Fishery guide · Kent
Monk Lakes
One of the south east's largest coarse fisheries — a 120-acre complex with pleasure and specimen lakes plus a stretch of the River Beult.
“7.9/10 — A 120-acre complex with both pleasure and specimen lakes.”
Tackle Index scorecard
The lowdown
Monk Lakes describes itself as a 120-acre fishery off the A229 south of Maidstone, with 45 acres of water across pleasure, specimen and match lakes plus around 2km of the River Beult.
- 3 lakes: Mallard Lake, Bridges Lake, Puma Lake
- Fish: carp, catfish, barbel, bream, tench, roach
- Tickets from: Pleasure lakes, adult day (2 rods) — £17 (per fishe.net, checked 2026)
- Find it: Marden, near Maidstone · TN12 9BS
Plan your session
Fishery map of Monk Lakes
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Around the fishery
A look around the venue
Fishery
Monk Lakes
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Which lake suits you?
Based on how each lake is set up — not a ranking.
The full rundown on Monk Lakes
Monk Lakes describes itself as a 120-acre fishery off the A229 south of Maidstone, with 45 acres of water across pleasure, specimen and match lakes plus around 2km of the River Beult.
Bridges Lake and Puma Lake are pleasure lakes you can fish day or night without pre-booking; the specimen water, Mallard Lake, requires advance phone booking and has its own stricter rules.
This guide covers the three lakes the fishery profiles in detail on its own site — Mallard, Bridges and Puma. Monk Lakes also runs four separate match lakes, which aren't covered here as individual guides.
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.
“Love this place, been here a few times now, had some nice fish out, it's clean and well kept, staff are very friendly, and they have a nice little cafe too plus you can drive straight to your swim, also a good note to add is its disabled friendly too”
— Matthew Taylor, Undated · Monk Lakes official homepage
“My boys caught six fish had a amazing day. Has to be done every Sunday - his words! Lovely staff too [they] were very nice to my boy; teaching him a few things.”
— Nadine Winter, Undated · Monk Lakes official homepage
Monk Lakes FAQs
How big is Monk Lakes?
The fishery describes a 120-acre site with 45 acres of water plus around 2km of the River Beult.
Do I need to book?
Only for Mallard Lake and the match lakes. Bridges and Puma are turn-up day tickets, day or night.
Is there food on site?
Yes, there's a catering unit with seating, though opening days have varied historically — check current hours before relying on it.
Where's the nearest tackle shop?
There's tackle and bait shop on site, so you can grab bits on the day. For anything bigger, stock up before you leave home — or order online in advance.
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 toilets.
Is there parking, and how close is it to the swims?
Yes — ample parking. Walks to the further pegs can be a trek, so a barrow helps.
What's the postcode for the sat nav?
TN12 9BS. Staplehurst Road, Marden — the fishery is off the A229 south of Maidstone; confirm the entrance with the official contact page as the 120-acre site has several gates.
How much is a ticket?
Pleasure lakes, adult day (2 rods): £17 (per fishe.net, checked 2026); Pleasure lakes, adult 24hrs (2 rods): £28 (per fishe.net, checked 2026); Mallard Lake: By prior booking — call the tackle shop. Prices last checked 2026-01-30 — they can change, so check before you go.
Can I just turn up, or do I need to book?
Day tickets are available on Bridges Lake, Puma Lake. 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, catfish, barbel, bream, tench, roach. See each lake tab for which fish live where.
How many lakes are there?
3 — Mallard Lake (5), Bridges Lake (16), Puma Lake (10).
Is night fishing allowed?
We haven't seen a clear night-fishing rule. The fishery doesn't say on what we've checked, so give them a quick call before you set off.
Can I bring my dog?
No — No dogs.
Are bait boats allowed?
No — No bait boats.
Do I need barbless hooks?
No — Barbless hooks only.
Do I need my own unhooking mat or cradle?
Yes, it's required — All nets, mats and weigh-slings brought onto the fishery must be bone dry.
Is it suitable for disabled anglers?
We haven't seen disabled access listed. The fishery doesn't say on what we've checked, so give them a quick call before you set off.
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.
Anglers' photos
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Pre-book only
Mallard Lake: monk lakes' booked specimen water
Monk Lakes' booked specimen water, capped at ten anglers with a stated 45lb carp ceiling.
- Fishing Quality
- 8/10
- Swims & Banks
- 7/10
- Facilities
- 7/10
- Ease of Access
- 5/10
- Value for Money
- 6/10
The fishery states carp to 45lb and catfish present.
5 acres, 10 swims, capped at 10 anglers for breathing room.
Tackle shop, café and toilets serve the wider complex.
Phone booking only, adults only, strict minimum tackle.
A premium over the pleasure lakes, in line with the specimen rules.
- Size
- 5 acres
- Swims
- 10
- Max anglers
- 10
- Species
- carp, catfish
Mallard is a five-acre lake with a contoured bottom, deeper holes to nine feet and lily patches, and the fishery says it is only for the most experienced anglers with the right equipment.
Numbers are capped at 10 anglers at a time, each allowed three rods, and prior booking by phone is essential — Monk Lakes doesn't take online bookings for it.
The fishery describes carp to 45lb on Mallard, 'with only a few fish under 20lbs', and lists catfish among the species present.
Lake photographs
A look around Mallard Lake
Monk Lakes
Mallard Lake
We’re checking the fishery’s Mallard Lake pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Pictures on the fishery’s site · 1
See the official Mallard Lake page for its pictures
Suits
- Experienced carp anglers after a big fish
- Anglers happy to book ahead by phone
Maybe not for
- Juniors — not permitted on Mallard
- Anyone wanting to turn up without a booking
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish Mallard Lake
carp
Light baiting tight to the lily beds
Carp patrol the lily beds on most venues. A handful of bait right on the edge often beats a heavy bed in open water, especially later in the day.
- Walk the bank first and look for bubbling, swirls or coloured water by the cover.
- Bait two or three spots with a few handfuls of chopped and whole boilies.
- Lower or flick the rig in quietly and back your line off with a back lead.
- Keep the drag set tight-ish — fish hooked by cover need turning quickly.
carp
Solid PVA bag over the snaggy bits
With the lily beds and a busy bottom, a solid bag keeps the hook point masked on the drop and sat neatly in a little pile of bait however rough the lakebed is.
- Tie a short, stiff hooklink (4–6in) so it packs into the bag without kinking.
- Fill the bag with a damp crumb mix and pack it tight — loose bags spill on the cast.
- Nick a wafter or small pop-up on the hair so it settles over the mix, not under it.
- Cast a few yards short of the feature, recast every couple of hours with a fresh bag.
Venue rule: Fixed leads are banned here, so fish the bag on a lead clip or inline set-up that lets the lead drop free.
carp
Chod or helicopter style over soft weed and silt
Where the bottom drops in and out of holes or there might be soft silt or weed, a pop-up that slides up the leader sits over the muck instead of disappearing into it — no need to find a perfectly clean spot.
- Single pop-up, 2–3in off the bottom.
- Fish it as a single hookbait or with a light scattering of freebies — a big bed defeats the point.
- Cast to likely holes and let the lead settle; don't drag it back.
Venue rule: Leadcore is banned here, so run it on a mono or tubing leader with the top bead set to release — never fixed.
catfish
Big hookbaits after dark for the cats
Catfish come out at night and like strong smells. A big halibut pellet or fish-based bait over a small bed of pellet is the usual approach.
- Fish strong — 20lb+ line and a big strong hook.
- Use an unhooking mat and a big net; cats are long and heavy.
- Check the venue's rules on cat tackle before you set up.
Kit worth a look for this lake
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Mallard Lake FAQs
Can juniors fish Mallard?
No — the official rules state no juniors on Mallard.
How do I book Mallard?
By phone through the tackle and bait shop; the fishery says sessions can't be booked online.
What's the lake record on Mallard Lake?
Going by what the fishery says: The fishery describes carp to 45lb on Mallard, 'with only a few fish under 20lbs', and lists catfish among the species present. That's the owner's figure, not ours — take it as a guide.
What fish are in Mallard Lake?
carp, catfish. The fishery describes carp to 45lb on Mallard, 'with only a few fish under 20lbs', and lists catfish among the species present.
How big is Mallard Lake and how many swims?
Around 5 acres with 10 swims, capped at 10 anglers. Monk Lakes' booked specimen water.
Which baits work well on Mallard Lake?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for Mallard 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 Mallard Lake get busy?
Weekends and bank holidays are busiest, especially spring through autumn. Booking ahead is the safe bet. Numbers are capped at 10 anglers, which helps.
What weather suits bigger catches on Mallard 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 Monk Lakes before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on Mallard 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 Mallard Lake on a day ticket?
You'll need to book Mallard Lake in advance rather than just turning up.
Is night fishing allowed on Mallard Lake?
We haven't seen a clear night-fishing rule for this lake. The fishery doesn't say on what we've checked, so give them a quick call before you set off.
Who does Mallard Lake suit?
Good for: Experienced carp anglers after a big fish; Anglers happy to book ahead by phone. Less suited to: Juniors — not permitted on Mallard; Anyone wanting to turn up without a booking.
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
Bridges Lake: a large, feature-rich pleasure lake with five bridges to its islands
A big, flexible pleasure lake with genuine feature fishing and no booking needed.
- Fishing Quality
- 7/10
- Swims & Banks
- 7/10
- Facilities
- 7/10
- Ease of Access
- 9/10
- Value for Money
- 7/10
Carp, barbel, bream and tench stocked across a varied 16-acre water.
Five bridges and multiple islands to fish to.
Shared complex facilities.
Day or night, no pre-booking.
Standard pleasure-lake day rate.
- Size
- 16 acres
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- carp, barbel, bream, tench
Bridges is a 16-acre lake with reed and lily beds and five bridges connecting to islands, and it borders the River Beult. The fishery says it responds well to all techniques, from carp tactics to float and feeder fishing.
You can fish it day or night without pre-booking, which makes it one of the more flexible options on site.
The fishery describes a good head of mirror, ghost and common carp alongside barbel, bream and tench, naming it suited to carp, float and feeder angling.
Lake photographs
A look around Bridges Lake
Monk Lakes
Bridges Lake
We’re checking the fishery’s Bridges Lake pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- Anglers wanting a big, varied pleasure lake
- Float and feeder anglers as well as carp anglers
Maybe not for
- Anyone wanting the guaranteed low angler numbers of Mallard
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish Bridges Lake
carp
Light baiting tight to the lily beds
Carp patrol the lily beds on most venues. A handful of bait right on the edge often beats a heavy bed in open water, especially later in the day.
- Walk the bank first and look for bubbling, swirls or coloured water by the cover.
- Bait two or three spots with a few handfuls of chopped and whole boilies.
- Lower or flick the rig in quietly and back your line off with a back lead.
- Keep the drag set tight-ish — fish hooked by cover need turning quickly.
carp
Solid PVA bag over the snaggy bits
With the lily beds and a busy bottom, a solid bag keeps the hook point masked on the drop and sat neatly in a little pile of bait however rough the lakebed is.
- Tie a short, stiff hooklink (4–6in) so it packs into the bag without kinking.
- Fill the bag with a damp crumb mix and pack it tight — loose bags spill on the cast.
- Nick a wafter or small pop-up on the hair so it settles over the mix, not under it.
- Cast a few yards short of the feature, recast every couple of hours with a fresh bag.
Venue rule: Fixed leads are banned here, so fish the bag on a lead clip or inline set-up that lets the lead drop free.
barbel
Pellet and boilie for the lake barbel
Lake barbel feed hard and fight harder, and this lake runs alongside the river. Use a strong rod and line, and rest them properly in the net before release.
- Halibut pellet or small boilie over a bed of pellet.
- Strong hooklink and a size 10–12 hook.
- Never hold barbel out of water long — keep them in the net until they've recovered.
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.
Bridges Lake FAQs
Do I need to book Bridges Lake?
No — it's a day-ticket pleasure lake, fishable day or night without pre-booking.
What's the lake record on Bridges Lake?
Going by what the fishery says: The fishery describes a good head of mirror, ghost and common carp alongside barbel, bream and tench, naming it suited to carp, float and feeder angling. That's the owner's figure, not ours — take it as a guide.
What fish are in Bridges Lake?
carp, barbel, bream, tench. The fishery describes a good head of mirror, ghost and common carp alongside barbel, bream and tench, naming it suited to carp, float and feeder angling.
How big is Bridges Lake and how many swims?
Around 16 acres. A large, feature-rich pleasure lake with five bridges to its islands.
Which baits work well on Bridges Lake?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for Bridges 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 Bridges 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 Bridges 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 Monk Lakes before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on Bridges 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 Bridges Lake on a day ticket?
Yes — Bridges Lake is on the day ticket. Tickets: Pleasure lakes, adult day (2 rods) £17 (per fishe.net, checked 2026); Pleasure lakes, adult 24hrs (2 rods) £28 (per fishe.net, checked 2026); Mallard Lake By prior booking — call the tackle shop (last checked 2026-01-30).
Is night fishing allowed on Bridges Lake?
We haven't seen a clear night-fishing rule for this lake. The fishery doesn't say on what we've checked, so give them a quick call before you set off.
Who does Bridges Lake suit?
Good for: Anglers wanting a big, varied pleasure lake; Float and feeder anglers as well as carp anglers. Less suited to: Anyone wanting the guaranteed low angler numbers of Mallard.
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
Puma Lake: a ten-acre lake with three islands and a 'golf course' bottom
A ten-acre feature-rich lake, handy for anglers who value vehicle access.
- Fishing Quality
- 6/10
- Swims & Banks
- 7/10
- Facilities
- 7/10
- Ease of Access
- 9/10
- Value for Money
- 7/10
Mixed coarse stock with carp to 30lb.
Three islands and a contoured bottom give plenty to fish to.
Shared complex facilities, plus noted vehicle access in dry weather.
Day or night, no pre-booking.
Standard pleasure-lake day rate.
- Size
- 10 acres
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- carp, tench, bream, roach
Puma Lake has three islands, a central gravel bar and lily beds, and the fishery describes its underwater contours as being like a golf course — lots of features to work out.
In dry weather you can drive around parts of the site and park close to your swim, and the lake has water and power close by, which the fishery notes helps disabled access.
The fishery describes a full range of coarse fish stocked in Puma, with carp up to 30lb.
Lake photographs
A look around Puma Lake
Monk Lakes
Puma Lake
We’re checking the fishery’s Puma Lake pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- Anglers who enjoy reading bottom features
- Sessions where vehicle access matters
Maybe not for
- Anyone chasing Mallard-sized specimen carp
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish Puma Lake
carp
Light baiting tight to the lily beds
Carp patrol the lily beds on most venues. A handful of bait right on the edge often beats a heavy bed in open water, especially later in the day.
- Walk the bank first and look for bubbling, swirls or coloured water by the cover.
- Bait two or three spots with a few handfuls of chopped and whole boilies.
- Lower or flick the rig in quietly and back your line off with a back lead.
- Keep the drag set tight-ish — fish hooked by cover need turning quickly.
carp
Solid PVA bag over the snaggy bits
With the lily beds and a busy bottom, a solid bag keeps the hook point masked on the drop and sat neatly in a little pile of bait however rough the lakebed is.
- Tie a short, stiff hooklink (4–6in) so it packs into the bag without kinking.
- Fill the bag with a damp crumb mix and pack it tight — loose bags spill on the cast.
- Nick a wafter or small pop-up on the hair so it settles over the mix, not under it.
- Cast a few yards short of the feature, recast every couple of hours with a fresh bag.
Venue rule: Fixed leads are banned here, so fish the bag on a lead clip or inline set-up that lets the lead drop free.
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. Perfect for fishing tight to the cover here.
- 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.
Puma Lake FAQs
Is Puma Lake accessible by car?
The fishery says you can drive around and park close to your swim in dry weather.
What's the lake record on Puma Lake?
Going by what the fishery says: The fishery describes a full range of coarse fish stocked in Puma, with carp up to 30lb. That's the owner's figure, not ours — take it as a guide.
What fish are in Puma Lake?
carp, tench, bream, roach. The fishery describes a full range of coarse fish stocked in Puma, with carp up to 30lb.
How big is Puma Lake and how many swims?
Around 10 acres. A ten-acre lake with three islands and a 'golf course' bottom.
Which baits work well on Puma Lake?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for Puma 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 Puma 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 Puma 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 Monk Lakes before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on Puma 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 Puma Lake on a day ticket?
Yes — Puma Lake is on the day ticket. Tickets: Pleasure lakes, adult day (2 rods) £17 (per fishe.net, checked 2026); Pleasure lakes, adult 24hrs (2 rods) £28 (per fishe.net, checked 2026); Mallard Lake By prior booking — call the tackle shop (last checked 2026-01-30).
Is night fishing allowed on Puma Lake?
We haven't seen a clear night-fishing rule for this lake. The fishery doesn't say on what we've checked, so give them a quick call before you set off.
Who does Puma Lake suit?
Good for: Anglers who enjoy reading bottom features; Sessions where vehicle access matters. Less suited to: Anyone chasing Mallard-sized specimen carp.
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
- No
Barbed hooks?
Barbless hooks only.
- No
Fixed leads?
No fixed leads.
- No
Braided main line or leadcore?
No braided main line or leadcore.
- No
Dogs?
No dogs.
- No
Bait boats?
No bait boats.
- Must
Nets, mats and slings must be dry?
All nets, mats and weigh-slings brought onto the fishery must be bone dry.
- No
Can I turn up to Mallard?
Prior booking only, by phone.
- No
Juniors on Mallard?
No juniors on Mallard Lake.
Taken from the fishery’s own pages, last checked 1 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.
Mallard Lake
carp
Light baiting tight to the lily beds
Carp patrol the lily beds on most venues. A handful of bait right on the edge often beats a heavy bed in open water, especially later in the day.
- Walk the bank first and look for bubbling, swirls or coloured water by the cover.
- Bait two or three spots with a few handfuls of chopped and whole boilies.
- Lower or flick the rig in quietly and back your line off with a back lead.
- Keep the drag set tight-ish — fish hooked by cover need turning quickly.
carp
Solid PVA bag over the snaggy bits
With the lily beds and a busy bottom, a solid bag keeps the hook point masked on the drop and sat neatly in a little pile of bait however rough the lakebed is.
- Tie a short, stiff hooklink (4–6in) so it packs into the bag without kinking.
- Fill the bag with a damp crumb mix and pack it tight — loose bags spill on the cast.
- Nick a wafter or small pop-up on the hair so it settles over the mix, not under it.
- Cast a few yards short of the feature, recast every couple of hours with a fresh bag.
Venue rule: Fixed leads are banned here, so fish the bag on a lead clip or inline set-up that lets the lead drop free.
carp
Chod or helicopter style over soft weed and silt
Where the bottom drops in and out of holes or there might be soft silt or weed, a pop-up that slides up the leader sits over the muck instead of disappearing into it — no need to find a perfectly clean spot.
- Single pop-up, 2–3in off the bottom.
- Fish it as a single hookbait or with a light scattering of freebies — a big bed defeats the point.
- Cast to likely holes and let the lead settle; don't drag it back.
Venue rule: Leadcore is banned here, so run it on a mono or tubing leader with the top bead set to release — never fixed.
catfish
Big hookbaits after dark for the cats
Catfish come out at night and like strong smells. A big halibut pellet or fish-based bait over a small bed of pellet is the usual approach.
- Fish strong — 20lb+ line and a big strong hook.
- Use an unhooking mat and a big net; cats are long and heavy.
- Check the venue's rules on cat tackle before you set up.
Bridges Lake
carp
Light baiting tight to the lily beds
Carp patrol the lily beds on most venues. A handful of bait right on the edge often beats a heavy bed in open water, especially later in the day.
- Walk the bank first and look for bubbling, swirls or coloured water by the cover.
- Bait two or three spots with a few handfuls of chopped and whole boilies.
- Lower or flick the rig in quietly and back your line off with a back lead.
- Keep the drag set tight-ish — fish hooked by cover need turning quickly.
carp
Solid PVA bag over the snaggy bits
With the lily beds and a busy bottom, a solid bag keeps the hook point masked on the drop and sat neatly in a little pile of bait however rough the lakebed is.
- Tie a short, stiff hooklink (4–6in) so it packs into the bag without kinking.
- Fill the bag with a damp crumb mix and pack it tight — loose bags spill on the cast.
- Nick a wafter or small pop-up on the hair so it settles over the mix, not under it.
- Cast a few yards short of the feature, recast every couple of hours with a fresh bag.
Venue rule: Fixed leads are banned here, so fish the bag on a lead clip or inline set-up that lets the lead drop free.
barbel
Pellet and boilie for the lake barbel
Lake barbel feed hard and fight harder, and this lake runs alongside the river. Use a strong rod and line, and rest them properly in the net before release.
- Halibut pellet or small boilie over a bed of pellet.
- Strong hooklink and a size 10–12 hook.
- Never hold barbel out of water long — keep them in the net until they've recovered.
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.
Puma Lake
carp
Light baiting tight to the lily beds
Carp patrol the lily beds on most venues. A handful of bait right on the edge often beats a heavy bed in open water, especially later in the day.
- Walk the bank first and look for bubbling, swirls or coloured water by the cover.
- Bait two or three spots with a few handfuls of chopped and whole boilies.
- Lower or flick the rig in quietly and back your line off with a back lead.
- Keep the drag set tight-ish — fish hooked by cover need turning quickly.
carp
Solid PVA bag over the snaggy bits
With the lily beds and a busy bottom, a solid bag keeps the hook point masked on the drop and sat neatly in a little pile of bait however rough the lakebed is.
- Tie a short, stiff hooklink (4–6in) so it packs into the bag without kinking.
- Fill the bag with a damp crumb mix and pack it tight — loose bags spill on the cast.
- Nick a wafter or small pop-up on the hair so it settles over the mix, not under it.
- Cast a few yards short of the feature, recast every couple of hours with a fresh bag.
Venue rule: Fixed leads are banned here, so fish the bag on a lead clip or inline set-up that lets the lead drop free.
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. Perfect for fishing tight to the cover here.
- 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.
Good background reading. Most of it is a few years old, so treat it as a starting point and ask on the day.
- Monk Lakes Fishing, Marden near Maidstone — fishe.net, 2026-01-30
Videos linked by the fishery
What anglers reckon
7.9/10 from Tackle Index: A 120-acre complex with both pleasure and specimen lakes.
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.
“Love this place, been here a few times now, had some nice fish out, it's clean and well kept, staff are very friendly, and they have a nice little cafe too plus you can drive straight to your swim, also a good note to add is its disabled friendly too”
— Matthew Taylor, Undated · Monk Lakes official homepage
“My boys caught six fish had a amazing day. Has to be done every Sunday - his words! Lovely staff too [they] were very nice to my boy; teaching him a few things.”
— Nadine Winter, Undated · Monk Lakes official homepage
Our take on the feedback
Our read
Checked Sept '26 — “One of the south east's largest coarse fisheries — a 120-acre complex with pleasure and specimen lakes plus a stretch of the River Beult.”
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 Monk Lakes
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