Fishery guide · Lincolnshire
Messingham Sands Fishery
Messingham Sands gives you three day-ticket waters, from mixed-coarse fishing on Oak Tree Pond to carp and catfish on North and South. There’s a tackle shop and cafe too, with bookable overnight fishing on five double pegs.
“7.8/10 — A broad coarse mix and the fishery’s listed carp and catfish sizes give both mixed-bag and bigger-fish anglers something to target.”
Tackle Index scorecard
The lowdown
Messingham Sands sits on Butterwick Road in Messingham, North Lincolnshire, DN17 3PN. The handy bit is the choice: three dedicated day-ticket waters, with Oak Tree Pond, North Lake and South Lake each giving you something to weigh up before unloading the kit. You don’t need to book ahead for a day ticket, either.
- 3 lakes: Oak Tree Pond, North Lake, South Lake
- Fish: carp, crucian, bream, roach, tench, perch, catfish, rudd
- Tickets from: Day ticket, one rod — £10 per person for one rod.
- Find it: Messingham · DN17 3PN
Plan your session
Fishery map of Messingham Sands Fishery
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Around the fishery
A look around the venue
Photos courtesy of Jonathan Thacker. See the originals. Catch dates not confirmed.
Which lake suits you?
Based on how each lake is set up — not a ranking.
The full rundown on Messingham Sands Fishery
Messingham Sands sits on Butterwick Road in Messingham, North Lincolnshire, DN17 3PN. The handy bit is the choice: three dedicated day-ticket waters, with Oak Tree Pond, North Lake and South Lake each giving you something to weigh up before unloading the kit. You don’t need to book ahead for a day ticket, either. Tickets are sold on the bank and in the fishery shop, so there’s no advance-booking faff for a daytime visit.
Oak Tree Pond is the obvious one to look at for a mixed-coarse session. It covers 3.2 acres, has 49 pegs and ranges from 2–8 feet deep. The listed fish include carp, F1s, crucians, bream, roach, tench, perch and ide. That’s a proper spread if you’d rather keep your options open than make the whole day about one species. Those depth figures also give you a useful starting point for plumbing up, rather than assuming every peg offers the same water.
North and South bring the bigger-fish interest. The fishery lists carp over 25 lb and catfish over 50 lb in these waters — a tempting prospect if you’ve got a PB in mind, though certainly not a promise of a bite. North covers 1.1 acres, while South is 2 acres, and both have depths of 2–12 feet. They’re not just about lumps, either: crucians, bream, roach, rudd, tench, perch, ide and eels are also listed.
Fancy staying through the night? That’s a different setup from simply turning up for the day. Overnight fishing is restricted to five bookable double pegs across North and South, with sessions running from 9am to 9am. You’ll need to book through the online system or Catch App. Consecutive sessions can be booked, but Friday and Saturday nights require payment for at least two anglers per peg. On other nights, the minimum is one angler.
The bankside extras are worth knowing about before you pack. There’s an on-site shop selling tackle, bait and confectionery, plus the Fishery Lounge cafe with more than 30 seats, outdoor seating and a licensed bar. Disabled access and toilets are available too. Don’t build a Monday or Tuesday trip around a cafe stop, though — it’s closed those days. When it is open, hot-food service finishes at 2pm, so don’t leave lunch until the last minute.
The lakes are described as open all year round. One small wrinkle: the homepage and contact page disagree on the weekend opening time, so check before making an early start. Kit-wise, the big essentials are straightforward: no more than two rods per angler, barbless hooks no larger than size 6, and no keepnets for day-ticket fishing. Get those bits bob on and you can concentrate on choosing the water that suits your session.
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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Messingham Sands Fishery FAQs
Where is Messingham Sands Fishery?
On Butterwick Road, Messingham, North Lincolnshire, DN17 3PN.
Is it open all year, and when can I arrive?
The fishery describes its lakes as open all year round. The homepage gives Monday–Friday 7:30am–dusk and Saturday–Sunday 7am–dusk, including holidays. The contact page instead gives a 7:30am weekend opening, so confirm before an early weekend arrival.
When are the shop and cafe open?
Shop hours are Monday–Friday 7:30am–5pm and weekends 7am–5pm. The Fishery Lounge cafe opens Wednesday–Friday 7:30am–3pm and weekends 7am–3pm; it’s closed Monday and Tuesday. Hot-food service finishes at 2pm.
Are toilets and disabled access available?
Yes, both are listed. Check with the fishery about the suitability of individual pegs if you have particular access needs.
Where's the nearest tackle shop?
There's on-site tackle, bait and confectionery 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?
There's fishery lounge cafe with over 30 seats listed, but opening times vary, so pack snacks and plenty of water just in case — especially on a long session.
Are there toilets on site?
Yes — the fishery lists toilet facilities.
Is there parking, and how close is it to the swims?
The fishery doesn't say on what we've checked, so give them a quick call before you set off. Bring a barrow in case it's a walk.
What's the postcode for the sat nav?
DN17 3PN.
How much is a ticket?
Day ticket, one rod: £10 per person for one rod.; Day ticket, two rods: £12 per person for two rods.; Concessions: £9 for one rod or £11 for two rods, per person.; Evening ticket: £7 per person after 5pm.; Night fishing: £25 per person per 24 hours, covering up to two rods.. Prices last checked 2026-10-03 — they can change, so check before you go.
Can I just turn up, or do I need to book?
Day tickets are available on Oak Tree Pond, North Lake, South 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, crucian, bream, roach, tench, perch, catfish, rudd, eel. See each lake tab for which fish live where.
How many lakes are there?
3 — Oak Tree Pond (3.2), North Lake (1.1), South Lake (2).
Is night fishing allowed?
Yes, it's required — Book through the online booking system or Catch App. Night fishing is restricted to five designated double pegs on North and South Lakes.
Can I bring my dog?
Not covered in the rules we've checked. The fishery doesn't say on what we've checked, so give them a quick call before you set off.
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 — Day and night anglers must use barbless hooks, maximum size 6.
Do I need my own unhooking mat or cradle?
Bring one either way — most fisheries expect it and the fish deserve it.
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.
Anglers' photos
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Day ticket · turn up
Oak Tree Pond: mixed-coarse choice across 49 pegs
- Size
- 3.2 acres
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- carp, crucian, bream, roach, tench, perch
Oak Tree Pond packs a broad species mix into 3.2 acres. Alongside carp, crucians, bream, roach, tench and perch, the fishery also lists F1s and ide. Handy if you fancy a mixed session rather than putting everything into one target.
There are 49 pegs, with depths ranging from 2–8 feet. It’s worth taking time to plumb your own swim rather than guessing from the overall range. Day tickets need no advance booking, and keepnets aren’t allowed.
Lake photographs
A look around Oak Tree Pond
Messingham Sands Fishery
Oak Tree Pond
We’re checking the fishery’s Oak Tree Pond pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- Anglers after a mixed-coarse session
- Day visitors who don’t want to book ahead
Maybe not for
- Anglers wanting an overnight session
- Day-ticket anglers wanting to use a keepnet
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish Oak Tree Pond
carp
Zigs in the warmer months
In clear, deep water carp often sit up in the layers on warm days. A zig is the only way to get a bait in front of them.
- Start at half depth and move up or down a foot at a time until you get bites.
- Black or foam hookbaits work well on bright days.
- Keep it simple — no freebies needed.
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.
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.
Oak Tree Pond FAQs
Are F1s listed in Oak Tree Pond?
Yes. F1s and ide are listed alongside its other coarse species.
How deep is Oak Tree Pond?
The published depth range is 2–8 feet.
What's the lake record on Oak Tree Pond?
The fishery hasn't published a record for Oak Tree Pond 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 Oak Tree Pond?
carp, crucian, bream, roach, tench, perch.
How big is Oak Tree Pond and how many swims?
Around 3.2 acres. Mixed-coarse choice across 49 pegs.
Which baits work well on Oak Tree Pond?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for Oak Tree Pond 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 Oak Tree Pond 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 Oak Tree Pond?
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 Messingham Sands Fishery before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on Oak Tree Pond?
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 Oak Tree Pond on a day ticket?
Yes — Oak Tree Pond is on the day ticket. Tickets: Day ticket, one rod £10 per person for one rod.; Day ticket, two rods £12 per person for two rods.; Concessions £9 for one rod or £11 for two rods, per person.; Evening ticket £7 per person after 5pm.; Night fishing £25 per person per 24 hours, covering up to two rods. (last checked 2026-10-03).
Is night fishing allowed on Oak Tree Pond?
Yes, it's required — Book through the online booking system or Catch App. Night fishing is restricted to five designated double pegs on North and South Lakes.
Who does Oak Tree Pond suit?
Good for: Anglers after a mixed-coarse session; Day visitors who don’t want to book ahead. Less suited to: Anglers wanting an overnight session; Day-ticket anglers wanting to use a keepnet.
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
North Lake: compact water with carp and catfish interest
- Size
- 1.1 acres
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- carp, catfish, crucian, bream, roach, rudd, tench, perch, eel
North Lake is the smaller of the two carp-and-catfish waters at 1.1 acres. It has 13 standard pegs and two double pegs, with depths of 2–12 feet. Small acreage doesn’t mean it’s all shallow water, then.
The fishery lists carp over 25 lb and catfish over 50 lb across North and South, plus a broad coarse mix that includes ide and eels. Day visits need no advance booking; overnight fishing is limited to the designated double pegs and must be booked.
The fishery lists carp over 25 lb and catfish over 50 lb in North and South Lakes.
Lake photographs
A look around North Lake
Messingham Sands Fishery
North Lake
We’re checking the fishery’s North Lake pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- Anglers interested in carp and catfish
- Anglers wanting a booked overnight double peg
Maybe not for
- Anglers wanting to turn up for an unbooked night session
- Anglers wanting more than two rods
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish North Lake
carp
Zigs in the warmer months
In clear, deep water carp often sit up in the layers on warm days. A zig is the only way to get a bait in front of them.
- Start at half depth and move up or down a foot at a time until you get bites.
- Black or foam hookbaits work well on bright days.
- Keep it simple — no freebies needed.
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.
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.
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.
North Lake FAQs
How many pegs does North Lake have?
There are 13 standard pegs and two double pegs.
Do I need to book North Lake?
Not for day-ticket fishing. Overnight sessions on the designated double pegs must be booked through the online system or Catch App.
What's the lake record on North Lake?
Going by what the fishery says: The fishery lists carp over 25 lb and catfish over 50 lb in North and South Lakes. That's the owner's figure, not ours — take it as a guide.
What fish are in North Lake?
carp, catfish, crucian, bream, roach, rudd, tench, perch, eel. The fishery lists carp over 25 lb and catfish over 50 lb in North and South Lakes.
How big is North Lake and how many swims?
Around 1.1 acres. Compact water with carp and catfish interest.
Which baits work well on North Lake?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for North 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 North 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 North 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 Messingham Sands Fishery before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on North 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 North Lake on a day ticket?
Yes — North Lake is on the day ticket. Tickets: Day ticket, one rod £10 per person for one rod.; Day ticket, two rods £12 per person for two rods.; Concessions £9 for one rod or £11 for two rods, per person.; Evening ticket £7 per person after 5pm.; Night fishing £25 per person per 24 hours, covering up to two rods. (last checked 2026-10-03).
Is night fishing allowed on North Lake?
Yes, it's required — Book through the online booking system or Catch App. Night fishing is restricted to five designated double pegs on North and South Lakes.
Who does North Lake suit?
Good for: Anglers interested in carp and catfish; Anglers wanting a booked overnight double peg. Less suited to: Anglers wanting to turn up for an unbooked night session; Anglers wanting more than two rods.
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
South Lake: two acres with three overnight double pegs
- Size
- 2 acres
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- carp, catfish, crucian, bream, roach, rudd, tench, perch, eel
South Lake covers 2 acres, with 18 standard pegs and three double pegs. Like North, its published depths run from 2–12 feet, giving you a decent reason to check what’s in front of your own peg before settling on an approach.
Carp and catfish are the headline draw, but there’s a mixed-coarse side too, including crucians, tench, bream and ide. Day tickets don’t need booking. If you fancy a longer stay, the designated double pegs are available for prebooked night sessions.
The fishery lists carp over 25 lb and catfish over 50 lb in North and South Lakes.
Lake photographs
A look around South Lake
Messingham Sands Fishery
South Lake
We’re checking the fishery’s South Lake pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- Carp and catfish anglers wanting a day session
- Anglers planning a prebooked overnight trip
Maybe not for
- Anglers wanting unrestricted overnight peg choice
- Anglers wanting more than two rods
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish South Lake
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.
carp
Zigs in the warmer months
In clear, deep water carp often sit up in the layers on warm days. A zig is the only way to get a bait in front of them.
- Start at half depth and move up or down a foot at a time until you get bites.
- Black or foam hookbaits work well on bright days.
- Keep it simple — no freebies needed.
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.
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.
South Lake FAQs
How big is South Lake?
It covers 2 acres and has 18 standard pegs plus three double pegs.
Can I book consecutive night sessions?
Yes. Night sessions run from 9am to 9am, and consecutive sessions can be booked.
What's the lake record on South Lake?
Going by what the fishery says: The fishery lists carp over 25 lb and catfish over 50 lb in North and South Lakes. That's the owner's figure, not ours — take it as a guide.
What fish are in South Lake?
carp, catfish, crucian, bream, roach, rudd, tench, perch, eel. The fishery lists carp over 25 lb and catfish over 50 lb in North and South Lakes.
Which baits work well on South Lake?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for South 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 South 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 South 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 Messingham Sands Fishery before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on South 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 South Lake on a day ticket?
Yes — South Lake is on the day ticket. Tickets: Day ticket, one rod £10 per person for one rod.; Day ticket, two rods £12 per person for two rods.; Concessions £9 for one rod or £11 for two rods, per person.; Evening ticket £7 per person after 5pm.; Night fishing £25 per person per 24 hours, covering up to two rods. (last checked 2026-10-03).
Is night fishing allowed on South Lake?
Yes, it's required — Book through the online booking system or Catch App. Night fishing is restricted to five designated double pegs on North and South Lakes.
Who does South Lake suit?
Good for: Carp and catfish anglers wanting a day session; Anglers planning a prebooked overnight trip. Less suited to: Anglers wanting unrestricted overnight peg choice; Anglers wanting more than two rods.
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
Do day tickets need advance booking?
The three dedicated day-ticket waters need no advance booking; tickets are sold on the bank and in the fishery shop.
- Must
Must night fishing be booked ahead?
Book through the online booking system or Catch App. Night fishing is restricted to five designated double pegs on North and South Lakes.
- No
Can I use more than two rods?
A maximum of two rods per angler applies to both day and night fishing.
- Must
Are barbless hooks compulsory?
Day and night anglers must use barbless hooks, maximum size 6.
- No
Can day-ticket anglers use keepnets?
Keepnets are prohibited for day-ticket fishing.
- Yes
Is there a minimum payment for overnight pegs?
Friday and Saturday night bookings require payment for at least two anglers per peg; other nights require one.
Taken from the fishery’s own pages, last checked 3 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.
Oak Tree Pond
carp
Zigs in the warmer months
In clear, deep water carp often sit up in the layers on warm days. A zig is the only way to get a bait in front of them.
- Start at half depth and move up or down a foot at a time until you get bites.
- Black or foam hookbaits work well on bright days.
- Keep it simple — no freebies needed.
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.
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.
North Lake
carp
Zigs in the warmer months
In clear, deep water carp often sit up in the layers on warm days. A zig is the only way to get a bait in front of them.
- Start at half depth and move up or down a foot at a time until you get bites.
- Black or foam hookbaits work well on bright days.
- Keep it simple — no freebies needed.
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.
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.
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.
South Lake
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.
carp
Zigs in the warmer months
In clear, deep water carp often sit up in the layers on warm days. A zig is the only way to get a bait in front of them.
- Start at half depth and move up or down a foot at a time until you get bites.
- Black or foam hookbaits work well on bright days.
- Keep it simple — no freebies needed.
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.
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.
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
7.8/10 from Tackle Index: A broad coarse mix and the fishery’s listed carp and catfish sizes give both mixed-bag and bigger-fish anglers something to target.
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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Our take on the feedback
Our read
Checked Sept '26 — “Messingham Sands gives you three day-ticket waters, from mixed-coarse fishing on Oak Tree Pond to carp and catfish on North and South. There’s a tackle shop and cafe too, with bookable overnight fishing on five double pegs.”
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
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