Varlaam is a fabulous place to fish. There are so many features packed into the design of our lakes that no two swims are the same. We would class our lakes as a medium difficulty waters. They are suitable for carp anglers of almost all skill levels, especially for those who know how to take on gravel pits. To better understand our lakes, here is some information we hope you might find useful.

LOCATION

Location is by far the most important aspect. Our lakes are fished heavily, and the carp are pressured. In addition, the lakes are not overstocked runs waters. The fish have plenty of natural food and can easily ignore any baits if they want to. Depth variations, bottom hardness and an array of features can make location difficult at times.

What can you do to increase your chances of success?

(1) Watch our videos about Varlaam. For example, check out this video about location: Locating Carp on Varlaam Lake. It should have English subtitles.

(2) Read the articles and interviews published by accomplished carp anglers who have fished our lakes with very good results. There are numerous articles on various topics, including location, in CarpOnline magazine. The articles are in Romanian, but you can read them using Google Translate.

(3) Speak to the bailiffs. Our bailiffs are experienced carp anglers who know the lakes very well. They can help you with choosing the right swim, locating carp etc.

(4) Fish long sessions if possible, not short ones. A good session should be at least four days if not more, especially if you are not familiar with the lakes. The chances of locating carp are much higher on longer sessions.

USING BOATS

Not only that boats are allowed on both our lakes free of charge, but we strongly encourage our customers to use them. Boats are hugely beneficial for both lakes and anglers. The anglers can cover the entire area in front of them. Nothing is off limits. They can use almost any rigs without worrying they might get tangled. They can bait up quickly and accurately. If the fish get stuck in a snag (although the lakes have very few snags), they can go out in a boat and net the carp or at least retrieve their rigs. More big carp are caught using boats. Very few lines ever break since we only allow thick strong ones (since there is no need to cast). The lakes are kept clean. The fish are kept in good condition.

To be succesful with a boat, an angler may need some additional gear: an electric motor (we do not rent them, please bring your own), a battery, a sonar and possibly a prodding stick and some markers. Baits boats are also allowed and they are very efficient.  

The lake rules require that all anglers use thick monofilament lines: 0.40mm (or more) for the mainline and 0.60mm (or more) for the abrasion leader, which must be at least 15m long. This is because both lakes are littered with sharp rocks and mussels which can cut even the most advanced superlines easily if they are not thick enough. Abrasion resistance is critical.

Occasionally, some anglers do not use boats, but cast from the bank. This is acceptable provided they use the same thick lines required by the rules. Casting distances are obviously short, but lots of swims have interesting features quite close to the bank.

Using boats or baitboats does not incur any extra fees. Why charge more for something that is so good for the lakes? Our venue is ideal for this type of fishing. If you like using boats, this is the place to go.

BOILIES AND PELLETS

The following baits are available to buy on our premises: Dynamite Baits boilies and hookbaits, Coppens pellets (in 14mm and 20mm). We can supply the baits at very competitive prices. Please call us for details. We advise all anglers to order the bait well in advance if possible.

Dynamite Baits boilies have been used a lot on our lakes for many years now, and have always done very well. The most popular ones are the fishmeal-based varieties such as The Source, Complex-T, Peppered Squid and Hot Crab & Krill. Use with confidence.

The Coppens pellets are ideal as complementary feed in conjunction with boilies. We sell large extruded pellets in 14mm and 20mm, which are not only very attractive to carp, but also highly nutritional since they are designed for aquaculture.

Please note that the pellets are soluble and will dissolve in a few hours. How quickly they break down depends on the water temperature. The warmer it is, the faster they will dissolve. It’s best to use the pellets together with other baits (boilies or particles) that are not soluble just to make sure you always have some bait in the swim.

LEAD SYSTEMS

Please use a safe lead system. The system must GUARANTEE that the lead will be released in case the mainline breaks off, or the carp gets stuck in a snag. The lead doesn’t necessarily have to fall off when you have a take although this might help. Generally, it’s easier to play the carp without a lead.

The lead clip system is very popular and, if used correctly, will ensure that the lead is released when necessary. Unfortunately, leads are expensive and we do not want to fill our lakes with leads if we can avoid it. Try using alternative ecological weights such as stones. You will have plenty of stones in your swim anyway (this is a gravel pit, remember?), and they come free of charge.

Another safe option is a running rig. Based on our extensive tests, we think it’s very effective. It features a large bore hole to allow the line to run freely. The lead will automatically fall off if the line breaks. You can also set it up with a “weak link” to eject the lead if it gets stuck in a snag. Check out the Enterprise Tackle Snag Safe Lead Clip which can spring open under pressure to release the lead, should it become snagged.