Carthagena weir

[Bench]

Thinking of joining this stretch for the winter. Anyone fished this recently?
Thanks

[Tizer]

I made the mistake of going back to the lea valley last week, Turnford as it happens, first time I have been back in 10 years, I will never go back there again, it was getting bad round there thats why we moved,the lea and lea valley is finished as far as fishing is concerned in my opinion, well not just my opion as it happens, my mate still lives up there and has a few times rang the EA and the clubs that control the Lea from ryehouse down to waltham abbey, (hertford and ware angling clubs) about the eastern europeons he see's lure fishing with nothing but back packs ,no net or mat, he and all the other dog walkers see them all the time at fields weir,A friend of mine told me yesterday that he spoke to a match angler last week that used to go down to the lea at cheshunt to practice, he always caught something when he went........he went back the other week and never had a bite

[Tizer]

The bit you are talking about might be the bit that Jerry Hammond owns,which would have at least some sort of protection. good luck

[Olly]

Kings Weir seems protected!

[Bench]

Yes it is Jerry Hammonds stretch. So hoping that that area has been protected from those awful problems.
Once I go there, I will report back.
Thanks

[Wakou]

Did you go @Bench? Anything to report?

[Aitch]

I think that poaching is much more widespread... I was at Hoe Mill today and the place was full of Russians ( I think) (one asked me about my bike) about 6 or 7 of em... all fishing, again no nets or mats all spinning or lure fishing... I worry about the state of our rivers... I've not seen a bailiff in years

[Lea Dweller]

Yes it is Jerry Hammonds stretch. So hoping that that area has been protected from those awful problems.
Once I go there, I will report back.
Thanks

I knew Carthagena weir, backwater and lock cut very well! Back in the 1980's I had some success with what were then big chub, from around that area. Sadly, many of the bankside tree's in the area were felled and these were the home of many big chub. The trees have never been allowed to grow back, as so much of the Lea towpath has been taken over by boats! There is not much can be done as the canal and river trust are hopelessly undermanned to police the boats overstaying the local mooring rules! Jerry Hammond's stretch may well provide some sport, but I would suggest visiting the venue and asking questions and observing who may be fishing there, before you sign up!

[Wakou]

Hmm, this is really just a 'bump' post, I have nothing much to report..
I was enduring a "training" day at work the other week, (I am a lorry-driver!), David Brent was recounting his glory-days as an armed-response police advanced-driver etc.. (He was probably at Goose Green with the SAS as well, but I had dozed off by that point!)
During one of the SO welcome "coffee" breaks I was outside, and folks in the smoking-hut were chatting about a muntjac deer which had taken up residence on our local roundabout...
A young chap said, "I live by a river, and see lots of wildlife, foxes, stoats, badgers, etc"
My ears, as they say, 'pricked up"!
Which river?
The Lea!
Whereabouts?
At Carthagena Lock!
We chatted.
I have never fished Carthagena, but am familiar with Dobbs, Fieldes, etc, and am a member of Fisher's Green...
(Before I bore you all to infinity and beyond..
Have any of you actually caught a fish on the Lea in recent years? )
Anyhow, he rented a mobile-home/caravan/trailer thing from the people who own the lock, and associated waters.. To my surprise, he said.. "they are very nice people, and if you only wanted to fish the river, I am sure that they would allow you a winter only/river only ticket..."
Which seemed a nice idea!
But when I got home and riffled through actual bits of paper, (what is it about angling clubs and the internet, and terrible and inadequate websites? It is hardly a "new-fangled" thing!) I realised that a club I am a member of (RLAC) is affilated with Carthagena, and I am allowed to fish the river/weir with 24 hours notice! (which is nice!)
("Carthgena" is now a syndicate, for the vast and featureless pits containing some obese creatures in which I have literally 0% interest!)
But would it be worth my while to book a day or two?
Have any of you actually fished there in recent years?

[Tizer]

If there are any fish left in the Lea I would imagine that is where they would be, as far as I can remember the only way to fish it is by crossing the lock which had a gate and a dog which offered protection from the eastern european lure anglers