FRANCE has become famous in big carp circles as the place to go to target that fish of a lifetime. But the Jero’s complex in the picture postcard Medoc region offers something else, something for the angler who wants to ensure plenty of bites in quite wonderful surroundings and make sure there is plenty to do for all the family as well.

Jero’s is a complex of natural, private lakes in beautiful surroundings. Heavily stocked, the lakes combine top class fishing for carp up to 40lb or bags of smaller carp to over 100lb, depending on what you fancy.

What will appeal to many is that the surrounding area of Jero’s provides a great holiday for all.

Apart from the beaches and other regional interests there are such activities like quad riding,

The best surf beaches in Europe are only 3km away.

swimming, horse riding, surfing, cycling and great cuisine in the immediate area. In other words Jero’s is perfect for the angling fanatic who needs to keep his family happy while he indulges in his favourite sport with the chance of catching a fish of a lifetime or tonning up on hard fighting fish from 2lb to 10lb.

Situated on the south west coast of France in the Medoc region, Jero’s four lakes are set in natural woodlands in an area described as one of the last untouched regions of France. The best surf beaches in Europe are only 3km away and the world famous Medoc wine region is also close by, with its many beautiful chateaus.

The area has a superb microclimate and in summer temperatures average 30c, with 40c not unusual. During the summer of 2003, temperatures of 44c in the shade were commonplace and while frosts do occur during mid winter, there are only around four a year.

The lakes were dug in 1996 by Jean Figarede on the former ‘Etang de Barreyre’ site. Maps will have the name of this natural lake on them. Access to the lakes by car is made around Bordeaux or via a short ferry crossing from Royan to Le Verdon. Then it’s a short 10-minute drive to the lakes or accommodation.

Jero’s consists of three main lakes all offering different stock fish and varying challenges for the

Three beautiful lakes offering a variety of fishing from tonning up on small carp to targeting 40-pounders.

carp, pleasure or match angler. The aim is to offer UK commercial type fishing but in a natural environment that cannot be matched in England.

Pole, waggler and feeder all work really well and carp anglers can enjoy the art of stalking individual fish and fishing floating baits like dog biscuit of plain bread.

The size of the lakes will make you work more than on those 16-metre wide farm ponds you see so often in the UK. There are no platforms here as the water level does fluctuate during the seasons, so there is no feeling of artificial fishing here.

Although the lakes have been stocked the fish are from natural sources and not fish farms and have never been caught before arriving at Jero’s.

The Lakes

Crazy Lake
2.5 acres with several small islands and a short canal type stretch. A very pretty lake which holds tonnes of fish, mainly carp from 2lb-10lb but with a good stock of roach, carrasio carp (like crucians), tench and bream. 100lb bags are the norm here so don’t fish too light! There is a one-rod only rule on this lake.

Middle Lake
2.22 acres with lots of small islands all within pole distance. At the time of writing the water holds mainly pike and black bass with a few grass carp, but it will be stocked with the general angler in mind soon.

Junior Pond
A small section of Middle Lake which has been netted off and stuffed with absolutely stacks of fish. This is where we teach juniors the basics of fishing and fish care. Children of all ages receive tuition, pole hire and bait. A great place for that first taste before setting out on the bigger lakes.

Specimen Lake
Three acres in size and home to the biggest fish on the complex. Carp to 18kg/40lb with lots of double and the smallest carp going 10lb. The lake also holds a good head of other species. Night fishing is allowed on this lake only.

Ongoing stocking

The Jero’s stocking policy is to add fish year after year and to replenish when necessary, with a view to keeping the standard of fishing high.
An on-site shop provides tackle and bait required for our lakes along with snacks, meals and much needed cold drinks.

There is tackle for hire, tuition available for anyone and a covered picnic area will keep you cool during a lunch break and showers and toilets are also provided.

Tickets
Day tickets are €15/day for all lakes for one rod only. Extra rods are €5 each (only for specimen and

middle lake). Night fishing from two hours before sunset-two hours after sunup €15. Week flexi ticket €90. This is for a seven day week and allows fishing on all lakes and at anytime.

No limit on time. Multi rods: max three on Specimen and two on Middle. Half day fishing from sunrise-1pm and from 1pm-sunset. €8 Juniors under 15, OAPS and registered handicapped €8/day. Half day Junior instruction with tackle and bait €15. Equipment hire €15/day €60 deposit

Sea Fishing
Being surrounded by the sea and the large Gironde estuary, many options exist for those wanting to test the sea fishing.

Boat fishing is good with a 50km rock bank only one mile from the shore. This provides good bass and conger fishing. Tuna can be caught further out in to the Bay of Biscay.

The beaches, although very busy during the day and in particular the middle of summer, become quiet at night and provide good possibilities of catching bass, conger, sole and rays amongst other smaller species. Bring your beach gear too or use a good carp/ledger rod for a session on the beach.

Accommodation
There are several options for accommodation and all within a mile of the site.

You can choose to stay on the camp sites or at well equipped gites.

This gives you the space away from the lakes and keeps Jero’s peaceful but close enough to never really being away from your love of fishing.

There are two camp sites, one of which has pools and a bar etc the second is a little more calm. Both are very nice and private.

You could also opt to stay in one of the gites. These are chalet-type houses which accommodate up to six people. There are 20 gites available and all are adjacent to each other.

All accommodation can be booked independently of the fishing for non fishing families/groups. Add the price of your fishing ticket/tickets to the prices below.

All prices are in £ sterling for example purposes only. Prices on our application forms are in €s. Deposits will be paid in £ sterling and the remainder paid in €s on arrival. Prices may fluctuate do to exchange rates either up or down.

Example of prices per week

Chalet/Marina 4-6 people

Before 26/6/05 and after 28/8/05 £198

26/6/05-10/7/05 and 21/8/05-28/8/05 £313

10/7/05-21/8/05 £337

Mobile home 4-6 people

Before 26/6/05 and after 28/8/05 £184

26/6/05-10/7/05 and 21/8/05-28/8/05 £292

10/7/05-21/8/05 £356

Caravan 3-4 people

Before 26/6/05 and after 28/8/05 £134

26/6/05-10/7/05 and 21/8/05-28/8/05 £205

10/7/05-21/8/05 £234

Gites 4-6 people

October-June £230

June and September £257

July and August £350

Deposits of £150 will be required at the time of booking for accommodation made payable to AISPORTZ the remainder of the total will be paid in €’s on arrival. Travellers cheques, cards and cash are all accepted.

How to book
Call Rod Bartholomew on 07802 472566 for angling information or email at mail@aisfish.com . The booking line is 01322 557375.

Website: www.aisfish.com

For more angling holidays see our Fisheries section