Lake Review By Gareth Williams
Crete Lakes
Crete Lakes
16 Oaklands Avenue,
Sidcup,
Kent,
DA15 8NB
Email: [email protected]
Tel: 0208 302 6866
Website
Crete Lakes is a beautiful 5 lake venue set in 130 acres. The lakes are former gravel pits dug around the mid 1970's and around this time they were stocked with carp and other course fish.
Facilities 4/5
At Crete Lakes the facilities are top notch, you have a shower block which has 3 shower rooms that are very clean and tidy with nice and hot water to freshen you up when your slumming it in your bivvy. There is a fully stocked shop that has everything you may need for the week, loads of tasty snacks and sweets. They also have loads of cold drinks and cold beer. They also stock red and white wine if you fancy something different from a cold stumpy beer which I can tell you go down a treat. The food package is outstanding. You can have a full English breakfast or you can have toast or cereal if you fancy a change. Tea and coffee is available as is orange juice at all meal times. Dinner is also very good, the portion's are great. You don't go hungry at Crete Lakes. They have a BBQ halfway through the week which is also good. There is a salad bar open half hour before dinner is served which is a nice touch. On Lake 5 you have the use of row boats.
Quality of fishing/Fish stocks 5/5
At Crete Lakes there are 5 lakes that you can fish once your group have been drawn out of the bag. All the lakes are heavily stocked with fish over 50lb. Some of the lakes have started to produce 60lb plus fish and I don't think it will be long until a 70lb carp hits the back of someones net. New unknown 60lb fish have come out in recent weeks. Some weeks you may use only 10kgs of bait but other weeks the fish are on you. You need to keep feeding these water pigs. There are some huge grass carp in some of the lakes that don't come out that often. Some of the lakes contain huge tench but are not normally a problem. There are a few crayfish but I have never had a problem with these unlike on some other venues so I never worry.
Pricing 5/5
At Crete Lakes you have options to drive yourself or get the coach trip (see website for price details). I normally get the coach from Dover, we go across on the ferry and then its a 3 and a half hour drive but I'm asleep until we get there so it's nice and easy. For the price of Crete Lakes I think it's great value and I highly recommended it.
Staff 5/5
The bailiffs are top notch and know their stuff and spots. They are willing to help so don't be afraid to ask them. Remember, they live there and know where the fish come to feed.
Rules 5/5
Check the rules on the website, they are not to harsh just there for the well being of the fish and should be respected.
These rules are for everyone's enjoyment while they are at Crete Lakes.
We have kept them to a minimum so not to spoil your time while you are here so please read through carefully and adhere to them.
DO NOT....use particles of any kind (Boilies Only)
DO NOT....use line under 15lb breaking strain
DO NOT....use lead core or shock leaders (Korda Type Leaders are allowed)
DO NOT....sack fish
DO NOT....exceed the three rod rule
DO NOT....use barbed hooks
DO NOT....leave rods unattended
DO NOT....use braided main line (marker and spod rods only)
Bait boats are allowed on Crete Lakes
Please use unhooking mats at all times
Please Note: These rules are for the safety and well being of the fish, and the enjoyment for yourself and other anglers.
If anyone is judged to be breaking any of the rules set out by Crete Lakes, or seem to behave in a manner that may offend or intimidate staff or other anglers, we have the right to terminate our services, and ask you to leave the complex.
Overall 5/5
I have been going to Crete Lakes since it opened and I'm very impressed and go back twice a year. Don't get me wrong, it's not a runs water and you do have to work your swim but the rewards are there to be taken and you could be lucky enough to break your p.b.
Crete Lakes are going to build a big place to have your meals. Not saying that the one they have is small but like every great venue they like to improve standards every year. I have had fish up to 48lb and on one week had 19 fish which was great. Every year I try to beat my p.b and catch one of those many 50lbs and I won't stop until I have one of those big girls.