All fishing lakes in Sussex are different, so if you’re looking to visit us for a spot of fishing, then read our top fishing tactics for fishing in our lakes and ponds.
Sumners Ponds has 5 fishing lakes, all well stocked with lots of different fish species, such as carp, perch, roach, pike, bream, and more.
Our fishing lakes are dotted around Sumners Ponds, but luckily we have a detailed map available that you can use to find your way around.
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.
Fishing 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.
Fishing 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.
- Luncheon Meat, Corn and Soft Pellets bait work best.
Match Lake
Match Lake has 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.
Fishing Tactics:
- Small PVA bags of pellet or crushed boilies
- Float fishing with worms is a good way to target the Tench and Barbel
- Avoid introducing too much bait as this can often push the fish out of your area
- Double takes are very common during the summer months so be aware!
Ribbon Lake
Our Ribbon Lake 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.
Fishing Tactics:
- The bridge to the island and the large tree opposite are the hotspots, as well as the car-park bank.
- 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 puts up an impressive fight.
- Luncheon meat and drilled pellet are ideal when targeting the Barbel and Chub
- Maggot and corn work well with the other silver fish species.
Betty’s Lake
This specimen water is stocked with a host of Redmire Common & Simmonds Mirror Carp up to 35lb with a host of Sussex Scaley’s and Priory Fisheries too, averaging around 20lb. Alongside these fish are Pike up to 18lb and plenty of Roach.
Fishing Tactics:
- Our newest addition is for experienced fishermen only.
- 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.
For more information on each fishery including day tickets, night fishing, and experience levels, visit our fishing page.
