Fishing
We are now accepting CARD PAYMENTS ONLY, all tickets are available bankside from the bailiffs or Reception during opening hours. Please check our website for match bookings prior to visiting to avoid disappointment on the match bookings page.
The fishery will still be open for day tickets between 7am until 9pm or Dusk (whichever comes sooner).
Please ensure you have the correct equipment required for the lake you choose to fish, Sumners, Match and Betty’s Lakes require CARP CRADLES.
Tight lines.
The Fishing Team
Fishing Prices
Farm Pond, Ribbon and Match Lake Prices:
Adult Day Ticket: 1 Rod: £12.00 / 2 Rods: £14.00 (ages 16 years +)
Junior Day Ticket: 1 Rod: £8.00 / 2 Rods: £11.00 (aged up to 15 years)
Concession Day Ticket: 1 Rod: £8.00 / 2 Rods: £11.00 (aged 60 years +)
Sumners Lake (Members or Lakeside Pitches Only)
Adult Day Ticket: 1 Rod: £12.00 / 2 Rods: £14.00 (ages 16 years +)
Junior Day Ticket: 1 Rod: £8.00 / 2 Rods: £11.00 (aged up to 15 years)
Concession Day Ticket: 1 Rod: £8.00 / 2 Rods: £11.00 (aged 60 years +)
Tickets purchased are transferable to Betty’s Lake but difference will be charged.
Betty’s Lake:
Day Ticket: £18.00 for all Anglers.
Third Rod: +£3.00 (Under Bailiffs discretion)
Tickets purchased on Betty’s Lake are transferable to other lakes however the difference will not be refunded.
All anglers should have a valid fishing licence issued by the Environment Agency. Buy your licence here.
Booking a Premium Lakeside Pitch or Pod Accommodation does not include fishing.
Sumners Lake
The larger specimen water, is stocked with carp up to 35lb, Perch to 4lb, Roach to 2lb, Pike at 19lb and Bream to 8lb. We have a mix of camping pitches and accommodation with Swims that are Reserved. One swim is available for MEMBERS ONLY, this must be booked in advance via the Fishery Facebook or email. Night Fishing for members and campers is also possible on this lake. Sumners is a specimen lake and is therefore a challenging water so is recommended for more experienced anglers after a new PB. Carp Cradles are required to fish this lake, regardless of species.
Tactics: To target the Carp, legered boilie and pellet works well with dark baits seeming to produce more bites. We recommend 15mm baits to avoid the Bream, pop-ups have also been known to trip up the larger fish. Mackerel and Sardines are also a particular favourite for the Pike. The island is a favourable spot but it is often the margins that will produce the larger catch. Anglers wishing to target Bream and other smaller species will do well on feeders and float fish Maggot or Corn.
Farm Pond
The smaller but more mature of the lakes, we have Carp up to 16lb, Tench 4lb, Roach and Rudd to 2lb, Perch to over 4lb as well as Crucians and Bream. It is ideal for juniors and the less experienced angler looking to get into the sport but still provides great fishing for those more skilled. There are 9 day-ticket swims on this lake including the purpose built disabled accessible platform next to the car park. Night fishing is possible on this lake when camping on one of the 3 premium lakeside pitches.
Tactics: The lake is heavily stocked so simple methods work best, float fishing at around 4ft is what we would recommend and fishing on the surface on warmer days in the summer. It is important to feed regularly to produce multiple catches. In terms of bait, Luncheon Meat, Corn and Soft Pellets work best.
Match Lake
Set on its own, away from the campsite is a 3.5 acre water which provides prolific fishing with Mirror and Common Carp averaging between 8-10lb with the biggest at 22lb. Chub at 6lb, Barbel 10lb, Crucians 2lb, Tench, Bream over 4lb and Roach over 2lb. Primarily designed for the match fisherman but provides great sport for the day ticket fisherman too. This is by far our most popular lake for the angler seeking multiple catches of Carp with bonus species such as Tench and Barbel. As the name implies there are often matches booked on to this water especially at weekends so be sure to check availability if you are making a visit to fish this lake specifically. Night Fishing is available for members. We regularly post match calendars on social media. Carp cradles are required to fish this water, regardless of target species.
Tactics: Again, the Match Lake is heavily stocked so there is really no need for anything too complicated. Small PVA bags of pellet or crushed boilies is a particular favourite of the regular anglers on this lake. Float fishing with worm is a good way to target the Tench and Barbel that often patrol the margins. Avoid introducing too much bait as this can often push the fish out of your area. This is a great lake for those newer to the sport and those wishing to up their PB and generally increase their knowledge. Double takes are very common during the summer months so be aware!
Ribbon Lake
As its name implies, is a meandering ribbon of water. It is well stocked with fish such as Barbel to 8lb, Chub to 6lb, Tench and Golden Tench to 4lb, Perch to 3lb, Bream to 4lb, Roach to 2lb and Crucians to 2lb 8oz. Ribbon has also been recently stocked with some young English Carp born and bred on site, these fish are now reaching 12lb pound making them ideal for the anglers just getting into the sport. It is popular with match fisherman and is also ideal for beginners or parent and child teams as you can generally be guaranteed a successful catch on most visits. This lake is a favourite with some of our regulars as it is unique in design and has a large walk-on island with 5 platforms to fish from. There are around 26 day-ticket swims, most of which have a platform. This lake again often has matches booked.
Tactics: The bridge to the island and the large tree opposite are the hot spots as well as the car-park bank often producing a good catch. Be sure to use light rods, smaller hooks and 6lb line or heavier to get the most out of this lake as the Barbel particularly put up and impressive fight. Luncheon meat and drilled pellet are ideal when targeting the Barbel and Chub with usual maggot and corn working well with the other silver fish species.
Betty’s Lake
Our newest addition, is for experienced fishermen only. This specimen water is stocked with a host of Redmire Common & Simmonds Mirror Carp up to 41lb with a host of Sussex Scaley’s and Priory Fish Farm stock, averaging around 20lb. Alongside these fish are Pike up to 22lb and plenty of Roach. Betty’s Lake is set in a particularly peaceful and tranquil area of the site with three well placed islands and has a number of spacious dugout swims particularly suited to the Carp angler. Members can book to night fish by appointment only. Carp cradles are required to fish this water, regardless of target species.
Tactics: This is the most challenging lake on site but is also the most rewarding therefore a more thoughtful approach is required, please read the additional rules for this lake before fishing. Tiger nuts are the bailiff’s favourite for this water along with a healthy scattering of free offerings. Throughout the warmer months the shallower spots around the islands are often where the Carp will patrol so take time when choosing your spot as it is often the case that hitting these areas can mean the difference between catching and not. Again, like Sumners Lake, darker baits tend to work best with a few anglers catching well on zig-rigs when the conditions are favourable
Please note that we are serious about the well being of our valuable fish stocks. You must be sure that you have read and understood the fishery rules and have the correct equipment. Our staff are happy to advise as are most experienced fishermen. If you have any questions regarding the fishery, want to contact one of the fishing bailiffs or just want to send in pictures of your catches email fishing@sumnersponds.co.uk.
Information
Disabled Friendly
Sumners Ponds is a accessible fishery for those with a disability. The best lakes to fish are either Farm Pond, Ribbon Lake and Match Lake.
Farm Pond has a purpose built accessible platform with a ramp from the ajoining car park. This spaceous decked area has three large swims perfect for the disabled angler. The car park for this lake is directly next to the closest fishing swims so there is not far to travel with your equipment.
With both Ribbon Lake and Match Lake, so long as you have a blue disabled badge you can park directly behind your swim of choice.
Please be aware, no swims are reserved or prioritised for disabled anglers.
