Mid Season Report from Hooked in France

Hi all, we’re about midway through the 2005 season here at Hooked in France and I thought appropriate to put together a summary of what’s gone on so far. The stats say that it hasn’t been as easy as it was last year. The lake record still stands at 89 fish caught by the Cornish Carry on Crew in May 2004 and the average number of fish caught per week is down to around the 31 mark.

The argument for the lower performance is interesting, despite the weather being hotter this year with less rain, there’s less weed in the lake. Technically that should mean a lower number of bites but less fish lost once hooked. Perhaps the fish are wiser this year as well, after all a good number (50 plus) were new introductions in early 2004.

The highlight of the year has got to be Aarons capture of Tyson at 41lbs 8oz in April

I should point out that the above discussion purely applies to the number of fish caught and not the size as the stats below will tell. It’s quite clear that the fish have put on a lot of weight over the winter months and we now estimate there’s more than dozen different 40s in the lake. Anyways, enough of the philosophical nonsense let’s see some numbers.

Number of 40s caught: 8

This is well up on last year! If memory serves, only 8 forties were caught for the entire 2004 and we’re only halfway into 2005”. This can only be a sign that the fish are piling on the weight since Merv the Strugeon was taken out at 72lbs last year. The biggest carp this year has been 46lbs from the Rice party in the week 25/6/2005 – 02/7/2005.

Number of 30s caught: 104

Again well up on last year! That’s an average of 1.5 thirties caught per angler.

Number of 20s caught: 205 (estimate)

From the catch reports we’ve got it’s 205 but not everybody handed theirs in.

Best week: Week 4 the Clarke Party.

They caught 57 fish including two 40s and one 39 plus six other 30s. Everyone in the party had a thirty plus.

Karl Loader with week 4's best at 40lbs 12 oz

On a personal note I beat my own PB twice on my visit to Hooked in France in June with a 32lb 2oz mirror and then a 33lb 4oz common the following morning.

First of two PBs at 32lb 2oz

My current PB from June this year at Hooked in France at 34lbs 4oz

Cheers all and Tight Lines

Mike (Lee's Website Guy)