted we boarded the plane full of anticipation and after what only seemed minutes we were landing at Rodez airport to be greeted by David and our fellow fishing companions for the week. Paul and Brooksy the pensioner (sorry mate!) So after all the greetings off we went in the van. Cavagnac here we come. Twenty minutes later we could see the lake in the valley below us. Stunning!

When we arrived we were introduced to the other members of the team. Tom, David’s right hand man, and Cathy, our cook for the week. A short time after a safety talk and life jacket fitting we were shown around the lake by David on the boat. Now we just had to decide what pegs to fish from.

After a bit of chatting we decided to fish Châteaux swim. Paul and Brooksy `TP` decided to go for NO Sanctuary swim. Named because there is no escape from the sun (now named Alcatraz). After a fantastic meal cooked by Cathy, David took us over to our pegs and explained where the fish had been coming from and what rigs would be a good idea to start on. We thanked him for his help and proceeded to get set up for our first nights fishing on this wonderful venue. Still full of anticipation, Baits rowed out, kettle on, fag in hand and boy was I happy.

Two hours later I was in. COME ON! Fish on, I hollered to my fishing buddy Kieran and after a spirited fight my mate slipped the net under a pristine looking mirror of 32lb. We were well happy so we had a beer to celebrate our first fish out this new paradise we had found. Half an hour later my mate was in but unfortunately his fish weeded up. So off I went, life jacket on and out into the darkness to recover his prize. When I finally rooted all the lilies off the line the fish had come off. Suppose it happens. Things went on that sort of way all week really, loosing a few fish and landing a few but we were more than happy because this place is ace. Everything about it screams quality and anyone thinking of going and reading this email, believe me I’m a hard man to please and I was totally satisfied.  

Anyway, come Wednesday we decided to have a move. The weather was getting really hot and the fish had not been playing ball where we were so after the team talk we decided to have a look down the Channel. It’s a bit more shaded there and I thought it was worth a look.

First night Kieran had a couple a 31lb common and one about 28ish and I lost a couple, one a very big fish, I’ll be back for that one soon! Second night Kieran lost what can only be described as a beast. Shame. Nighttime fell again and expectations were high. We weren’t disappointed. Kieran hooked a big common, maybe of 35lb mark, but my headlight was going and made a botch job of netting it. I just could not see. Sorry mate. It came off second go at netting it anyway.

Thankfully Kieran didn’t make the same mistake an hour later when we put the net under a big mirror and boy was it big. My U.K. P.B. Stood at 33lb 4oz but this thing just looked massive so we sacked her up and I sat with her till it came light and then went and got David with his camera. We lifted the scales and she went to 54lb! I was well chuffed and can’t wait to get back.

Thank you David, Tom, Cathy and all the team who make these special days happen.

Best wishes and see you all soon.
 
Graham Cuerden