Situated in the Champagne Ardennes region of France, around three and a half hours from Calais, Etang De Bows is a mature 12 acre gravel pit with tree lined banks set in a very peaceful surrounding on the outskirts of the village of Oconte.
BOWS FISHING LAKES – FISHERY RULES
- Angler’s earliest arrival time – 12.00pm. If required, a draw will be conducted by the bailiff at 1.00pm.
- Upon arrival a deposit of £100 is required from each angler, then you will be issued with your Unhooking Mat, Landing Net & Weigh Sling. This deposit will then be refunded at the end of your week providing all the items are returned undamaged.
- You may use a MAXIMUM of 3 rods, however providing space allows, you may use a 4th rod for an additional charge of £50.00 which must be paid to the bailiff)
- NO BRAIDED mainlines allowed – Mono or Fluorocarbon mainline only. Minimum breaking strain – 15lbs. (N.B It is advisable to spool up with new line before you arrive as you are fishing a lake with gravel bars and snags)
- No Barbless hooks – MICRO BARBED hooks only.
- No Artificial/Fake baits are permitted at either venue.
- Leads – No fixed leads, only ‘cut back’ or MCF style lead clips to be used to ensure the lead is able to pull off the lead clip should you suffer a line breakage! If you prefer In-Line leads, then these must be fished ‘drop off’ style where the line does not pass through the lead.
- Only ‘Lead Free’ leaders are allowed. No Leadcore or Fused/Safe Zone type leaders are allowed. Alternatively PVC or Tungsten Anti-tangle tubing may be used – ABSOLUTELY no bare line that can damage the carp’s flank or dislodge scales.
- Ronnie Rigs are permitted.
- No Bent hook or 360° rigs to be used – there will be frequent rig checks by the bailiff.
- Landing Nets, Weigh Slings & Unhooking Mats will be provided. You must NOT bring your own landing nets onto the fishery! Buckets for water to keep the fish wet are provided in each swim, please make sure that your fish are kept wet at all times.
- Please make sure everything is fully prepared for safe unhooking weighing and photography before fish are removed from the water.
- Fish can only be retaining for a maximum of 15 mins to allow time for the fish to recover and you to set up your camera equipment.
- Fish to be kept out of the water for the absolute minimum of time – no extended photo shots.
- All fish are to be weighed, photographed and returned in the swims where they were caught.
- No sacking UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES.
- No rods to be left unattended at any time which includes leaving your receiver with another angler!
- Bait boats are allowed provided they are used responsibly. There use to fish areas outside of ‘your’ water will not be permitted!
- No boating or swimming allowed in ANY circumstances.
- No Charcoal/Disposable BBQ’s or fires allowed. (Covered gas BBQ’s are permitted provided they are not left unattended)
- No bright lights or loud music.
- Absolutely NO DRUGS will be tolerated.
- Excessive alcohol consumption will not be tolerated.
- All litter to be separated into rubbish or recycling and placed into the bins provided in each swim – cigarette butts to be placed in the special cigarette bins provided on Etang De Bows.
- No anglers under 16 years of age without constant adult supervision.
- Dogs are allowed but must be kept under control and in the owners swim at all times. Dogs to be kept on a lead if walking around the lake at all times so not to disturb other anglers. Dogs are not permitted inside any buildings (apart for the cabin at Lesmont) and owners are responsible for cleaning up after their own dog mess.
- Anglers to be off the lake by 10am on Saturday morning.
- All vehicles at ‘Bows’ to be returned to the car park BEFORE you commence fishing.