To be found on the fringe of 80 acres of woodland just a few hundred yards from the junction of the M42 and M40 motorways, Modder Pool and its smaller sibling Carver Pool are part of the large Umberslade Estate just outside Hockley Heath in the West Midlands.

The Umberslade Estate has an interesting history, having been taken over in the mid 1800s by Birmingham industrialist George Frederick Muntz who became Liberal MP for the city and later its Lord Mayor.

Muntz amassed his fortune after developing a mix of brass, copper and zinc which today is known as Muntz Metal, a corrosion resistant alloy which was used throughout the world for lining the hulls of ships including the Cutty Sark; sheathing the piles of piers; making machine parts; and making steam locomotive tubes.

Members of the Muntz family still own the estate today.

Until about five years ago Modder Pool had been an exclusive syndicate water, but since then has been little fished and the bankside allowed to become somewhat overgrown.

Now Sebastian Muntz, the enterprising young owner and great great grandson of George Frederick Muntz, has handed the running of both Modder and Carver pool over to Martyn Jacobson.

Martyn is also working hard on clearing and preparing Carver Pool, a smaller pool nearby which was dug as part of the M40's construction.

Although this pool is known to hold fish it has hardly ever been fished by anglers and as such is very much a mystery water.

It has to be said that because Modder Pool has been closed for several years and is in the throws of being restored to its former glory it will appeal to the more adventurous angler who enjoys fishing 'natural' waters with few or no amenities.

Also, being only a few hundred yards from the M40 motorway, there is usually the sound of traffic, although thanks to the increased tree growth this is nowhere near as bad as it was Another feature of Modder Pool is that there are few rules with the exception that anglers under 16 should be accompanied by an adult, keepnets and boilies are not allowed and landing nets must be used.

Night fishing is not currently allowed and the gates are locked at dusk.

Because there are only 10 pegs on Modder Pool anglers must book the day before wanting to fish.

Their £6.

00 day ticket fee will be collected on the bank whilst anglers who have not booked and are found to be fishing will be charged £12.

00.

some 15 years ago.