Rising to a challenge


Robbie and Charlie were the first to take us up on our School Holiday Special, fishing our small lake, of course thanks to their parents, Squirt and Allyson. Their dad had been here before fishing the big lake so was used to large fish but was prepared to sit with his wife and the lads for the week catching carp between 10lb and 20lb. I take my hat off to them! After a few tips and advice from Ben and myself they were soon into a few fish. By Monday evening they had caught a good number of carp between them, both being able to play, land and handle the carp with young Robbie, 13 years old, beginning to outfish his brother Charlie, 15 years old. Time we thought to set a challenge - "Catch a 100 carp safely and you get a chance to fish the big lake with Ben or I for a day." Robbie rose to the challenge and by Wednesday evening he had caught and landed a few more than 100 carp up to 18lb. So Thursday morning, after breakfast, Robbie and I wandered off round the big lake with a pair of 2 ¼ lb test curve rods and all the necessary equipment to catch a larger fish.

Main purpose of us fishing the big lake was to let Robbie appreciate the feel of a large fish on light rods. What a thrill taking line off the clutch! Brought memories back to me of the times I fished with my father, more about that maybe later. The deal was I would cast out and when we had a run I would pick the rod up, set the hook and pass it to Robbie. We sat for a while watching the water, no sign of fish so we moved... Swim number two, same procedure but this time all came together - bait runner started and line peeled off the spool - "Go on Robbie, pick the rod up, turn the handle and let the fish pull the rod over!" He was into his first fish on the big lake. After playing it for at least ten minutes, it came gracefully into the landing net. The look on his face said it all - "Well done young man!" By this time, mum, dad and brother were there to share the moment. After photos and weighing, 18 ½ lb of pure muscle was returned to its watery home. I was impressed by the way the whole operation was carried out. Next move - back to the first swim, rods cast out and we sat and waited, time was running out as 5 o'clock was cut off time due to me cooking dinner. 4:55 PM a screamer full of confidence, the rod was picked up, the fish took 40 - 50 yards of line but Robbie knew what to do. After catching more than 100 hard fighting fish in three days, he'd had a lot of practice. It was a long and strong battle and when the carp came to the net... "WOW" - he said and once again the grin meant more than words. A mirror of 31lb was returned safely, a shake of hands, than off to cook dinner.

Food was consumed quick that evening and Ben suggested that Robbie fished the night with him as he had not done it before. You guessed, off they went and by morning he had a 32 ¼ lb common under his belt. Happy chappie!

By Thursday Charlie caught up with his brother, reaching the target of 100 carp from the small lake. It was agreed that he would get a chance to fish with Ben on Friday daytime.
Tally as follows:
Robbie - 100+ carp from the small lake, 18 ½ lb, 31lb, 17lb & 32 ¼ lb common from the big lake.
Charlie - 100 carp from the small lake, 30lb, 34lb & 34lb catfish from the big lake.

I feel sure memories of this family holiday will live with the two lads forever.

John Hofgartner

"WOW", what a great family holiday ! Thanks for everything, you have been wonderful hosts. Thanks Ben for giving Charlie and Robbie wonderful memories. I would recommend the chalet to everyone. Great week, great food, great fishing! See you soon.
Ally and Squirt

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