Oakview Lake Reviews

All of these 5 stars are for real - you'll find the exact same hand-written versions on the bookshelf in the lodge.

10th Time Lucky
By Barry Plummer on 31 October 2020

Barry Plummer's 10th time at Oakview Lake and he's had his best carp fishing year ever. During two visits in 2020, Baz notched up a total of 67 carp and smashed his PB 3 times. His new PB now stands at 49lb 11oz.

Barry's total catch over two weeks:

67 carp - 20 x 40s, 24 x 30s, 16 x 20s and 7 teens.
Oakview Never Fails To Impress
By Phil and Jan Calladine on 3 October 2020

Think I've said it all over the last 10 years. Oakview never fails to impress. The accommodation is first class, the lake and fish are always in top condition, but the driving force behind everything here is the dedication of Martin. Nothing is too much trouble, even getting our weekly groceries (and cold beer) to save us leaving the lake. Just need to add that there was only one thing missing - Shirley. We had a drink to her by the lake and she'll always be remembered xx

Fishing Tactics: Krill boilies over particle worked really well, but only when the amounts were increased.

18 Carp: 5 x 40s, 7 x 30s, 1 x 20 and 5 x teens (including a grass).
A Truly Magical Place
By Barry and Dawn Plummer on 18 September 2020

Oakview is a truly magical place for us. The lake and views are stunning and the fish are as pristine as the day they were stocked. Caught 36 carp, including 10 x 40lb+. Thank you both for your hospitality, company and friendship. Our stay with you was perfect, although a little strange without our Shirley - Miss you babe xxxx

Fishing Tactics: Krill snowman worked best

36 Carp: 10 x 40s, 11 x 30s, 10 x 20s 1 x 19 and 1 x 10. 3 Grassies to 22lb.
A Brilliant Week
By Bob Osborne-Carey & Ray Green on 28 August 2020

A brilliant week's fishing. Oakview Lake surpassed herself again. We can't start to tell you how much we missed our Shirley, but we did very much so. But Martin made up for it all, looking after us and thank you very much for doing our shopping in these horrid times. We will be back again next year in June as usual. We hope that Covid19 will be all sorted by then.

Fishing Tactics: Sticky Krill bottom baits caught the fish.

40 Carp: 7 x 40s, 15 x 30s, 11 x 20s and 7 between 10 and 20 (including a grass carp).
Minne de Swart - 38 Carp In 6 Days
By Minne and Wendy de Swart on 14 August 2020

During these strange and difficult times, a visit to Oakview was a welcome break and didnt she deliver! Oakview always knocks it out of the park on accommodation, location and fishing.

The highlight of the week, other than the wife's birthday of course, was chatting with Martin - asking about a linear around 20lb that I had seen a picture of a few years back. "Was it still in there and had it been caught recently?" It had not! About half an hour later I was texting Martin to say that it was now caught and weighed 25lb 4oz. Always nice to tick a fish of your wish list.

As we head back to the UK and 14 days quarantine we realise how lucky we have been to get here this year and our thoughts go out to those of you who miss your 2020 Oakview visit during these difficult times. Thank you Oakview and see you in 2021.

Fishing Tactics:

Fished 6 days Sunrise to 6pm. Complex T boilies over pellet. Bottom baits tipped with corn to margin spots and tree line.

38 Carp - 7 x 40's, 6 x 30's, 15 x 20's and 10 under 20.
All Time Lake Record Smashed
By Inman-Rainbow-Woodland on 9 August 2020

Our third year back to Oakview and what a year! 57 fish landed up to 46lb, with the majority over 30lb. I think that perhaps Shirley was looking after us.

Martin was a perfect host as usual, and very patient with our ridiculous requests (looking forward to the flat screen outdoor TV and the pool!).

We are already looking forward to our return next year and targeting 60 fish and maybe breaking that 50lb barrier.

Fishing Tactics: Lots of bait. Fished just off the overhanging trees, not under them.

57 Carp: 6 x 40s, 22 x 30s, 20 x 20s, 5 x teens and 4 under 10
Happy To Be Back
By Stephen, Cathy and Dan Eastwood on 31 July 2020

So happy to have the chance to come back to Oakview, especially this year after we thought it wouldn't be possible. Always have a super time no matter what. Fishing started slow, but built up mid-week and Steve was happy with his 30/40 pounders. The weather went from cloudy to super hot (even too hot!!). Summer heat means lots of flies though, and the fly swat was in constant use! Best of luck for the roller-coaster of this year.
Excellent As Always
By Shane Richardson & Mandy Smith on 11 July 2020

5 Star as always. We have been coming to Oakview Lake on and off for 11 years now, we've always loved it here. We knew this year would be different, but Martin - you have done Shirley proud. It was perfect. Keep up the good work. We'll see you next year. And I've had my best week ever.

Fishing tactics: Manilla and Krill boilies topped with corn worked equally well.

Catch: 34 Fish: 3 x 40s, 9 x 30s, 10 x 20s, 2 x upper teens, 6 small and 4 pike.
Fantastic
By Russell Garner and Mick Taylor on 1 November 2019

Fantastic accommodation and fishing. First time at the venue and we've already booked for next year. Thank you Martin for the fishing tips and wishing Shirley all the best. We would highly recommend Oakview as an all round holiday venue.

Fishing Tactics: Krill and Vortex worked best.

2 x 40s, 5 x 30s and 3 x 20s.
Brilliant
By Amanda and Nigel Newman + Mom on 25 October 2019

Facilities are brilliant, lake was beautiful; one of the most relaxing holidays we have ever had. Great hosts - very welcoming. Lovely rural location too. Nigel's first experience of fishing in France and he is smitten. Thank you so much Martin and Shirley and hope to see you again very soon! All the very best to you both - Amanda, Nigel and Sandra xxx

A note from Martin: Hosting a new family at Oakview Lake for the first time is a rare treat for us these days. Very glad everyone had a great week despite the most atrocious October fishing conditions I've seen in a decade.
Fantastic Week
By Barry Plummer and Simon Watson on 18 October 2019

Once again a fantastic week at Oakview Lake. After many visits, the standards are as good as the first time we came here 10 years ago. Best week's fishing we have had here and looking forward to returning again next year.

Fishing Tactics: Used bait boat from the home swims. Hook baits - DNA S7 boilies presented as snowman worked best and 2 tone pop ups also worked well. Catching spots - We left a detailed map in the lodge showing the exact locations, including a recently established feature that turned out to be the hot spot of the week.

Catch: 26 carp - 5 x 40s, 10 x 30s, 9 x 20s and 2 x teens (including a grass carp).
8th Year Visiting Oakview Lake
By Duncan de Gruchy on 11 October 2019

Highlight - Back to back to back 40s!

Fishing Tactics: How to Catch Carp Using Slack Lines

Catch: 3 x 40s, 8 x 30s and 5 x 20s. Total 16 carp, fishing days only.
Warm Welcome Back
By Stephen, Kathy & Dan Eastwood on 4 October 2019

Warmly welcomed back to Oakview. All of us have made the most of our week here. The cottage is very comfortable and feels like a real home from home, except for the new oven (Confused.com!). The only addition we think would be a help would be a heater (since put in place for the Autumn). The whole site is a credit to your hard work Martin and Shirley.

Fishing and Tactics: Weather changeable - windy and heavy showers at start of the week, with better weather at the end (sun in the afternoons). Cell boilies worked best.

3 x 40s, 2 x 30s and 6 x 20s. Best fish 42lb 6oz.
Great Week Once Again
By Geoff Matthews and Glen Lunn on 28 September 2019

Once again a great week and accommodation second to none. Great to see Martin and Shirley again - had a peaceful and relaxing week, apart from being interrupted by the fish! Many thanks, Geoff & Little Wilf.

Fishing Tactics: Boilies and maize.

33 Carp: 2 x 40s, 15 x 30s, 15 x 20s and 1 x 19lb.
Lost Count Of Our Visits
By Phil and Jan Calladine on 20 September 2019

Oakview never fails to deliver: Excellent hosts as always; great accommodation; stunning surroundings and great fishing. Lost count of our visits, but back in 2020 (twice) - you can't have too much of a good thing (think I wrote that last time!!). Many thanks, Phil & Jan.

Fishing Tactics: Nut crunch and krill boilies over mixed particle.

1 x 30, 7 x 20s and 1 small.
Could Not Ask For Better
By Vic, May & Kevin Priest on 13 September 2019

We could not ask for better hosts than Shirley and Martin. Always ready to go the extra mile if needed, to make your stay enjoyable. The lodge is always spotlessly clean and comfortable with a beautiful view down to the lake, and in such a peaceful setting you can leave all your problems behind you and just enjoy the ambience and the fishing.

The FISHING! The reason we visit. The strong healthy carp in pristine condition, and growing larger every year. They certainly give you a run for your money, my arms are aching already. We have already had two carp over 40lb each plus several 30s and 20s et cetera and only halfway through our week. A very big thank you to our hosts.

PS it’s now the end of our holiday and as an oldie I’m completely worn out from catching these pristine carp, but can hardly wait until we return again next year. Our sincere thanks to Martin and Shirley - The Priest family.

21 Carp - 4 x 40s, 7 x 30s, 5 x 20s, 3 x teens and 2 under 10lb
Better and Better
By Philip English & Brian Latheron on 6 September 2019

Our 4th year here and things just seem to be getting better and better. Great venue, excellent fishing and quality fish. So sorry we're not coming next year. Martin and Shirley are perfect hosts in every way. Thanks for some lovely memories once again. Love Philip, Pauline, Brian and Joan.

Fishing Tactics: Tipped snowman worked best

18 Carp: 6 x 30s, 10 x 20s and 2 teens.
26th Week Fishing Oakview Lake
By Bob and Viv Osborne-Carey on 30 August 2019

Bob's 26th week fishing Oakview at Lake and he clocks up yet another personal record. He's been trying to beat his personal Oakview tally of 23 fish for years. Bob came close on many occasions and equalled it in the past. This time he cracks it with 24 carp. Well done Bob - you didn't even have to make up the numbers with a grass carp!

Fishing Tactics: Krill bottom baits worked best.

2 x 40s, 8 x 30s, 12 x 20s and 2 x 18s.
Family Week
By Paul Jeive on 23 August 2019

Week spent mostly with family. Didn't fish 'til afternoons and then through to midnight. One night up until 3am.

Fishing and Tactics: Temperatures 22 degrees one day, then 27 - 36 the rest of the week. Caught in usual spots right and left of the island from the Home Swim. Baits used this time were Nash Coconut Creme.

15 Carp: 1 x 40, 5 x 30s, 8 x 20s and 1 x 12lb grass carp
Paradise Revisited
By Minne and Wendy de Swart on 16 August 2019

Paradise revisited. Great to be back for our annual visit - peace and quiet and time to relax in a great environment. Oakview always delivers. Great to see Martin and Shirley for a catch up. The other thing Oakview delivers on is the fish.

Fishing Tactics: I fished 5 days during our stay - breakfast 'til dinner time. Complex T boilies.

20 carp: 4 x 40s, 9 x 30s, 3 x 20s and 4 under 20 (including a grass carp).