Lac de Lumiere

Stewart and Andre visit Lac de Lumiere again

2011-11-13T13:39:00.000+01:00

Stewart and Andre spent a few days fishing here this weekend and using a few meatie treats namely, the Source and some glug, hey came up with some very nice fish. Lost a few too that almost broke the rod and as Stewart said, 'bloodyhell, there's a big fish on my line'. Still, whilst they lost 2 they also caught 4 so it wasn't all doom and gloom.

Well done boys, roll on 2012.

Grass and Common tonight

2011-10-13T20:29:00.000+02:00

Lionel and his friend had 2 good fish tonight, a grass carp and a Common carp. Caught literally an hour ago. As you can see it's certainly getting dark here quickly now but still ok for a quick photo before bed. Lionel Guirado runs www.Progresspeche.com and remember if you want to catch big Catfish he is your man.

Well done lads

Get in there James

2011-10-02T13:22:00.000+02:00

So last night James had his sights set on fishing and as always caught a lovely Mirror on home made Frolic boilies. 2 nights ago a lovely Common carp came out too. As you would expect he is now making more boilies with Philou today and hopes to land more fish on these meaty treats. Well done James, good cooking and better fishing.

Gone fishing Sarah and Trevor

Vicki and Liam's 1st fishing Trip to Lac de Lumiere

2011-09-19T15:53:00.000+02:00

Vicki and Liam joined us for a week last week and caught over 30 fish so here's a selection. They were our 1st customers in the cabin and judging by these photo's I think they will be back. We would be very pleased to have them back too. Liam played the gentlemen and baited up for both of them and sorted the rods etc, whilst Vicki reeled them in most of the time. So basically Vicki got the glory, bless you Liam, you're too kind.

They lost a couple of bigguns at the end but still enjoyed their stay. Caught using Matrix and Maize and our own groundbait plus a selection of their own groundbait.

A busy week so let's hope they do come back to claim the bigguns they lost.

Gone fishing Sarah and Trevor

Ooh James that's a nice Common

2011-09-18T09:58:00.000+02:00

So James does a spot of night fishing for a few hours and comes up with a gorgeous Common Carp caught on a nice bed of groundbait with Matrix as usual. Either he is a jammy git or he is Mr Carp Whisperer, not sure which. Say cheese for the camera. Well done boy, keep up the good 'work' if that's what you call it.

Gone fishing Sarah and Trevor

Cabin Pictures

2011-09-17T15:56:00.000+02:00

As promised, finally I have remembered to take photo's of the inside of the cabin as I keep forgetting! DOH! Vicki and Liam were our 1st cabin customers and judging from their comments they both enjoyed their stay. Shower is apparently 'very good' and the bed is 'very comfortable' were some of the lovely comments, so thank you very much seeing as you were our guinea pigs.

Perfect time to book up for 2012 now so get moving.

P.S Liam, found your mobile phone under the duvet!!! Strange but true, so will post it back to you.

Ben's Summer Holiday

2011-08-31T20:44:00.000+02:00

Trevor's boy Ben came to stay for his Summer Holidays and here's his photo diary. Thought I would share these as Ben likes to be famous on the Blog. Ben fished, Camped, went to Le Pal adventure park, spent the day at the Fishing Competition, drove a boat, planted flowers and had fun with our resident Wild cat Morpheus. So here's your piccies Ben. Hope you like them and remember we all love you and miss you when you are not here xxx

Some pretty Mirror Carp

2011-08-31T20:11:00.000+02:00

Had a couple of French lads fishing for 24 hours and within 30 minutes of casting their rods out they were in with a lovely Mirror Carp. The day ended on 5 fish in the net and they were very pleased. Well done lads. James then decided on an hour down 'his swim' and landed a gorgeous looking Mirror too. James was keen to have a quick bash because the day before he fed boilies to Mr Big, the huge 50+ that was hanging about his swim. Not huge fish caught but what a nice 24 hours for everyone involved.

Gone fishing Sarah and Trevor

New PB Grass Carp for James

2011-08-28T09:45:00.000+02:00

James had a casual overnight fishing session looking after some French lads and what does he come up with this time. A cracking Grass Carp caught on a bed of juicy maize and believe it or not a matrix Boilie!!! Yep, a meaty boilie. Weighing in at a whopping 46lb 4oz which smashes Jim's PB. Nice one James all you gotta do now is get the 50's out!

Gone fishing Sarah and Trevor

Open day at Lac de Lumiere

2011-08-17T23:13:00.000+02:00

There was a big fishing competition on the canal just outside our gates on Monday so we took the liberty of holding an open day for Lac de Lumiere at the same time. Lionel came from Progress Peche and showed people how to predator fish on his boat. There were refreshment stands and also the Head honcho from the area's Garde Peche attended. James was chatting away to potential clients all day as there were about 200 odd people in attendance over the course of the day. Trevor was the 'fisherman' of the day showing everyone how to method feed and collected quite a few from Roach, Bream, Carp and Tench. Most of the attendees were not used to seeing this way of fishing and were very intrigued. Lost a biggun though but he was only fishing a few pound line and still got a raptious applause. The Carp gear was set up for the novices so they could see what kind of tackle to use for the big ones and a few float rods placed out for the kids so they could have a bash.

All in all a very tiring but very rewarding day and we have already had a few day ticketers since with lots of people taking our cards and asking questions. It's all good for business and the surrounding Community plus it's nice to get to know more of the locals.

Big Common Carp

2011-08-09T22:41:00.000+02:00

James gets lucky with a few hours on his fave swim and catches a Lovely Common on Matrix and our home made groundbait. He first thought it was a small one as the fish always look smaller in the water and then realised what a good fish it was as the rod was bending a fair old bit. Just goes to show you that you can easily get a decent sized fish here as long as you use the right bait and have the right attitude. Well done Jim, you're a star.

Gone fishing Sarah and Trevor

Carp Central

2011-08-08T22:39:00.000+02:00

Good weekend fishing for the French lads Kristoff, Philou, Kevin and Jean Michel. James and Trevor tagged along and all came up trumps with plenty of Carp. Caught on Matrix and Home made Frolic dog food boilies!!! The meaty spicy boilies work pretty well all the time.

James had little break from work and went for 2 hours to his 'special spot' and was very pleased with a 20+ Mirror Carp caught on Matrix as always.

A big Roach came out too, which is not unusual for Lac de Lumiere. A good variety and the lads are coming back next weekend as a result. Well done boys keep the Carp a coming.

A few fishies

2011-07-31T15:08:00.000+02:00

Cracker of a weekend weather wise with a few hours of fishing thrown in. Kristoff, James and Trevor all with catches, the biggest, a Common caught on Matrix at around 10:30pm by Trevor. Not bad at all and James gets the record for the world's smallest fish! Although that was accidental as it was caught in his net when he pulled his Common Carp out, but as always the 'champ' had to have a photo. Kristoff caught a 2nd within an hour but couldn't get a picture because he was on his own. Well done lads, keep on fishing!

Night Fishing

2011-07-17T11:36:00.000+02:00

A night's fishing and all was well, 2 common carp in the bag caught on Matrix as usual. These fish do like that bait. 1 caught at around midnight with it lashing down with rain and the other a few hours later. No sleep for the boys again, both wet through but a good night's work none the less.

Later on in the weekend

2011-07-10T12:23:00.006+02:00

Yes, James did well yet again with another great Mirror Carp during the weekend. Caught on Matrix and another 'old lake stock' never been caught since we have been here. There's all to play for in the Carp wars so get yourself down here and get the lake record. These are just some of the fish here, so there's plenty to play for. Get booking for 2012 now.

Gone fishing Sarah and Trevor

More Carp

2011-07-10T11:13:00.004+02:00

Dennis came down for a visit from Northern France and had a little play on the lake for a couple of hours. He caught a nice looking Common carp on Scopex boilie with Tutti Fruiti pop ups as visual aids. A mornings predator fishing saw a 60cm Pike come out for Stevan and James caught a nice Common Carp, again on Scopex boilie, in the late evening. I have a few day ticket people fishing this week so let's see what comes out.

Bigger fish to follow.......

Common and Mirror

2011-07-08T14:00:00.003+02:00

James and Kevan both had a good evening and bagged 2 lovely fish, a Mirror and a Common. Good condition fish , the Common was another 'never been caught' fish in the lake. Both were obviously pleased with their efforts, Kevan especially as this was his 2nd time fishing and 1st big Carp. Although to be fair, the 1st time he fished here he was fishing for predators. Well done lads, not bad for a few hours 'work'.

Gone fishing Trevor and Sarah

Garden Goodies

2011-07-07T17:31:00.004+02:00

Well the garden has been hard work this year, what with the hot weather, however we still have managed to get a great crop of garlic, onions and potatoes. The hot weather means good grapes too so this region should produce a great year for wine, like it does most years being so close to Sancerre, wine country. Our own 2 vines have produced well, even if they are just for show. That said, I will be eating them because they do taste sweet. Think I would only get about half a bottle from my vines.

Courgettes always do well here and this year is no exception, the squash and pumpkins are well on the way. My broccoli and cauliflowers were sadly eaten by insects this year however I am trying hard with the Kale and Cabbage, here's hoping.

Still have 2 thirds of the potatoes to harvest and more onions along with salad, beetroot and beans. Plus the tomotoes are yet to turn red so here's hoping that whilst the plants have been smaller than before, they will still turn out to be good.

Whilst this year has been a tad disappointing and we have needed to concentrate elsewhere on the Business, I have some great plans next year for the veg plot and after rotivation will put a great deal of energy into it. I learn more all the time on vegetable gardens and although 2 years ago I would never have said I would be doing this, I'm really glad I am. It's a great focus and very worthwhile. Hope you enjoy the updates.

Fishing weekend

2011-06-27T13:08:00.006+02:00

A day ticket weekend and a few fish caught which we love here. 2 nice Mirrors and a smaller Common Carp, caught on a snowman rig of Tigernut crush and hempy crush boilies. Guillaume and Philou had a good overnight and day with beautiful weather, a great BBQ and lovely fishing. Now that's a weekend!

Gone fishing Sarah and Trevor

Carp in the water

2011-06-06T10:35:00.002+02:00

The Carp have had an active few weeks spawning and have been jumping around and sticking together. Thought I would share a couple of great pictures of some of the carp in the lake just milling around. Interestingly enough our Albino Catfish was seen hanging around with the Carp recently and has doubled in size. Must think he's a Carp. Still no capture for him yet in 18 months so it's one to play for. Tight lines folks.

Gone fishing Sarah and Trevor

Loire Catfishing

2011-06-05T19:57:00.004+02:00

James and Trevor were invited catfishing with our friend Lionel Guirado from http://www.progresspeche.com/. Both came up trumps with a catfish each weighing it at around 65lb during the evening session. Thought I would share some photos of the Loire, the rods and the catfish. Love them or hate them, they are extreme fish!

Cabin Fever

2011-05-22T22:04:00.004+02:00

Thought it was about time I shared the cabin building experience with you all. A huge jigsaw puzzle with instructions. Our huge thanks go out to Stewart Hoblyn, Billy Drake, Andre Finch and James Thompson who came especially to build the cabin. That's what you call great friends.

It really is stunning and took 3 days to build. It has double glazing throughout with 2 bedrooms, lounge/kitchenette and shower room and a lovely terrace for morning tea. Set in the meadow above the lake, it benefits from tranquility and seclusion.

It really is a great building to stay in and you should book up to enjoy the benefits. So visit

http://www.lacdelumierefishingholidays.com/ today and drop us a line for availability.

VEG!

2011-05-08T20:37:00.003+02:00

I did say I would show you our progress, so take a look at the pics. Not bad I think, nice early peas and the potatoes are doing very well. I've mainly planted the items that are expensive to buy out here, so this lot should save me some money. Not bad for me as I'm not the most green fingered person ever. I've actually surprised myself as I've always disliked gardening. I spend most of my day outside in the garden, weeding, pruning, planting, tidying, mowing, cutting and all that jazz. I must be getting old! But then I do have a few acres to sort out and someone's gotta do it. These piccies are only of 2 plots, we have other plots of potatoes, tomatoes, salad, cabbages, cauliflower and courgettes. Yum Yum.

Fishy Fishy Fishy

2011-05-06T22:59:00.003+02:00

A nice Common tonight caught at around 8pm on our groundbait with a hemp boilie soaked in Apple syrup. This fishy went off really quickly and certainly did not like being caught, a good fight. Well done indeed James even though Trevor had the fishy photo.

Springtime Continues

2011-05-03T22:09:00.004+02:00

I love this time of year when everything is starting to come out of hiding, growing, flying or crawling around. The moles, even though they put holes in my garden!! My favourite tree has blossomed, Le Boule de Neige (snowball tree). Things just get better and better here at Lac de Lumiere and every day provides me with new experiences. Bats, Dragonflies, Mayflies, Bumble Fly's, Bees, Birds and of course the Red squirrels.

Not forgetting the vegetable plot which is coming along nicely and I will of course keep you all up to date over the coming weeks. Cabbages, Courgettes, Cauliflowers, Peas (which I have already been eating straight off the plants yum yum, sweet as you like), Beans, Tomatoes, Potatoes, Garlic, Onions, Peppers and Rocket Salad. Let's hope the harvest will be a good one and help towards the cost of living.

Matt's Common

2011-05-02T11:35:00.003+02:00

Good day for the fisherman yesterday, they caught a few and the best was Matt's Common caught on Matrix at around 9pm last night. He was thrilled with this beauty and obviously put his rods straight back out. Tight lines lads, tight lines.

Gone fishing Sarah and Trevor

The English chaps with 1st fish

2011-04-30T10:16:00.003+02:00

New arrivals for the season here at Lac de Lumiere and they have already bagged some fish. Here's Luke with a Common caught on Halibut pellet around 8am today and as you can see he was very happy indeed. Nice one Luke, hopefully more to come. Almost his PB too so hopefully with the big fish here he will smash that shortly.

Watch your mouth and Tetchy Tench!

2011-04-24T22:51:00.002+02:00

A Perch mouth up close and personal. Love these predators, they really have got huge mouths. As for the Tench, this puppy was caught on Matrix at about 3.30am. Went like a rocket and really did not like being caught, put up quite a fight, which is the best when it comes to catching fish. Well done to my French friends, Kevan and Kristoff. Along with these they caught some Pike, Carp and Black Bass. A great weekend for them and they enjoyed their time here.

Gone fishing Sarah and Trevor

Our daily bread

2011-04-24T22:45:00.003+02:00

Here we go with a gorgeous Mirror Carp straight off the top, actually hanging out of a tree, caught on bread. Don't ya just love stalking. Just the simple hook and line trick with a nice bit of crusty french bread on the end and this puppy was a sucker for it. Gotcha, Mister Mirror. A new catch again at Lac de Lumiere, another 'never been caught' fishy. James saw about 10 Carp cruising around together and decided to try his luck, and what luck this lad has, well done James.

Gone fishing Sarah and Trevor

Moth'er' of all Moths

2011-04-20T20:55:00.006+02:00

Well I was doing a spot of weeding and behind 1 of the large pots was this massive Moth. What a moth, biggest I've ever seen and I had to get this on film and on the blog. I think it's a beauty but don't actually know what type of moth it is so I'm going to search google later to find out what it is, but let me know if you know. I'm majorly impressed with this bad boy and find that every day here is different and you never know what you will find or see next at Lac de Lumiere.

UPDATE - Its a Giant Peacock moth and I even saw another 1 last night too. Sooooo cool.

Trev's Mirror

2011-04-20T20:47:00.002+02:00

Here we go again with a really nicely scaled Mirror carp caught on Matrix. A quality bait here at Lac De Lumiere, seems to work everytime. This Mirror was caught last night at about Midnight and by alla ccounts was a right fighter and did not want to come in. But in the net it went and a few photos taken for good measure.

Gone fishing Sarah and Trevor

Ben's "Off the Top"

2011-04-19T16:02:00.003+02:00

Ben joined us for his Easter holiday and was lucky enough to catch a Common Carp 'off the top' on bread. Not the biggest fish in the world but to Ben this was a great fish. There is nothing like stalking a fish and using the most basic method of hook and line. Great fun whether you are young or old. These carp go like the clappers too so tightlines people.

Terry the Tench's bigger brother

2011-04-17T19:00:00.002+02:00

Trevor decided to have an afternoon fishing today as the weather was decidly nice and he fancied a sleep down by the lake. He put his rods out just with matrix boilies and no grounbait or extra throw ins and to his delight was rewarded with a Tench. Again, a super looking fish. The lake is well and truly livening up and we have seen fish on the surface on a regular basis now, from black bass to Carp.

Gone fishing Sarah and Trevor

Mirror Mirror

2011-04-15T21:23:00.002+02:00

Nope, it's not the Dollar single (I'm showing my age) it's a Mirror Carp caught early hours of the morning on Matrix Boilie's. Nice colouring on this fish and as you can see Trevor is quite chuffed. Bless him, he does love a good fish in the net. More to follow of that I have no doubt.

Past times - Lac de lumiere as it's original Limestone Quarry

2011-04-12T16:01:00.004+02:00

Recently found a picture of Lac de Lumiere in the old days when it was being dug as a Limestone Quarry. It's quite exciting when you actually see it in pictures. The picture shows some men working in the far end of the quarry near to the canal where the conveyer would haul the limestone onto a barge. It shows the old concrete platform which is still in place to this day and is almost covered with water now. We believe this photo was taken in the 1950's. Some of the trees pictured in the photo are still here too. I find this fascinating that they were working with shovels and wheelbarrows, and you really begin to understand the depth of the lake, judging by the size of the men standing in the quarry.

A great piece of history for Lac De Lumiere.

Jim's 1st Carp for 2011

2011-04-10T00:10:00.005+02:00

Jim's off the mark in 2011 with 2 fish this week, a beautiful common and superb mirror carp. Lucky boy, he's quite chuffed as you can imagine and guess where the boys are tonight? Yep, you guessed it........fishing. The groundbait was prepared, our own special mix, and it stunk the kitchen out..... thanks guys...you rock! Can't complain though with these fish.

Gone fishing Sarah and Trevor

Predator Day at Lac De Lumiere

2011-04-09T23:55:00.004+02:00

We held a predator day at Lac de Lumiere on the 27th March 2011 and the lads had great fun. It was great seeing them all out on their little boats all over the lake and they did well. Biggest fish was a 1 metre long Pike and they also caught other Pike, Black bass and Perch too.

The sun was shining, lunch was great by the lake and the lads enjoyed their day. A huge round of applause rang across the lake for the biggest fish too from all the lads. I think they were secretly jealous though as all were desperate to catch the biggest fish or the most fish.

Thanks go to Lionel from Progresspeche.com for organising the event. Why not set up your own Predator day with your friends, just drop us a line.

Gone fishing Sarah and Trevor

Spring has sprung

2011-03-23T22:47:00.004+01:00

Thought I would share some spring time piccies. Weather is pretty good here, a very pleasant 12 degrees and the sun is shining. Planted the seedlings ready for the veggie plot and sorted the garden so it's all nice and tidy. Took me 4 days to weed it and mowed the lawn for the 1st time this year too. My mum will be pleased. Also been decorating mum's room and her bathroom ready for her return in May. I'm a good girl sometimes!!

Baking days

2011-03-15T21:06:00.002+01:00

Yummy, made some spicy raisin bars today. Add to my collection of Lemon Meringue pie, coffee gateaux, french chocolate tarte, carrot cake, lemon bars, tangy lemon drizzle cake, banana loaf etc etc. I do love caaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaake!

Bon Appetit

Terry the Tench

2011-03-12T15:23:00.002+01:00

James had a lovely evening last night doing a spot of fishing in the springlike weather. The boy done good with a lovely Tench which he decided to call 'Terry'! Caught on Matrix Boilie, this beauty is 1 of my favourite fish. The lake is prettying up again after the Winter and it's already starting to perculate on the surface with fish. Spring is most definately in the air. Nice start to the season Jim, keep it up.

Gone fishing Sarah and Trevor

Cranes and lot's of them

2011-02-13T17:05:00.003+01:00

Here at Lac de Lumiere we have the Cranes coming over every Winter. These few thousand are currently in the farmers field and fly over everyday in the morning and flyback every evening. The Photograph's do not do them justice, they really are giant birds and fly in great uniform lines and they make the most amazing noise as they fly over. Superb to see them fly over our own house, another reason to feel lucky to be here.

Winter Pike

2011-02-13T17:00:00.003+01:00

Well it's been a while since my last blog mainly because the weather has been cold and snowy and we have been busy building our log cabin. However even Trevor managed to get a few hours off to catch a Pike. Bless this little cutie!

2 more fish last night

2010-11-28T10:58:00.002+01:00

Well snow time is here and 2 fish came a knocking. Both Mirror carp caught on Cell and Matrix boilies and a PVA bag on each. Nice 1 James a very successful nights fishing. That's 100lb of fish caught in the last 3 days. Not bad at all.

The 1st snows at Lac De Lumiere

2010-11-27T18:08:00.004+01:00

Well it's November and yes it's snowing!!! 5 inches so far and the outlook isn't looking great. Guess where the boys are??? Yep, fishing!!! Nutters!! James says he is going to build a Carp snowfish tomorrow.........we shall see!!! He's a good artist but snow sculpture.........I'm not so sure. Anyway here's the 1st snow pictures which I thought I would share.

Trevor's PB Mirror 49lb 8oz

2010-11-26T11:01:00.002+01:00

Trevor is over the moon this morning and so he should be. Last night at 3:30am he caught his best Mirror Carp to date in Lac de Lumiere tipping the scales at 49lb 8oz. A beautiful fish with a red blush on his belly and lovely scales across his ridge and tail. Caught on Matrix Boilie with a PVA bag of crushed matrix boilies. This beauty is just 1 of the big fish in this lake. so what are you waiting for, get down here and fish!! It just goes to show you that even we don't know all the fish in this lake as yet again, this is a new fish out. This lake has not been fished and the majority of stock is uncaught. Pretty much every fish out is a 'never been seen before' fish. I know what Trevor and James will be doing tonight!!!! What are YOU doing tonight???

Gone fishing Sarah and Trevor

Jim was in

2010-11-21T16:04:00.003+01:00

James had yet some more good form and bagged himself another Mirror carp. This one on matrix with a PVA bag. They do love their fishing although think he's still wearing in his new rods.

That's some Roach!!

2010-11-16T20:03:00.002+01:00

Trevor is well pleased with himself with this rather good looking Roach. This fish believe it or not is very large for the species and the British Roach record is 4lb 4oz. This little beauty was bigger, so now you realise why Trevor was so excited and it's in our lake here.

Gone fishing Sarah and Trevor

Luck of the Welsh

2010-11-13T08:47:00.004+01:00

James has had success over the last 2 nights with 2 Common carp. Caught using PVA bags of red enzyme and Rig bait of matrix boilies. James is quite pleased with himself as usual especially as these were caught on his new rods and baitrunners. It's been very windy and rainy here so it's good to see we are still catching.

Gone fishing Sarah and Trevor

You shall have a fishy

2010-11-10T10:29:00.002+01:00

It's been raining for 3 days now and we are still fishing. 9pm last night got a great Mirror carp using Matrix boilie as the rig bait on a bed of our mixed pigeon conditioner and hemp groundbait. Well done Trevor, more more more.

Cherry Tree 'pruning'

2010-11-08T12:56:00.004+01:00

Well I said cut a bit off the top!!! Not stand on the top and get chain saw happy!! Actually, I did say to just cut it back harsh as this cherry tree needed a trim badly and this will do it the world of good. The apple tree that was cut back last year has totally transformed into a good looking apple tree and will produce a much better crop, that will be easier to reach next year as a result.

Jim's birthday cake

2010-11-08T12:52:00.002+01:00

So I went all out for our bezzie mate James and made him a carrot cake for his Birthday. 34 years old and still a honey. The cake went down well at the party and was all gone by the end of the evening. I still got it!

Lucky beggar

2010-11-08T12:45:00.002+01:00

Trevor scores again with a lovely common carp on the usual hempy crush boilie. Our groundbait mix is working a treat, long may it last. The weather is rubbish today so he's fishing again!

Ben's cracking Perch

2010-11-06T16:51:00.001+01:00

Ben had another week here for the school holidays and landed himself a beautiful Perch on his 1st cast of the morning. I love Perch, very pretty and very aggressive so handle with care!

A bit of both

2010-11-06T16:26:00.003+01:00

Yes, it's true, another super nights fishing with a common and a mirror in the net. The Mirror is an especially nice looking fish with raised scales. Both caught on the usual groundbait mix with Hempy crush boilies as the preferred rig bait. These fish sure do like Hemp.

Gone fishing Sarah and Trevor

2 Fishies

2010-11-04T08:20:00.004+01:00

A nice evenings fishing! Trevor and James spent the day painting and the evening at the lake. Fortunately both of them had a prize of a common carp each. Both caught on our special groundbait mix of Pigeon conditioner and Hemp with Hempy crush boilies as the rig bait. Nice one lads keep 'em coming.

Gone fishing Sarah and Trevor

Common in the net

2010-10-30T22:54:00.001+02:00

Great night's fishing last night, especially for Trevor who bagged himself another gem of a Common Carp on a bed of pigeon conditioner and hemp groundbait (cooked by me I might add) with double hemp boilies as the preferred rig bait. Simple hair rigs are the way to go here, nothing fancy just remember the micro barbed hooks. I know there is lots of talk about whether it should be barbless or barbed but we are very much into the mirco barbed. Plus I tie all the rigs here at Lac de Lumiere for Trevor and James, although James is quite the rig maker himself now, obviously taught by me!

Gone fishing Sarah and Trevor

Halloween at Lac de Lumiere

2010-10-30T22:36:00.003+02:00

Trevor's son, Ben is going back to the UK tomorrow so we had our Halloween tonight with a party with Pumpkins, balloons and sweets. I think James got carried away with the balloon drawings and Trevor enjoyed the pumpkin carving especially since the pumpkins were grown right here in our garden. Spooky night, sooooo looking forward to the clocks going back!!! Oh yeah 1 hour less to sleep boohoooo!

Now THATS an egg!!

2010-10-25T22:46:00.002+02:00

I can only say that I feel sorry sorry for my chickens. The egg on the right is the normal size! I don't know who layed the larger egg but that must have hurt. As it goes I enjoyed a tasty scrambled egg with my double yolk large egg. Thank you ma petit poulet xx

Stewart Strikes Back

2010-10-25T17:51:00.003+02:00

Stewart arrives again for a spot of fishing and comes up trumps with a lovely Mirror carp caught on a bed of hemp and pigeon conditioner on double matrix boilie presentation. So the 1st fiver paid out for the 1st fish caught of the session goes to Stewart. The other lads are not happy bunnies!!! So the war is on!!

Gone fishing Sarah and Trevor

Beautiful Common

2010-10-22T11:28:00.002+02:00

James continues to defy belief and yet again bagged a stunning looking Common on starbaits hot and spicy boilies on a bed of pigeon conditioner, garlic chickpeas, tuna, blackberry jam, coconut milk and walnut oil. Lovely colours on this fish and as always James was very pleased with himself.

Gone fishing Sarah and Trevor

Jim's Saturday Night Mirror

2010-10-17T15:34:00.003+02:00

James decided to use his new rods (JRC) and baitrunners (Shimano 10000 DL) last night and I'm pleased to say he caught a pukka mirror carp on hemp boilie on a bed of garlic flavoured chickpeas (homemade) and bird seed. The mouth on this carp was just huge so he would easily hoover up the grounbait. Well done Jim.

Gone fishing Sarah and Trevor

Nothing Common about this!

2010-10-04T09:01:00.002+02:00

Trevor and James spent a night fishing the lake and came up with quite a fat Common Carp on double hemp boilie. Landed at about 12:30am this fish didn't want to be reeled in but after a struggle it was in the net. Trevor was quite pleased with himself but then he usually is when he gets a fish. Another good nights work!

Gone fishing Sarah and Trevor

Jim's new PB

2010-09-25T09:35:00.003+02:00

The boys fished the lake last night and Jammy James managed yet another catch, a cracking grass carp on hemp boilie and maize groundbait. Clearly James is ecstatic as this fish is now his new PB. Every time he goes fishing now he seems to catch his new record and they go up in 10 lb or more each time. No doubt this photo will end up as his Facebook profile. Wel done James keep up the good work, who knows maybe the lake record will be the next target!

Gone fishing Sarah and Trevor

Vegtastic

2010-09-19T22:17:00.004+02:00

And the garden yet again has been kind to us. The peppers have been fantastic and I have far too many now to eat!! whoops, maybe plant a few less next year I think! As for the Cornichons and tomatoes, well it's all good. I've pickled the cornichons and the tomatoes are proving very useful in everyday eating. It's amazing how many recipes you have to come up with to eat all the garden produce. But it totally tastes so much better than a supermarket. It's also time for mushrooms so watch this space for the tasty toppers.

A new flock of chicks

2010-09-19T22:10:00.002+02:00

Well here we go again, me playing mum to 20 new chicks, 15 red and 5 white, bless their sweet yellowy fur. All babies bought at a day old and doing well. They are enjoying their new palace of luxury with their heat lamp and constant fresh food and water.

Gone fishing Sarah and Trevor

New Chicken house

2010-09-13T20:33:00.004+02:00

The last set of 17 chickens now have a new chicken coup, lovingly made from scratch from James and finished in Farrow and Ball (only the best for my girls) exterior finish. Yay, and they love it as the piccies show, even Big Red, the Cockerel inspected it personally. Watch this space for new pics of 20 new 1 day old chickens on Thursday.

Black Bass and Carp weekend

2010-09-11T21:59:00.003+02:00

Well, finally Trevor bagged himself a black bass and it was well worth the wait. A beauty of a predator lured in by a trusty Roach. To top of this weekend Christophe managed to bag another black Bass and James caught a mirror Carp and a common Carp all in 1 night. James' Mirror carp was his new PB, so well done James keep up the good work, if you can call that work!

Gone fishing Sarah and Trevor

Girl Power

2010-09-05T20:53:00.002+02:00

Ok, women can do it too, just to prove that I can catch a fish here's a lovely Mirror that I caught yesterday evening. The alarm went off like a rocket and I must have looked quite a sight running in my flip flops, but heck, well worth it pulling in this little puppy! Double presentation of Hemp Boilie on the rig was the weapon of choice. My friend Louise is visiting for 2 weeks and this is a 1st for her, seeing a big carp pulled in, so she was very impressed. All in all quite the fun packed weekend here at Lac de Lumiere.

Gone fishing Sarah and Trevor

Another Double

2010-09-05T20:40:00.004+02:00

Well, Trev and James went fishing over this weekend and both caught fish, a Common for Trev and a Mirror for James. So, you have to do the decent thing and take another double shot. In the net boys!!

Gone fishing Sarah and Trevor

Doing the Double

2010-09-02T22:17:00.002+02:00

Here we go again and it's a double header today at Lac de Lumiere. Both Mirror carps caught by James and Stewart. Cracking lads, those are nice fish.

Gone fishing Sarah and Trevor

More natural occurences

2010-08-07T12:08:00.004+02:00

This must be the biggest grasshopper I've seen, just randomly sitting on the runner beans in the garden. Almost didn't see the little blighter as he looked like the bean.

At last I also got a decent picture of the squirrel thiefs. They keep stealing the seed that's meant for the birds, cheeky monkeys. But they are really funny to watch and they play around with each other like kids.

Finally, the elusive Red Admiral on the butterfly bush. Had lots of butterflies lately, 'tis the season, and they are real beautiesb here at Lac de Lumiere.

Yep, I do sometimes have to pinch myself.

Another beauty

2010-08-07T12:04:00.003+02:00

Here's James with last night's catch, a beautiful Common Carp. Caught on Matrix Boilie at around 1am. This little beauty did not want to be caught but 15 minutes later it was in the net. Well done Jimbo on another successful night's fishing.

Gone fishing Sarah and Trevor

Butterflies a plenty

2010-07-25T10:59:00.004+02:00

The butterflies are coming in thick and fast to the Butterfly bush and the Thistles. I managed to get a few shots of the beauties whilst patrolling the garden. I love to see what species are coming along to Lac de Lumiere for a visit. Again, I can only say how lucky we are to be here. Summertime at it's best!

More carp tales

2010-07-25T10:55:00.002+02:00

Trevor and James fished the lake last night and came up with a lovely Mirror carp, caught on Matrix boilies, sourced from Premier Baits and Tackle.

Another close up on nature

2010-07-19T12:04:00.006+02:00

Well I got this picture by being especially patient. It was worth it, and I thought I would share this little beauty with you. That's why I love this place, as there is always something around to catch your eye.

Gone fishing Sarah and Trevor

Bready products

2010-07-18T18:43:00.002+02:00

Does anyone want any toast????? Yes ok, so I'm not Talkie the talkie toaster, but would anyone like any toast?? Red Dwarf fans would understand this blog but if you're not just take it that I'm a touch mad! Anyway my mum made bread today for the 1st time and the smell was wafting through the house. She's very proud of herself. Brilliant stuff mum, now get back in that kitchen and make my dinner!

My chicky babies new home

2010-07-18T18:37:00.002+02:00

Dragged our bud James into the Lac de Lumiere spirit yesterday and he lovingly made a baby chick coup for my 17 new chicks. The chicks are 2 weeks old now and are outside enjoying the Summer sun. They are separate fThanks James, you're a gem.

Jam session!!!

2010-07-12T13:56:00.002+02:00

Ok I'm not talking everyone with the instruments out making a noise, I'm talking cherry jam. It goes from cherries to pots......if only it was that simple!! At least I bought a cherry pipper, what a gadget. Home made cherry jam from the garden....woohoooo! Only another 10 trees to pick now!

Billy is Triumphant - new PB

2010-07-11T11:24:00.003+02:00

Billy and Stewart have returned to Lac de Lumiere and on the last night Billy has been rewarded with his new personal best at 45lb, a lovely grass carp. Also in the net last night a lovely golden mirror carp caught by James. Well done boys, a good night's fishing.

Look at the size of that thing??

2010-07-10T17:59:00.003+02:00

As they say in Star Wars 'cut the chatter red 2' ok ok I'm a geek, we know this, but I thought I would do a veggie plot update, so here's the good news. The courgettes have done very well and we have a bumper crop. Pumpkins getting bigger every day. Beans are sprouting nicely and the salad is crisp and sweet.

All in all we are having a good 1st season of vegetables. Still have lots more growing so watch this space......

Which came 1st?? Chick, chicken or egg??

2010-07-10T17:53:00.002+02:00

So the older chickens are now laying eggs for us, hooray, and I've just been out and got myself 17 new chicks, 12 red and 5 white and they are all fit and healthy and starting off life in the best way. In a few weeks they will join their fellow chickens in the main coups but until then I'm playing mum and providing water and chick food and cleaning up after them!! Full time job....phew!!

My that's a big truck!!!

2010-06-25T20:25:00.003+02:00

We have been very busy this week at the lake. We hired a digger and a big truck/crane in order to dig out swims, cut big trees down to size and pull some large trees out of the lake. All the petrol tools were out from chain saws to strimmers and after 4 days it now looks like we have worked for weeks!!! Now need to wait for the grass and shrubs to grow back. But they always do and the lake will once again look totally natural.

Here's a quick peek at the machinery and a willow tree that was cut down to size. Don't worry folks it's not dead and will grow back with a vengeance, it's just had a big short, back and sides.

Another big Carp in the net!

2010-06-21T22:44:00.002+02:00

Here we go again peeps, another lovely looking big Mirror carp in the net from Andrew. 6am this morning and the rod went off like a siren, sweet. Caught using Apple boilie on a blend of hemp, maize and crushed boilies.

Different fish!!!

2010-06-21T22:38:00.002+02:00

Well Andrew does like to catch different things and here we are with a lovely Tench, which as it goes is my favourite looking fish, and a small Perch. James on the other hand still loves his Pike and here's his biggest to date. Lots going on at Lac de Lumiere this week as we hired a digger and a large cherry picker, and no, that's not for the nuemrous cherries around the place. We have dug new swims and pulled out a few trees, lopped big trees as they were too tall and generally tidied up. Plus another lovely addition of a piece of Limestone from the quarry set up as a table. Pictures to follow tomorrow hopefully (on my 40th Birthday, aaaaaaargh!!!!)

What a monster.......woohoooooo

2010-06-16T14:59:00.003+02:00

Trev's brother, Andrew and his partner Margaret are here at Lac de Lumiere for a week or so, and Andrew spent last night fishing the lake. It paid off for him as this morning whilst fishing maize over a bed of hemp and boilies he caught this monster of a grass carp weighing it at 44lb. Well done Andrew, needless to say Margaret won't be seeing much of him for the next few days at least!!! What a beauty. Eat your heart out Stewart.

Also looking forard to seeing our bailiff friend, Duane again tomorrow, coming from Cottington Lakes in Deal, Kent and then my sister is joining me for my 40th, yes 40th Birthday next week.

Gone fishing Sarah and Trevor

Poulet update

2010-06-13T23:23:00.003+02:00

Heh all, got 3 new chickens today from our friend James and he gave us his coup so we are now going to get 10 new chicks to liven things up a bit. The cockerels are almost over running the area as a few have grown up to be cocker doodle dooers!!! Whoops, although not our fault really, so if anyone wants a cockerel then pop on over to Lac de Lumiere and grab one!!

The picture is of Big Red, although he's not the biggest but he follows me around for corn, cheeky little monkey. Good looker too, bet the new girls will swoon.

Gone fishing Sarah and Trevor

Progress report on le jardin

2010-06-11T23:27:00.003+02:00

Well I did say I would post another update on the veggie plot and here it is. All going rather well (touch wood). Pumpkins, Courgettes, Peas, Cabbage, Cauli's, Runner Beans, Raddish, Salads, Potatoes, Dwarf beans, Leeks, Spinach, Brussel sprouts, Carrotts, Tomatoes, Broccoli, Red onions, White onions, well you get my drift.....Lots of everything really.

To top it all off got cherries nearly ready (about 10 trees and yes I've already munched some!!!) and the apples, peaches, plums and pear trees are all budding up nicely. Already got my cherry jam recipe and also looked up cherry wine and elderflower champagne.....Thanks Hugh Fearnley-Whittingtsall!!!

Gone fishing Sarah and Trevor

My beloved Neo Pingu Heritage

2010-06-10T15:14:00.003+02:00

Well here's my beautiful boys final resting place and he now has a lovely plant and plaque. Hope he rests in peace forever, never forgotten, Love u xxx

Le jardin

2010-06-09T00:01:00.004+02:00

The veggie plot is starting to look the business and we ate our 1st batch of petit pois today!! I took these piccies last week and the next veggie plot shot will look even better. It's actually all green now.....woohooooo

Gone fishing Sarah and Trevor

Jammy Stewart strikes again!!!!!

2010-05-31T18:46:00.008+02:00

Now this is really something, Stewart puts the rod out, and in 20 minutes gets a nice Mirror Carp. Now, how jammy is that - Billy, take note!!

Yesterday I spent a couple of hours down the lake having a barbeque and caught myself a little Jack Pike, a welcome change from gardening!

Pike fishing day

2010-05-30T15:24:00.004+02:00

Stewart and Wendy are having a camping holiday at Lac de Lumiere and Trevor's son Ben is here for the school holidays too. Both Stewart and Ben have been very lucky and caught some lovely pike today and both are very happy indeed. Jammy or what!!!

Bumble fly????

2010-05-27T11:55:00.003+02:00

Ok, so these are not cracking pictures but I wanted to try and show you all a Bumblefly! It's like a bee and hovers and has a really long nectar snout. Crazy nature! Also, Oscar the cat wanted to eat this dragonfly but I saved it, and in return it stayed still long enough to get a photo. As you can see, Oz is positively drooling at the thought.

Gone fishing Sarah and Trevor

What's going on in le Jardin??

2010-05-23T23:08:00.003+02:00

Well a lazy Sunday afternoon in the garden today, and who put that lake in my garden?? Not many people can say that eh! A fine day's sunbathing and pike catching! I can't think of anything that would beat that but you are welcome to try.

Nature at the Lake

2010-04-30T16:06:00.004+02:00

Rape seed all over the place, squirrels running amok, bats holding out and green dinosaurs, well, ok, green lizards running about the place!!

Nice to wake up to these every day.

Then get yourself here to experience the action.

Gone fishing Trevor and Sarah

3 lads together after 20 years

2010-04-23T21:52:00.004+02:00

Trevor and Stewart haven't seen their friend Dennis for 20 years. Dennis and Trevor went to France 20 years ago to help out and Dennis decided to stay and now lives in Normandy. Recently Dennis got in touch and he came to visit us at Lac De Lumiere just at the right time when Stewart was also visiting. Their reunion was quite something down on the lake.

More fish tales

2010-04-23T21:44:00.003+02:00

Here we go again 2 more fish in the net by Billy and his dad, Steve. Well done lads.

Ooh that's a few bigguns

2010-04-21T17:35:00.006+02:00

The boys came up trumps and have delivered 4 more fish, 2 grass, 1 Common and 1 Mirror Carp. Billy caught the Mirror and Common and Andre and Stewart caught the 2 grass carp. Andre's Grass carp weighing in at 38lb 2 oz was his Personal Best so he was totally overjoyed. Stewart and Andre caught on their own mix of boilies supplied by Just Baits. Keep up the good work and show us those mad skills!!

Gone fishing Sarah and Trevor

Common or Mirror anyone??

2010-04-17T10:09:00.002+02:00

The lads (Stewart, Billy, Andre and Steve) are back for a week and on their 1st night they caught a mirror carp of 18lb 7oz and a common carp of 24lb 11oz. Well done lads keep up the good work.

That's no carp it's a spacestation

2010-04-15T10:53:00.002+02:00

Yeah OK so I love Star Wars, it's not my fault though it's just the way life goes! Trevor and Ben did a spot of night fishing and caught a beautiful 17lb 8oz Common Carp another fish with it's mouth skirt intact. Another indication that most of the fish here have not been caught before. It's a great feeling to know you are probably the 1st to catch that fish.

During the day Ben caught a little jack Pike and for a boy of 6 it was a small battle to get it in the net. Well done Ben, getting to be a good fisherman already.

Bats totally crazy!!!

2010-04-13T20:33:00.003+02:00

Well guess where the little fruit bats sleep during the day??? Yep, behind my window shutters. How cool and they are so tiny and sweet. Check out the pic.

Gone fishing Sarah and Trevor, and Trev really has gone fishing tonight!