A Comprehensive Review of Linear Fisheries

Linear Fisheries, located in the heart of Oxfordshire, England, is a renowned carp fishing complex that offers a variety of lakes catering to all skill levels. With a total of eight lakes, it provides a diverse angling experience, with each lake possessing unique characteristics and challenges. This review delves into each lake, providing insights into their features, stock levels, and tips for maximizing your fishing experience.

The Complex Overview

Before diving into each lake, it’s important to note the overall ethos and amenities of Linear Fisheries. The complex is known for its meticulous maintenance and high standards, making it one of the premier carp fishing destinations in the UK. Facilities include clean toilets, showers, and ample parking, ensuring a comfortable stay for all anglers. Moreover, Linear is proactive in maintaining fish health, often collaborating with experts to manage stock levels and water quality.

1. Oxlease Lake

Size and Stock: Oxlease Lake spans approximately 26 acres, making it one of the larger lakes on the complex. It’s well-known for its substantial stock of carp, with many specimens over 30 lbs, and some reaching up to 40 lbs or more. The lake also houses bream, tench, and pike.

Features: The lake is characterized by a variety of features including gravel bars, plateaus, and silt beds, which provide diverse fishing opportunities. The clear margins are ideal for stalking, while the open water allows for long-range casting.

Tips for Success: Fishing on Oxlease requires a combination of patience and strategic baiting. Consider using a spod mix to create a feeding zone, and be prepared to adjust your rigs based on fish behavior. Popular baits include boilies and pellets, but don’t overlook the effectiveness of naturals like maggots or worms, especially during colder months.

2. St. John’s Lake

Size and Stock: St. John’s Lake covers around 18 acres and is famed for its stock of large carp, with numerous fish surpassing the 40 lbs mark. It also holds a good number of bream and tench.

Features: This lake features several islands, weed beds, and varying depths, which make for interesting and challenging fishing. The presence of islands offers natural barriers and hiding spots for the carp.

Tips for Success: A key to success at St. John’s is understanding fish movement. The islands create natural channels that carp use for navigation. Marginal fishing can be productive here, particularly during warmer months. Use solid PVA bags to present your bait among the weed beds, and be prepared to switch locations if you’re not seeing action.

3. Brasenose One (B1)

Size and Stock: Brasenose One is approximately 32 acres and is heavily stocked with carp, many of which are in the 20-30 lbs range, with some larger specimens present as well.

Features: This lake is relatively uniform in depth, with several man-made features such as gravel bars and plateaus. The lack of significant natural features makes it a great lake for practicing casting accuracy and bait placement.

Tips for Success: Given the lake’s relatively featureless bottom, pre-baiting with particles or boilies can be very effective in drawing fish into your area. Pay attention to the wind direction, as carp often follow the wind in B1. Solid bag rigs and spodding are common tactics here, but don’t forget the power of a well-presented zig rig during the warmer months.

4. Brasenose Two (B2)

Size and Stock: Similar to its neighbor B1, Brasenose Two spans 24 acres and is known for its large stock of carp, particularly in the 15-25 lbs range, although larger fish are frequently caught.

Features: B2 shares a similar featureless topography with B1, but it has slightly deeper areas. The lack of significant underwater features means fish can often be found cruising in open water.

Tips for Success: A versatile approach is essential on B2. Using a mix of bottom baits and zigs can cover different water layers. Spombing a mixture of pellets, particles, and chopped boilies can create an attractive feeding area. Keep an eye out for fish activity and be prepared to move if you’re not getting bites.

5. Hardwick Smiths Lake

Size and Stock: Covering about 22 acres, Hardwick Smiths Lake is a combination of two lakes, Hardwick and Smiths, which were merged. It offers a good mix of carp, including some very large specimens over 40 lbs, as well as bream and tench.

Features: This lake is highly varied in terms of its underwater topography, featuring gravel bars, deep channels, and silt beds. It’s known for its clear water, which adds a layer of challenge to the fishing.

Tips for Success: Stealth is crucial at Hardwick Smiths due to the clear water. Use fluorocarbon leaders and lighter lines to avoid spooking fish. Targeting gravel bars and silt pockets with critically balanced rigs can be effective. Natural baits like maggots or casters can sometimes outfish traditional boilies, especially in colder conditions.

6. Hunts Corner Lake

Size and Stock: Hunts Corner Lake is one of the smaller lakes, covering around 16 acres. Despite its size, it holds a good stock of carp, many in the 20-30 lbs range, and a few larger fish.

Features: This lake features a large central island, as well as several smaller features such as bars and plateaus. The margins are often productive, particularly in warmer weather.

Tips for Success: Fishing close to the island can yield good results, particularly with solid PVA bags. The margins can also be productive, especially if you can locate a clear spot among the weed. Pre-baiting a couple of areas and alternating between them can keep the bites coming.

7. Manor Farm Lake

Size and Stock: Spanning approximately 14 acres, Manor Farm Lake is known for its big carp, with many fish over 30 lbs and some reaching into the 40s. It also contains bream and tench.

Features: The lake features several gravel bars, plateaus, and silt beds. There are also some overhanging trees along the margins that provide good stalking opportunities.

Tips for Success: Manor Farm Lake requires a tactical approach. Identifying the gravel bars and fishing at different ranges can be productive. Boilies and pellets are popular baits, but don’t overlook the potential of sweetcorn or maize, particularly when fished over a bed of particles.

8. Unity Lake

Size and Stock: Unity Lake is around 19 acres and has a varied stock of carp, many in the 20-30 lbs range, with some larger fish present. The lake also holds bream and tench.

Features: Unity is known for its consistent depths and lacks significant natural features, making it a bit challenging to pinpoint the hotspots. However, there are some gravel patches and plateaus.

Tips for Success: Pre-baiting can be particularly effective on Unity. Spombing a mixture of boilies and particles to create a feeding area can draw in the fish. Solid PVA bags and zig rigs can also be effective, depending on the conditions.

Common Mistakes to Avoid at Linear Fisheries

1. Ignoring Fish Location: One of the most common mistakes is failing to locate fish before setting up. Observing the water and looking for signs of fish activity can significantly increase your chances of success.
2. Overcomplicating Rigs: While advanced rigs can be effective, sometimes simplicity is key. Stick to proven rigs like the Ronnie rig or solid bag setups, and ensure your presentation is spot-on.
3. Inconsistent Baiting: Regular, consistent baiting often outperforms sporadic heavy baiting. Establishing a feeding routine can condition the fish and keep them coming back to your area.
4. Overlooking Margins: Many anglers focus on casting to the middle of the lake, but the margins can be equally productive, especially if they offer cover or a change in depth.
5. Not Adjusting to Conditions: Weather and water conditions can significantly affect fish behavior. Be prepared to adapt your tactics based on wind direction, temperature changes, and water clarity.

General Tips for Fishing at Linear Fisheries

• Preparation: Research each lake beforehand to understand the key features and common successful tactics. Preparation can save valuable time and increase your chances of a successful session.
• Bait Choice: While boilies are popular, don’t be afraid to experiment with particles or natural baits like maggots and worms. Matching the bait to the conditions and fish preferences can make a big difference.
• Rig Presentation: Ensure your rigs are well-presented. Tangles or poorly presented baits can significantly reduce your chances of catching. Use PVA bags or mesh to protect your bait during the cast.
• Fish Behavior: Observing fish behavior and adjusting your tactics accordingly can be crucial. Look for signs of feeding activity, such as bubbles or tail patterns, and adjust your baiting strategy to capitalize on active fish.
• Stay Mobile: If you’re not getting bites, be willing to move. Linear’s lakes are varied, and fish can often be more active in different areas depending on the conditions.

Conclusion

Linear Fisheries is a premier destination for carp anglers, offering a range of lakes that cater to all skill levels and preferences. Each lake presents its own set of challenges and rewards, making it an exciting and diverse complex to fish. Whether you’re targeting the large carp of St. John’s, the featureless yet productive waters of Brasenose, or the varied terrain of Hardwick Smiths,