Heartsmere, Waveney Valley, Harleston

What is it like?

Heartsmere is a 2 acre, tranquil, tree-lined pool with a stunning strain of commons and scaly mirrors to around 33lb. This venue requires you to book a peg in advanced. Whilst not ideal on larger venues, since this is a well stocked small pool, all pegs fish very well so booking in advanced and knowing where you’re going to be fishing is a a real advantage.

What tactics work well here?

I have found that a good spread of boilies on the far tree line to be a great tactic. Doing so will encourage the fish to start roaming, working hard for each bait, which makes them easier to tempt on your hook bait. Standard bottom bait presentations, tipped with corn or maggot works well at all times of year.

Due to the nature of the lake, and how small it is, I have found that the fish are very wise, so it really pays to keep noise to an absolute minimum and conceal yourself, keeping back from the water and your lines/end tackle pinned to the lake bed. Fluorocarbon main lines, backleads and putty along your hook link can really help combat this.

The fish do not show too frequently on this lake, but since it’s a small shallow pool, locating them is never too difficult. Keep a careful watch on the water, shin up trees for a better view and look for tell-tale signs of big swirls, bubbling, silt disturbance etc. Casting to showing fish can also be a winner.

Natural baits work really well in the summer months. Small traps of hemp and corn in the margins for example. Single bright pop ups work well in winter when the silt and chod is deeper. Fish to the tree line far margin and keep your eyes peeled for any shows.

Since the lake is mostly very silty/choddy, a hinged stiff rig or multi rig works well fished on a helicopter leader. Use a small lead since every swim is  short cast and the fish spook easily.

Top Tip

Without a doubt the top tip for this venue is to remain stealthy, do not turn up and start banging in pegs with a mallet or shouting across to your friends. Bait sensibly, setting little margin traps rather than large beds of  bait, as again the fish spook very easily. Lastly, be patient – if you know you’re fishing effectively then leave your rod alone and don’t keep casting frequently.

Anglers are generally extremely friendly, it is a very quiet well kept venue without the public walking around so you will typically not speak to anyone during your visit which is hard to come by these days. A real escape as it should be.

Verdict

A very quiet, intimate lake, with a great head of 20’s that fishes all year round.