Avington

Incredible amount of hype with this fishery, does it live up to it ?
On arrival expecting to pay £35 for a 2 fish ticket, told that I had to add the VAT pushing the price up to £41 !, not a good start. Not shown or encouraged to use the £25.00 option and pay per pound, only realised when i left.

Three lakes, all weeded water extremely clear on 2 last one was very cloudy. I tried all three. Lake number 1 fish were obvious, and seemed to chase the right color lure, but as one observered it was like fishing in a garden pond. Fish well aware and mostly spooked, although i did manage a few takes on a PTN, small certainly is a good strategy.

On to lake no 2. See previous posts reference Luck. As I walked by two americans and chatted one of them hooked onto a large Rainbow with a tiny white lure, 20 minutes later he landed the 16 lb record fish ! Certainly the rest of the afternoon on this lake saw several successes, although it was very hard going, whilst the water was clear the fish were well down under the weed. Some very impressive Brownies. A lake not for the novice ! I managed one poor rainbow at 4 lb although I was disgusted in the condition of the fish, several of the other cruising rainbows looked in bad condition.

Lake number 3. Several novices on this lake a family of 5 boys with dad all fishing badly, so busy body me gave some subtle advice to one of them about casting and tips on holding the rod, bad move. The "worst " flailer promptly pulled out an 8 lb rainbow. Despite the success this lake was down to blind casting, water was dank only one side was useable and appeared mainly to be small brownies.

Almost without exception all the fisherman were dissapointed ( except the american !) and several made reference to the fact it did not live up to its media hype. Most of the visitors treated the visit as a special occasion. Americans on an overseas trip, one wedding couple, special dads day, two birthdays. I liked the freindliness, however hitting you with VAT was petty and has probably lost the fishery business.


Cost 4/10
Facilities 5/10
Fish condition 4/10
Fish size 7/10
Freindliness 8/10
Fishery condition 6/10

overall 4/10
value for money 4/10