The Christening of Ashmansworthy Pools

It doesn’t seem that long ago that I was telling you all about the exciting project of having my own lake complex created here in Devon: Ashmansworthy Pools. And, after much blood, sweat and tears (and still a way to go before the grand opening in March 2023), I finally managed to get bankside with my boys to christen the lakes and make some awesome memories – as these were to be.

I have named the three waters here at Ashmansworthy Pools after my three sons; Jack, Ben and Charlie and the main mission was to get Jack and Ben to each catch the first fish from their respective lakes and, as Charlie’s Pool is still being worked on, he was going to fish in Ben’s Pool for the second fish from there.

Jack and I set up on Jack’s Pool and, fishing bottom tactics, it was easy to set up with our ‘go to’ tactics: The Stonze System (free running) with a Steamlink LQ Rig, size 6 Gripz design hook and one of my favourite baits – Multiworm. Ironically, Multiworm only has a small fan base because of its flavour – strange, but again shows us how much we can be swayed by flavours over ingredients. With the inclusion of Earthworm, Mealworm and Silkworm, Multiworm smells like a wet dog, but the fish love it!

As always, the Daphnia and Maggot Crush was wrapped around the Stonze and then cast onto a couple of the lake’s features. Though the weather was miserable, it did nothing to dampen our spirits and we sat there chatting and Charlie arrived to see how we were getting on. Now my sons have never really got into fishing, probably because it’s Dad’s job, but with the lakes at our doorstep they have been keen to give it a go. This was going to be instruction on the hoof though I had covered a lot with them prior to today, especially around playing the fish and overall fish care and safety.

The way I set up my rods means I am not looking for just a screaming run, but small indications will mean a fish is likely hooked and the first take was exactly that. A few beeps and Jack knew to hit the rod and engage the bait runner, and yes, fish on. A spirited battle ensued as these fish have never been fished for before and a few minutes later Jack’s first fish was safely in the net, a stunning heavily plated fish of 10lb, and a catch neither of us will forget. Though the rain was getting heavier, the boys were keen to keep going and I was all for that.

The next bite was a proper screamer and Jack lifted into a bigger fish and used the clutch setting for the fish to run whilst keeping the tension on the line. This was one angry carp that zoomed off and over a bar that was a feature in the lake, this fish wasn’t coming easily but Jack was up to the task and before long he had his prize landed, another gorgeous fish of 20lb 4oz – not bad for his first go and we packed up very happy at how things had turned out.

The next day it was the turn of Ben and Charlie on Ben’s Pool. A far brighter but windy day, we went down as a complete family with Mum (Tini) coming along, and she would end up landing fish for her lads! Same tactics as yesterday were to be used. I am so confident with the approach, and it really is an easy tactic to teach newcomers as The Stonze System’s simplicity is one of the keys to its success.

Ben’s Pool is smaller and also has 40 carp, 10 more fish currently than Jack’s Pool, so I was again hopeful to see some quick action for Ben and it wasn’t long before a few indications meant he hit the rod and I saw the tip bend over as he connected. What a great moment to share as a family and we were all rooting for Ben to land his fish, especially as it would be the first from the water. I am very fortunate to have some stunning fish and as Ben coaxed his prize into the waiting net, I could see this was an absolutely gorgeous linear mirror with a beautiful scale pattern and for me the beauty of a fish far outweighs the size of the fish. At 12lb Ben was more than pleased and for me seeing him catch his first fish from a water named after him meant an awful lot.

Next up it was Charlie’s go and with his bigger brothers he sat waiting patiently, a wait that was not to be too long as the middle rod went into melt down and he was now into his first ever carp. Big brother Jack stood with him giving tips and under guidance Charlie gently bought his capture into the net with a beaming grin, another lovely mirror and weighing in again at 12lb.

What can I say other than another awesome angling memory that can never be replicated and we spent it as a family. Fishing and families really is something special and I particularly see it in the USA where it is a huge, and growing, family sport where all members of the family participate at some level or in some capacity. As is said, every day is a school day and I really learnt that I should have taken my boys fishing before and that, from now on, whenever they want to go fishing, I will be there by their side – and hopefully landing plenty of their captures for them!

Ashmansworthy Pools’ website is currently under construction, as I write this, but please visit Ashmansworthy Pools’ FaceBook page for updates or, if interested in booking this awesome venue, please call me on 01409 240042 or e-mail me: simon@pallatrax.co.uk.