Martins’ Lakes – Specimen Lake
Availability 6 Anglers
Specimen lake is a stunning 7 acre lake with a wealth of features including overhanging trees, silted bays, reeds and graveled areas. It is set in 80 acres of French countryside and situated just south of Limoges in south west France.
It can be booked per angler or exclusively and can accommodate a maximum of 6 anglers.
This is a well-stocked lake with carp up to 50lbs and catfish 81lbs+. It is not a difficult water with some anglers having as many as 70 carp in a week.
There are 10 swims which are spread around the lake. Behind swims 6 and 7 is chalet which can sleep 2 people.
There are two rowing boats for baiting up and locating spots, which are free of charge. Bait boats are available to be hired.
You will be greeted by the lake owner on arrival who will give you some great pointers including bait and rig suggestions. If you need any extras such as shopping, bait etc then this can be arranged. The lake is limited to five anglers or six if you book it exclusively.
To make your holiday as enjoyable and hassle free as possible, the following options are available at an additional cost:
- Airport pick up(from Bordeaux or Bergerac)where you will be met on arrival (less than one hour away from the lake).
The lake can also be booked with a gite (cottage) which can sleep 6 as well as a private and pool and small lake of 1.5 acre for an additional fee (see table below for prices). Click here to view the gite and pool.
| July/Aug | Other Times | |
| Course lake, Cottage(gite) and Specimen Lake | £1,700 | £1,530 |
| Specimen lake exclusive use (max 6) | £1,000 | £1,000 |
| Tackle Hire (per person) | £65 | £65 |
| Airport Transfer(per vehicle up to 4) | £85 | £85 |
| Non fishing guest | £60 | £60 |
| Bait Boat hire/week | £65 | £65 |
| Please pay the following on arrival in euro | ||
| Food package per person/week | £155 | €175 |
| Martin’s Lakes carp pellets 4mm or 15mm | £4 | €4/kg |
| Dynamite Boilies 15-18mm | £10 | €12 |
| Popups 14mm (200ml pot) | £9 | €10 |
| Air Dry Boilie Bag | £6 to buy | €7 to buy, €5 hire deposit |
Rent of bivvy and tackle includes(per angler): three carp rods, a landing net, an unhooked carp mat, carp chair, rodpod, sling and set of scales.
You will need to bring reels, buzzers, sleeping bag and a torch. Bait and terminal tackle aren’t included in the package but can be provided at an extra cost.
Delectable home-cooked meal package which includes breakfast and a two course evening meal which will be brought to you at the lake to ensure minimal disruption to your fishing (we always check food preferences beforehand).
Only large unhooking mats to be used
Keep the fish hydrated and out of water for a minimal time
A maximum of 1kg per day of particles which are limited to maize, hemp and sweetcorn.
A maximum of three rods per angler
Plastic or fake bait is prohibited
Nuts are prohibited
Do not sack the carp or catfish
Always support the fish and kneel for photos
Fixed rigs/ death rigs are prohibited
Only large PVC weigh slings
No double hook rigs allowed for catfish
Do not litter, keep the property and swims clean and tidy
A landing net of at least 42inches to be used
Don’t leave rods unattended
Live bait is only allowed if its caught from the lake
Minimum 15lb breaking strain line
A carp care kit to be used to treat fish wounds and hookholds
No fires allowed
No unauthorised visitors
Unruly behaviour will not be accepted
| Port | Distance |
|---|---|
| Calais | 504 miles |
| St. Malo | 337 miles |
| Caen | 348 miles |
| Le Havre | 370 miles |
| Dieppe | 411 miles |
| Cherbourge | 416 miles |
| Roscoff | 423 miles |
| Dunkirk | 505 miles |
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