There can't have been a clearer winner of any category in this year's awards than 'Stillwater of the Year', won for the second time in a row by Embryo Angling's Norton Disney complex - with 83.3 per cent of the votes!
Founded by Danny Fairbrass in the summer of 2014, Embryo has taken on, managed and developed a number of fisheries around the country for both big-fish and match angling, but none is bigger or seemingly more popular than Norton.
With a team of experienced anglers overseeing the six-lake Lincolnshire complex, ‘Disney’ has welcomed thousands of carpers over the past 12 months, all eager to up their personal bests for the price of a day ticket.
That, perhaps, is the appeal of the place. In an era of costly or ‘secret squirrel’ syndicates, ANYONE can fish at Norton Disney. There’s also good variety, with some lakes being runs waters where plenty of fish are on the cards, and others being harder and aimed at the more serious angler who wants to put in the time and effort.
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“To win again is excellent and means a lot to all of us,” said Fishery Manager Ben Hodgetts.
“Our aim has always been to create a fair fishery, by which I mean one that anyone can fish, move swims if they want to and be fed accurate information by staff. We want anglers to come, relax and, of course, to catch.”
And the stocks at Disney are one of the plum draws, with the size of the resident carp continuing to grow. Half the stock in Pettitt’s Lake, for example, now average 30lb.
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“We’re an evolving fishery – you don’t get anywhere by standing still. We opened a new lake, Edward’s, this year, and are currently having the tackle shop and toilet and shower blocks revamped,” Ben continued.
“Good value for money and customer service are key, and that includes something as simple as visitors having their catch pics taken by staff. All they need to do is call us and we’ll pop down for a professional-standard photo. No messing about with self-takes!”
Hosting big events is another growth area at Norton, with regular charity gatherings taking place, while the military also use the fishery as one of their venues for get-togethers. Plus, the venue is set to branch out into the match scene in 2024, with one of the big BCAC events due to be held on Billy’s Lake.
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HIGHLY COMMENDED - BARSTON LAKES
Barston may grab the headlines for its superb match fishing, but there’s a lot more to this scenic West Midlands fishery than just pounds and ounces at the end of five hours.
It’s also fast gaining a fine reputation for some great big-carp fishing, with hundreds of twenties and even more double-figure fish to go at.
Couple that with legions of skimmers and bream, which account for 100lb match weights, plus some massive F1s, and you’ve got perhaps the best mixed fishery in the UK. The facilities aren’t bad either, with a sumptuous bar and restaurant – perhaps a bit too posh for us smelly anglers!
HOW YOU VOTED...
Embryo Norton Disney
83.3% of you voted
Last year's winners, Embryo's Norton Disney complex seems to just get better and better ever year. Thirties are common nowadays at the venue, but this year records of 45lb-plus have been taken from Pettitt's. It's also one of the best venues in the country for anglers to improve their skills with coaching and open days.
Barston Lake
4.3% of you voted
This unique 124-peg lake once again became the centre of attention this year when it successfully hosted the European Feeder Cup – the first international coarse fishing event to be held in England for decades. Big weights were recorded right across the board, with everything from hand-sized skimmers through to huge carp brought to the scales. That hasn’t been it’s only success either, with excellent sport registered by match, pleasure and specimen anglers in all conditions.
Berners Hall
3.5% of you voted
Records tumbled at this day-ticket Essex carp venue in 2023. Thirties and forties are common, but this year the lake record on the Res went over 57lb. Holds superb matches and events too.
Tamar Lakes
2.8% of you voted
Among the very best and most consistent stillwater fishing you'll find anywhere in the UK, whether it's big silver fish weights, huge perch or specimen carp.
Linear Fisheries
2.5% of you voted
The highlight for the UK's busiest day-ticket complex this year was the new Tar Farm record at 45lb, a fish that has grown 20lb in just two years in Linear's newest waters. It's not just carp the complex is famous for either, just last week it produced one of the UK's biggest roach at over 4lb.
Grafham Reservoir
1.7% of you voted
Continued to provide countless anglers with huge perch personal bests in 2023, with plenty of four-pounders and even five-pounders rewarding those that have gone afloat on this vast inland reservoir.
Chew Valley Reservoir
1.5% of you voted...
Remains the 'Mecca' for anglers seeking pike of mammoth proportions. Produced huge fish to over 40lb to deadbait, lure and even fly tactics alike.
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