RADUTA When lake Raduta was discovered in 1998 it shot to fame for the massive commons it was producing. It actually held the world record for both common (76lbs - Erich Unger) and mirror (82lbs Christian Baldermair) carp but in 2004 disaster struck. A large fish kill hit the population quite badly and since then few anglers have been over there to see what is left.

 

However, they are now satarting to return, and this historic lake is now proving that things are not as bad as were originally tought In fact the fish that have survived, and there are an awful lot of them, are piling on the weight so much so that the fishing at Raduta can now be described as fairly easy.

 

The lake is full of upper twenties and thirties, and if you haven't caught a 30lb common this must be the best place in the world to do so. However, it's the 40s and 50s that we are going there for, and once again Raduta offers you probably the best chance in the world of achiving your aim, especially if you want a carp from a lake that has a lot of creibility.

 

The lake was closed from Oct 2004 until May 2006 (apart from a few privileged anglers that were allowed to test fish there) and we were one of the groups that were allowed to go. In fact it was so hectic that we caught so many fish we couldn't sleep.

Raduta can now definately be described as prolific. The remaining fish have really grown on, and a lot of the old original fish that were separated from the main lake when some of the bays were dammed off have now returned home.

 

If you want a trip that offers the opportunity of some awesome sport, some big fish, a good social scene and also the chance of fishing on one of the ost historic lakes in the world, then Raduta is for you.

 

The lake itself is approximately 2500 acres but is not too daunting as it is split into river sections and larger bays or open areas of water. The big fish come out all over the lake and whilst there are favourite areas for each nationality, virtually all of the swims in Raduta are capable of producing fish over 50lbs.

 

A boat and echo sounder are essential pieces of kit on this lake as there are some seriously snaggy areas that are unforgiving should a carp get into them. Open and windswept at times, the lake can be a daunting place to be, but with the large carp in it's depths you know that you are never too far from a monster.

 

The plan here shows the shape of the lake and if you click on the text on the lake it will show the various areas that are available. Virtually all swims have a good variation of water with the river sections being good interception points and the open areas of water good hoding areas. The main thing is to get a variation of depths to open up your choices, and all areas have this.

 

The Barrage
One of the more open areas of water extending to a couple of hundred acres it is one of the known big fish areas and is at the very end of the lake. Full of features in the edge, the open water is flat bottomed until you reach the old river bed that drops down to 28 feet or so. All areas produce fish dependant on the time of year

 

The White HouseAnother favoured area for the Brits The White House is situated on a wider river section between the Barrage Bay and the Main Bay. An area with a pedigree for producing a lot of 40lb plus fish plus a reasonable few 50s there are some snags in the edge then the lake runs drops slowly out to the old river bed.

The Main Bay
The main body of water on the lake at around 600 acres there are good areas all around this bay. The Main bay is split into the Church Bay , back bay and the Water Tower Bay all of which have a good pedigree of fish captures. The old river splits into two here and is accessible from all banks, and the world record common was caught on the entrance to the bay (left hand side) with Tim Paisleys 73 common caught at the opposite entrance (right hand side).

 

The Plateaux/Pylon One of the productive river sections the plateaux is self explanatory as this is the main feature in this area. The pylon area is also in the river section and has a large range of sunken trees on the far bank. The whole area has a good reputation for big fish.

The Hotel bay
The first bit of the lake that you see when you arrive, the hotel being situated on it's banks. Just under 100 acres in size and one of the spawning areas of the lake there are two main swims. The pylon point and the hotel point. Both cracking areas and also ones with a good head of 50 plus fish to their credit. Snags, shallows and river features on both swims

World Record Bay
Obviously where the world record fish came from, the bay is around 300 acres and has plenty of features. Loads of snags, deep water right in the margins in areas, plateaux, and long range fishing if you want it, the world record bay is another large open area of water. Home to numerous big resident fish it can be the place to be at certain times of the year.

 

River Section
A favoured area with the continentals, especially the Hungarians and French, the UK guys often ignore this area but it has got a track record of some very big fish. Snags and deep water at short range, it sees less pressure than most other areas but is a fantastic ambush point and has the advantage that you have no one anywhere near you.

The Island Bay
A large snaggy bay that up until recently has been ignored by the brits until they took notice of the Hungarian and the Austrian results up there. A large island splits this bay of approximately 200 acres giving it both shallow and deep areas. Very very productive in the summer months it is another holding area, but like the shepherds cottage stretch on The Main Bay it is an area where you have to wade through the fish. Responsible for a good number of fish over 60lbs.

Sarulesti Barrage
The very end of the lake, this area is a river section that has had a dam constructed across it thus stopping travelling fish moving any further up the lake. Another area that has produced a good number of fish over 40lbs with a few 50s it is a fairly consistant area with both shallower water and the deeper river bed within range. Not too many snags so a relatively easy place to fish.

• Transfers from Bucharest to Sarulesti and back to Bucharest
• Use of showers and toilets at hotel
• Breakfast and evening meal including delivery of food to swims
• Use of rowing boat per pair of anglers
• Use of stove and dishes, cool box, parasol
• Bait 20kg corn per angler per week
• Licences
• Camp bed
• Unhooking mat

For the flights we have negotiated a special discount for flights between Heathrow and Bucharest to include a baggage allowance of 50kg. The flights are currently £325 per person but are subject to change. Payment for the flights is made directly to Tarom we will contact you at a later date with payment arrangements.

 

For those of you that have not been to Romania before we can advise on tackle and other "extra's" that you may need whilst you are out there. Your doctor will advise you on any "jabs" that you might need to protect against Romanian nasties. Please feel free to call either one of us for a chat or for advice on the best gear to take, and remember that if you need to upgrade your kit before you travel we are able to supply most brands should you want it. Please ensure that you have appropriate travel insurance to cover yourselves in the vent of injury or loss whilst out of the country. Your broker or post office will advise you on travel insurance.

 

We fly form Heathrow and arrive at the lake in time to get out on the bank the first night. On the last night we normally meet up at the hotel for a bit of a get together and a few beers to celebrate our catches. If you need a bivvy they are available for hire at the lake (30 euro's per week) but please let me know before we travel so I can make sure that one is available.

 

When we arrive at the lake we will collect the final balances and have a look at the available swims. If more than one person wants a swim we hold a draw so everyone is in the same position.

RODS & REELS
Rods of at least 3lb test curve, 12 or 13 ft and Big pit reels with or without bait runners but having a large line capacity. You may need to boat your baits out up to 100 metres and with the heavier line capacity and diameters you do not get a lot of 35lb line on a small spool.

 

MAINLINE & LEADERS
The new rules at Raduta are that braided mainlines are now banned. Nylon lines must be used but you are allowed to use braided leaders up to 10metres in length. Fireline is popular as a leader as is the excellent new Kryston Ton Up which was designed especially for this type of fishing. Quicksilver leaders even in 45lb breaking strain are not strong enough for the job!! Kryston's Granite Juice is also an excellent product which helps the abrasion resistance of mono lines, but take enough line for all of your spools and then some extra just in case you lose any whilst you are out there. You cannot get any more gear out there!!

TERMINAL TACKLE
Hooks should be fairly big and strong. You can get away with 6s but 4s and even 2s in some swims are advisable. Hooklinks are either 35lb mono links or hefty braids such as 35lb Quicksilver. Lead wise 4 ounces are a minimum and we more often use 5s or 6s. The wind can really pick up on the lake and it does tend to blow your baits around a bit. Some anglers use two 4oz leads on the same clip, and once again you will need to take plenty out there as there is no gear available at the lake if you run out. Breakaway lead systems like the Nashy or Korda clips are a good idea and whilst it means you will lose a few leads, you will also land more fish. Last time over the airport security wouldn't let us take leads on the place so you will have to include these in baggage rather than hand luggage.

COMFORTS
Bivvy, sleeping bag (remember it might be red hot or freezing cold), waders, water proofs, shorts, sun block, and your own preference in food. A bed chair and cooking gear is provided (they charge for the gas) and food and drinks are available at an extra cost. Things like chocolate and beer/cold drinks are available for around $1 per bottle. Bottled water can be purchased out there and for spending money you should budget and £10 per day if you want food and drinks. Finally, and very important is plenty of film and loads of extra large sacks!!! Happy hunting………..