When it comes to carp, Coombe carp can be difficult to catch.

However, because the stocking rate is relatively low at about 150 fish, most are large with the majority weighing over 20lbs with mirrors to 34lbs and commons to 39lbs being caught.

Because of the low density rate, few anglers actively fish for carp at Coombe and the fish that are caught each year tends to come to the same few season ticket holders.

Most of the carp are caught at night, due to the clarity of the water, with the majority coming to large beds of bait over a period of nights.

Stalking is also a successful method, especially around the beds of lily pads on the dam wallBeds of hemp seed, chopped boilies, particles and trout pellets all help to stop the nomadic carp in their tracks.

Due to the silty nature of many areas, pop - ups that are critically balanced should be used.

If your bait comes back smelling of silt this is a good indication that you are fishing in the wrong area.

By careful plumbing and leading around, hard areas of clay can be found and these are the spots to fish.

In the summer a large proportion of the lake is covered in lily beds and obviously these are often good areas to fish to or to fish on in the winter when they have died back.

Hookbaits should be large - over 25mm - to avoid the bream and tench.

As part of the pool's management plan, stocking small numbers of quality carp continues.

The largest of the commons stocked a few years ago recently came out at 35lbs!Furthermore, the most recent fish are doing well with one known to have put on 10lbs in two years.

These are the future big fish of the pool.

Although stocking levels have been increased, the aim has been to provide challenging traditional estate lake carp fishing at a reasonable cost.

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