Original article was posted on CARPology website on 29-09-2022 at 08:35:00. Click here to view their wonderful feature.
Nestled in the picturesque countryside south of Birmingham lies Arrow Meadow Fishery, spanning over four and a half acres of lush greenery. The grounds boast two serene pools and a stretch of the River Arrow, with the one-acre Main Pool, excavated in 1995, and the smaller Pleasure Pool situated amidst the stunning estate of the former owner, Terry Thomas.
The renowned presenter of the popular 1970s television programme, Fishing Today, coined the catchphrase ‘Tight lines’ and would sign off each show with this now well-known expression.
Before Terry sold the house, he and his TV co-host Chris Tarrant (of ‘who wants to be a millionaire’ fame) spent a lot of time fishing in that pool. My wife and I viewed the house in 2017 when it returned to the market. In addition to the house, the vendors also listed the pool on the nearby property for sale. As I went looking for the lake, I couldn’t find it!
The area was surrounded by dense greenery and towering trees. Still, I began the laborious process of restoring the pool to its former beauty, and the sale of the house and lake went through as planned. The poolside vegetation had grown so thick that, at first, I couldn’t even get close to the water. The pool bottom was covered by a layer of silt that was five feet deep. The site was essentially a swamp, and the three-ton digger I had originally hired could not clear it. It wasn’t until I hired a 13-ton behemoth and enlisted the support of the local farmers that I made any progress.
Over the next year, my expert team of helpers and I changed the Pool into something that looked like a fishing lake again. The lake was drained, and several trees were cut down. The silt was dug out as well, and the Pool was re-dug. As it took form again, new plants were added to the bank.
In the 2018 winter, the reclaimed Pool’s stocking process got underway. Honestly, it was scary and completely outside of my comfort zone when I decided to leave the city and relocate to work as a fishery manager. But given that I have been passionate about fishing my whole life and successfully run businesses for the past 25 years, I was excited, nervous, and confident in equal measure.
Fortunately, there was no shortage of advice from the carp farming community. Mark Simmonds and Viv from VS Fisheries and Ant from AJS Fisheries were particularly helpful. Initially, 30 VS fish were stocked, with equal portions of C4s, C5s, and C6s. Five more VS fish were stocked in 2019, along with three more AJS fish. 21 VS fish and 19 AJS fish were added in 2020. Finally, 12 Simmos were stocked in February 2022 to offer a quick-growing variety. The stock currently has 65 fish in it after accounting for the carp lost annually due to spawning. Eight to ten of these fish are known to be in their 30s; the lake record currently stands at more than 36 pounds.
I encountered problems with weeds, algae, and oxygen throughout the stocking period. But all of these have been overcome with the help of Viv’s ongoing support and guidance. Since then, the Pool has only grown stronger. 2019 saw the start of fishing, and 2020 saw the Main Pool’s one-acre expansion.
The site is secure. Knowing that fencing, electronic gates, and CCTV protect the entire area, you can fish in peace. There is an otter fence within the security fence. The River Arrow is nearby, and otters are common in the waterway. There are restrooms and showers, and I am always available to provide as much or as little assistance as you require while fishing the lake.
Guests of the larger Pool have access to the Pleasure Pool, conveniently located just behind it. Let’s just say that the Pleasure Pool is home to an astonishing array of fish without giving too much away. It generates a plethora of surprises and provides a welcome diversion for anglers whose efforts in the Main Pool are proving fruitless.
Anyway, that’s enough from me – please head over to the CARPology website to read their entire feature, it’s detailed and wonderfully written and descriptive.
Don’t forget – you too, can exclusively hire Arrow Meadow Pools to enjoy on your own or with a friend, with mid-week breaks, weekends and entire week exclusive hire available.
4.5 acres of beautiful countryside inc x2 Pools and stretch of River Arrow in truly stunning grounds of the former home of Terry Thomas “Tight Lines”.. Relax with the whole fishery to yourself in our exclusive, private hire.
Stocked with 60 Carp weighing 15lb - 35lb
2 pools to fish - set in 4.5 acres of countryside
Onsite Shower and Toilet Facilities
Secure Location
Exclusive Hire for You - No Other Anglers
Immersing in the tranquillity of nature, sharing laughs and skills, this is a tale of one fans time with football legend David Seaman.
Dive into the captivating world of carp fishing as we reveal the secrets of Arrow Meadow Fishery.
Some of our new venues come about from tip-offs from the public or Members regarding available waters.
So If you know of any lakes that would suit our portfolio fill in the form below and if we take on the venue you will get a free life time Membership !
Rods and Lines
Your one-stop shop for all your coarse, match, carp and predator angling needs – from terminal tackle to bait and buckets, rods and lines and from waterproof clothing to bivvies!
Fishing Republic
Fishing Republic was founded in 1985 and has since become one of the leading UK fishing retailers, with a commitment to keep angling accessible and fun for all ages.
VS Fisheries
VS Fisheries is a specialist UK carp farm, producing the finest quality fish for the restocking market. The business aims to produce the highest quality farm reared carp.
Dave Mallin Products
These boilie mixes have been developed over many years and have been tweaked from the input of many of the greatest carp anglers and bait makers of our time.
Bulk Fish Supplies
We have produced fish feed for more than 50 years, and this makes us one of the worlds most experienced fish feed producers, delivering some of the best products on the market, to our customers.
Three Rivers Rolling
Three rivers rolling has been trading as a company since 2006 but they have actually been making and rolling bait for more than twenty-five years!
Trakker
Over 30+ years in designing and manufacturing fishing equipment for the dedicated carp fishing enthusiast across the globe, we are Trakker Products.
Cygnet
Cygnet Tackle company delivers rugged and dependable hardware, including rod pods and banksticks, weight equipment and fish care products, baiting and more.
Cotswold Rods
We specialise in high performance, hand built rods. We build on hundreds of different blanks and are experts on the American Tackle, Harrison and Century product ranges.
Carpology
The world’s largest carp fishing publishing brand. And the only magazine on planet earth where you’ll find Hearn, Fareham, Scott and co. all perfectly bound together each month.
Carp Store
Carp Store is Birmingham’s premier carp fishing store! Carp Store takes pride in carrying a vast selection of top-quality fishing supplies that are particular to carp fishing.
Bankside Baits
Established in 2004 by well-known carp angler Jon Finch, Bankside is an expanding, family run business that has progressed into Gloucestershire’s Largest Fishing Tackle Store.
Scouts
We’re Scouts and everyone is welcome here. Every week, we help almost half a million people aged 4-25 develop skills for life. Are you ready to join the adventure?
Angling Trust
The Angling Trust, is an organisation formed from the merger of six angling authorities to form a single and more powerful non-profit organisation for the benefit of anglers.
Decoy Angling
Decoy Angling is an online fishing tackle retailer focussed on supporting all disciplines of coarse and predator fishing from the specimen hunter to the pleasure angle.
Jungle Warfare
Jungle warfare aim to bring you the best quality products, at a price point that is justified! Windswept pits or deep in the undergrowth, Jungle Warfare have you covered.
Tackle Addicts
Tackle Addicts Tamworth pride themselves on their service and commitment to customers. Expert advice is readily available in-store to help you achieve your next angling goal!
Rods and Lines
Your one-stop shop for all your coarse, match, carp and predator angling needs – from terminal tackle to bait and buckets, rods and lines and from waterproof clothing to bivvies!
Fishing Republic
Fishing Republic was founded in 1985 and has since become one of the leading UK fishing retailers, with a commitment to keep angling accessible and fun for all ages.
VS Fisheries
VS Fisheries is a specialist UK carp farm, producing the finest quality fish for the restocking market. The business aims to produce the highest quality farm reared carp.
Dave Mallin Products
These boilie mixes have been developed over many years and have been tweaked from the input of many of the greatest carp anglers and bait makers of our time.
Bulk Fish Supplies
We have produced fish feed for more than 50 years, and this makes us one of the worlds most experienced fish feed producers, delivering some of the best products on the market, to our customers.
Three Rivers Rolling
Three rivers rolling has been trading as a company since 2006 but they have actually been making and rolling bait for more than twenty-five years!
Trakker
Over 30+ years in designing and manufacturing fishing equipment for the dedicated carp fishing enthusiast across the globe, we are Trakker Products.
Cygnet
Cygnet Tackle company delivers rugged and dependable hardware, including rod pods and banksticks, weight equipment and fish care products, baiting and more.
Cotswold Rods
We specialise in high performance, hand built rods. We build on hundreds of different blanks and are experts on the American Tackle, Harrison and Century product ranges.
Carpology
The world’s largest carp fishing publishing brand. And the only magazine on planet earth where you’ll find Hearn, Fareham, Scott and co. all perfectly bound together each month.
Carp Store
Carp Store is Birmingham’s premier carp fishing store! Carp Store takes pride in carrying a vast selection of top-quality fishing supplies that are particular to carp fishing.
Bankside Baits
Established in 2004 by well-known carp angler Jon Finch, Bankside is an expanding, family run business that has progressed into Gloucestershire’s Largest Fishing Tackle Store.
Scouts
We’re Scouts and everyone is welcome here. Every week, we help almost half a million people aged 4-25 develop skills for life. Are you ready to join the adventure?
Angling Trust
The Angling Trust, is an organisation formed from the merger of six angling authorities to form a single and more powerful non-profit organisation for the benefit of anglers.
Decoy Angling
Decoy Angling is an online fishing tackle retailer focussed on supporting all disciplines of coarse and predator fishing from the specimen hunter to the pleasure angle.
Jungle Warfare
Jungle warfare aim to bring you the best quality products, at a price point that is justified! Windswept pits or deep in the undergrowth, Jungle Warfare have you covered.
Tackle Addicts
Tackle Addicts Tamworth pride themselves on their service and commitment to customers. Expert advice is readily available in-store to help you achieve your next angling goal!
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