SPITFIRE POOL
Over 50 years old this former cattle drinking pond has been transformed over the
last two decades into a spectacular 1.5 acre pool which is now home to very special
carp. If you want to catch big, classic looking pure old English carp from the
margins or stalking this magical little pool is definitely for you.
Spitfire Pool remained completely private and un-fished for 15 years. It is only in the
last six years that a very limited amount of angling has been allowed during the night
only in the spring and autumn months. In these trials some truly magnificent carp
have been caught and spotted. But during the spring of 2010 Spitfire Pool hit the
national headlines when it produced a stunning, previously unknown 48lb common.
This carp was then banked again in 2012 by Gary Lewis at 50lb 4oz.
Many other stunning twenty and thirty pound carp have been banked andin 2014 a
new 40lb plus common was banked twice.
The Pool can prove challenging at times, but has produced multiple catches of 30lb
plus carp on more than one occasion. Depths range from 3ft - 7ft and the bottom is
mainly made up from clay, silt and weedbeds. Because of the size of the carp
present in this small pool, we do insist that anglers who fish the venue are well
experienced and capable of handling / looking after large carp on the bank.
To ensure the carp in Spitfire Pool continue to thrive and enjoy an unpressured
environment, the Pool will only be open for 12 - 16 weeks a year. These weeks will
be in spring and in autumn. Only a maximum group of three anglers will be allowed
on at the same time.
Tactics
The carp in the lake are old fish that are not particularly hard to catch if you keep
rigs strong and simple plus keep angling disturbance to a minimum. The anglers who
do best are all very stealthy and patient in their approach. Top quality boilies prove
most effective. Priming spots before getting a baited rig on the area works a treat.
Most of the Pool’s margins drop away quickly into 4ft of water and the carp can
often be found feeding just a yard from the bank. In sunny conditions the fish like to
cruise along the main bar down the centre of the pool and you will often see them
with their tails out of the water feeding on the snails and other natural food items in
the silkweed. In this situation a chod rig or PVA bag flicked into their patrol routes
will be the best tactic.
