Ashmire revisited

Just back from a rare and very welcome 48-hour sojourn to what, over 20 years since my last visit, remains one of the prettiest lakes I’ve ever fished: Ashmire Fishery, in Earith.

Despite failing to make  the acquaintance of one of the epically proportioned eels which populate this ten acre slice of reed-fringed fenland paradise, it was a pleasure to spend a couple of days in the company of renowned ‘big fish man’ Jon Fulcher, attempting, unsuccessfully, to sate the appetites of the huge shoals of voracious golden rudd, which made it their mission to engulf any and every hookbait large or small that I put in  front of them. 

Except, of course, for the roach ‘deads’; which were studiously ignored by all and sundry (unsurprisingly, given the resident predators’ fully stocked larder of fresh fishy fodder).

Oh, for a float rod - or ‘the carp clobber,’ and a bag of 24mm Big Fish Mix!

Hey, ho; effort equals rewards and all that; so I’ll be back. If nothing else for the unrivalled backdrop, and enchanting wildlife - from the pair of kingfishers that entertained us throughout the day, to the Muntjak that has made its home on the adjacent island.

Under the stewardship of (relatively) new owner Rob Hoskins, Ashmire will, I am sure, continue from strength to strength, building on the remarkable legacy of its creator, the legend that is Ron Middleton.

In addition to, almost certainly,a British record grassie (and very possibly eel), the lake is home to an eclectic mix of carp - mirrors and commons, old and not so old. 

Factor in a very few bream (result!), a decent head of tench, and of course that amazing stock of rudd - which would satisfy the most rapacious of float and feeder anglers - and it’s clear: Ashmire really does have something for everyone

Even a serial blanker such as my good self.