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Gary Picken Fishing Review
Hillview is one of my favourite venues in the South Midlands.
High praise indeed as there are other notable venues that I pass on the
way down the M5 from my South Birminham home. The many different year
classes of carp at Hillview means that whatever the weather or conditions,
there will always be something to give you generous sport.
There are no "secret" baits or methods to contend with.
Pellet, meat, corn, worm and casters will all get you plenty of fish in
conjuction with the pole which dominates matches during the summer months.
Although waggler and feeder have their day when cast towards the islands
on the lakes. The fishing at Hillview Lakes can best be broken down into
two areas - the canals and the main lakes. Here is my basic approach to
fishing both.
The Lakes
For me the two Main lakes, Heron and Moorhen, are the jewels in the crown
at Hillview. Both are filled with carp up to 20lb and there are masses
of bream and roach to give any silver fish anglers a change from the carp.
Along with a smathering of big ide, rudd and tench, these silvers and
stockie carp to 21/2lb make up many 40lb plus weights before the larger
carp move in to take your finishing weight to over lOOlb.
Fishing three lines is good practice on the lakes. The
first is at 11-13 metres out on the bottom in six foot of water. The second
is at 3-5 metres down or up the nearside shelf and again down the margins
for later in your session.
The Canals
The four canals are full of carp to double figures as well as a good smattering
of roach and skimmers. In recent years the back two canals have seen a
dramatic increase in the number of 'bred on' small carp and tench that
will literally give you bites all day long. In fact, it is sometimes difficult
to sort out the bigger fish from the smaller ones. The obvious place to
start on the canals is well over against the far reeds. These just scream
fish and it is wise to feed at least two lines well over and take a few
fish before re-feeding and moving to your other line. This 'rotation'
will keep bites coming for longer. Whatever you do, it is advisable to
have a line down the track at 3-5 metres and do not ignore the margins
to your left and right, as these will be most productive later in your
session.
Tackle
Nothing fancy-pole rigs need to beat least 0.14mm to 0.18mm for the margins
on both canals and lakes. Floats should be 4x16 on the lakes in deeper
water, 4x14 will cover everything else with 4x12's for the margins. Pole
elastics should be 12,14,16s depending on the size of target fish. Pole
rigs again are simple with a bulk and two droppers beneath. Hooks should
be 18, 16, 14s depending on the bait used and in a strong pattern like
Kamasan 911 or Preston PR28.
Bait
As mentioned before, pellet, meat, corn, worm and caster will all score
well. Feed pellet, either micro or 4mm MUST be bought on-site. The only
other baits that catch well for carp are pastes, which HAS to be made
from the on-site feed pellets or cat meat, which can only be fished on
the hook and not fed. To be totally honest, I use neither of the last
two baits and do not intend to change from my pellet, meat and corn approach.
You will notice that there are no bait limits in terms of quantity at
Hillview, however, my best advice is to keep a little going in regularly
to enjoy the best sport from the venue.
Pictures © Jackie Surtees
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