Fishery guide · Hampshire
Dandy's Ford Fishery
Dandy’s Ford has three mixed coarse waters near Romsey, with pleasure fishing, a match lake and Lodge carp topping 20lb. There’s free parking and accessible facilities too — just check the ticket price and seasonal hours before heading over.
“7.5/10 — Three mixed coarse waters and a Lodge carp claim exceeding 20lb give pleasure and match-minded anglers plenty to consider.”
Tackle Index scorecard
The lowdown
Dandy’s Ford Fishery sits on Dandy’s Ford Lane in Sherfield English, near Romsey, Hampshire. Pop SO51 6DT into your route planner, but don’t assume a map pin marks the actual entrance: the mapped coordinates identify the fishery area. This is a mixed coarse venue with three waters, so the appeal isn’t just chasing carp. There’s a proper spread of species for anyone who enjoys seeing what turns up next.
- 3 lakes: Lodge Lake, Calvert Match Lake, Kingfishers Canal
- Fish: carp, tench, bream, perch, roach, crucian, chub
- Tickets from: Day ticket — £15
- Find it: Romsey · SO51 6DT
Plan your session
Fishery map of Dandy's Ford Fishery
Pick a pin or venue to see live bank-side conditions.
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Around the fishery
A look around the venue
Photos courtesy of David Martin. See the originals. Catch dates not confirmed.
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Which lake suits you?
Based on how each lake is set up — not a ranking.
The full rundown on Dandy's Ford Fishery
Dandy’s Ford Fishery sits on Dandy’s Ford Lane in Sherfield English, near Romsey, Hampshire. Pop SO51 6DT into your route planner, but don’t assume a map pin marks the actual entrance: the mapped coordinates identify the fishery area. This is a mixed coarse venue with three waters, so the appeal isn’t just chasing carp. There’s a proper spread of species for anyone who enjoys seeing what turns up next.
The choice starts with Lodge Lake, which has 23 pegs and carp, tench, bream, perch, roach and crucians. The fishery says its Lodge carp exceed 20lb, giving you something bigger to think about alongside the mixed fishing. Calvert Match Lake has 24 pegs, with carp, crucians, bream, chub, tench and silvers listed. Then there’s Kingfishers Canal, a 10-peg water holding carp, roach, crucians, bream, tench and chub. Acreages aren’t published, so peg numbers are the useful comparison here.
For a pleasure session, that species mix gives you plenty to mull over without making the whole day about a PB. Lodge is the one with an advertised carp weight to catch your eye; Calvert is the named match water; Kingfishers has the fewest pegs. That doesn’t tell us how tightly swims are spaced or which margins produce, though. We haven’t fished here, so there’s no pretending we know the banker peg or where they’ll be on the munch.
The current homepage lists a day ticket at £15, with all three waters available. There’s a bit of a snag: an older official prices page still says £10. Best confirm before travelling rather than arrive expecting the cheaper ticket. Spring/summer gates are listed as 07:30–19:30, but seasonal hours vary. Overnight guests get night-fishing rights and exclusive access after 19:30, so don’t treat a daytime ticket as permission to settle in for the night.
Get the tackle checks done before you load the car. Barbless hooks and an unhooking mat are required, and you’ll need an EA fishing licence. Keepnets are for matches only. Boilies, cat or dog food, bolt rigs and semi-fixed rigs are prohibited, as are floating baits or poles. That last wording is worth checking directly if it affects your setup, rather than guessing. Children need an adult with them, and dogs and radios aren’t allowed around the lakes.
On the practical side, there’s free parking, disabled access and accessible toilets — useful basics without extra faff. Coaching is available by enquiry if you fancy some help. For a longer stay, the holiday lodge sleeps 4–6 and has dedicated fishing platforms; lodge bookings and enquiries go through the fishery. Between the three waters and the accommodation option, there’s a fair bit of choice. Just sort the price, hours and any tackle questions before setting off.
Straight from anglers online
Short, unedited extracts from public reviews, credited to the person who posted them. Not checked by us and not a Tackle Index view.
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Dandy's Ford Fishery FAQs
Where is Dandy’s Ford Fishery?
On Dandy’s Ford Lane, Sherfield English, near Romsey, Hampshire, SO51 6DT. Mapped coordinates identify the fishery area, not necessarily the entrance.
How much is a day ticket?
The current homepage lists £15 with all three waters available. An older official prices page still lists £10, so confirm before travelling.
What are the opening hours?
Spring/summer gates: 07:30–19:30. Seasonal hours vary; contact the fishery before setting off.
Can I stay overnight?
Yes — the holiday lodge sleeps 4–6 and has dedicated fishing platforms. Overnight guests receive night-fishing rights and exclusive access after 19:30. Lodge bookings and enquiries: the fishery.
Where's the nearest tackle shop?
We haven't found a tackle shop on site at Dandy's Ford Fishery. Sort your bait and end tackle before you travel, as there's no guarantee of anything close by near Romsey.
Do I need to bring food?
We haven't seen any food on site, so bring your own grub and drinks. A flask and a stove (where allowed) make a long day much better.
Are there toilets on site?
Yes — the fishery lists accessible toilets.
Is there parking, and how close is it to the swims?
Yes — free parking. Walks to the further pegs can be a trek, so a barrow helps.
What's the postcode for the sat nav?
SO51 6DT.
How much is a ticket?
Day ticket: £15. Prices last checked 2026-10-02 — they can change, so check before you go.
Can I just turn up, or do I need to book?
Day tickets are available on Lodge Lake, Calvert Match Lake, Kingfishers Canal. Busy weekends can fill up, so ring ahead if you've got your heart set on a swim.
What fish are in there?
Across the lakes you'll find carp, tench, bream, perch, roach, crucian, chub. See each lake tab for which fish live where.
How many lakes are there?
3 — Lodge Lake (Not published), Calvert Match Lake (Not published), Kingfishers Canal (Not published).
Is night fishing allowed?
No — Overnight guests receive night-fishing rights and exclusive access after 19:30.
Can I bring my dog?
No — Boilies, cat/dog food, bolt rigs and semi-fixed rigs are prohibited.
Are bait boats allowed?
We haven't seen a bait-boat rule listed. The fishery doesn't say on what we've checked, so give them a quick call before you set off.
Do I need barbless hooks?
Yes, it's required — Both barbless hooks and an unhooking mat are required.
Do I need my own unhooking mat or cradle?
Yes, it's required — Both barbless hooks and an unhooking mat are required.
Is it suitable for disabled anglers?
The fishery lists disabled access. Ring ahead to check which swims suit you.
Do I need a rod licence?
Yes — anyone 13 or over fishing in England and Wales needs an Environment Agency rod licence (or Natural Resources Wales in Wales), on top of your fishery ticket.
When's the best time of year to fish here?
Late spring through autumn is prime for most species. Check our live weather edge for this venue before you go — it updates daily.
Day ticket · turn up
Lodge Lake: 23 pegs, mixed species and carp over 20lb
- Size
- Not published
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- carp, tench, bream, perch, roach, crucian
Lodge Lake offers 23 pegs and a cracking mix on paper: carp, tench, bream, perch, roach and crucians. It’s not just a carp-only proposition for your day on the bank.
The fishery says the carp exceed 20lb, making this the water with a published bigger-carp claim. That’s a reason to come prepared, not a promise of a lump in the net.
Lodge carp exceed 20lb.
Lake photographs
A look around Lodge Lake
Dandy's Ford Fishery
Lodge Lake
We’re checking the fishery’s Lodge Lake pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- Pleasure anglers who enjoy a mixed-species session
- Anglers interested in carp exceeding 20lb
Maybe not for
- Anyone wanting to use boilies or bolt rigs
- Pleasure anglers wanting to retain fish in keepnets
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish Lodge Lake
carp
A neat lead-clip rig over a light scattering of bait
When you don't know the lake well yet, the simplest approach is the best start: a reliable bottom bait rig on a clean spot, with just enough bait to get a bite without filling them up.
- Feel the lead down to find a firm spot, then clip up so you hit it every cast.
- Fish a single boilie or wafter with 20–30 freebies around it.
- Leave one rod roving and recast it to showing fish.
Venue rule: Fixed leads are banned here, so use a lead clip set to drop the lead or an inline lead.
tench
Lift method float for tench
Tench feed with their heads down and tip baits up — the lift method shows that bite as the float rising and lying flat.
- Fish the margin at dawn with a straight waggler, locked by a single big shot 2–3in from the hook.
- Rake or lightly bait the swim with hemp, corn and maggot.
- Strike when the float lifts or lies flat. Bread, corn or worm on a size 12–14.
bream
Groundbait feeder at range for bream
Bream shoal up and graze over open, silty areas. A steady stream of groundbait in one spot keeps a shoal in front of you.
- Clip up and hit the same spot every cast.
- Start with 8–10 feeders quickly, then recast every 5 minutes.
- Worm, maggot or corn on a size 14–16.
perch
Worm or small lure for the perch
Perch hang round cover, boats and drop-offs. A lobworm on a light float, or a small lure worked along the features, will find them.
- Fish lobworm under a float tight to cover.
- On lures, try a small drop shot or soft shad near features.
- Feed chopped worm to keep them in the swim.
Lodge Lake FAQs
How many pegs does Lodge Lake have?
There are 23 pegs; the acreage isn’t published.
How big are the carp?
The fishery says Lodge carp exceed 20lb. No upper weight is supplied.
What's the lake record on Lodge Lake?
Going by what the fishery says: Lodge carp exceed 20lb. That's the owner's figure, not ours — take it as a guide.
What fish are in Lodge Lake?
carp, tench, bream, perch, roach, crucian. Lodge carp exceed 20lb.
How big is Lodge Lake and how many swims?
Around Not published acres. 23 pegs, mixed species and carp over 20lb.
Which baits work well on Lodge Lake?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for Lodge Lake further up this page — it's built from the lake's features and the venue rules. As a rule, match your approach to the stock: with the fish the fishery lists here, a solid food-source boilie and a tidy presentation will catch anywhere on the complex.
When does Lodge Lake get busy?
Weekends and bank holidays are busiest, especially spring through autumn. It's a day-ticket lake, so popular swims go early — arrive at first light or midweek if you can.
What weather suits bigger catches on Lodge Lake?
A mild south-westerly with falling pressure is the classic carp trigger, and overcast days usually beat bright, still ones. Check our live weather edge for Dandy's Ford Fishery before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on Lodge Lake?
Honestly, we don't rank pegs — the fish move with wind, pressure and pressure from other anglers. Have a walk and watch the water before you set up; the tips section above has what we've found so far.
Can I fish Lodge Lake on a day ticket?
Yes — Lodge Lake is on the day ticket. Tickets: Day ticket £15 (last checked 2026-10-02).
Is night fishing allowed on Lodge Lake?
No — Overnight guests receive night-fishing rights and exclusive access after 19:30.
Who does Lodge Lake suit?
Good for: Pleasure anglers who enjoy a mixed-species session; Anglers interested in carp exceeding 20lb. Less suited to: Anyone wanting to use boilies or bolt rigs; Pleasure anglers wanting to retain fish in keepnets.
Community reported
Recent angler updates
No angler updates yet — that's normal. Be the first to help the next angler.
How busy was it?
Nobody's said yet. It's part of the 20-second update below.
No live tracking — this is what anglers told us after their session, and it's never part of the venue score.
Water updates from anglers
No active water updates.
Help other anglers
Day ticket · turn up
Calvert Match Lake: the named match water, with 24 pegs
- Size
- Not published
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- carp, crucian, bream, chub, tench
Calvert Match Lake has 24 pegs on the current homepage, making it the water with the highest listed peg count here. Its mixed stock includes carp, crucians, bream, chub, tench and silvers.
It’s included in the day ticket alongside the other two waters. Keepnets are permitted only for matches, so a pleasure visit still means leaving the keepnet out of your plans.
Lake photographs
A look around Calvert Match Lake
Dandy's Ford Fishery
Calvert Match Lake
We’re checking the fishery’s Calvert Match Lake pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- Anglers interested in the venue’s named match water
- Day-ticket anglers after mixed coarse species
Maybe not for
- Anyone choosing a water by published specimen weights
- Pleasure anglers wanting to use keepnets
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish Calvert Match Lake
carp
A neat lead-clip rig over a light scattering of bait
When you don't know the lake well yet, the simplest approach is the best start: a reliable bottom bait rig on a clean spot, with just enough bait to get a bite without filling them up.
- Feel the lead down to find a firm spot, then clip up so you hit it every cast.
- Fish a single boilie or wafter with 20–30 freebies around it.
- Leave one rod roving and recast it to showing fish.
Venue rule: Fixed leads are banned here, so use a lead clip set to drop the lead or an inline lead.
crucian
Delicate float for crucians
Crucian bites are tiny dips and lifts, so a sensitive float shotted right down is what catches them.
- Fish a small insert waggler or pole float over-depth by an inch.
- Corn, maggot or a 4mm pellet on a size 16–18.
- Strike at any small movement — crucians rarely bury the float.
bream
Waggler and groundbait for bream
If they're within waggler range, float fishing over balls of groundbait is a great way to pick off bream.
- Ball in groundbait with casters and chopped worm at the start.
- Set the float a touch over-depth and watch for slow lifts.
- Top up when bites slow.
chub
Bread or worm tight to cover for chub
Chub sit under overhanging trees and snags and are cautious, so a quiet approach and a natural bait near cover catches them.
- Bread flake or lobworm on a size 8 hook with a link leger.
- Keep low and quiet on the bank.
- In summer, try a free-lined slug or floating crust.
Calvert Match Lake FAQs
How many pegs are on Calvert Match Lake?
The current homepage lists 24 pegs.
Is Calvert included in the day ticket?
Yes. The listed day ticket covers all three waters.
What's the lake record on Calvert Match Lake?
The fishery hasn't published a record for Calvert Match Lake that we've found. The fishery doesn't say on what we've checked, so give them a quick call before you set off.
What fish are in Calvert Match Lake?
carp, crucian, bream, chub, tench.
How big is Calvert Match Lake and how many swims?
Around Not published acres. The named match water, with 24 pegs.
Which baits work well on Calvert Match Lake?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for Calvert Match Lake further up this page — it's built from the lake's features and the venue rules. As a rule, match your approach to the stock: a solid food-source boilie and a tidy presentation will catch anywhere on the complex.
When does Calvert Match Lake get busy?
Weekends and bank holidays are busiest, especially spring through autumn. It's a day-ticket lake, so popular swims go early — arrive at first light or midweek if you can.
What weather suits bigger catches on Calvert Match Lake?
A mild south-westerly with falling pressure is the classic carp trigger, and overcast days usually beat bright, still ones. Check our live weather edge for Dandy's Ford Fishery before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on Calvert Match Lake?
Honestly, we don't rank pegs — the fish move with wind, pressure and pressure from other anglers. Have a walk and watch the water before you set up; the tips section above has what we've found so far.
Can I fish Calvert Match Lake on a day ticket?
Yes — Calvert Match Lake is on the day ticket. Tickets: Day ticket £15 (last checked 2026-10-02).
Is night fishing allowed on Calvert Match Lake?
No — Overnight guests receive night-fishing rights and exclusive access after 19:30.
Who does Calvert Match Lake suit?
Good for: Anglers interested in the venue’s named match water; Day-ticket anglers after mixed coarse species. Less suited to: Anyone choosing a water by published specimen weights; Pleasure anglers wanting to use keepnets.
Community reported
Recent angler updates
No angler updates yet — that's normal. Be the first to help the next angler.
How busy was it?
Nobody's said yet. It's part of the 20-second update below.
No live tracking — this is what anglers told us after their session, and it's never part of the venue score.
Water updates from anglers
No active water updates.
Help other anglers
Day ticket · turn up
Kingfishers Canal: a 10-peg option with a proper mixed-species list
- Size
- Not published
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- carp, roach, crucian, bream, tench, chub
Kingfishers Canal has 10 pegs, the fewest of the three waters. Carp, roach, crucians, bream, tench and chub are all listed, giving mixed coarse anglers plenty of variety to consider.
Access is included in the day ticket. The acreage and fish weights aren’t published in the supplied details, so don’t read the smaller peg count as a guide to fish size or swim spacing.
Lake photographs
A look around Kingfishers Canal
Dandy's Ford Fishery
Kingfishers Canal
We’re checking the fishery’s Kingfishers Canal pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- Anglers who prefer a water with fewer listed pegs
- Mixed coarse anglers interested in tench, crucians and chub
Maybe not for
- Anyone needing published fish weights before choosing a water
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish Kingfishers Canal
carp
A neat lead-clip rig over a light scattering of bait
When you don't know the lake well yet, the simplest approach is the best start: a reliable bottom bait rig on a clean spot, with just enough bait to get a bite without filling them up.
- Feel the lead down to find a firm spot, then clip up so you hit it every cast.
- Fish a single boilie or wafter with 20–30 freebies around it.
- Leave one rod roving and recast it to showing fish.
Venue rule: Fixed leads are banned here, so use a lead clip set to drop the lead or an inline lead.
roach
Float maggot for roach
On a mixed lake a waggler and a pint of maggots is the easiest way to keep the float going under all day.
- Feed six to ten maggots every cast.
- Shallow up if bites come on the drop.
- Size 18 hook and light hooklength.
crucian
Delicate float for crucians
Crucian bites are tiny dips and lifts, so a sensitive float shotted right down is what catches them.
- Fish a small insert waggler or pole float over-depth by an inch.
- Corn, maggot or a 4mm pellet on a size 16–18.
- Strike at any small movement — crucians rarely bury the float.
bream
Groundbait feeder at range for bream
Bream shoal up and graze over open, silty areas. A steady stream of groundbait in one spot keeps a shoal in front of you.
- Clip up and hit the same spot every cast.
- Start with 8–10 feeders quickly, then recast every 5 minutes.
- Worm, maggot or corn on a size 14–16.
Kingfishers Canal FAQs
How many pegs does Kingfishers Canal have?
It has 10 pegs.
What species are listed?
Carp, roach, crucians, bream, tench and chub.
What's the lake record on Kingfishers Canal?
The fishery hasn't published a record for Kingfishers Canal that we've found. The fishery doesn't say on what we've checked, so give them a quick call before you set off.
What fish are in Kingfishers Canal?
carp, roach, crucian, bream, tench, chub.
How big is Kingfishers Canal and how many swims?
Around Not published acres. A 10-peg option with a proper mixed-species list.
Which baits work well on Kingfishers Canal?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for Kingfishers Canal further up this page — it's built from the lake's features and the venue rules. As a rule, match your approach to the stock: a solid food-source boilie and a tidy presentation will catch anywhere on the complex.
When does Kingfishers Canal get busy?
Weekends and bank holidays are busiest, especially spring through autumn. It's a day-ticket lake, so popular swims go early — arrive at first light or midweek if you can.
What weather suits bigger catches on Kingfishers Canal?
A mild south-westerly with falling pressure is the classic carp trigger, and overcast days usually beat bright, still ones. Check our live weather edge for Dandy's Ford Fishery before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on Kingfishers Canal?
Honestly, we don't rank pegs — the fish move with wind, pressure and pressure from other anglers. Have a walk and watch the water before you set up; the tips section above has what we've found so far.
Can I fish Kingfishers Canal on a day ticket?
Yes — Kingfishers Canal is on the day ticket. Tickets: Day ticket £15 (last checked 2026-10-02).
Is night fishing allowed on Kingfishers Canal?
No — Overnight guests receive night-fishing rights and exclusive access after 19:30.
Who does Kingfishers Canal suit?
Good for: Anglers who prefer a water with fewer listed pegs; Mixed coarse anglers interested in tench, crucians and chub. Less suited to: Anyone needing published fish weights before choosing a water.
Community reported
Recent angler updates
No angler updates yet — that's normal. Be the first to help the next angler.
How busy was it?
Nobody's said yet. It's part of the 20-second update below.
No live tracking — this is what anglers told us after their session, and it's never part of the venue score.
Water updates from anglers
No active water updates.
Help other anglers
Venue Rule Checker
- Must
Do I need an EA fishing licence?
An EA fishing licence is required.
- Must
Are barbless hooks and an unhooking mat compulsory?
Both barbless hooks and an unhooking mat are required.
- No
Can I use a keepnet during a pleasure session?
Keepnets are permitted only for matches.
- No
Can I use boilies, cat/dog food, bolt rigs or semi-fixed rigs?
Boilies, cat/dog food, bolt rigs and semi-fixed rigs are prohibited.
- No
Are floating baits or poles allowed?
The stated rule prohibits floating baits or poles. Check the wording with the fishery before travelling if it affects your setup.
- Must
Must children have an adult with them?
Children require adult accompaniment.
- No
Can I bring a dog or use a radio around the lakes?
No radios or dogs are allowed around the lakes.
- No
Can I night-fish on a normal day ticket?
Overnight guests receive night-fishing rights and exclusive access after 19:30.
Taken from the fishery’s own pages, last checked 2 October 2026. Rules change — always check with the fishery before you go.
Tips & guides worth reading
How we'd fish each lake
Our own suggestions, worked out from each lake's features, its main fish and the venue rules. They're tried-and-tested methods, not reports from this venue, so watch the water and ask in the tackle shop on the day.
Lodge Lake
carp
A neat lead-clip rig over a light scattering of bait
When you don't know the lake well yet, the simplest approach is the best start: a reliable bottom bait rig on a clean spot, with just enough bait to get a bite without filling them up.
- Feel the lead down to find a firm spot, then clip up so you hit it every cast.
- Fish a single boilie or wafter with 20–30 freebies around it.
- Leave one rod roving and recast it to showing fish.
Venue rule: Fixed leads are banned here, so use a lead clip set to drop the lead or an inline lead.
tench
Lift method float for tench
Tench feed with their heads down and tip baits up — the lift method shows that bite as the float rising and lying flat.
- Fish the margin at dawn with a straight waggler, locked by a single big shot 2–3in from the hook.
- Rake or lightly bait the swim with hemp, corn and maggot.
- Strike when the float lifts or lies flat. Bread, corn or worm on a size 12–14.
bream
Groundbait feeder at range for bream
Bream shoal up and graze over open, silty areas. A steady stream of groundbait in one spot keeps a shoal in front of you.
- Clip up and hit the same spot every cast.
- Start with 8–10 feeders quickly, then recast every 5 minutes.
- Worm, maggot or corn on a size 14–16.
perch
Worm or small lure for the perch
Perch hang round cover, boats and drop-offs. A lobworm on a light float, or a small lure worked along the features, will find them.
- Fish lobworm under a float tight to cover.
- On lures, try a small drop shot or soft shad near features.
- Feed chopped worm to keep them in the swim.
Calvert Match Lake
carp
A neat lead-clip rig over a light scattering of bait
When you don't know the lake well yet, the simplest approach is the best start: a reliable bottom bait rig on a clean spot, with just enough bait to get a bite without filling them up.
- Feel the lead down to find a firm spot, then clip up so you hit it every cast.
- Fish a single boilie or wafter with 20–30 freebies around it.
- Leave one rod roving and recast it to showing fish.
Venue rule: Fixed leads are banned here, so use a lead clip set to drop the lead or an inline lead.
crucian
Delicate float for crucians
Crucian bites are tiny dips and lifts, so a sensitive float shotted right down is what catches them.
- Fish a small insert waggler or pole float over-depth by an inch.
- Corn, maggot or a 4mm pellet on a size 16–18.
- Strike at any small movement — crucians rarely bury the float.
bream
Waggler and groundbait for bream
If they're within waggler range, float fishing over balls of groundbait is a great way to pick off bream.
- Ball in groundbait with casters and chopped worm at the start.
- Set the float a touch over-depth and watch for slow lifts.
- Top up when bites slow.
chub
Bread or worm tight to cover for chub
Chub sit under overhanging trees and snags and are cautious, so a quiet approach and a natural bait near cover catches them.
- Bread flake or lobworm on a size 8 hook with a link leger.
- Keep low and quiet on the bank.
- In summer, try a free-lined slug or floating crust.
Kingfishers Canal
carp
A neat lead-clip rig over a light scattering of bait
When you don't know the lake well yet, the simplest approach is the best start: a reliable bottom bait rig on a clean spot, with just enough bait to get a bite without filling them up.
- Feel the lead down to find a firm spot, then clip up so you hit it every cast.
- Fish a single boilie or wafter with 20–30 freebies around it.
- Leave one rod roving and recast it to showing fish.
Venue rule: Fixed leads are banned here, so use a lead clip set to drop the lead or an inline lead.
roach
Float maggot for roach
On a mixed lake a waggler and a pint of maggots is the easiest way to keep the float going under all day.
- Feed six to ten maggots every cast.
- Shallow up if bites come on the drop.
- Size 18 hook and light hooklength.
crucian
Delicate float for crucians
Crucian bites are tiny dips and lifts, so a sensitive float shotted right down is what catches them.
- Fish a small insert waggler or pole float over-depth by an inch.
- Corn, maggot or a 4mm pellet on a size 16–18.
- Strike at any small movement — crucians rarely bury the float.
bream
Groundbait feeder at range for bream
Bream shoal up and graze over open, silty areas. A steady stream of groundbait in one spot keeps a shoal in front of you.
- Clip up and hit the same spot every cast.
- Start with 8–10 feeders quickly, then recast every 5 minutes.
- Worm, maggot or corn on a size 14–16.
Good background reading. Most of it is a few years old, so treat it as a starting point and ask on the day.
Videos linked by the fishery
What anglers reckon
7.5/10 from Tackle Index: Three mixed coarse waters and a Lodge carp claim exceeding 20lb give pleasure and match-minded anglers plenty to consider.
Straight from anglers online
Short, unedited extracts from public reviews, credited to the person who posted them. Not checked by us and not a Tackle Index view.
We haven’t found any public angler reviews of this venue yet. Fished it? Add yours below.
Our take on the feedback
Our read
Checked Sept '26 — “Dandy’s Ford has three mixed coarse waters near Romsey, with pleasure fishing, a match lake and Lodge carp topping 20lb. There’s free parking and accessible facilities too — just check the ticket price and seasonal hours before heading over.”
This is our own summary of recurring public feedback and the venue details we checked, not a copied customer review or a promise you’ll catch. Feedback changes, so we keep it separate from the Tackle Index score.
Angler score
What our readers rate Dandy's Ford Fishery
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