If it’s your first time fishing at Sumners Ponds, West Sussex (or it’s been a while), we have collated 12 of our frequently asked questions just for you!
Keep on reading to find out more.
1. How can I night fish?
Night fishing is only available to fishery members.
Members can book nights on either Sumners, Betty’s, or Match Lake. You can also night fish from lakeside pitches and accommodation (apart from our Shepherd’s Huts) without being a member (extra fees will apply for 24hr tickets).
If you are interested in becoming a member or want to find out more information, please visit our website or email fishing@sumnersponds.co.uk
2. Fishing West Sussex – What type of lakes do you have?
We have 5 lakes on-site.
Sumners and Betty’s are more targeted towards specimen carp anglers with fish over 35lb but they do hold other species such as Roach, Bream, Pike, and Perch.
Farm pond and Ribbon lake are more for the beginner angler wanting to float or feeder fish for a variety of smaller species.
Match lake is a highly stocked lake with mainly carp averaging 8lb-12lb, this is the most prolific lake onsite with hauls of 20+ fish in a day a regular occurrence.
3. What are the fishery rules?
You can see the full list of rules here, but we do ask that all-day anglers (no matter what you are targeting) have carp cradles on our Match lake, Betty’s lake, and Sumners lake.
4. Can I park near the lakes?
All our lakes have designated car parks so you will never have to walk far to get to your swim. Disabled blue badge holders can park directly behind their peg on Match and Ribbon Lake.
5. Fishing West Sussex – Can I purchase bait and tackle onsite?
Yes, we have a well-stocked tackle shop in reception!
You can find well-known brands such as CCmoore, Sticky baits, Korda, ESP, Crafty catcher, and others all in our tackle shop.
6. Can I book a lake exclusively?
We do allow both our Match Lake and Ribbon Lake to be booked privately, this can be for a fishing competition or just for a large group of friends. To book please email us.
7. What is the cost of a day ticket?
Prices for all our lakes can be found on our website.
The concession rate applies to over 60s and under 16s, or those with a blue badge.
8. Fishing West Sussex – What are the best baits?
This is probably the most frequently asked question we get and massively depends on what you are targeting and at what time of year.
The best thing to do if you are really unsure is to speak to a bailiff on the day but, broadly speaking all the usual baits work well here at Sumners; sweetcorn, luncheon meat, maggots, drilled pellets, boilies, the list goes on.
The tackle shop is a good place to start as all the baits stocked are targeted to our lakes.
9. Do you offer hire equipment?
You can hire a float fishing set up including bait and your day ticket from reception. Hire costs can be found on the fishery page of our website.
10. Fishing West Sussex – What times are the lakes open?
The lakes are open from 7am until 9pm or dusk, whatever comes sooner.
11. Do the lakes have toilet facilities?
All the lakes have portaloos and we do have a purpose-built “Fishermen’s Toilets” block just next to Farm pond.
12. Can I pre-book my fishing?
We’re afraid you cannot pre-book swims on any of our lakes.
You just turn up on the day and a bailiff will come round to issue day tickets or you can purchase one from reception.
The only exception is if you’re a member booking a night swim.
Fishing Lakes Near Me – Sumners Ponds Fishery and Campsite
Sumners Ponds Fishery and Campsite in West Sussex is a unique and beautiful spot set in the tranquil countryside amongst 100 acres of lakes, woodland, and pasture.
Perfect for a family holiday, couple retreat, or a short break to recoup. Sumners Ponds has many different types of accommodation, from camping sites to pods, from lodges to shepherd’s huts, from safari tents to family fields!
The campsite itself boasts high quality campsite facilities, acres of woodland, a working farm, and fishing lakes. All this in a beautiful and secluded setting which is perfect for just relaxing, or for the more active, exploring the many footpaths and safe cycleways within and around the site.
We also have The Cafe by the Lake, which is our restaurant and bar that is open to both those staying on-site and the general public. We aim to provide the highest standard of food and service.
