SORRY FOLKS - NO PICTURE IN MY ALBUM OF THIS VENUE

DARTS FARM, CLYST ST GEORGE, NEAR TOPSHAM   BACK TO PRIVATE LAKES PAGE

DESCRIPTION. What can I tell you about this venue ? Well, the fishing is not very challenging (you can catch a few with very little effort), the ticket price isn't too steep and the surroundings are reasonably pleasant. In a word, Darts Farm Fishery is - average. Three artificial ponds hold tench, bream, roach and carp (up to about 30lb apparently). One of the problems I have with the place is that although there are three ponds, only one is large enough to have ever enticed me to fish in it. Indeed, the smallest of the three is so small that every time I see it, I end up thinking of those strange, pathetic, Japanese businessmen who go 'fishing' at lunchtime in freshwater tanks that have been set up in cafes in cities like Tokyo. You'll never struggle to catch fish at Darts Farm - carp will take the usual (boilies, luncheon meat, sweetcorn, maggots, bread), however you fish it. Floatfished maggots etc will usually bring in the other species. To be positive, I have to say that the owner has created a much nicer fishing environment than the fellow at Upham Farm Ponds, but sorry folks - this type of fishing just ain't for me. I know that some people do like this sort of place, so my advice to first time visitors would be to park your car and take a walk up to look at the ponds before you pay your money to fish here. GETTING THERE From Exeter, go to the roundabout at the M5 Sandygate junction. Take the the A396 towards Exmouth, bearing right at the roundabout at Clyst St Mary. Drive along the dual carriageway and then straight across the roundabout by Devon Fire and Rescue Service Headquarters at Clyst St George. About 100 yards after that roundabout you come to a mini roundabout painted in the road, by the George and Dragon pub. Turn right towards Topsham and the entrance to Darts Farm is about 500 yards down the road, on your right. Fishing permits can be purchased from the shopping complex that has developed out of the original "Picfresh" Farm Shop - so can lots of mouthwatering foodstuffs (for people that is, not the fish). FACILITIES, etc. Large car park on site. Lifebouys. If you fancy a pint, the nearby George and Dragon is OK, but if you like CAMRA pubs, you will find the Bridge Inn further down the road towards Topsham much more appealing. The Darts Farm shopping complex is excellent - so if you can trust her with your credit card, dump the Mrs and her mother there for a couple of hours and go for a fish.....