Introduction
Following considerable rain and occasional heavy frost his month has resulted in the grounds becoming very soft with raised water levels on all three lakes to create gentle overflows. Already the Canadian and Greylag geese have returned together with several Coots. Also, it was a welcome sight to see three swans staking out their possible territory. Hopefully, they will return and nest this year.
One of three Swans checking out the Lake 2 Island
Possibly due to COVID -19 and the continued Lockdown, the demand for accommodation and 2021 Membership has been much higher than all previous years. Nevertheless, we will continue to endeavour that we are Never knowingly over crowded.
COVID-19
From 5th January HMG introduced Lockdown-3 which we all hope ends positively and does not drag on for too long. While now currently in Tier 5; HMG has decided that angling is a permitted activity under the present Lockdown conditions. This has been permitted under the daily exercise rules and as with all aspects of the coronavirus restrictions, no groups are allowed so please keep well away from fellow anglers. Night fishing (and match fishing) is not allowed.
The Angling Trust website has comprehensive information about all the limitations caused by COVID-19 and for more information visit https://anglingtrust.net/covid-19/
Should there be a COVID-19 “Lockdown” prior to your arrival, we will contact you to discuss returning monies paid or if you choose, retain your monies for a 2022 visit at 2021 rates. Keep well and keep safe.
Some dates for your 2021 diary.
The Manor Fisheries 2021 Season is:
2021 Apartment Reservations
You can now reserve 2021 for Accommodation plus Fishing for which includes Membership for the duration of your visit.
Holiday Arrival and Departure Dates
7 nights is arriving Saturday and leaving Saturday by 10.00 am.
4 nights is arriving Monday and leaving Friday by 10.00 am.
2021 Fishing Reservations
2021 Members can now book day and night fishing up to month 4-ahead including March, April and May 2021.
2021 Membership
For the 2021 season Manor Fisheries is a 100% Members only Fishery for all anglers aged 18 years old or more. Membership numbers will be strictly limited. You can apply online for your 2021 Membership at https://www.manor-fisheries.co.uk/night-fishing.
This year we are experiencing earlier and increased numbers of “Accommodation plus Fishing” reservations. This has resulted in the remaining spaces for 2021 Memberships filling much faster than previous years, noting they are allocated on a “First come, first served” basis.
There are two Membership 2021 (Jan to Dec) categories:
Member - can fish any lake. The 2021 Membership fee is £35.00.
Lake 3 Member - limited to fishing Lake 3. The 2021 Lake 3 Membership fee is £15.00.
Past 5-years Specimen Lakes 1 and 2 Summary
The October Newsletter included a detailed summary of the number of Carp weighing 20lbs or more and the number of Catfish weighing 30lbs or more being caught as recorded by anglers in the Cabin logbook. This information covering the past 5 years may also help to identify the most productive months for catching Manor Fisheries Carp and Catfish.
Increasing Lake 2 Break Offs
Due to the Cats becoming heavier and stronger, the number of break offs has markedly increased and even when using lines stronger than the minimum 20lbs breaking strain required. It will be well worth while replacing your line for the 2021 season. An abrasion resistant monofilament is recommended and a brand you may wish to consider is Berkley Trilene Mono XL which is also sensibly priced:
A growing number of Cats have also been lost due to the straightening of poor-quality hooks. Hooks for Lake 2 (Carp/Catfish) should be barbless and forged (not wire or Cat hooks). A strong hook with a larger eye than most brands (good for making hair rigs); that is competitively priced, can be sourced from Wicked Rigs (Hand Made in the UK). This is an eBay seller (kevash123uk) and their eBay ID is: 192301880534.
Fishery Maintenance
Maintenance Summary
The fishery is closed for the winter but there is on-going maintenance required before reopening on Saturday 13th March 2021:
Daily fish feeding for all three lakes continues.
Lakes Management
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, waiting to reset dates.
Grounds, Lakes, Apartments and Cabin Maintenance
This month we focused on Lake 3 (Mixed) to clear dead branch/leaf litter and reduce the island of over-hanging branches to expose more light to the water surface.
Lake 3 looking West with Lakes 1 and 2 behind
Lake 3 looking East with Lakes 1 and 2 behind
Comments and Feedback
You are a valued visitor, and we welcome receiving any feedback you may wish to give with respect to the accommodation, fishing, or facilities at the lakes. Please send us your comments via https://www.manor-fisheries.co.uk/comments-feedback
2021 Awards and Competitions
2021 - PIN Awards
Every angler is awarded a PIN when meeting the qualifying weight to commemorate catching their first Manor Fisheries specimen fish and for each species shown below:
2021 - Leader Board
The 2021 Leader Board competition will run throughout our 2021 Season and commence on Saturday 13th March 2021. Prizes will be awarded for the following specimens caught by or on Sunday 10th October 2021 and in the event these “Target weights” are not met, the prizes below will be awarded for the heaviest verified Carp, Catfish and Tench specimens recorded in the Cabin Logbook:
£50.00 for the first verified 50lbs+ Catfish
£50.00 for the first verified 30lbs+ Carp
£50.00 for the first verified 8lbs+ Tench
In addition to recording Cats weighing over 30lbs, please record Carp over 20lbs as this forms the basis of our Monthly News Report and provides valuable input to our lake management plans.
2021 - 1,000lbs Club
Every angler landing 1,000lbs or more in a single contiguous session will awarded becoming a member of the prodigious Manor Fisheries 1,000lbs Club.