What is the plan when repairs are completed as regards to re stocking Kingfisher ???
Having mainly targeted this pond over the last 4 years it was improving year on year not just on quantity of fish caught but the quality.
Personally I would like to see it re stocked predominantly with crucian carp.
Hope all goes well with the repairs and looking forward to spending more happy hours fishing what in my opinion is the jewel of Ravenfield Ponds…….
Chris,
Thanks for the comments. I must admit that everyone is gutted because of the problem and it seems to be the common view that the Kingfisher was the best pond of the lot. But hey ho these things are sent to try us and regrettably we couldn’t leave things as they were for a whole host of reasons including H&S not to mention possibly losing what amounted to around £15k of fish!
All efforts are now being focussed on how we can effect repairs as soon as possible, but it will be a big job without doubt.
As for restocking we have yet to decide the details of restocking but one thing is for sure we cannot leave all the Kingfisher’s fish, including the crucians, in Burcliffe despite now ‘artificially’ feeding them, and so some will certainly be returned to the Kingfisher. But we have some other options to consider too. The Carp Pond is due to be netted to remove silver fish and both stock ponds are due for netting too with the one nearest the Gt. Pond/Kingfisher being established for crucians only and the other tench and rudd.
In connection with being snagged on the bottom, possible cause , mussels ; I have also been snagged in ” the margins”. Looking at your most recent photo’s of the drained bed ,the cause could be the large stones & the concrete slab that are in abundance. Could they be removed as part of the refurbishment of the pond. It would certainly improve the situation. Thank you.
Your e mail was correct Ian, I do have a lot on my plate, the top of a long list being to repair the leak and get the pond refilled and restocked.
Regarding the stones of course they can be moved, it is simply a question of pairs of hands. Volunteers are not easy to come by and in my mind we have far more important things for them to do when we begin the repairs. But if you, or anyone else for that matter, can help then please be our guest.
Kingfisher Pond Refurbishment.
To all able bodied members.
Whilst the Pond is drained there is quite an amount of large stones & a few slabs in the “margin” area on the stream side that causes snags for your end tackle to foul.
This seems a good time to remove them whilst the repairs are being carried out.
Myself & my mate Harold Newby have volunteered to remove these at a suitable time after the festivities have ended. If anyone else would like to join us it may only take a day & would be well worth doing. Anyone interested please forward your names to Martin . He may pick a date or just say turn up & do your bit when you want. Harold & I are retired, but can spare a day away from house keeping duties, we have permission from a higher authority.
Couldn’t believe how many muscle they were (not just in the pond) do these move around causing depressions ???? Also i was shocked how many fish the Kingfisher held but found the bucket/bin carrying the more efficiant option to transfer the fish. Also was walking with my two boarder terriers (Stan&Gracie) the other day around the venue and came across a dead EEL on the kingfisher bank. Has anyone caught EELs before from here. Ravensfield continues to throw up surprises. Love it
Merry Christmas all
ParaPete
Thanks for offering to help Ian and Harold. Many hands make light work as they say. It’s probably best if we all work together rather than an odd individual on their own, health and safety and all that stuff.
Good idea too if anyone who can help contacts me then I can let everyone know. Any more Ians and Harolds out there?
Hi there Pete, good to hear from you. Strangely perhaps eels are not unknown at Ravenfield, samples as big as 4lbs have been caught from all the ponds. One can only marvel at how old these ‘fish’ are considering they were born in the Sargasso Sea a travelled across the Atlantic into the Humber and up the Don to get to us, presumably before the Don became polluted. I’m told they do live to be 100 or more.
We did find two small ones, 6 inches or so, which must be new ones. Interesting stuff eh?
Hi Martin yeah totally they are such a strange fish. Its not something I’ve ever fished for but great to see yet another species at ravensfield. Cracking website as well Martin have you any details of who designed it etc. Hope to see you on the bank soon.
Pete, The site was designed by Castus in Dinnington, the guy to talk to is Simon Heappey (angler) or his boss Chris Harpin, (ex angler, cyclist, etc) phone 01909 547100. It’s based on a WordPress design and made for simpletons like me to use. I provided all the text and pictures and they ‘glued’ it all together as we wanted it and then showed me how to use, change etc, etc. I’m delighted with it. Thinking about something for France?
The most logical answer for those depressions is as you say ground baiting. It will be pure coincidence that anglers have been throwing their ground bait approximately the same distance, & over the years the fish have scoured out the bottom scavenging for food.
Martin,
Bless you mate. I would say thats just unlucky.
Mine is just stupid and solid on my behalf. I had just came home after 3 months overseas where i watched loads and loads of carp and fishing DVDs couldn’t wait to get on the bank. As i thought packed all my kit (including my boarder terriers) for a weekend session and as you do pack everything but the kitchen sink !!! well at least i thought i had.
Wife was working in the midlands so arranged to meet her after work and she was going to stay with me for the weekend. So off i went with my two boarder terriers and kitchen sink and headed south to a carp lake that a mate had advised and arranged for me and then the wife was going to meet me around 1900ish for a few beers and a all-in-one curry.Nice !!!!
So i get there about 3 hrs late due to overcrowded UK and Fri afternoon traffic both on A1 and M1. lets the dogs out gets the Bivvy set beds set up was better accommodation than in Iraq then went to my van and there you go…………. no rods no rod bag nothing. Couldn’t believe it !!!!
Anyway the wife came had a go at me called me every name under the sun (some deserved some not)
It was enough to make a shepherd eat his own dog.
All the best for 2015 to all at Ravensfield !!!!
Interesting to read about the drop shotting, having brought some light rock fishing gear myself for summer holidays in Devon I have adapted it for drop shotting. Interesting to read that Mark has tried Ravenfield, although I haven’t tried the ponds I have had a go on the canel at Kilnhurst down by the barges. Be interested where else in the local area Mark has tried. Its great for getting out for a few hours when its cold and not much else happening.
Well done. With Ravenfield holding a true strain of Crucians which were used back in 2008 by the Environment Agency to breed for other waters around the country its the perfect way to highlight what this complex has to offer. Like Andy says give this pond 5 years it will be unique, with all the muddy carp pools around this area Ravenfield Ponds is one of best in Yorkshire something to offer all anglers….
I fished the Kingfisher on the 14/03/2015 and was amazed to catch 32 Rudd in such a wonderful condition ranging from 3to 4 ounces to a couple over the 8oz mark
I have been a member of this fishery for a number of years now and to anyone who is contemplating joining, I would say do it and do it quickly. This place is fantastic, very well kept and managed correctly. The management seem to make sound decisions in regards to the stocking of fish and in the years to come I am confident there will be some extremely good fishing to be had with species that a lot of other venues don’t have much of. All the lakes are behind locked gates which keeps the general public from walking up and down the banks with access to anglers only. The wildlife and tranquility of the park are fantastic and make for many a pleasant days fishing. I make these comments as an angler only and I am in no way involved with the running of the place. So if you want a pleasant venue with an excellent variety of species and a choice of waters then this place ticks all the boxes.
THIS HAS GOT TO BE MONEY WELL SPENT , WITH THE CRUCIAN GOING ON TO THE
ENDANGERED SPECIES LIST MEMBERS WILL HAVE A CHANCE TO CATCH THESE FOR
THE FORESEEABLE FUTURE WELL DONE ALL CONCERNED!
You’ve seen it too Andy it seems that where Phoenix lead others follow. First the Tenchfishers were looking to secure tench waters and now the world’s wanting to make sure crucians don’t become extinct!
Fished Kingfisher pond on 14th of April. Fished from 10-15am to 13-00. Caught at least 50 tench between 4oz & 8oz a nice crucian around 12oz , Rudd just over a pound and 2 larger Tench one around 2lb 12oz and one just over 4lbs. A lovely mornings fishing.
You’ve made me green with envy! Brings back memories of my Chapmans 500 & 550’s of many years ago (24 lb er to my 500 after quite a struggle!), along with a few B.James magic wands & others. I still have a reasonable collection of older & new centrepins which still give me great delight, & a few amusing untangling interludes!
I have to admit to having gone plastic but still have many good memories of signing line attached to a beautiful handmade piece of angling art.
This is my first year on the carp pond and I have had a cracking time. Since the first of April I have caught 27 carp. My biggist catch is a 21lb 3oz Mirror Carp. So far.The rest has been between 11lb and 18lb 5oz. I love fishing at the carp pond. Everyone is friendly and if your thinking of joining do it coz it’s a really good fishery.
It’s really great to see juniors being helped and taught that carp carp carp are not the answer . So many get bored with the first big hit of that sort of fishing. So when juniors start from a more traditional position they become more used to it.
Great too read
Fished Kingfisher on Saturday the 06/06/2015 from 08:30 until 16:00 must have had at least 50LB of fish, mainly Rudd and Tench accompanied by half a dozen Crusians. See Martin Reed for photo’s.
Great news, I love to see some 3lb crucians in the near future and with the help of everyone it’s certainly on. It needs anglers to start chucking some bait in .. Keep feeding em !!!
What a cracking weekends fishing,Saturday with a junior member Will Spooner who had a double figure net of mainly good size crucians while I had a good 20lbs of tench,crucians and rudd from the Kingfisher in only 4 hours.Sunday I had a few hours to spare so I decided to give the Bridge pond a try with hemp and tares.In under 4 hours I had around 15lb of quality roach.Two very enjoyable sessions for the cost of half a pint of maggots and a quids worth of hemp.That’s what I call proper fishing
No Comments
well done mate , tightlines to all
can you tell me what is happening with the kingfisher pond
Recent post and Newsletter cover. More news in due course.
20lb of 200lb is 10% not 1% therefore they did have a good day
Did you mean 2000lb
reading further on I see it was 2000 lb
Sure did Dennis, just testing, or typing wrongly more like. 20 lbs out of 2000lbs isn’t a good return for effort.
What is the plan when repairs are completed as regards to re stocking Kingfisher ???
Having mainly targeted this pond over the last 4 years it was improving year on year not just on quantity of fish caught but the quality.
Personally I would like to see it re stocked predominantly with crucian carp.
Hope all goes well with the repairs and looking forward to spending more happy hours fishing what in my opinion is the jewel of Ravenfield Ponds…….
Chris,
Thanks for the comments. I must admit that everyone is gutted because of the problem and it seems to be the common view that the Kingfisher was the best pond of the lot. But hey ho these things are sent to try us and regrettably we couldn’t leave things as they were for a whole host of reasons including H&S not to mention possibly losing what amounted to around £15k of fish!
All efforts are now being focussed on how we can effect repairs as soon as possible, but it will be a big job without doubt.
As for restocking we have yet to decide the details of restocking but one thing is for sure we cannot leave all the Kingfisher’s fish, including the crucians, in Burcliffe despite now ‘artificially’ feeding them, and so some will certainly be returned to the Kingfisher. But we have some other options to consider too. The Carp Pond is due to be netted to remove silver fish and both stock ponds are due for netting too with the one nearest the Gt. Pond/Kingfisher being established for crucians only and the other tench and rudd.
In connection with being snagged on the bottom, possible cause , mussels ; I have also been snagged in ” the margins”. Looking at your most recent photo’s of the drained bed ,the cause could be the large stones & the concrete slab that are in abundance. Could they be removed as part of the refurbishment of the pond. It would certainly improve the situation. Thank you.
Your e mail was correct Ian, I do have a lot on my plate, the top of a long list being to repair the leak and get the pond refilled and restocked.
Regarding the stones of course they can be moved, it is simply a question of pairs of hands. Volunteers are not easy to come by and in my mind we have far more important things for them to do when we begin the repairs. But if you, or anyone else for that matter, can help then please be our guest.
What a cracking perch Martin . how big do you think that one went ?
BSC
Maybe 1.5lbs, only small for some that have been caught. My best went 3lbs plus.
Kingfisher Pond Refurbishment.
To all able bodied members.
Whilst the Pond is drained there is quite an amount of large stones & a few slabs in the “margin” area on the stream side that causes snags for your end tackle to foul.
This seems a good time to remove them whilst the repairs are being carried out.
Myself & my mate Harold Newby have volunteered to remove these at a suitable time after the festivities have ended. If anyone else would like to join us it may only take a day & would be well worth doing. Anyone interested please forward your names to Martin . He may pick a date or just say turn up & do your bit when you want. Harold & I are retired, but can spare a day away from house keeping duties, we have permission from a higher authority.
Couldn’t believe how many muscle they were (not just in the pond) do these move around causing depressions ???? Also i was shocked how many fish the Kingfisher held but found the bucket/bin carrying the more efficiant option to transfer the fish. Also was walking with my two boarder terriers (Stan&Gracie) the other day around the venue and came across a dead EEL on the kingfisher bank. Has anyone caught EELs before from here. Ravensfield continues to throw up surprises. Love it
Merry Christmas all
ParaPete
Thanks for offering to help Ian and Harold. Many hands make light work as they say. It’s probably best if we all work together rather than an odd individual on their own, health and safety and all that stuff.
Good idea too if anyone who can help contacts me then I can let everyone know. Any more Ians and Harolds out there?
Hi there Pete, good to hear from you. Strangely perhaps eels are not unknown at Ravenfield, samples as big as 4lbs have been caught from all the ponds. One can only marvel at how old these ‘fish’ are considering they were born in the Sargasso Sea a travelled across the Atlantic into the Humber and up the Don to get to us, presumably before the Don became polluted. I’m told they do live to be 100 or more.
We did find two small ones, 6 inches or so, which must be new ones. Interesting stuff eh?
Hi Martin yeah totally they are such a strange fish. Its not something I’ve ever fished for but great to see yet another species at ravensfield. Cracking website as well Martin have you any details of who designed it etc. Hope to see you on the bank soon.
Nice fish them Les shame about the Hat 😉 !!!!
Pete, The site was designed by Castus in Dinnington, the guy to talk to is Simon Heappey (angler) or his boss Chris Harpin, (ex angler, cyclist, etc) phone 01909 547100. It’s based on a WordPress design and made for simpletons like me to use. I provided all the text and pictures and they ‘glued’ it all together as we wanted it and then showed me how to use, change etc, etc. I’m delighted with it. Thinking about something for France?
The most logical answer for those depressions is as you say ground baiting. It will be pure coincidence that anglers have been throwing their ground bait approximately the same distance, & over the years the fish have scoured out the bottom scavenging for food.
Martin,
Bless you mate. I would say thats just unlucky.
Mine is just stupid and solid on my behalf. I had just came home after 3 months overseas where i watched loads and loads of carp and fishing DVDs couldn’t wait to get on the bank. As i thought packed all my kit (including my boarder terriers) for a weekend session and as you do pack everything but the kitchen sink !!! well at least i thought i had.
Wife was working in the midlands so arranged to meet her after work and she was going to stay with me for the weekend. So off i went with my two boarder terriers and kitchen sink and headed south to a carp lake that a mate had advised and arranged for me and then the wife was going to meet me around 1900ish for a few beers and a all-in-one curry.Nice !!!!
So i get there about 3 hrs late due to overcrowded UK and Fri afternoon traffic both on A1 and M1. lets the dogs out gets the Bivvy set beds set up was better accommodation than in Iraq then went to my van and there you go…………. no rods no rod bag nothing. Couldn’t believe it !!!!
Anyway the wife came had a go at me called me every name under the sun (some deserved some not)
It was enough to make a shepherd eat his own dog.
All the best for 2015 to all at Ravensfield !!!!
Interesting to read about the drop shotting, having brought some light rock fishing gear myself for summer holidays in Devon I have adapted it for drop shotting. Interesting to read that Mark has tried Ravenfield, although I haven’t tried the ponds I have had a go on the canel at Kilnhurst down by the barges. Be interested where else in the local area Mark has tried. Its great for getting out for a few hours when its cold and not much else happening.
I can’t be specific, but speaking to Mark it seems to me that he tries drop shotting everywhere he fishes.
stunning fish gavin well done
Reminds me of compo clegg and foggy .. last of the summer wine..
The Three Wise Men said, “If we have got fish again for tea it is about time we were revolting.
Well done lads in spite of everyone wanting bags of oversized goldfish this is courageous and visionary, give it five years and i will be fantastic
Well done. With Ravenfield holding a true strain of Crucians which were used back in 2008 by the Environment Agency to breed for other waters around the country its the perfect way to highlight what this complex has to offer. Like Andy says give this pond 5 years it will be unique, with all the muddy carp pools around this area Ravenfield Ponds is one of best in Yorkshire something to offer all anglers….
I fished the Kingfisher on the 14/03/2015 and was amazed to catch 32 Rudd in such a wonderful condition ranging from 3to 4 ounces to a couple over the 8oz mark
Are we sure he is at Ravenfield, I certainly do not recall any pegs that look like the one he is standing on!!
More like the 3 monkeys! see all hear all and say nowt
Steve,
It’s not Ravenfield it is Baker’s…….as it says,
Sincerely,
Spec Savers
well done, you’re the second one to fish it and the first to catch since the refill.
these roach have never seen a hook, absolutely pristene i bet there are some two pounders among them
this perch is a lot bigger than it looks note the size of the hands!
more like eat all,sup all and pay ‘nothing at all’
I stand corrected
i would be interested in joining. Can you send me details please.
My mob no is 0791 2202156
Thanks
Nigel Fox
Nigel,
If you look at the Membership page you should find all the details you need, if not please get back in touch.
Hi could you please forward me the info and prices as im a avid carp and barbel angler looking for somewhere local cheers mark
Mark,
Please see reply to Nigel above, the Membership page should cover all you need.
I have been a member of this fishery for a number of years now and to anyone who is contemplating joining, I would say do it and do it quickly. This place is fantastic, very well kept and managed correctly. The management seem to make sound decisions in regards to the stocking of fish and in the years to come I am confident there will be some extremely good fishing to be had with species that a lot of other venues don’t have much of. All the lakes are behind locked gates which keeps the general public from walking up and down the banks with access to anglers only. The wildlife and tranquility of the park are fantastic and make for many a pleasant days fishing. I make these comments as an angler only and I am in no way involved with the running of the place. So if you want a pleasant venue with an excellent variety of species and a choice of waters then this place ticks all the boxes.
THIS HAS GOT TO BE MONEY WELL SPENT , WITH THE CRUCIAN GOING ON TO THE
ENDANGERED SPECIES LIST MEMBERS WILL HAVE A CHANCE TO CATCH THESE FOR
THE FORESEEABLE FUTURE WELL DONE ALL CONCERNED!
ah knobby you’re right, I see there’s an offer on maggotdrowners to participate in a crucian conservation project. Well worth the effort !!
You’ve seen it too Andy it seems that where Phoenix lead others follow. First the Tenchfishers were looking to secure tench waters and now the world’s wanting to make sure crucians don’t become extinct!
Fished Kingfisher pond on 14th of April. Fished from 10-15am to 13-00. Caught at least 50 tench between 4oz & 8oz a nice crucian around 12oz , Rudd just over a pound and 2 larger Tench one around 2lb 12oz and one just over 4lbs. A lovely mornings fishing.
what a excellent story lets have more
You’ve made me green with envy! Brings back memories of my Chapmans 500 & 550’s of many years ago (24 lb er to my 500 after quite a struggle!), along with a few B.James magic wands & others. I still have a reasonable collection of older & new centrepins which still give me great delight, & a few amusing untangling interludes!
I have to admit to having gone plastic but still have many good memories of signing line attached to a beautiful handmade piece of angling art.
This is my first year on the carp pond and I have had a cracking time. Since the first of April I have caught 27 carp. My biggist catch is a 21lb 3oz Mirror Carp. So far.The rest has been between 11lb and 18lb 5oz. I love fishing at the carp pond. Everyone is friendly and if your thinking of joining do it coz it’s a really good fishery.
It’s really great to see juniors being helped and taught that carp carp carp are not the answer . So many get bored with the first big hit of that sort of fishing. So when juniors start from a more traditional position they become more used to it.
Great too read
Andy
Fished Kingfisher on Saturday the 06/06/2015 from 08:30 until 16:00 must have had at least 50LB of fish, mainly Rudd and Tench accompanied by half a dozen Crusians. See Martin Reed for photo’s.
Do you have an open day coming up or do you no longer do these?
Steve,
We don’t have any planned at the moment.
Great news, I love to see some 3lb crucians in the near future and with the help of everyone it’s certainly on. It needs anglers to start chucking some bait in .. Keep feeding em !!!
what a great idea to stock suitable waters with crucians the kingfisher pond will be a truly
fantastic place to catch these wonderfull creatures.
What a cracking weekends fishing,Saturday with a junior member Will Spooner who had a double figure net of mainly good size crucians while I had a good 20lbs of tench,crucians and rudd from the Kingfisher in only 4 hours.Sunday I had a few hours to spare so I decided to give the Bridge pond a try with hemp and tares.In under 4 hours I had around 15lb of quality roach.Two very enjoyable sessions for the cost of half a pint of maggots and a quids worth of hemp.That’s what I call proper fishing