Get orf of moy land!

When I started this blog, it was with the intention of re-visiting forgotten or run down stretches of rivers on the Kent and Sussex borders. Some, if not all of these, were a nostalgic trip into my youth, or at least until being grown up ruined my adventurous spirit. I've always enjoyed the thrill of fishing where someone deemed it forbidden. These days, the old oak tree that carried the "Private keep out" sign has all but faded. The lure of computer games or designer clothes are too precious for youngsters to get dirty near a river bank pursuing wild fish.

After a reasonably successful first ten days of the 2014/15 season, it was time to start my weekly forage into the abyss of waters within 30 minutes of home. The first of these visits was the Cuckmere. It rises somewhere close to Heathfield, through Horsebridge near Hailsham, then bypassing Arlington reservoir before becoming tidal at Alfriston. The river finally enters the sea at Exceat around the beautiful Cuckmere Haven. I was told that here was the only water in the U.K. to be known as "The Cuckmere River" as opposed to "The River Cuckmere"

I've caught just about all species with the exception of Barbel along the 20 or so miles of its course. In the tidal stretches, huge shoals of Mullet are sought by those with much more patience than myself. Increasing numbers of Carp are found throughout, but particularly more so below Arlington. As to how these fish have populated the river is open to speculation. At Horselunges Manor, once home to Diana Dors and Peter Grant, (Led Zeppelin manager) the moat was full of Koi and Common Carp. At some time, it is thought to have flooded and this is possibly the most plausible explanation. Another notable venue along the river is Michelham Priory. I have never fished there, but there is every probability that monks kept Carp in the middle ages, and as with Horselunges, floods aided the escapees.

Arlington reservoir was completed and opened in 1971 by creating a dam on the former meandering stretch. The river was then redirected eastwards to continue its way to the sea. In the late 80's and early 90's a parasite affected the trout population in the reservoir and coarse fishing was allowed with competitions. Good weights were achieved, and many coarse fish were relocated into the area around Shermans Bridge on the A27.

Ariel view of Arlington Reservoir

I have many favourite places that I have fished on this wonderful small river, but none more so than Horsebridge Mill above Hailsham. (I really did secure permission to fish here) The rear pool was fantastic fishing, both Mick Hart and myself had many specimen fish with countless Roach up to 1lb 11oz and Chub to 4 lbs 8oz. The continual build up of silt, led to the once 8 foot deep pool becoming less than three foot at best, and gradually the big Roach disappeared. I recall Mick getting a very large Brown Trout close to 3 lbs on the pole.

5lbs 13oz Bream caught above Alfriston sluice

After Mr Cole closed his workshop, the building fell into dis-repair. I continued to visit once or twice a year, but it was never as good as in its heyday. On one occasion I was hidden in the bushes when I thought I was being shot at. After the third air pellet went above my head, I thought it wise to investigate. In the buildings opposite the mill, some offices and storage space was rented out by Mr Cole's son in law. Out of one of the windows leaned Paul Rew and his mate Les who were laughing at me. They had seen my van and watched me walk around the field to hide in the pool and thought it a giggle to take a few pot shots. My mistake was coming out of hiding because I was seen by the owner who then challenged me for trespass and poaching. It was that day I used the "god owns the fish" line. Just because I was asked to leave, didn't stop me from ever returning!

The Cuckmere Haven at Exceat

There are not too many angling clubs who have rights to fish the river. Hailsham A.C. had their own area, but after the amalgamation with Eastbourne's Compleat A.C. to form Southdown A.C. they let Nielsons field and downstream of the A22 go. Seaford A.C. have a small section above Michelham Priory then below that, the Sussex Piscatorial Society have a two mile stretch. I believe you have more chance of joining the Masons than gaining membership to this club of elitists. I would no doubt have been black balled. Aside from Berwick angling club having the area around the railway bridge, it is Southdown A.C. who have much of the remaining non-tidal fishing. Of course this leaves a lot of river to the likes of me to exploit without fear of trespass. 
(Hmm, yeah, right!!)

Yesterday, I fished a very remote section that requires the legs to go into overtime. Sitting there on a glorious June evening made me realise how important pleasant surroundings are to the angler. I fished for three hours for just a small Chublet and a Roach, but enjoyed every minute. The thrill of watching a Treecreeper running up and down an Oak tree, and being far away from any main road only added to the serenity of the country side.
I never saw a soul to say "GET ORF OF MOY LAND!"

My secret location on Saturday 28-06-14

Virgin Tench ?

There is a water in Tunbridge Wells less than 10 yards from the main road that rarely gets fished. It's known as "Brighton Lake" and was probably man made in the 19th century. According to a reliable source, many of the lakes inhabitants which were mainly Carp, died during the prolonged freeze of 1963.

When we were kids, in the early 70's, we used to watch the Carp cruising around. There didn't seem to be too many, perhaps a dozen or so, but to us youngsters, they looked like giants. In those days, lots of locals used to fish there hoping to hook one, and to my knowledge, I'm not aware of any ever being caught.

In the summer of 1976, on a very rare visit to the lake, I was fishing a waggler with a lobworm when the float lifted and glided away. I fully expected a long battle with one of the monsters, but was very surprised to land a Tinca of about 2 lbs. We had never seen a Tench in there before. Aside from the visible Carp, there were only a small shoal of Rudd and odd Perch.

Over the years, I've often been tempted to try again. Some times it's totally over run with weed. In 2008 the path surrounding the back of the lake was rebuilt, and then the following arctic winters saw some of the weed die off. I decided that this year, I was going to have a proper attempt to see if any more Tincas were present. I walked around the lake and counted 8 Carp up to 15lbs and aside from some mysterious fry, saw no obvious signs of feeding Tench.

My trusty rake revealed the weed was going to be a major problem if anything substantial was hooked. I designed this tool to be easily carried in my box. Dad used to say it looked like half of an old BBC2 T.V. ariel, but it works well and is very light to throw. While I was busy raking, Carp were already being inquisitive in the swim, oblivious to the commotion I was causing, and while I was setting up the rods, there appeared to be feeding fish. The "heavy" gear had two hair rigged soft pellets which ultimately never got touched, whilst the float rod and waggled two red worms on a B611 size 14 saw loads of action. Six Tench and a Perch was my reward for a very satisfactory session. OK, they were nowhere near as big as the fish I caught 38 years ago, but I'm sure there must be some bigger specimens. The best was barely a pound, and everyone of the little buggers got into the weed before being coaxed out.

I had some funny looks from walkers and some people feeding the ducks and geese. An extra bonus for my evening session, was seeing a Kingfisher land on the island. I'd like to have stayed longer, but I'd run out of half decent worms and the light was rapidly fading. With less than two weeks before my river campaign starts, I think it may be a wise move to enjoy a dawn session here? 

.