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Based in Deal, Kent, 6 coarse fishing lakes make up the Cottington Lakes complex, offering a variety of angling to all levels - two mixed coarse lakes, two specimen carp lakes and a two match lakes, the latest of which was opened in 2005. Main species include carp, bream, tench, roach, rudd, perch and chub.
UK Fisherman was recently contacted by three anglers, all being familiar with the fishing at Cottington Lakes, but with very differing opinions of the place and the fishing on offer there. Just shows you that no two people ever have the same views on matters - well hey, wouldn't life be dull if we all agreed !!
Paul - Read Review 
Camo - Read Review
Carl - Read Review
John - Read Review
Carl - Read Comments and view pictures
Clive - Read Comments ** New Feb 08
"Having heard many bad comments about Cottington lakes in Deal, Kent I decided to fish the place which has 5 lakes for a period of months to gather my own thoughts about the comments being made by many anglers both young and old alike. Comments such as, bad management, bad value for money, bad fishing conditions regarding banks and mud and generally bad running and looking after of the place as well as many personal problems from anglers who have visited Cottington Lakes."
"Now having fished the variety of lakes all bar the specimen lakes (2, both of which I refuse to pay the amount being asked after the stories i've heard) now for several months, I can confirm that it is as I have heard from so many people before fishing to get my review. It's very poorly managed in the way of attitude, general feeling of being welcomed, value, bank and water condition and a few other things. The reason I set out to fish Cottington lakes in Deal, Kent for a few months pretty much
solid was to determine the truth or facts you could call them about what was being suggested and said about the place. Comments ranged from its badly managed and maintained right down to the attitude of the staff (this is one point I will not agree with in regards to the cafe, however the actual bailiff? its hard to tell which bloke that is, and the other blokes attitudes are not anything to feel happy about) .. the running of the place is a little tatty and yep I did feel it was badly managed and the general feel of things in my eyes was poor."
"Here is one example - imagine pre baiting your swim for several hours on either a specimen lake or just a normal lake trying your hardest to tempt a bite on a hard day (many days at Cottington seem to be hard, and i'm a good fisherman!, however that's a different matter).. anyway back to baiting your swim for a few hours, you've done that .. then the fish begin to bite etc etc, when all of a sudden a bloody quad bike comes speeding up skids
to a holt right next to you and a guys on it asking (shouting over his engine) if you have a ticket or telling you something or other (usually pointless and usually whilst revving his stupid engine for no reason) .... thus scaring any fish within a mile. Then speeds off without even a care in the world to the damage to your confidence in your peg and the fishing!"
"That's what happens at Cottington to me every day I visited which was just over 36 times, also to everyone i've spoke to just to confirm it wasn't just to me! . I mean does he need to speed a quad bike around trees and right to your side, just to talk about a ticket or something?.. Also the guys attitude stinks. I can rant and rave all day about the bad time i've had with Cottington lakes in Deal but id like to leave the story open to anyone else who may of had the same feelings etc. I will not be fishing there any more and have completed my full conclusion mission."
"If you want to catch alot of fish do not fish Cottington Lakes. If you want to feel welcomed and respected whilst you fish? Do not fish Cottington Lakes. If you want value for money, do not fish Cottington Lakes. My score out of 10 is a 3. The reason for the 3 is because alot of guys seem to invite their girl friends along (alot more at cottington than I've ever seen anywhere!!!) and some are cute :o) Otherwise my score for the place would be about 2 out of ten. The place looks nice in some areas but these are very very few and far between, the value for money just isn't there as far as im concerned. It's not as far as walking to swims is silly in regard to the mud/water logged grass. Some will argue that's fishing, get wellies but until you've seen the place you will not understand what i mean. Overall my feelings are the same as others, i will add that the match lake did live up to its name as being a semi easy place to fish but still isn't top marks. Anyway anyone want to add or argue to these comments feel free. This is my
thoughts and the general reason for this was due to it being so many others thoughts as well."
Paul
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Obviously Paul is not impressed with Cottington Lakes. However, if you have a different opinion of Cottington Lakes, as our second reviewer does, we would be delighted to here from you.
"I cannot agree with the comments made about this fishery as the review sounds nothing like the place I have fished, the welcome one gets from Laurie who has worked in the Tackle shop for three years is excellent, he is extremely polite and a true gentleman."
"I went to the lakes today unannounced to see for myself first hand and the Lakes looked fantastic and as for the maintenance their has been trouble with blocked sluice gates in the dykes but that has now been rectified."
"I spoke to many anglers who love the place and fish were being caught left right and centre - I saw some beautiful fish and in pristine condition too.
Aubrey was cutting the grass which he does on a weekly basis, Duane one of the Honary Bailiffs was removing old wooden platforms and replacing with new Galvanised Metal ones, paths were being laid around the match lakes, reeds were being cut back by Tim and weeds were being sprayed."
"The Lakes in my view have never looked better. There are now eight Lakes on the Complex including a silver fish lake, Pepper lake one of the Carp Lakes is being dug out to approximately seven acres and this all in a day."
"The facilities include toilets and showers which are cleaned on a daily basis, Cafe and Bar where the food is well presented and spotless and the tackle shop which is under new management and is very well stocked and caters for all Match, Pleasure and Carp anglers. Security Cameras safeguard your property and well being, each lake has its own car park so its never too far to your favourite swim.
I took countless photos of the Lakes and fish etc, hoping to put pictures to my words so all could see first hand how beautiful this place is and its going to get better.
There is a huge Caravan and Camping site which is open all year, with electric hook-ups and water etc."
Camo
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Last week myself and 7 work colleagues hired the exclusive use of Lake Pepper. We spent 48 hours, in glorious May weather, at the lake. We found the local bailiffs and staff very helpful, and although the fishing was not prolific, everyone caught fish.
Five of us had British PB's, myself having 3 fish over 20lb, biggest 25 1/2lb mirror. All the fish were in pristine condition, and put up very good fights!!!
I would definitely return to Cottington and will recommend it to others.
Score:
Your reviewer Paul gives a low assessment of his visit to Cottington Lakes.
Whilst I do not doubt that he reflects his own experience mine is somewhat different.
I have visited Cottington on three occasions this year with my young son and friends to camp and fish. We have been treated courteously and in a friendly and helpful matter. There was no problem with distractions from other anglers, indeed we engaged in several pleasant conversations with others using the lakes, most of whom were more than happy to volunteer information gained from their experiences. We caught a variety of species as well as larger Tench and Carp.
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On a recent trip to Cottington Lakes which is in Deal, kent, I beat my PB twice in one day on Lake Christine. My PB stood at 16lb but when I struck into a 23.8lb mirror carp I was over the moon and made the trip well worth it.
But then shortly after, I stuck into a 26.8lb mirror carp on my other rod.
Cottington's is a nice and friendly place which has all the amenities that you could need for a short or long stay. The lakes are peaceful and are kept in good condition and the surrounding areas.
As the fish go they all put up a nice fight as I have fished all lakes apart from the match lakes and caught a range of nice fish which are in an all round good condition.
I know some people disagree with paying the cost for the specimen lakes but with all fisheries that have specimen lakes they charge more so if you don't like it then go some where else and that's my opinion.
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Re Paul's review. I've fished Cottington Lakes over the past 4 years for carp. I cannot agree with him on the quality of the fishing (my specific is carp): over a 3 day @ night period I bagged 17 carp with my pb 29 3/4lb mirror.
However I can fully substantiate his views on the staff, especially the moron on his quad bike who thinks he's the new Richard Walker of carp tactics and specimens caught. When you question monsieur le moron closer, all his specimen fish have been caught in .......yes you've got it France!!! The first time I fished Christine Lake, mons. le m. LEFT HIS BIVVY UP, barring us from that swim.
One funny instance though: he told to leave us alone in his best estuary vocabulary, promptly revved his quad up, went up the bank at the wrong angle and turned the lot over. Please get a life whoever or whatever he is AND KEEP OUT OF OUR FACES!!
Well all the best to Paul in future. Oh yes by the way, Camo is also biased to Cottington, he's a Kentish fisherman through and through
Score:
Very differing views then of Cottington Lakes although the thumbs up seem to be definitely outweighing the thumbs down - guess you'll just have to make your own mind up and check the place out for yourself. If you do and you would like to send us your views, we would be delighted to hear from you.
Paul @ UK Fisherman
* Please note, the opinions shown on our review pages are not necessarily shared or endorsed by UK Fisherman.
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