What do I need to know?

The two ponds are set deep in the Bucks countryside surrounded by greenery.

The lakes are at the bottom of a small valley basically in a field full of sheep. The intimate little ponds contain a large head of carp averaging upper single figures to double figures.

Both can get quite weedy in the warmer months with a lot of blanket weed covering the surface so make sure that your gear is up to the task. 

The lakes are quite clear so make sure you take a pair of polaroids because you will often see the fish patrolling the margins and feeding both in the edge and on the surface of the water. 

Tactics do not need to be overly complicated. In fact, some of the most successful anglers wander around stalking with just a rod, hook, line and a loaf of bread. The great thing about bread is that you can use crust on the surface, or use it slow sinking on the hook.

Creep around the edges, and tear off crusts, flicking them into and over the weed into likely looking spots. When you notice a few swirls or rocks on the surface, you know the carp are taking it.

You may even hear that telltale slurping as their lips suck the bread in off the surface.

If you find the carp and lower it in front of them – you will often fool them this way!

Failing that, try using the old faithful sweetcorn.

Corn is bright yellow and so it will show up on the lake bed, attracting any passing carp. Introduce a few handfuls of corn into likely looking marginal areas and then keep checking them.

Before long, you will notice a few dark shapes, with their tails up feeding on every last morsel. Then it’s time to have a go. A simple ledger rig with hair sweetcorn is all that is required to fool them. 

Don’t forget to take these with you: